27 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this November

From Holidays at the Newport Mansions to the Caffeinated Insomniacs Comedy Show, we've compiled all the activities to add to your November to-do list.

November 1, 2023

Edelinda Baptista,

FEATURED

Courtesy of FIrstworks/photograph by Jhsu Media.

11/18: Rennie Harris Presents: Rome & Jewels

What: Hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris restages Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to open FirstWorks’ twentieth anniversary season. This performance explores racial, religious and economic questions through the lens of gang violence while embodying historic African traditions through dance. Run time is seventy-five minutes with
no intermission. 8 p.m. $24–$69. Where: The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. More Info: 421-4278, firstworks.org.

Courtesy of Preservation Society of Newport County/photograph by Andrea Hansen

11/18–Jan. 1: Holidays at the Newport Mansions

What: Visit Gilded Age mansions lavishly decorated with greenery, opulent Christmas trees, sparking lights and more for some holiday cheer. Daily, Nov. 18 through Jan. 1., except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Rosecliff will be closed to visitors Nov. 16-Dec. 1, during the Newport Nutcracker performances. Where: The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff and the Elms. More Info: newportmansions.org.

Courtesy of Bring Your Own Improv

Through 11/24: Caffeinated Insomniacs Comedy Show

What: Audience participation fuels this interactive comedy show, so there’s no sitting back and enjoying a quiet night here. Whether you applaud for a scene, yell out fantastic ideas to spur on the performers, or jump up on stage with the Bring Your Own Improv crew, you’ll be an engaged part of the show. Shouting out suggestions is encouraged. For teens and adults. Fri. at 10 p.m. $10. Where: Warwick Center for the Arts, 3259 Post Rd., Warwick. More Info: bringyourownimprov.com.

THEATER

Granite Theatre

Through Nov. 4: The Elephant Man is a long-running Broadway and London hit, telling the true tale of John Merrick, a tortured sideshow freak, as he finds friendship and acceptance in the Victorian upper class. Here is his story of finding personal strength, good vs. evil, and the indomitable human spirit. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for ticket prices. 1 Granite St., Westerly, 596-2341, granitetheatre.org

Providence Performing Arts Center

Through Nov. 5: Nine-time Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon follows a pair of missionaries tasked with spreading the Good Word, and of course, the outrageous adventures that accompany them. Visit the website for times. $34–$124. 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 421-2787, ppacri.org

Trinity Rep

Through Nov. 10: In Becky Nurse of Salem directed by Curt Columbus, Becky Nurse, a modern descendant of an executed Salem “witch,” has been fired from her job. She’s also pining for a married man, troubled by her granddaughter’s boyfriend and taking pills to cope after her daughter’s overdose. She consults an eccentric local witch in hopes of changing her misfortune, which leads to shocking, disturbing and funny outcomes. Run time two hours with one intermission.

Through Nov. 12: When The Crucible’s Abigail Williams begins working for John Proctor, a sixty-year-old farmer, her life begins to unravel from churning butter and playing with poppets into something unforeseen. Directed by Kimberly Senior, the sequel play The Good John Proctor reassesses the Salem Witch Trials through the eyes of the four young girls — Abigail, Betty Parris, Mercy Lewis and Mary Warren — at its center. Run time is about ninety minutes with no intermission.

Nov. 9–Dec. 31: In a timeless holiday tale of redemption and joy, Ebenezer Scrooge takes a supernatural journey on Christmas Eve to confront his past, acknowledge his present, and define his future for the good of his community. A Christmas Carol is a beloved family show, returning with a reimagined set and experience. Run time two hours with one intermission. Visit the website for times and prices. 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

The Providence Flea

Ongoing: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products from more than seventy-five vendors including indie makers, bakeshops, clothing vendors and more. Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Rhode Island Comic Con

Nov. 3–5: Explore the state’s only convention for comic books, sci-fi films and culture. See celebrities from X-Men, The Amazing Spider-Man and Reacher before getting autographs. Dress up with friends and family for the cosplay costume contest. Fri. 3–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website for ticket prices. RI Convention Center and Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 Sabin St., Providence, ricomiccon.com

Fine Furnishings Show

Nov. 3–5: Artists and craftspeople display their work in this annual event, featuring a designer showroom, a parade of chairs, woodworking demonstrations and best in show awards. Fri. 4–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, finefurnishingsshows.com

TRIPS AND TOURS

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

Ongoing: Explore your favorite Rhody neighborhoods in the Capital City and the City by the Sea with a Rhode Island Red food tour. Walking tours include delicious food samplings plus alcohol pairings at six local restaurants. Reservations are required. Thurs.–Sun. at noon. $76–$94. Various locations in Providence and Newport, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Newport Mansions Self-Guided Tours

Ongoing: Explore Gilded Age mansions at your own pace to learn about the wealthy owners and their eagerness to be part of high society, their household staff and the mansions’ architectural design. Bring your phone and earbuds and download the free Newport Mansions mobile app in advance to participate. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit website for tickets. Rosecliff, the Breakers, the Elms, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer, Newport, newportmansions.org

Old Slater Mill Guided Tours

Ongoing: Join a park ranger on a tour of this historic mill that started the American Industrial Revolution. These thirty- to forty-five-minute guided tours investigate the historical significance of Slater Mill, and what valuable lessons the building still teaches us. Tours leave from the mill’s front patio. No reservations needed. Thurs.–Sun. Free. Visit website for times. Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, 318-4489, nps.gov

KIDS’ STUFF

#RIWalksChallenge Scavenger Hunt

Ongoing: All ages are welcome to explore more than thirty trails throughout the state as you try to find the thirty-four “creatures” resembling sweetgum seed pods, chanterelle mushrooms, black oak leaves and more. Each creature features a unique QR code, allowing you to track your progress and learn more about each plant. Share discoveries on social media by tagging @RI.walks and using #RIWalksChallenge. 644-5500, riwalks.org/challenge

Bring Your Own Improv’s Family-Friendly Night

Ongoing: An improvisational comedy show for the whole family where performers act out scenes on stage using audience suggestions. Fri. at 8 p.m. $10. Warwick Center for the Arts, 3259 Post Rd., Warwick, bringyourownimprov.com

Courthouse Center for the Arts

Nov. 9–11: Director Mya Lemery has reinvented Disney’s Frozen from its popular film format into an exciting, kid-friendly performance. Thurs.–Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. $17–$27. Visit the website for tickets. 3481 Kingstown Rd., West Kingston, 782-1018, courthousearts.org

MUSIC

Rhode Island Philharmonic

Nov. 11: Conducted by Morihiko Nakahara, Debussy’s La Mer is a thrilling orchestral performance with Randall Goosby on the violin. A hauntingly evocative showing of Tumblebird Contrails by Gabriella Smith, Erich Korngold’s “Violin Concerto,” and Benjamin Britten’s “Four Sea Interludes” will round out the evening. 8 p.m. Visit website for ticket prices. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, riphil.org

Courthouse Center for the Arts

Nov. 17: The Eagles Experience is one of the most authentic Eagles tribute shows, where each musician emulates their respective Eagles band member, playing their correct instrument and singing the songs like their protege. 7:30 p.m. $30. Visit website for tickets.

Nov. 25: The Blushing Brides is a quintessential Rolling Stones cover band, playing all the classic tunes you know — and some you don’t. 7:30 p.m. $29–$40. 3481 Kingstown Rd., West Kingston, 782-1018, courthousearts.org

DANCE

Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff

Nov. 22–Dec. 1: Follow Clara through the majestic ballrooms of Rosecliff as she battles the Mouse King, dances with the Snow Queen and journeys with her beloved Nutcracker to the Magical Land of Sweets. Guests travel with the performers through the mansion’s elaborately decorated ballrooms and salons, where some assigned seating is available. Run time is approximately two hours, including intermission. Visit the website for times. $139–$229. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-4470, newportcontemporaryballet.org

BENEFITS

Hope Circle Holiday Fair

Nov. 18: Gather some baked goods for the house as well as crafts, jewelry, books, quilts and more to get a head start on your holiday shopping. After filling up on coffee and doughnuts, visit Santa’s Workshop with the kiddos. Proceeds benefit local charities. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 15 East Beach Rd., Charlestown, 741-6401, standrewri.org

MUSEUMS

John Brown House Museum

Ongoing: Visit the newest exhibit at the Rhode Island Historical Society, “Bittersweet: Sugar’s Sticky Road to the Revolution,” to learn about sugar and its derivative products (molasses and rum) that drove the world economy. Tues.–Fri. 1–4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5–$10; RIHS members are free. 110 Benevolent St., Providence, 331-8675, rihs.org

RISD Museum

Ongoing: Plan your visit in advance online and check out exhibitions on view including “Art and Design from 1900 to Now,” “Diné Textiles: Nizhónígo Hadadít’eh” and “Trading Earth.” Tues., Wed., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. noon–7 p.m. Adults $17; seniors $12; ages 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

Newport Art Museum

Ongoing: View exquisite and thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Farm to Table” and “Bob Dilworth: Backyard.” 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 ages seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

ETCETERA

Frosty Drew Observatory

Ongoing: Look out over Ninigret Park and catch up on all the amazing things happening in space each Friday in November, weather permitting. Hang out with astronomers and telescopes as you see the rings of Saturn, Galilean moons of Jupiter, the Milky Way and much more. Adults $5; ages five and younger free. 7–10 p.m. 62 Park Ln., Ninigret Park, Charlestown, 859-1450, frostydrew.org

Vegan Restaurant Week

Through Nov. 5: Enjoy delicious plant-based dining options during Vegan Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants and vendors will craft a complete three-course prix-fixe dining experience or offer two to three plant-based specials. Visit the website for the full list of participating restaurants. Various restaurants throughout Providence and neighboring cities, vegrestaurantweek.com

The Historic New England Summit

Nov. 2–3: New England’s largest conference about our collective roles in creating livable and resilient communities. This is an opportunity to gain inspiration from and connect with cutting-edge thought leaders in preservation, arts and culture, social history, education, advocacy and government. Share ideas, work on solutions and discover new perspectives to strengthen the livability and vitality of our communities. $28–$160. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 617-227-3956, summit.historicnewengland.org

Nature Drawing at Blithewold

Nov. 2, 9, 16 AND 30: Use Blithewold’s gardens and grounds for inspiration in this nature drawing class with artist and instructor Joanne Murrman. Focus on how to render color, texture and design in flora and landscape. Each week will cover a different topic and technique, but the main drawing medium is colored pencils. Beginning, intermediate and advanced students are encouraged to attend. Registration required. 10 a.m.–noon. $45; $35 for members. Visit the website to register and for more information. 101 Ferry Rd., Bristol, 253-2707, blithewold.org

Newport Restaurant Week

Nov. 3–12: Delicious discounts at more than seventy restaurants across Newport and Bristol counties, from BOGO deals, lunch and dinner promotions, prix-fixe menus and more. Many participating restaurants offer deals fit for the whole family. Visit the website for participating restaurants, menus and prices. Aquidneck Island and East Bay, discovernewport.org/newport-restaurant-week

WaterFire Providence

Nov. 4: Pay tribute to veterans everywhere during the WaterFire Salute to Veterans. Before the lighting ceremony begins, local veterans march from the State House steps to Waterplace Park basin, led by the Rhode Island Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drums. The full lighting will feature military bands and more than eighty illuminated braziers stretching from Waterplace Park to Memorial Park. 4:30–10 p.m. Free. Memorial Boulevard, Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org