33 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island This February

FEATURED

FILM: Black History Month Film Presentation

FEB. 6

Join the Rhode Island Black Film Festival for a special film presentation at the Wheeler School in honor of Black History Month. 9:30 a.m.–noon. The Wheeler School Campus, 216 Hope St., Providence, ribff.org

MURDER MYSTERY: Murder on the Grand Bellevue Express

STARTING FEB. 7  

Star in your own murder mystery while enjoying a sumptuous meal, wine and craft cocktails with friends and family aboard a dinner train. The Murder Mystery Company brings you an interactive dining experience where you’ll meet the murder suspects, follow the clues and navigate a web of secrets as you try to piece together the puzzle. 6:30–9 p.m. $144.95. Grand Bellevue Train Station, 2 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, thegrandbell.com

MUSIC: Roomful of Blues at the Odeum

FEB. 8  

Catch an unforgettable night of soulful sounds with Roomful of Blues, the legendary eight-piece band that delivers a mix of blues, R&B and soul. Be prepared to dance the night away. 8 p.m. $35. Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main St., East Greenwich, greenwichodeum.com 

CRAFTS: Children’s Valentine’s Craft and Cookie Workshop

FEB. 9

Take a break from the cold and create your own personalized Valentine’s Day cards and cookies. Embrace the season and craft a heartfelt creation (and yummy treats!) for your loved ones. 2–4 p.m. $15. Bittersweet Farm, 923 Division Rd., East Greenwich, bittersweetfarmri.com

THEATER: ‘Ray Rickman — Civil Rights Kid’

FEB. 12

In this powerful one-man presentation, activist Ray Rickman talks about his experiences during the Civil Rights movement. From his city-wide walkouts to marching alongside Civil Rights icon James Meredith, this vivid chronicle will explore a significant moment in American history. 7–9:30 p.m. Visit website for tickets. $20–$30. Courthouse Center for the Arts, 3481 Kingstown Rd., West Kingston, courthousearts.org 

FESTIVAL: Newport Winter Festival

FEB. 14–23

The Newport Winter Festival is back with ten days of exciting events. You can choose your favorite chili in the chili cook-off, jam out to Elton John tribute band Bennie and the Jets, take in spectacular science experiments at the Fire & Ice Mad Science Show, learn about snakes and lizards at the Rainforest Reptile Show and more. Enjoy all the family fun, music, entertainment and festive activities. Visit website for dates, prices and tickets. For more details on what to do at the Newport Winter Festival, head to page 65 of our winter guide feature. Various locations throughout Newport, newportwinterfestival.com

KIDS: Providence Children’s Film Festival

FEB. 14–23

Introduce kiddos to the magic of cinema with ten days of film screenings, filmmaking workshops, activities and post-film chats that will help ignite creativity, imagination and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Visit website for dates, times and tickets. Various locations in Providence, providencechildrensfilmfestival.org 

LOVE & LAUGHS: ‘It’s a Date’

FEB. 16

See sparks fly in this evening overflowing with chemistry, laughter and mystery. Watch as four strangers take the stage blindfolded, relying solely on their wit and charisma to win each other over. The audience is allowed to spice things up with a mix of bold, deep questions! 7 p.m. $25. Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, ricomedyconnection.com 

ART: ‘Donna Bassin: Portraits of the Precarious Earth’

THROUGH MAY 5

In response to the environmental crisis and its psychological impact, Donna Bassin’s exhibit, which opened Jan. 29, captures Earth’s vulnerability and immense loss of nature through powerful, photo-based landscapes. Wed.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun. noon–4 p.m. $8–$15. The Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, newportartmuseum.org

 

THEATER

Matteo Lane: Can’t Stop Talking

FEB. 21: Enjoy a fun night of laughter with New York-based comedian Matteo Lane in his show, Can’t Stop Talking. Fluent in more than three languages and an astounding singing range, come see what secrets Lane has in store for his comedy show! 8 p.m. Visit website for tickets. 1 Ave. of the Arts, Providence, 421-2787, thevetsri.com

 Trinity Rep

THROUGH FEB. 23: “Someone Will Remember Us” uncovers the lasting impacts of war through real-life testimonies of U.S. veterans, Iraqi civilians, Gold Star families, and refugees living in Rhode Island. Twenty years later, after Trinity Rep’s rendition of “Boots on the Ground,” this heartfelt new production explores the personal and communal tolls of war while highlighting resilience and connection in the face of adversity. Visit website for times and tickets. Trinity Rep, 201 Washington St., Providence, trinityrep.com

 The Park Theatre

ONGOING: The Park Theatre is offering a variety of shows this month. On Feb. 13, watch “Tusk” perform a tribute to an iconic band, Fleetwood Mac. On Feb. 15, gift your beloved Valentine “A Night with Tony Vega” and watch him perform some of his greatest classic salsa hits. On Feb. 22, Shawn Barker pays tribute to Johnny Cash in “The Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash.” Visit website for times and ticket prices. Historic Park Theatre and Event Center, 848 Park Ave., Cranston, 955-7275, theparkri.com

Life of Pi at PPAC

FEB. 11–16: Experience a show that delivers a message of perseverance and hope in PPAC’s rendition of the Life of Pi. Discover the tale of a boy who is stranded in the ocean with only four furry companions and see how his story unfolds. 7 p.m. $45–$95. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, ppacri.org

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Tiverton Farmers Market

ONGOING: Browse a selection of vendors offering fresh, 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 community members. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Farmers market open every Sunday. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free. Tiverton Middle School Cafeteria, 10 Quintal Dr., Tiverton, 474-1064, tivertonfarmersmarket.com

Rhode Island RV Show

FEB. 21–23: 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. $12.50 (no cash). Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, 458-6000, rvsupershows.com

 

TRIPS & TOURS

Newport Winter Foodies Stroll

ONGOING: Discover the best locally owned restaurants and learn all the fun things about the “City By the Sea” as you stroll around Lower Thames Street. Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. 11:30 a.m. $58–$95. Intersection of America’s Cup and Memorial Blvd., Newport, newportfoodiesstroll.com

Crime and Cuisine Tour

ONGOING: Follow your (under)belly through the many culinary delights of Providence’s Federal Hill, the city’s hub of all things Italian, while sampling Italian delicacies and learning about the city’s colorful characters who sometimes strayed to the other side of the law. Meet at Garibaldi Park at the base of the La Pigna gateway arch. Visit website for dates and times. $75. 99 Atwells Ave., Providence, 408-6608, pvdtourco.com

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite Rhody neighborhoods with a food stroll featuring delicious food samplings plus alcohol (and nonalcoholic) pairings at five to six independent restaurants and eateries. Tours take place in Providence and Newport. Reservations are required. Visit website for dates, times, meet up locations, and prices. 684-1110, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Providence River Boat Company

ONGOING: Take one of the daily tours to learn more about Rhode Island, sip on locally distilled cocktails while enjoying the scenery, and more one-of-a-kind river cruise experiences with the Providence River Boat Company. Visit the website for dates, times, prices and other information. 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.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.  Visit website for times and tickets. Rosecliff, the Breakers, the Elms, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer, Newport, newportmansions.org

 

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 unitedskates.com

Studio Playground

THROUGH MAR. 8: 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. Ages 5–17. $150–$250. Rhode Island School for the Deaf, 1 Corliss Park, Providence; 188 Valley St., Providence, studioplayground.org

WELLNESS

Still Together Mindfulness Meditation

ONGOING: Find your peace and wellbeing 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. 3:30–4:15 p.m. Meet outside the Welcome Center. Free. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, 846-2577, normanbirdsanctuary.org

 

MUSUEMS & GALLERIES

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Plan your in-person visit in advance online and check out exhibitions on view including “Process Work” and “The Road Less Traveled.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.­–5 p.m.; Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Adults $20, seniors $15, students $10 with ID youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thurs. 5 p.m.– 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 “Art Through the Ages: A House of Timeless Treasures” and “The Joy of Being,” which is on view until Feb. 23. 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

 

VALENTINE’S DAY

Tis’ The Season of Love: Valentine’s Day Gala

FEB. 14: Celebrate love in an enchanting setting, where elegance meets romance. Indulge in a candlelit dinner thoughtfully prepared to delight your senses. Dance the night away to timeless romantic hits and rekindle or celebrate your connection as you make lasting memories with your partner. 6–10 p.m. $135. LeFoyer, 151 Fountain St., Pawtucket, eventbrite.com

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Comedy Show

FEB. 14: There is nothing better than celebrating a day full of love with dinner and a good laugh. Enjoy a delicious meal followed by a comedy show that will have you rolling with laughter all night. Come out with that special someone or enjoy with friends for an unforgettable night of entertainment. 6–9 p.m. $50. 174 Portuguese Social Club Way, Pawtucket, eventbrite.com

 

ETCETERA

Providence Restaurant Weeks

THROUGH FEB. 8: 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

Newport Burger Bender

FEB. 14–23: 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 

Stargazing Nights at Frosty Drew Observatory 

ONGOING: 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. Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center, Ninigret Park, 62 Park Ln., Charlestown. 859-1450, frostydrew.org

Igloos at the Coast Guard House

ONGOING: Experience a unique dining experience with the igloos at the Coast Guard House in Narragansett. Dine in warmth and style at their custom-designed igloos, nestled right by the sea. Each igloo provides an intimate setting for two to eight guests, complete with cozy comforts such as a Bluetooth speaker and a fireplace and heater to keep the chill at bay Visit website for times. $100 rental fee. Coast Guard House, 40 Ocean Rd., Narragansett, thecoastguardhouse.com

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