32 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island This March

Photograph courtesy of Save the Bay Tours.

FEATURED

SEAL SPOTTING: Harbor Seal Tours

ONGOING: Save The Bay is offering one-hour seal tours around Newport Harbor during the chilly New England winter. Don’t miss them — these adorable “dogs of the sea” only stick around in cold temps, and tours operate through April. $22 for nonmembers; $17 for Save The Bay members, seniors and children ages 3–12; free for children 2 and younger. Tours leave from Perrotti Park, 37 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, savebay.org

CELTIC CRAIC: Pawtucket St. Patrick’s Day Parade

MAR. 1: Skip on over to the corner of Division and South Bend streets in Pawtucket to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Wear your best green fit and look out for leprechauns. Parade starts at noon. Join the after-party at the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center on Exchange Street, starting at 1 p.m., featuring vendors, food, drinks and live Irish music. After-party tickets are $3. The parade continues down Walcott Street to Roosevelt Avenue, ending at Pawtucket City Hall. facebook.com/pawtucketstpatsparade

CRAFT BREWS: RI Craft Beer Week

Photograph courtesy of RI Brewers Guild.

MAR. 7–16: Toast to the final weeks of winter with RI Craft Beer Week. Featuring taproom events, special releases and prize giveaways, the week will be filled with chances to find your perfect brew. Visit local bars, restaurants and retailers for tastings and one-off taps. Don’t forget to bring your RI Brewery Passport and enjoy double earnings. Don’t have one? Download the app! Breweries across Rhode Island, ribrewersguild.org

GIRLS’ DAY OUT: RI Women’s Expo

MAR. 16: March is Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate than with a day devoted to self-care and empowerment? Complete with a fashion show featuring local boutiques, raffle prizes, food and drink sampling, cooking demos, seminars and expert panels, the RI Women’s Expo has everything you need to treat yourself. You’ll even get the chance to grab an event swag bag or opt for VIP tickets for the “ultimate swag” and a glass of bubbly in the VIP lounge. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, riwomensexpo.com 

ZEPPOLE TIME: The Feast of St. Joseph

MAR. 19: In honor of St. Joseph’s Day this month, you can celebrate by wearing red and swinging by Providence’s historic Federal Hill bakeries to enjoy the delicious Italian delicacy, zeppole. Join in on the celebration and be sure to sample some tasty Italian dishes before dessert. Federal Hill, Providence, federalhillprov.com 

MUSIC LOVERS: Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman 

Photo courtesy of Blackstone River Theatre.

MAR. 23: Enjoy the melodies of renowned Irish harper Máire Ní Chathasaigh and celebrated guitarist Chris Newman as they play traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque alongside new compositions. 3 p.m. $23 online; $26 at the door. Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland, brtri.org 

GO FOR A RUN: Southcoast Health Aquidneck 10K

Photo courtesy of Jon Clancy.

MAR. 23: It’s all about the journey, not the destination, with this race that benefits the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Reach your personal milestones with a scenic run alongside sand dunes, a wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary. 9–11 a.m. $55. Second Beach, 315 Sachuest Point Rd., Middletown, aquidneck10k.com

FOR THE FOODIES: Providence Culinary Collective

Clementine’s cocktail bar. Photo courtesy of Providence Warwick CVB.

MAR. 27–30: Foodies, rejoice! There’s a new culinary and wine festival coming to the capital city and it’s sure to make your taste buds tingle. Gear up for a weekend filled with guest chef dinners, chef’s choice classes, exclusive tastings, celebrity chef appearances, food truck festivities and more. Plus, delight in the perfect pairings of food experiences and wine selections crafted from sommeliers during the Rhode Island Wine Experience. Various locations throughout Providence, goprovidence.com

GET YOUR GIGGLES ON: Lil Rhody Laugh Riot

Photo courtesy of the Vets/Leslie Jones.

MAR. 27–30: Bring on the laughs! Get your comedy fix during this four-day comedy festival taking place for the first time. Catch some of the biggest names in the business, like Kevin Hart, Leslie Jones and Aziz Ansari, plus viral internet comedy sensation Hannah Berner and reality TV star Jonathan Van Ness, at iconic venues like The Vets, the Comedy Connection and the Providence Performing Arts Center. Various entertainment venues in Providence, thevetsri.com 

WICKED FUN: The Wizard of Oz

Photo courtesy of Stadium Theatre.

MAR. 28–30: Head down the Yellow Brick Road to Stadium Theatre for the classic production of The Wizard of Oz, including famous tunes like “Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” Join the talented cast for a family-friendly showing of the stage version of the 1939 cult classic story of Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $29–$41. Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket, stadiumtheatre.com

COMEDY

Next Stop Comedy at Smug Brewing Company

MAR. 21: Laugh, chuckle, giggle, and jest all night long at Smug Brewing Company with Next Stop Comedy. Bringing top stand-up comedians to your favorite local venues, Next Stop Comedy features a back-to-back lineup of acts seen on TV and heard on popular podcasts. Let Next Stop Comedy be the funniest stop of your night. 8–9:30 p.m. Tickets available through Eventbrite. Early Bird admission $20; General admission $25. Smug Brewing Company, 100 Carver St., Pawtucket, nextstopcomedy.com

Paul Mecurio’s Permission to Speak

MAR. 7–8: Paul Mecurio, the Emmy and Peabody award winning comedian and actor, takes the United stage with his crowd work-focused show, Permission to Speak. In this fully improvised event, the audience is not the punchline, but the stars of the production. By the end of the night, each individual theatergoer will be brought together as one large, laughing entity, with Paul as the link. 7:30 p.m. $41. United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly, unitedtheatre.org 

Sam Morril: The Errors Tour

MAR. 6: Treat yourself to a Thursday night full of laughter hosted by Sam Morril. Known for stand-up sets performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late, Late Show with James Corden, and Conan, Morril proves to be one of the best joke writers on the scene today. Prepare for the show by streaming Netflix’s That’s My Time with David Letterman and Amamzon Prime special Sam Morril: You’ve Changed for some sneak peaks at this jokester’s comedic style. 7 p.m. $41–$61. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, ppacri.org

FOR THE KIDDOS

Wee-One Wednesdays

ONGOING: Come with your little ones to explore the botanical center’s greenhouses, sit for a story time, engage in a craft activity, and more! This weekly toddler program is open to ages 2–4. Every Wednesday, 9–10 a.m. Free. Visit website to register. Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, 1 Floral Ave., Providence, providenceri.gov

ARTS

Newport Art Museum Exhibit

THROUGH MAY 6: This functional art exhibit, Without You (I’m Just an Empty Shell) by artist Andrea Spiridonakos features a functional art piece based on the shell shape of a Newport oyster species. This shell-shaped chair represents the functionality of oysters as natural water filters, cleaning coastlines all around Rhode Island. See website for museum hours. Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students $8. Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, newportartmuseum.org

Latin Night at The Point Tavern

THROUGH MAR. 25: Want to learn salsa, bachata, merengue, and mambo? Dance your way down to The Point Tavern every Tuesday night for their Latin Dance Night! Instructor Keke Febles’s class is intended for beginners and experienced artists alike. 8 p.m. Visit Eventbrite link to register. Free. The Point Tavern, 302 Wickenden St., Providence, eventbrite.com/latin-night/

RI Latinx Artists Network Artists MeetUps

MAR. 13: RILA invites artists of all genres to join their monthly Artists MeetUps- creative exchanges and networking. Meet other artists in the Rhode Island area to discuss upcoming projects, work through a case of writers’ block, or ask the collective for help! 5:30–7 p.m. No registration required. 209 Central St., Central Falls, rilatinoarts.org

Art Battle New England Home Show

MAR. 30: Twelve artists, 3 rounds, one champion — this artistic competition brings creative energy to Bally’s Twin River in Lincoln. As you survey the auction-ready artwork to the beat of the live DJ, quench your thirst and hunger with delicious drinks and food. Doors open at 10 a.m. and painting begins at noon. Visit website for tickets. Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort, 100 Twin River Road., Lincoln, artbattle.com

FOOD AND DRINK

GFree Fest

MAR. 22–23: Held annually in Providence, GFree Fest showcases gluten-free products and gluten-friendly restaurants by hosting a day of eating, drinking, and shopping. Founded by a local celiac, this event gives gluten-free foodies the best outlets to try new things and make connections in the community! See website for hours and tickets. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, gfreefest.com

All Après, No Ski!

ONGOING: Have a ski lodge-themed indulgent gathering at Hotel Viking without all the effort of actually skiing. Reserve a firepit and warm up in the Courtyard while enjoying a curated cocktail and specialty food menu. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the courtyard. 3–9 p.m. See website for prices. Hotel Viking, One Bellevue Ave., Newport. hotelviking.com

THEATER

Between Riverside and Crazy at the Gamm Theatre

THROUGH MAR. 9: Experience the Gamm’s signature take on Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis, a production filled with the working-class spirit of Sweat and the dark humor of Hangmen. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a perfect fit for Gamm’s stage, with crackling dialogue and surprising humor, this Rhode Island premiere asks: What’s a good man to do, when caught between Riverside and Crazy? Visit the website for times. $58–$78. The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, gammtheatre.org

Fat Ham at Wilbury Theatre Group

MAR. 27–APR. 13: James Ijames’s Fat Ham, winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, reinvents Shakespeare’s Hamlet in startling and hilarious ways amidst the backdrop of a family barbecue in the American South. How will Juicy, a sensitive and self-aware young Black man trying to break the cycles of trauma, avenge his father’s premature death? Find out in this riveting play taking place at the Wilbury Theatre Group. Visit the website for tickets, prices and dates. Wilbury Theatre Group, 475 Valley St., Providence, thewilburygroup.org 

La Tempestad at Trinity Rep

MAR. 27–APR. 27: Trinity Rep takes on La Tempestad – The Tempest, Shakespeare’s familiar story of magic, betrayal, comedy, and love told through a compelling mix of The Bard’s classic English, translated Spanish dialogue. Complete with projected subtitles so you can understand it all, La Tempestad – The Tempest purposefully weaves two languages to deconstruct colonialist narratives while retaining the tragedy, romance, magic, and fantasy that make Shakespeare’s final play so beloved. $24–$65. Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, trinityrep.com

“The Vanishing Elephant” at Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC)

MAR. 15: The Providence Performing Arts Center welcomes a sensory-friendly performance of “The Vanishing Elephant” offered in collaboration with the Autism Project. A moving story of friendship, belonging and one incredible journey from Bengal to the bright lights of Broadway, “The Vanishing Elephant” features a talented team of puppeteers. 2 p.m. General admissions $5. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, ppacri.org

“Aging Disgracefully – Spring Aging” at the Courthouse Center for the Arts

MAR. 15: Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Famers Charlie Hall and Doreen Collins introduce “Aging Disgracefully,” a new show with a mix of stand-up, songs and skits about the process of getting older and trying to stay young. These two cover everything from botox to bingo, using their jokes and musical parodies to put a twist on the process of aging. Don’t miss this all-new show, guaranteed to be relatable and hilarious. 7 p.m. Tickets starting at $23. The Courthouse Center for the Arts, 3481 Kingstown Rd., West Kingstown, courthousearts.org

FESTIVALS AND TOURS

Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade

MAR. 15: Erin go bragh! Feel the luck o’ the Irish during this year’s Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Grab your friends and catch the festive marching bands, pipe bands, fife and drum corps and more. Held rain or shine. 11 a.m. Parade begins at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, discovernewport.org

Art Newport Fine Art Show

MAR. 28–30: This inaugural festival is a vibrant art festival celebrating creativity and community in the heart of Newport. Commencing at the newly remodeled Newport Harbor Island Resort, this collaborative event promises to bring together artists, art lovers, and the community for a weekend filled with inspiration, engagement, and exploration. Dance the night away at the Ostara Fine Arts Ball on Mar. 28 and enjoy the variety of interactive and regional art at the Fine Art Show from Mar. 29-30. See website for times and tickets. 1 Goat Island, Newport, newportartistcollective.com

Tour de Patrick

MAR. 1, 8, AND 30: Get moving and get excited for one (or all, if you’re willing to complete the Tour de Patrick) of the Guinness 5K race series. Make it an extra fun run and wear a costume during the race. Visit the website for details, registration information and pricing. All races start at 11 a.m. Pawtucket City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket; Rhode Island State House, 82 Smith St., Providence; North Kingstown High School, 150 Fairway Dr., North Kingstown. tourdepatrick.com

World’s Shortest St. Paddy’s Day Parade

MAR. 16: Be part of a record–breaking experience with Little Compton’s annual “World’s Shortest St. Paddy’s Day” parade. This celebration features live musical performances, a cash prize for best float, and even an appearance by three-time Super Bowl champion and guest of honor, Troy Brown. Not only is this event a fun time for all ages, but it is for a good cause with a mission to support local foodbanks. Post-parade party and fundraiser tickets are also available for purchase online prior to the event. 3 p.m. Main St., Downtown Adamsville, paddyparade.com

ETCETERA

Cardigan Connection

MAR. 11: Join four featured authors for a storytelling, socializing, and book reading session. Sonali Dev, John Kenney, Betty Shamieh, and Nicole Graev Lipson, authors of There’s Something About Mira, I See You’ve Called In Dead, Too Soon, and Mothers and Other Fictional Characters, respectively, will have their books available for purchase. Table reservations can be made for four or more, and Alchemy encourages guests to bring their own food to enjoy during the presentations. 6:30–9 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Parking lot and street parking available. Alchemy, 171 Chestnut Street, Providence, alchemyri.net

Museum of Natural History Special Program: All About Eggs

MAR. 30–31: Learn about the natural history of bird eggs! After a basic biology lesson, egg enthusiasts will see a wide variety of egg decorating customs from around the world. They will have a chance to view a curated selection of the extensive egg collection not typically on view to the public. 11 a.m.–noon. Non-members $3; Members free. Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. providenceri.gov

Planetarium Show at the Museum

ONGOING: In this show, viewers of all ages will take a tour of the skies and discover constellations, planets, and nebulae that can be seen in the night sky. Advanced video imagery gives viewers up close views of black holes and star-forming nebulae. Sky Views leaves every star traveler with a sense of wonder about our universe. Every Sunday, 2–2:30 p.m. Non-members $5; Members free. Visit website for tickets and more show details. The Museum of Natural History, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, providenceri.gov