36 Fun Things To Do in Rhode Island this February

From the Newport Winter Festival to wine Wednesdays, we've compiled all the activities to add to your February to-do list.

February 1, 2023

Edelinda Baptista,

Polo on the beach at the Newport Winter Festival. Photo courtesy of Newport Events.

FEATURED

2/17-26: Newport Winter Festival

What: Watch Newport come to life at the Newport Winter Festival. Highlights include the Polar Pineapples ice bar at Newport Harbor Island Resort, a chili cook-off, family-friendly shows and concerts, polo on the beach and much more. Call or visit the website for event times and ticket prices. Where: Various venues in Newport. More Info: 847-7666, newportwinterfestival.com.

Courtesy of Festival Ballet Providence.

2/10-19: Festival Ballet Providence

What: In honor of its forty-fifth season, Festival Ballet is traveling back to 1978. The Black Box series presents Up Close on Hope: 1978, a collection of works from the ballet company’s choreographers as they turn back the clock with themes associated with the special year. Several company members will choreograph pieces to commemorate the company’s four decades. Both Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. $55. Where: 825 Hope St., Providence. More Info: 353-1129, festivalballetprovidence.org.

Pouring Red Wine From Bottle Into Glass On Table Indoors, Space For Text

Via Getty Images/Liudmila Chernetska.

Ongoing: Wine Wednesdays

What: Swirl, sniff, sip and repeat. Head to the Chair 5 Restaurant at the Break Hotel on Wednesdays to sample three different styles of fine wine served with savory chef-inspired appetizers with Narragansett Bay serving as the background. Wed. 6 p.m. $30. Where: Chair 5 Restaurant at the Break Hotel, 1208 Ocean Rd., Narragansett. More Info: 363-9820, southcountyri.com.

THEATER

Providence Performing Arts Center

THROUGH FEB. 5: As little orphan Annie says, tomorrow is only a day away. Directed by Jenn Thompson, Annie returns in a whole new production, just as you remember it and just when you need it most. Visit the website for times. $38–$80.

FEB. 21–26: Directed by Tony winner Christopher Ashley, Come From Away delivers the true heartfelt story about 7,000 passengers stranded in a small town in Newfoundland after the September 11 attacks. After nerves ran high and cultures clashed, discomfort turned into trust and friendships grew. Visit the website for times. $38–$80. 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 421-2787, ppacri.org

Trinity Rep

THROUGH FEB. 12: Follow the story of Queen Margaret, who has roots as a provincial princess of France, through her ascension to the throne of England and her eventual downfall. The production portrays the queen as one of the most complicated and fascinating characters in Shakespeare’s works. By The Queen is a dynamic new drama directed by Brian McEleney, remixed from the text of Richard III and Henry VI, which finally gives Queen Margaret (warrior, wife, politician and mother) the storytelling she deserves. Run time is two hours with one intermission. Visit the website for show times. $25–$56. Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

Wilbury Theatre Group

THROUGH FEB. 12: It’s the one thing we all have in common: We’re Gonna Die. Playwright Young Jean Lee melds storytelling, music, theater and stand-up comedy into a funny and darkly weird song cycle that lets us know that
although we may be miserable, at least we’re not alone. 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. on Sundays. $5–$55. 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org

Gamm Theatre

ONGOING: Spend the evening watching free movies like Hot Fuzz (Feb. 7) and Pan’s Labyrinth (Feb. 18) on the Gamm Theatre’s 4K resolution screen. Don’t forget your snacks and drinks from the concessions! No tickets necessary. 7 p.m. 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, 723-4266, gammtheatre.org

The Vets

FEB. 9: What do four women at a lingerie sale have in common? A black lace bra and hot flashes, memory loss and night sweats. Menopause is a hilarious musical parody that’s been making women worldwide laugh for more than twenty years, set to classic tunes from the sixties through the eighties. 7:30 p.m. $34–$54.

FEB. 17: Stand-up comedian Chris D’Elia arrives at the Vets for his Don’t Push Me tour. D’Elia has toured the United States and Canada and hosted three comedy specials on Netflix: “No Pain” (2020), “Man On Fire” (2017) and “Incorrigible” (2015). 8 p.m. $39.50–$69.50.

FEB. 18: Teachers unite! The Bored Teachers comedy tour presents the funniest teacher-comedians on one stage. Let off some school-year steam and call your teacher buds to take in some hilarious skits. 7 p.m. $25–$55. 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 421-2787, thevetsri.com

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Providence Flea

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products while shopping at the Providence Flea, inside the Farm Fresh RI market hall. Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Aquidneck Growers Market

ONGOING: Support agricultural life and the local economy at the Aquidneck Growers Market, where attendees can find an assortment of both organic and conventionally grown produce, ripe and ready for any recipe. Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Free admission. Stoneacre Garden, 151 Swinburne Row, Newport, 256-6627, aquidneckcommunitytable.org

Mount Hope Farmers Market

ONGOING: Head over to Mount Hope Farm for your weekly groceries, courtesy of local farmers and artisans like Edible Homescapes, Roots Farm, Pet Wants Newport, Buns Bakery and Two Gals Cocktails. Sat. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free admission. Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 254-1745, mounthopefarm.org

Pawtucket Indoors Farmers Market

ONGOING: Join the farmers, bakers, candlestick-makers and plenty of other talented vendors at the Hope Artiste Village’s Pawtucket Indoor Farmers Market. Peruse the selections and bring home unique decor and necessities. Wed. 4 p.m. Free admission. Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, 814-574-3571, pawtucketfarmersmarket.com

TRIPS AND TOURS

Providence Walks: Early Black History Walking Tour

ONGOING: Learn about historic sites in the Creative Capital including the Joseph Brown House, the Providence Gazette and the Dr. Jabez Bowen House during this Black history walking tour. Stop by the marked points on the self-guided tour for insight into early Black history, the legacy of slavery and its aftermath through the years 1636-1865. Visit the website to print out a map or take a virtual version of the tour. Various locations throughout Providence, goprovidence.com

PVD Valley Neighborhood Victuals Tour

ONGOING: Explore your favorite Rhody neighborhoods in Providence’s Valley neighborhood with delicious food samples and at least two alcohol (or nonalcoholic) pairings at local eateries like Buns Bakery, Tallulah’s Taqueria and Providence Brewing Co. Reservations required. Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $79. Ages thirteen and up. Meet in front of delivery entrance of 498 Kinsley Ave., rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Seal Watch Tours

ONGOING: New Englanders have no shame in enjoying iced coffee during the winter months, and migratory harbor seals are no different. The “dogs of the sea” love the Narragansett Bay’s chilly waters, so it’s the perfect time to go on a seal watch tour and nature cruise to observe the local wildlife. Visit the website for dates and times. Adults $22; Save the Bay members, seniors, military and children three through twelve $17; children two and younger free. Bowen’s Ferry Landing, 30 Market Sq., Newport, 203-7325, savebay.org

Newport Winter Foodies Stroll

FEB. 3–APR. 8: Rediscover Thames Street on this one-mile walking food tour with guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at restaurants like Bar and Board Bistro and Midtown Oyster Bar. Fri. and Sat. 5:50 p.m. Ages twenty-one and up. $88. Meet in front of O’Brien’s Pub, 501 Thames St., Newport, 619-3019, newportfoodiesstroll.com

KIDS’ STUFF

Winter Acting Classes

THROUGH FEB. 18: Find your voice and grow your theatrical skills with Studio Playground. The six-week long sessions for grades K through nine offer theater games, performance projects and more to learn clever storytelling and how to engage an audience. Saturdays. Visit the website for class times and pricing. Rhode Island School for the Deaf, 1 Corliss Park, Providence, studioplayground.org

Monster Jam

FEB. 3–5: Monster Jam roars into Providence for an adrenaline-charged family fun day. The event showcases athletes as they go head-to-head in different competitions, driving 12,000-pound monster trucks while racing, doing doughnuts, backflips, wheelies and more jaw-dropping stunts. Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 1 and 7 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. $15–$86. Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 LaSalle Sq., Providence, 331-0700, amicamutualpavilion.com

Providence Children’s Film Festival

FEB. 17–26: Enjoy high-quality independent films and documentaries for children and teens along with workshops, free activities and post-film conversations. Visit the website for showtimes and ticket prices. Various locations in Providence, 406-9894, providencechildrensfilmfestival.org

Seals, Seabirds and Sunset

FEB. 23: Bundle up on this all-day exploration of Prudence Island. Start at the southern tip, where you can expect to see harbor seals resting on the rocks. From there, make several stops to look for bird species both on land and in the water. In between short walks on the trails, check out hot spots and areas of scenic beauty across the island from a passenger van. Take the 1:30 p.m. ferry from Bristol. Ages ten and older. Registration is required. 1:30–6:30 p.m. $5–$14. Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, 949-5454, asri.org

MUSIC

Contemporary Theater

THROUGH MAR. 30: Rule the stage and put your vocal cords to the test during “Wakefield Idol,” Contemporary Theater’s famed singing competition with a $1,000 grand prize. If you’d rather give your singing voice a rest, feel free to join the audience and support the local talent. Visit the website to register as a performer. Thurs. 7 p.m. $30. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

Newport Classical

FEB. 17: Take in the sounds of Venezuelan
pianist Gabriela Martinez as she performs music by Rachmaninoff and Beethoven as well as selections by composers Viet Cuong, Caroline Shaw and the late Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. 7:30–9:15 p.m. $45–$58. Recital Hall at Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, 846-1133, newportclassical.org

Rhode Island Philharmonic

FEB.24: Revel in a night of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra’s Tchaikovsky violin concerto, conducted by Ruth Reinhardt with Maria Ioudenitch on the violin. Open rehearsal Fri. 5:30 p.m. TACO Classical program Sat.
8 p.m. $20–$154. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets.riphil.org

SPORTS

Amica Mutual Pavilion

Take the family to an exciting game of basketball or hockey. feb. 8: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. Georgetown, 8 p.m. feb. 10: Providence Bruins vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 7:05 p.m. feb. 11: Harlem Globetrotters, 1 and 6 p.m. Feb. 14: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. Creighton, 7 p.m. Feb. 17 & 19: RI Comic Con Weekend with the Providence Bruins, Fri. 7:05 p.m.; Sun. 3:05 p.m. Feb. 18: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. Villanova, 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24: Providence Bruins vs Charlotte Checkers, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 26: RI Hockey Day with the Providence Bruins, 3:05 p.m. Visit the website for ticket prices. Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 LaSalle Sq., Providence, 331-0700, amicamutualpavilion.com

BENEFITS

Be the Light Gala

FEB.18: Join the MAE Organization in supporting homeless individuals in need of clothes, toiletries, counseling and mental health programs. Settle in during cocktail hour, then enjoy dinner with entertainment before participating in a live auction. Proceeds are distributed throughout the organization’s various programs, including the housing rental grant, food program, holistic and therapeutic program, clothing and toiletries program and others. Cocktail hour 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., VIP after-party 10 p.m. $100–$1,200. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, maeorg.org

MUSEUMS

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibitions on view including “Past Made Present,” “Take Care” and “Being and Believing in the Natural World.” Tues., Wed., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. noon–7 p.m. Adults $17; seniors $12; youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission Thurs. and Fri. after 5 p.m. and all-day Sun. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

Audrain Automobile Museum

ONGOING: Travel through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to see the various developments and automotive engineering throughout the years, from the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen to the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Touring Coupe. Daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Members free; adults $18; seniors, military and students with ID $10; children six through seventeen $8. 222 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 856-4420, audrainautomuseum.org

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View thought-provoking works within exhibits like “Joseph Norman: Works from the Permanent Collection,” “Conflict and Remembrance” and “Social Fabric: Textiles and Contemporary Issues.” Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. noon–5 p.m. Adults $15; seniors $10; college students and military $8; museum members and children seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

Museum of Work and Culture

THROUGH FEB. 15: Woonsocket’s six theaters hosted several acts and performances throughout the twentieth century, including blockbuster films, vaudeville, Francophone performers and “eggrolls and jazz.” The theaters were met with seventy years of fires, floods and economic hardship, but the remaining venues — Stadium Theatre and Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining — have kept Woonsocket’s Hollywood connections alive and revitalized the city’s cultural scene. Tues.–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $8; seniors, military and students $6; Rhode Island Historical Society members and children younger than ten free. 42 South Main St., Woonsocket, 769-9675, rihs.org

ETCETERA

Gondola Village

ONGOING: Live out the ultimate dining dream in a luxuriously decorated gondola at Ocean House. The Gondola Village takes guests to the French Alps inside a cozy private dining venue outfitted with Le Creuset tableware, fine textiles and chandeliers. Indulge in some breakfast, lunch, afternoon apero or dinner selections. A portion of proceeds benefits Ocean House Fund for Charitable Giving. Reservations required. Breakfast 8 and 10 a.m., lunch noon and 2:30 p.m., afternoon apero 5 p.m. and dinner 6:30 p.m. $180–$600. Ocean House, 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, Westerly, oceanhouseri.com

Newport Harbor Island Resort

ONGOING: Put on your warmest coat, mittens and scarf and get ready to twirl atop the ice at the Newport Harbor Island Resort rink. Novice or pro, skate by the Narragansett Bay (with views of the Newport Bridge and Goat Island Lighthouse) alongside family and friends. Mon.–Fri. 3–9 p.m.; Sat., Sun. and holidays 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Adults $15; seniors sixty-five and older, military and children twelve and younger $8. Skate rentals $12.

ONGOING: After gliding up and down the ice rink for an hour or two, unwind and dine under the stars with up to four people inside an igloo at the Newport Harbor Island Resort. Skim the apres-ski menu, or the resort’s full lunch or dinner menu, on the lounge and fire pit deck while sipping on specialty cocktails. 11:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. through 8:45 p.m. Reserve your spot online or by calling. 1 Goat Island, Newport, 851-3366, newportharborisland.com

Afternoon Tea

ONGOING: Sit down to an enchanting meal for the whole family at the Stoneacre Brasserie. Sip tea and order a triple-tiered display of sweet and savory bites including buttermilk biscuits, salmon belly BLTs and macarons. Specialty add-ons including market greens and grass-fed burgers are available Friday afternoons. Fri.–Sun. 2–4 p.m. $28. Stoneacre Brasserie, 28 Washington Sq., Newport, 619-7810. stoneacrebasserie.com

#BestDonutsRI LoveFest

FEB. 1–28: Throughout the month of February, help determine which local doughnut shop wins the title of Best Doughnut in Rhode Island this year. The #BestDonutsRI LoveFest features irresistible frosting and sprinkle-covered or jam-filled doughnuts from at least fifteen different stores and bakeries all over the Ocean State. Use the hashtag #bestdonutsri on social media when posting a photo of the picture-perfect treat. $30–$50. Various doughnut shops and bakeries throughout Rhode Island, rifoodfights.com

Newport Burger Bender

FEB. 17–26: Whether you like your burger oozing with hot sauce or egg yolk, or topped with every ingredient under the sun, consider your cravings cured with the Newport Burger Bender. Step into select eateries throughout Newport and Bristol and vote for the Best Burger. Restaurants in Newport and Bristol counties, 849-8048, discovernewport.org

Woonsocket Mardi Gras

FEB. 18: This annual cultural celebration features spirited zydeco music brought to you by the Squeezebox Stompers, a full Cajun buffet and more. See website for times and ticket prices. St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center, 84 Cumberland St., Woonsocket, nrica.org

Artists’ Exchange Art Classes

FEB. 27–APR. 8: Take part in spring classes like sewing, jewelry making, storytelling, theater and more. Available for all ages and abilities. Visit the website for times, prices and class registration. Artists’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe Sq., Cranston, artists-exchange.org