32 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this February

FEATURED

Ongoing: Hot Chocolate Bar at the Chanler at Cliff  Walk  

WHAT: Indulge in a warm mug of hot chocolate this winter at the Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport. You can choose to enjoy this tasty treat by the crackling fire pit or venture out into the cold and take in the views of the Cliff Walk, cup in hand. Sat. and Sun. 1–4 p.m. $13. WHERE: The Chanler at Cliff Walk, 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport. MORE INFO: 847-1300, thechanler.com.

Ongoing: Stargazing Nights at Frosty Drew Observatory  

WHAT: Gaze through telescopes and chat with astronomers during stargazing nights at Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center in Charlestown. Discover the wonders of the night sky, like the rings of Saturn, the cratered lunar surface, distant galaxies, the Milky Way and more. Fri. 7–10 p.m. Free admission; $5 donation suggested. WHERE: Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center, Ninigret Park, 62 Park Ln., Charlestown. MORE INFO: 859-1450, frostydrew.org.

 

2/6–11: To Kill a Mockingbird at Providence Performing Arts Center  

WHAT: Witness Harper Lee’s iconic story come to life in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Experience renowned playwright, screenwriter and director Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel on stage during this week-long event. Visit the website for times. $39–$109. WHERE: Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. MORE INFO: 421-2787, ppacri.org

 

THEATER

Wilbury Theatre Group

THROUGH FEB. 4: Experience MacArthur Genius Award-winner Taylor Mac’s 2014 play, Hir, at the Wilbury Theatre Group. Isaac returns home from the wars to discover a household in revolt — his mother, who’s been liberated from an oppressive marriage, is on a crusade to dismantle the patriarchy, with Isaac’s newly out transgender sibling as her ally. In this subversive comedy, annihilating the past doesn’t always free you from it. Thurs.–Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $5–$35. Wilbury Theatre Group, 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org

Trinity Rep

THROUGH FEB. 18: Doña Rosa’s Market on La Broa’ (Providence’s Broad Street) is where Latinx Rhode Islanders have gathered for decades. In La Broa’ (Broad Street) by Orlando Hernández, 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

THROUGH 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 painful truths and life’s uncertainty. Visit the website for times. $25–$70. The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, gammtheatre.org

 

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Providence Farmers Market

ONGOING: Get to know various food and farm vendors (more than sixty-five to be exact, selling everything from produce to fresh fish), at this year-round market, while exploring the permanent businesses that call Farm Fresh home, such as New Harvest Coffee and Spirits, Anchor Toffee, Rhed’s Hot Sauce, Providence Brewing Co., Wright’s Creamery and Tallulah’s Taqueria. Sat. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh RI, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 312-4250, farmfreshri.org

Providence Flea 

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products while shopping at the Providence Flea at Farm Fresh RI for the winter months. Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh RI, 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 shoppers 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 local produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and more at the Tiverton Farmers Market. Support 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

Northeast International Auto Show

FEB. 2–4: Explore a vast array of vehicles and discover the latest trends at the Northeast International Auto Show. Browse everything from compact cars and alternative fuel vehicles to crossovers, SUVs and tough trucks. Fri. noon–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit the website for tickets. Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, 458-6000, providenceautoshow.com

Newport Winter Festival

FEB. 16–25: Bundle up and join in on cold-weather festivities for the whole family, including musical entertainment, exciting events and more at the Newport Winter Festival. Visit the website for details. Various locations around Newport, newportwinterfestival.com

Rhode Island RV Show

FEB. 23–25: Explore a wide variety of RVs, featuring both high-end and budget-friendly options, at the Rhode Island RV Show. Check out the latest makes and models from top manufacturers and get exclusive deals and discounts. Fri. noon–7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $12 (cash only). Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, 458-6000, rvsupershows.com

 

TRIPS AND TOURS

Newport Mansions Self-Guided Tours

ONGOING: Admire Gilded Age mansions and 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 and download the Newport Mansions app to participate. Cost included with admission. Visit the website for dates and times. Rosecliff, the Breakers, the Elms and Marble House, Newport, newportmansions.org

Newport Winter Foodies Stroll

FEB. 2–MAR. 30: Rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals on this one-mile food tour. Wander the historic streets of the City by the Sea with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants and pubs. Fri. and Sat. 5:30 p.m. $125. Meet at the corner of Thames Street and Lee’s Wharf, Newport, 508-505-5299, newportfoodiesstroll.com

 

KIDS’ STUFF

Glow Skate

ONGOING: Lace up your roller skates for a night filled with colorful lights and lasers at Glow Skate. This energetic environment is perfect for family fun. Test your luck with games at the arcade, fuel up with soft drinks and pizza and grab free glowsticks at the entrance. Sat. 4 p.m. Visit the website for pricing. United Skates of America, 75 New Rd., Rumford, 438-9898, unitedskates.com

Studio Playground

THROUGH 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 teach clever storytelling and how to engage an audience. 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

THROUGH 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 opt to join the audience and support Wakefield’s talented performers. Thurs. 7 p.m. $30. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

Rhode Island Philharmonic

FEB. 9–10: Enjoy two nights of Rachmaninoff with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, conducted by José Luis Gómez with Garrick Ohlsson on the piano. Amica Rush Hour Fri. 6:30 p.m. TACO Classical program Sat. 8 p.m. $20–$96. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets.riphil.org

Newport Classical

FEB. 23: Listen to the Galvin Cello Quartet perform pieces from renowned composers Antonio Vivaldi, Wilhelm Richard Wagner, Astor Piazolla and more. 7:30 p.m. $45–$58. Newport Classical Recital Hall, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, 846-1133, newportclassical.org

 

SPORTS AND WELLNESS

Still Together Mindfulness Meditation

ONGOING: Find your peace and well-being during meditation sessions, held for free in-person and online at the Warwick Center for the Arts. Reduce your stress, improve your health and strengthen your focus while engaging in guided meditation practice. In-person sessions are held on the first and third Monday of the month. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Virtual sessions are held every second, fourth and fifth Monday of the month. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Thurs. mornings 7:30–7:50 a.m. Free. Warwick Center for the Arts, 3259 Post Rd., Warwick, 737-0010, warwickcfa.org

Free Wednesday Nature Walks 

ONGOING: Every Wednesday afternoon, join Norman Bird Sanctuary for a nature walk. Connect with the outdoors and breathe in the fresh air when you stroll among the wildlife at this nature preserve in Middletown. Wed. 3–3:45 p.m. Free. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, 846-2577, normanbirdsanctuary.org

Amica Mutual Pavilion

FEB. 7: Providence College Friars vs. Creighton University. 8:30 p.m. $28–$331.

FEB. 9: Providence Bruins vs. Hershey. 7:05 p.m. $20–$84.

FEB. 13: Providence College Friars vs. St. John’s University. 7 p.m. $54–$384. 

FEB. 16: Providence Bruins vs. Bridgeport. 7:05 p.m. $20–$89.

FEB. 17: Providence College Friars vs. DePaul University. 7:30 p.m. $81–$540.

FEB. 18: Providence Bruins vs. Hartford. 4:05 p.m. $20–$119.

FEB. 23 AND 25: Providence Bruins vs. Cleveland. Fri. 7:05 p.m., Sun. 3:05 p.m., $20–$119. 1 LaSalle Sq., Providence, 331-0700, amicamutualpavilion.com

 

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibitions on view including “Art and Design from 1900 to Now” and “Diné Textiles: Nizhónígo Hadadít’eh.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Adults $20; seniors $15; youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission 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 $8; military, museum members and children seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org 

Chazan Gallery at Wheeler 

FEB. 1–MAR. 6: Experience the work of new media artist and researcher Triton Mobley at “Coloured.Aesthetica.” Mon.–Fri. 3–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Sun. Free admission. Chazan Gallery at Wheeler, 228 Angell St., Providence, 528-2227

 

ETCETERA

Winter Sleigh Rides 

ONGOING: On serene backroads or through quiet farm trails, go on an old-fashioned carriage ride led by Liberty Farm and Carriage Company’s majestic draft horses. The farm offers private carriage rides. Visit the website for times. $95. 60 Ironmine Rd., Burrillville, 651-6004, libertyfarm.net

Afternoon Tea Service

ONGOING: Experience an afternoon tea service at Hotel Viking. Choose from a variety of loose-leaf teas to enjoy while sampling culinary delights like housemade scones, delicate finger sandwiches, petit fours and more. 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

Igloos at the Coast Guard House

ONGOING: Bring up to eight of your foodie friends to the Coast Guard House for dinner in a designer decorated snow globe with a spectacular view of the ocean. Entrees like steamed lobster and seared scallops are sure to keep you warm. $100 rental charge for three hours, $25 minimum spend per guest. Seating times between 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Coast Guard House, 40 Ocean Rd., Narragansett, 789-0700, thecoastguardhouse.com

Comedy Connection

FEB. 2–4: Anthony Rodia. Fri. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sun. 6 p.m. FEB. 9–10: Rene Vaca. Fri. and Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. FEB. 15–17: Felipe Esparza. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Visit the website for updates. 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, 438-8383, ricomedyconnection.com

Poetry Circle

FEB. 8: Watch words come to life at the Portsmouth Library’s monthly Poetry Circle. Join in on insightful conversations exploring the art of different poets or get inspiration to craft your own. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free. Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, 683-9457, portsmouthlibrary.org

Drag Bingo

FEB. 15: Unleash your inner diva at Drag Bingo. Join in on an unforgettable “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired night filled with extravagant outfits and surprises. Cash or check only. Proceeds go to AIDS Care Ocean State. 5 p.m. $25. Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, 521-3603, aidscareos.org

 

LOOKING AHEAD: MARCH

MAR. 1–31: The Big LeBREWski, various locations, rifoodfights.com

MAR. 7–17: Frozen, Providence, ppac.org

MAR. 16: Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Newport, newportirish.com

MAR. 19: The Feast of St. Joseph, Providence, federalhillprov.com 

MAR. 21–APR. 7: Wolf Play, Providence, thewilburygroup.org