33 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this January

FEATURED 

1/1: Polar Plunge

WHAT: Dive into the frigid ocean for a good cause during the twentieth annual Polar Plunge at Easton’s (First) Beach. Proceeds support A Wish Come True, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Arrive early for parking; the plunge takes place at noon. Donate online, in person, on the phone or by mail. WHERE: Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport. MORE INFO: 846-0028, awish.org.

 

1/23–28: Ain’t Too Proud at Providence Performing Arts Center  

WHAT: Get immersed into the life of the Temptations during Ain’t Too Proud, featuring Tony-winning dance moves and Grammy-winning music including “My Girl,” “Get Ready” and “Just My Imagination.” Explore themes of brotherhood, loyalty and betrayal throughout the R&B group’s extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit (during a decade of civil unrest in the United States) all the way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Visit the website for times. $38–$85. WHERE: 220 Weybosset St., Providence. MORE INFO: 421-2787, ppacri.org.

 

Ongoing: Coast Guard House Igloos  

WHAT: Bring up to eight of your foodie friends to the Coast Guard House for dinner in a designer-decorated snow globe with gorgeous views of the ocean. Entrees, including steamed lobster and seared scallops, are sure to keep you toasty. $100 rental charge for three hours, $25 minimum spend per guest. WHERE: Coast Guard House, 40 Ocean Rd., Narragansett. MORE INFO: 789-0700, thecoastguardhouse.com.

 

THEATER

Trinity Rep

JAN. 18–FEB. 18: Doña Rosa’s Market on La Broa’ (Providence’s Broad Street) is where Latinx Rhode Islanders have gathered for decades. Here, they share their stories — from the experience of recent immigration to those of Americans whose threads stretch further back. These real-life stories are heartbreaking, heartwarming and hilarious. Run time is ninety minutes with no intermission. $24–$60. Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

Gamm Theatre

JAN. 25–FEB. 18: From its Tony Award-winning debut for best play in 1963 to its many revivals on the modern stage, Edward Albee’s three-act play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is an explosively comedic and harrowing experience. This landmark of the American theater explores the illusions individuals create in the face of life’s uncertainty. Visit the website for times. $20–$38. The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, gammtheatre.org

 

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Providence Flea

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products while shopping at the Providence Flea, now at 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 local economy at the Aquidneck Growers Market, where attendees can find an assortment of both organic and conventionally grown produce, fresh and ready for any recipe. Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Free admission. Stoneacre Garden, 151 Swinburne Row, Newport, 256-6627, aquidneckcommunitytable.org

Tiverton Farmers Market

ONGOING: Browse a selection of vendors offering local produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and more at the Tiverton Farmers Market. Support local musicians, artists, food entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations as they gather to connect with community members. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Sun. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free. Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Dr., Tiverton, 474-1064, tivertonfarmersmarket.com

Providence Farmers Market

ONGOING: Get to know various food and farm vendors (more than sixty-five of them, to be exact) at this farmers market. Don’t forget to visit the businesses that call Farm Fresh RI home, like New Harvest Coffee and Spirits, Anchor Toffee, Robin Hollow Flowers, Rhed’s Hot Sauce, Providence Brewing Co., Wright’s Creamery and Tallulah’s Taqueria. Sat. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission. Please take note that pets are not allowed. Farm Fresh RI, 10 Sims Ave., 312-4250, farmfreshri.org

 

TRIPS AND TOURS

Newport Mansions Self-Guided Tours

ONGOING: Explore Gilded Age mansions at your own pace to learn about their fabulously wealthy owners and their eagerness to be part of high society, as well as the buildings’ famed architectural designs. Bring your phone and earbuds then download the Newport Mansions tour app to participate. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit the website for tickets. Rosecliff, the Breakers, the Elms, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer, Newport, newportmansions.org

PVD Valley Neighborhood Victuals Tour

ONGOING: Explore Providence’s Valley neighborhood with delicious food samples and alcohol (or nonalcoholic) pairings at local eateries like Tallulah’s Taqueria, Providence Brewing Co. and Wright’s Creamery. Reservations required. Sat. 11 a.m. $74; $89 with alcohol. Ages twelve and up. Meet under the Robin Hollow Flowers sign at 498 Kinsley Ave., rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

 

KIDS’ STUFF

Studio Playground

JAN. 27–MAR. 2; JAN. 28–MAR. 3: Find your voice and grow your theatrical skills with Studio Playground. The six-week long sessions offer theater games, performance projects and more to learn clever storytelling and how to engage an audience. Classes available for children and adults. Visit the website for session times. Sat. and Sun. Grades K–6. $225–$325. Rhode Island School for the Deaf, 1 Corliss Park, Providence; 188 Valley St., Providence, studioplayground.org

 

MUSIC

Contemporary Theater

JAN. 11–MAR. 28: Rule the stage and put your vocal cords to the test during Wakefield Idol, Contemporary Theater’s famed singing competition with a $1,500 grand prize. Or just join the audience to support the talented performers. Thurs. 7 p.m. $30. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

Rhode Island Philharmonic

JAN. 19–20: Take in the RI Philharmonic
Orchestra’s Romeo and Juliet, conducted by Ruth Reinhardt with Zlatomir Fung on the cello. Amica Rush Hour Series, Fri. 6:30 p.m. Students from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School will perform alongside the orchestra during the TACO Classical program on Sat. 8 p.m. $20–$165. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets.riphil.org

Newport Classical

JAN. 26: Pianist Eric Lu will make his Newport Classic debut performing works by Bach and Mendelssohn. Join in on an immersive musical experience as the musician showcases his talents. 7:30–9:30 p.m. $48–$58. Newport Classical Recital Hall, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, 401-846-1133, newportclassical.org/event/eric-lu

 

BENEFITS

Frozen Clam Dip and Obstaplunge

JAN. 1: This New Year’s Day tradition continues at Warwick’s Goddard State Park Beach. Sprint through an obstacle course or take a cleansing plunge into the chilling (and extra refreshing) waters of Narragansett Bay. Funds help support MENTOR Rhode Island’s work to ensure young people have access to supportive relationships they need to grow into confident adults. The obstacle course runs every fifteen minutes starting at 11 a.m.; the traditional Frozen Clam Dip begins at noon. Print and sign forms beforehand and bring to the event. Adults $44; children $22. Goddard State Park Beach, 1095 Ives Rd., Warwick, 727-7700, mentorri.org

 

SPORTS

Amica Mutual Pavilion

JAN. 3: Providence College Friars vs. Seton Hall University. 7 p.m. $22–$150.

JAN. 7: Providence Bruins vs. Springfield. 3:05 p.m. $20–$119.

JAN. 12: Providence Bruins vs. WB/Scranton. 7:05 p.m. $20–$89.

JAN. 13: Providence College Friars vs. Xavier University. 7 p.m. $22–$150.

JAN. 14, 21 AND 26: Providence Bruins vs. Bridgeport. Both Sun. 3:05 p.m., Fri. 7:05 p.m. $20–$89. 

JAN. 27: Providence College Friars vs. Georgetown University. 7 p.m. $22–$150.

JAN. 28: Providence Bruins vs. Charlotte. 3:05 p.m. $20–$119. 1 LaSalle Sq., Providence, 331-0700, amicamutualpavilion.com

 

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES 

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibitions like “Art and Design from 1900 to Now” and “Diné Textiles: Nizhónígo Hadadít’eh.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., and Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Free admission on Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thurs. 5–8 p.m. 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 “Arghavan Khosravi.” 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

 

ETCETERA

Private Carriage Rides 

ONGOING: Take an old-fashioned carriage ride led by Liberty Farm and Carriage Company’s majestic draft horses. The farm offers private carriages for two or a private group ride for up to fourteen riders. Visit the website for times. $75–$175. 60 Ironmine Rd., Burrillville, 651-6004, libertyfarm.net

Afternoon Tea Service

ONGOING: Choose from five tea varieties — including Lord Bergamot, British brunch and peppermint leaves — and savory sandwiches in addition to petit fours and scones for dessert at Hotel Viking’s charming tea service. Sat. and Sun. 2–4 p.m. Reserve on the website or on resy.com. $49 per person. The Garden Room at Hotel Viking, 1 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-3300, hotelviking.com

Holidays at the Newport Mansions

THROUGH JAN. 1: Visit Gilded Age mansions lavishly decorated with greenery, opulent Christmas trees, sparkling lights and more for some holiday cheer. Daily except Christmas Day. The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff and the Elms, newportmansions.org

Flight Night Wednesdays

THROUGH JAN. 31: Enjoy discounted wine and beer flights and dining specials on flight nights. Sit by the fire pits on the terrace and take part in some friendly competition playing board games. Indoor dining reservations are recommended. Wed. 3–8 p.m. $15. Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Rd., Middletown, 848-5161, newportvineyards.com

Comedy Connection

JAN. 5–6: Jordan Jensen. Fri. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 

JAN. 26–27: Robert Kelly. Fri. and Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Events sell out fast; visit the website for updates. 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, 438-8383, ricomedyconnection.com

Providence Restaurant Weeks

JAN. 7–20: Indulge your inner foodie with breakfast, lunch and/or dinner choices from the various eateries taking part in Providence Restaurant Weeks. Show your support for local establishments in the Creative Capital and order signature cocktails, specialty apps, family-size entrees and more while sharing your meals on social media using the hashtag #PRW or #PVDEats. Various locations in Providence, goprovidence.com/rw

DIY Charcuterie Board

JAN. 27: Construct your own homemade charcuterie board with help from groundskeeper Galen Wilbur, who will share proper finishing techniques. This hands-on workshop offers the opportunity to learn basic woodworking skills using both hand and power tools. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $85–$105. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd., Bristol, 253-2707, blithewold.org

 

LOOKING AHEAD: FEBRUARY

FEB. 2–4: Northeast International Auto Show, Providence, tradefairdates.com

FEB. 3–MAR. 24: Hot Chocolate Bar, Newport, thechanler.com

FEB. 6–11: To Kill a Mockingbird, Providence, ppacri.org

FEB. 16–25: Newport Burger Bender, Newport, discovernewport.org/burger-bender 

FEB. 16–25: Newport Winter Festival, Newport, newportwinterfestival.com