Your January To Do List in Rhode Island
From an owl prowl with the Audubon Society to Providence Restaurant Weeks, we've compiled all the local activities that should be on your to do list this month.
Photo courtesy of Shearer PR
COMEDY: Carlos Mencia
JAN. 2–3
In anticipation of his two stand-up specials being released later this year, Carlos Mencia is showcasing his raw and unfiltered brand of comedy with his “No Hat No Fear” tour. When not touring, you’ll find Mencia on the big screen in past films like The Heartbreak Kid and on TV in “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.” $38.99. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, ricomedyconnection.com
Photo courtesy of Audubon Society of Rhode Island/Peter Green
OUTDOORS: Owl Prowl
JAN. 3
Hit the trails with the whole gang during a family owl prowl, where an Audubon naturalist will guide hikers through the paths at the Clarie D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in hopes of seeing or hearing owls. Even if no owls are encountered, you’ll get some fresh air and learn all about the birds of prey, a great way to kick off the new year. Make sure to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. $14; $7 children. 4:30–6 p.m. Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, 1401 Hope St., Bristol, asri.org
Photo courtesy of Blackstone River Theatre
MUSIC: Scottish Fish
JAN. 10
Playing traditional and contemporary Scottish and Cape Breton music, Scottish Fish is an energetic five-person band that will make audiences clap along to the sounds of fiddles, piano and cellos. Featured in FolkWorld magazine, this all-female group will transport you to faraway lands without having to book a plane ticket. $28 ahead of time; $32 day of show. 3 p.m. Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland, brtri.org
HISTORY: Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
JAN. 17–18
While the RISD museum is closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it will host a series of events, workshops and discussions during the weekend to honor King’s legacy. Visitors can make art, explore the galleries and attend informative panels. Free admission will be offered all weekend. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. RISD Museum, 20 N. Main St., Providence, risdmuseum.org
Photo courtesy of PPAC/Joan Marcus
THEATER: Suffs
JAN. 20–25
See this Tony Award-winning musical about how American women had to fight for the right to vote. The musical explores the still-ongoing fight for equality in the United States using humor and lively songs to enrich the tale. $54–$96. Visit website for times. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, ppacri.org
Artwork “Riptide” by Pamela Granbery/courtesy of Newport Art Museum
ART: ‘Springboard’
JAN. 22–MAY 31
The Newport Art Museum’s members’ juried exhibition, “Springboard,” invites artists to look at history as a living source of inspiration. Julie Keyes, founder and principal of Keyes Art in Sag Harbor, New York, will jury the exhibition. Opening reception is Jan. 22 from 5–7 p.m. $15; $10 seniors; free ages seventeen and younger. Visit website for hours. The Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, newportartmuseum.org
Photo courtesy of Go Providence
FOOD: Providence Restaurant Weeks
JAN. 25–Feb. 7
Dine out in Rhode Island’s capital city and enjoy special offers at participating restaurants. Dine on reduced-price items for lunch and dinner with some restaurants offering signature cocktails and prix fixe menus. Visit website for participating restaurants and pricing. Providence, goprovidence.com/rw
Photo courtesy of the RISD Museum/Maxine Wo
LITERATURE: A Discussion With Keisha N. Blain
JAN. 29
The Newport Historical Society hosts historian and author Keisha N. Blain for a discussion about her new book, Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights. Blain will talk about the oppression, racism and sexism Black women fought to achieve freedom and dignity. $15–$20. 6 p.m. The Colony House, 82 Touro St., Newport, newporthistory.org
Phot courtesy of Feld Entertainment
FAMILY FUN: Monster Jam
JAN. 30–Feb. 1
Get rowdy with the whole family! Monster Jam returns to Providence, bringing world-class drivers, gigantic trucks and a whole lot of fun to the smallest state. Watch drivers take part in freestyle and racing competitions while other motorists soar off stacked ramps. Fans can get up close to the trucks at the “Pit Party,” a chance to take photos and meet the drivers. $25–$111.50. Check website for times. Amica Mutual Pavilion, One LaSalle Square, Providence, monsterjam.com
Photo courtesy of Clancy Creative/Jonathan Clancy
BEER: Rhode Island Brew Fest
JAN. 31
Celebrate American craft beer with fifty-plus breweries and more than 200 styles of beer. Now in its thirteenth year, the Rhode Island Brew Fest invites attendees to sip on offerings from local and national breweries while enjoying hearty eats from a bevy of food vendors. All attendees will receive a keepsake pint glass. Ages twenty-one and older. $65.21; $23.11 for designated drivers. There are two sessions: 1–4 p.m. and 5:30–8:30 p.m. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, ribrewfest.com
