Your March To Do List in Rhode Island

Photo courtesy of PPAC/ by Joan Marcus

THEATER: Wicked

MAR. 4–22

You don’t want to miss this “popular” production as it arrives in Providence! Before Dorothy, there was Wicked, which tells the tale of Elphaba, a green-skinned outcast attending Shiz University who just so happens to harbor intense powers. When Elphaba forms a strong friendship with fellow student Glinda, the two must learn the hard way that the world will always try to label you either “good” or “wicked.” Visit website for ticketing and times. PPAC, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, ppacri.org

NATURE: Explore Prudence Island

MAR. 5

Sail away on the Prudence Island ferry and spend an afternoon with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island exploring all the island has to offer. Led by staff from the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve, attendees can expect a day of short hikes exploring the scenic beauty and spotting wildlife like harbor seals and a variety of seabirds. The day ends watching the sunset before heading back to the mainland. $12; $8 for children; ferry ticket cost not included. 1:30–6:30 p.m. asri.org

Photo courtesy of Little City Thrifty/by Ampersand Creative

FASHION: Little City Thrifty

MAR. 7–8

Add shopping sustainably to your March calendar by attending Little City Thrifty, a curated secondhand market offering vintage and preloved furniture, clothing, books, records, home decor, art and more. Search through more than ninety booths and vendors for one-of-a-kind items just for you. Bring a used book to participate in a book swap. Tickets include one cocktail, mocktail or beer from New Harvest Coffee while other food and drink offerings will be for sale. $8–$16. Noon–6 p.m. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, littlecitythrifty.com

BEER: Grown-Up Book Fair 

MAR. 8

The Guild’s soon-to-be neighbors, An Unlikely Story bookstore, will be popping up at the Pawtucket brewery for a book fair! Expect curated gifts, prizes, books and, of course, beer.  Be sure to stay up to date on The Guild’s beer garden, opening across from An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA. Free. noon–4 p.m. The Guild, Pawtucket, theguildpawtucket.com

ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade

MAR. 14

Celebrate all things Irish at the seventieth annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Blend in with leprechauns by wearing green to this rain-or-shine event. Pipe bands, marching bands, fife and drum corps, and a host of local and regional organizations and more will all march in the parade this year. Whether you’re feeling lucky or not, visit the City by the Sea for some spring revelry. The parade starts at Newport City Hall and runs down Thames Street before ending at St. Augustin’s Church. 11 a.m. Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport,
discovernewport.org

Photo courtesy of Newport Contemporary Ballet/Alan Hubbard

BALLET: Are the Crayons Quitting?

MAR. 14–15

Adapted from The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, this ballet covers the hilarious story of a four-year-old boy with a lot to process when his crayons decide to leave. While red is upset they have to work overtime on holidays, black is just tired of outlining things, and let’s not even get started on the fight between orange and yellow. Rhode Island artists, composers and designers, in collaboration with Newport Contemporary Ballet’s Artistic Director Danielle Genest, turn the bestselling book into a delightful stage production. $42; students and seniors $29; ages twelve and younger $15. Visit website for times. The Keats Theatre at St. Andrew’s School, 63 Federal Rd., Barrington, newportcontemporaryballet.org

Photo courtesy of Blackstone River Theatre/by Damien Stenson

MUSIC: Téada

MAR. 22

With instruments like the fiddle, flute, guitar, accordion and bodhrán, this Irish band is as authentic as it gets! Téada has performed at major music festivals around the world, including
in Mexico, Europe, Africa, Russia, Israel and Australia. The band recently released a new album featuring special guest appearances by actor John C. Reilly and Irish singer and accordionist Séamus Begley. $35; $40 at the door. 7 p.m. Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland, brtri.org

Photo courtesy of Lil Rhody Laugh Riot/by Elizabeth Viggiano

COMEDY: Lil Rhody Laugh Riot

MAR. 26–29

For the second year in a row, Lil Rhody Laugh Riot brings some of the world’s top comedians to the smallest state. A diverse array of comedians, including Marc Maron (pictured above), John Mulaney, Jay Pharaoh, Chelsea Handler and Zarna Garg, among others, will take to Rhode Island’s biggest stages to bring laughter to the masses. Venues include local hot spots like the Providence Performing Arts Center, The Vets, Comedy Connection and more. Visit website for ticket information and times. Providence, lilrhodylaughriot.com

Photo courtesy of Newport Artists Collective/by Lynne Tungett

ART: ‘Art Newport’ Exhibit

MAR. 27–29

The Newport Artists Collective invites art enthusiasts to experience “Art Newport,” a curated exhibition featuring fifty artists from across the globe. After Friday night’s Masters & Muses Fine Arts Ball, the public is welcome to view the breathtaking art still on exhibit for the rest of the weekend. Newport Harbor Island Resort, 1 Goat Island, Newport, newportartistcollective.com

Photo courtesy of Horror Depot/Dark Reads

LITERATURE: Dark Reads

MAR. 28

Get into the spooky spirit at this horror-themed book fair, with more than fifty authors, publishers and vendors representing horror, dark fantasy, true crime, poetry and other genres on hand. Other offerings include henna tattoos, photo-ops and tarot card readings. For those who love eerie events, this one’s for you! 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $7.18–$28.52. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, horrordepot.com