Your February To Do List in Rhode Island
From the Providence Children's Film Festival to The Lala's burlesque Valentine's Day performance, we've compiled all the local activities that should be on your to do list this month.
Photo courtesy of April Brown, director of the Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading/photograph by S. Kai Cameron.
POETRY: Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading
FEB. 1
Kick off Black History Month with an event that celebrates the legacy of famed writer Langston Hughes, the voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Performers of all backgrounds, occupations, races and skill levels will read Hughes’ selected poems chosen from his extensive collection of works. 1–3 p.m., free admission. RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Walk, Providence, lhughescpr.org
COMEDY: D. L. Hughley
FEB. 5–7
Enjoy the biting humor and political observation comedy of acclaimed comedian D. L. Hughley. One of the stars of Spike Lee’s The Original Kings of Comedy, Hughley boasts a career that spans decades while keeping his performances fresh and current. He’s performed various times at the Comedy Connection to almost sold-out crowds, so be sure to grab tickets while you can. Tickets are $56.99. Performances at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, ricomedyconnection.com
Courtesy of Harlem Globetrotters
SPORTS: Harlem Globetrotters
FEB. 13
An event that will feel like a slam dunk for the whole family! The Harlem Globetrotters return to Providence for the 100 Year Tour. Known for their performative basketball style, players will flip, show off tricks, and invite audience members onto the court. Stick around after the game to score photos and autographs from the players. Visit website for ticketing. 7 p.m. Amica Mutual Pavillion, 1 La Salle Sq., Providence, harlemglobetrotters.com
Photo courtesy of the Providence Children’s Film Festival/Poster Design by Denis Roche
FILM: Providence Children’s Film Festival
FEB. 13–22
Watch independent and international children’s films that aim to inspire, delight, educate and connect children of all backgrounds. All films are appropriate for children, some are even made by children, and will be screened around Providence. Genres range from comedy and drama to animation and more. Most screenings are free or pay what you can. Various locations around Providence, providencechildrensfilmfestival.org
Photo courtesy of Discover Newport/David Hansen
FROSTY FUN: Newport Winter Festival
FEB. 13–22
For ten days, the Newport Winter Festival gives visitors an excuse to get out in the snow. The festival features yummy events like the annual chili cook-off, the best hot drink contest, a seafood fest and a mac-and-cheese showdown, where local chefs bring their best mac-and-cheese recipes to the table. Kid-friendly activities include a reptile show, illusionist performance, science show and a princess party complete with face painting, dancing and photos with princesses. More information on the website. Various locations around Newport, newportwinterfestival.com
Photo courtesy of the Lalas Burlesque
BURLESQUE: The Lalas
FEB. 14
Perfect for date night or a girls’ night out, The Lalas’ burlesque Valentine’s Day performance will get the whole crowd shimmying. The show celebrates women-driven comedy, sex appeal and rock ’n’ roll. See the art of burlesque on the most romantic day of the year, and yes, romance can be between you and your gal pals, too! Ages eighteen and older. $39–$50. 7 p.m. Bally’s Event Center, 100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, casinos.ballys.com
THEATER: Small Mouth Sounds
THROUGH FEB. 15
Come out to the Rhode Island premiere of Small Mouth Sounds, a play directed by Tanya Martin and written by Drama Desk Award winner Bess Wohl. The story centers around six runaways who ditch city life for a silent retreat. Confronted by deep-rooted issues, each runaway is faced with their own need for human connection. With very little dialogue yet full of awkward and insightful humor, this play proves that even when words fail us, communication finds a way. Tickets are pay what you can. Wilbury Theatre Group, 475 Valley St., Providence, thewilburygroup.org
Photo via Getty Images/E Plus/Miodrag Ignjatovic
ENVIRONMENT: Rhode Island Green Winterfest
FEB. 21
Don’t miss Rhode Island’s first sustainable winter games! Contests include the blind blizzard run, relay races, sled pushing races, snowball accuracy challenges and archery contests, among other competitons. There will be a sustainable marketplace with local shops and creators selling products that reflect the ideas of sustainability. Eco-friendly food trucks and food vendors will be onsite as well. Live music will be performed and if the day gets too cold, head to one of the heated lounges to recharge. 195 District Park, Providence, northeastrec.org
FOOD: RI VegFest
FEB. 21–22
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or plant-curious, RI VegFest welcomes you to experience plant-based eating during the two-day event. Not only will there be vegan food, but there will be vegan cocktails and beer as well. More than eighty-five vendors, nonprofit organizations, restaurants, artists and retailers will be onsite to offer attendees all things vegan. $12.25–$23. Noon to 5 p.m. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, rivegfest.com
Photo courtesy of Corinne Bailey Rae
MUSIC: Corinne Bailey Rae
FEB. 28
Known for songs like “Put Your Records On” and “Like a Star,” Corinne Bailey Rae’s career spans four critically acclaimed albums. The English singer-songwriter has earned two Grammy Awards and three Brit Awards, as well as a BET Award. Her R&B and soul undertones provide a wave of calm for listeners. $53.99–$74.99. 8 p.m. Uptown Theater, 270 Broadway, Providence, uptownpvd.com
