2026 Best of Rhode Island Party Recap

Take a peek inside the state's BEST (okay, we may be biased) party of the year.

6 hours ago

Kaitlyn Murray,

Guests enjoy the photo booth at the 2026 Best of Rhode Island Party. Photo by Mike Braca

We’re still riding the high from our Best of Rhode Island Party last Thursday evening at the WaterFire Arts Center and let us tell you, it truly was one of the best events we’ve hosted yet. We’re talking absolutely perfect weather, amazing guests, surprise appearances from our Tartan Army friends, tons of local admirable art (both stationery and living), downright delicious food and drink, fun caricature and photo booth opportunities, a bumping dance floor… What more could you ask for? If you didn’t get a chance to attend this year, scroll through the gallery below for a taste of why you should put in a calendar reminder for next year (or if you were there, see if you made a cameo!).

Check-in at the front of the WaterFire Arts Center. Photo by Mike Braca
Guests wait patiently in line prior to party time which began promptly at 6 p.m. Photo by Mike Braca
The Pawtuxet Rangers are ready to greet guests. Photo by Mike Braca
Kent Stetson poses with a large poster of our August 2026 cover featuring his custom handbag with the Best of Rhode Island logo. Photo by Mike Braca
The Pawtuxet Rangers kick off the 2026 Best of Rhode Island Party by leading guests into the WaterFire Arts Center. Photo by Mike Braca
Performers from Ten31 Productions act as living statues of the Independent Man and other important Rhode Island figures throughout the night. Photo by Mike Braca
The Pawtuxet Rangers perform as guests enter the party. Photo by Mike Braca
Seafood tacos from Legal Seafoods. Photo by Mike Braca
Oyster raw bar provided by Matunuck Oyster Bar. Photo by Mike Braca
The Providence chapter of the Tartan Army blesses attendees with a bagpipe performance. Photo by Mike Braca
Ten 31 Productions performers hand out Rhode Island Monthly- and Ocean State-related fun facts. Photo by Mike Braca
The Industrious Spriits Company (ISCO) kept the party in good spirits. Photo by Mike Braca
The Cardi's brothers make an appearance. Photo by Mike Braca
Bourbon and apricot glazed meatballs and goat cheese bites from Fleming's. Photo by Mike Braca
Small sips from Jefferson & Co. Photo by Mike Braca
Sandwiches from Chelo's. Photo by Mike Braca
Three-time winner Barrington Books poses with the Best of RI marquee letters. Photo by Mike Braca
Kent Stetson with a selection of his luxury artisan handbags for sale. Photo by Mike Braca
A close up of the Kent Stetson handbag featured on our August 2026 cover, plus a custom bag he made for Real Housewives of Rhode Island fans.
Retro sodas and drinks from Rhody Pop. Photo by Mike Braca
Guests take advantage of Luke Renchan Entertainment's Draw Me Bot.
Guests enjoy the beautiful weather on the WaterFire Arts Center's back outdoor patio. Photo by Mike Braca
Yummy baked goods from Gingersnaps Bakery. Photo by Mike Braca
The WaterFire Arts Center from above. Photo by Mike Braca
An assortment of goodies from Wright's Dairy Farm and Bakery.
Flatbread bites from the Catering Gourmet. Photo by Mike Braca
Guests pose with URI's Rhody the Ram. Photo by Mike Braca
Pretzels from The Malted Barley. Photo by Mike Braca
Becky Bass sings and plays the steel drums. Photo by Mike Braca
Breaking it down on the dance floor. Photo by Mike Braca
Guests snap a pic of their photo booth photos. Photo by Mike Braca
Guests have a blast on the dance floor. Photo by Mike Braca
A guest visits the Grey Sail table on the outdoor patio. Photo by Mike Braca
Winding down on the back patio. Photo by Mike Braca
DJ Luke Renchan kept the party rocking. Photo by Mike Braca
One of the best dressed guests of the night grabs a drink from Newport Vineyards. Photo by Mike Braca
Lake Taco winner makes sure to get a photo of their Providence Picture Frame plaque. Photo by Mike Braca
Shenanigans on the dance floor. Photo by Mike Braca
Hydrating with Del's Lemonade. Photo by Mike Braca
Guests enjoy the plush furniture on the upstairs patio. Photo by Mike Braca
Becky Bass gets some good eats from Ja Patty. Photo by Mike Braca
Winner Blonde Me Becky poses for the photo booth (provided by Luke Renchan Entertainment). Photo by Mike Braca
Rhody the Ram takes a spin on the turn table with Luke Renchan.
Guests enjoy a view of the venue from the second floor balcony. Photo by Mike Braca
Mario Hilario and Sam Read hit the dance floor. Photo by Mike Braca
End of the night shot. Photo by Mike Braca