35 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this March

FEATURED

3/2–3: Little City Thrifty Vintage Market   

What: Find vintage gems and one-of-a-kind items at this retro marketplace. Browse more than ninety booths filled with vintage clothing, home decor, records, books, art, collectibles, small furniture, jewelry and more. The event will also feature food from local eateries and tickets include a complimentary beverage. Noon–6 p.m. $8 in advance; $10 at the door. $15 early buying hour tickets allow entry at 11 a.m. Where: WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence. More info: littlecitythrifty.com.

 

3/7–17: Frozen at Providence Performing Arts Center  

What: You’ve seen the movie and you’ve listened to the songs on repeat. Now it’s time to experience the legendary film and musical on stage. Enjoy an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and iconic performances. $47–$150. Where: Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. More info: 421-2787, ppacri.org.

 

3/16: Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade   

What: 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. Where: Parade begins at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport. More info: 846-5081, newportirish.com.

 

THEATER

United Theatre

MAR. 9: Enjoy a night of laughs with Permission to Speak, a one-man, off-Broadway show by Providence native comedian/actor Paul Mercurio. Join in on the fun with this interactive experience or watch from the crowd as Mercurio connects with audience members over hilarious conversations. 7:30 p.m. $35. Black Box Auditorium, United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly, 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org 

Wilbury Theatre Group

MAR. 21–APR. 7: Hansol Jung’s Wolf Play
revolves around the experiences of a Korean child called Wolf who was adopted by a white heterosexual couple. The play engages audiences in conversation about transnational adoption, custody rights, LGBTQ+ parenting and an adopted child’s sense of belonging. Wilbury Theatre Group, 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org

Gamm Theatre

MAR. 21–APR. 14: Experience the Gamm’s signature take on Shakespeare in Twelfth Night, a production laced with melancholy and peppered with mirth. Penned in the celebratory spirit of Tudor England’s Twelfth Night festival, the satire explores the mutable nature of gender, sexuality and social standing with heart and humor.
Visit the website for times. $25–$70. The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, gammtheatre.org

Trinity Rep

MAR. 21–APR. 28: Experience American playwright August Wilson’s iconic play, Fences — a story centered around former Negro League baseball player Troy Maxson in segregated 1957 Pittsburgh. Maxson’s desire to protect his loved ones from oppression grows warped by his stubbornness and pride. A devastating look at a man and his family’s strained relationships, Fences is a must-see Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, returning to the Trinity Rep stage for the first time in more than thirty years. $24–$60. Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

 

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Providence Flea 

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products while shopping at the Providence Flea at Farm Fresh Rhode Island for the winter months. Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Aquidneck Growers Market

ONGOING: Support agricultural life and the local economy at the Aquidneck Growers Market, where shoppers can find an assortment of both organic and conventionally grown produce, fresh and ready for any recipe. Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Free admission. Stoneacre Garden, 151 Swinburne Row, Newport, 256-6627, aquidneckcommunitytable.org 

Tiverton Farmers Market

ONGOING: Browse a selection of local produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and more at the Tiverton Farmers Market. Support musicians, artists, food entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations as they gather to connect with community members. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Sun. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free. Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Dr., Tiverton, 474-1064, tivertonfarmersmarket.com 

Farm Fresh RI Providence Farmers Market

ONGOING: Get to know various food and farm vendors (more than sixty-five to be exact, selling everything from produce to fresh fish) at this year-round market, while exploring the permanent businesses that call Farm Fresh home, such as New Harvest Coffee and Spirits, Anchor Toffee, Rhed’s Hot Sauce, Providence Brewing Co., Wright’s Creamery and Tallulah’s Taqueria. Sat. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 312-4250, farmfreshri.org

Mount Hope Farmers Market

ONGOING: Head over to Mount Hope Farm for your weekly groceries, courtesy of local farmers and artisans like Barden Family Orchard, Roots Farm, Brightside Seafood, Navad Bakers and Two Gals Cocktails. Be sure to visit the farm animals during your visit. Sat. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free admission. Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 254-1745, mounthopefarm.org

The Feast of St. Joseph

MAR. 19: Celebrate Italian culture (and satisfy your sweet tooth!) during the Feast of St. Joseph on Federal Hill. Don some red attire and spend the day visiting local bakeries to stock up on zeppole, the traditional Italian pastry filled with custard and topped with powdered sugar and a cherry. Finish off the day with a savory Italian dinner at one of the many renowned restaurants on Federal Hill. Various locations on Federal Hill, Providence, federalhillprov.com

 Soupy Fest

MAR. 23: Do you have a hankering for Italian fare? Look no further than the first-ever Soupy Fest, a celebration of all things soppressata, a dry-cured sausage that the locals call “soupy.”  Soupy Fest will feature tastings, a soupy-based bourbon, a premiere documentary screening, a soupy trail map of Westerly and a contest for the best family-made soupy in town. 6 p.m. Visit the website for tickets and more information. Black Box Auditorium, United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly, 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org

 

TRIPS AND TOURS

Newport Winter Foodies Stroll

THROUGH MAR. 30: Rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals on this one-mile walking tour. Wander the historic streets of the City by the Sea with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants and pubs. Fri. and Sat. 5:30 p.m. $135. Meet at the corner of Thames Street and Lee’s Wharf, Newport, 508-505-5299, newportfoodiesstroll.com

Tour de Patrick

MAR. 2, 9 AND 17: 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, 952-6333, tourdepatrick.com

 

KIDS’ STUFF

Glow Skate

ONGOING: Lace up your skates for a night filled with colorful lights and lasers at Glow Skate. Test your luck with games at the arcade, fuel up with soft drinks and pizza and try your hand at laser tag and rock climbing. Sat. 4–6:30 p.m. and 7–9:30 p.m. Visit the website for pricing. United Skates of America, 75 New Rd., Rumford, 438-9898, unitedskates.com

 

MUSIC

Contemporary Theater

THROUGH MAR. 28: Get the reality TV competition show experience in real life with Wakefield Idol at the Contemporary Theater Company. Join the audience and support Wakefield’s talented performers during this famed singing competition with a $1,500 grand prize. You can get the full live experience at the theater, watch the shows at a local restaurant or stream them from the comfort of your home. Thurs. 7 p.m. Visit the website for pricing. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

FirstWorks

Mar. 15: Experience a musical journey combining song, spoken word and cinematic visuals in “Small Island Big Song.” In this multimedia concert confronting climate change, First Nation artists from across the Pacific and Indian oceans will unite to blend traditions and create music celebrating the ways we’re all connected. 7:30 p.m. $25–$45. The Strand Ballroom, 79 Washington St., Providence, firstworks.org

Rhode Island Philharmonic

MAR. 15–16: Enjoy two nights of Tchaikovsky with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, conducted by Joseph Young with Tony Siqi Yun on the piano. Amica Rush Hour Fri. 6:30 p.m. Taco Classical program Sat. 8 p.m. $20–$74. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets.riphil.org

Newport Classical

MAR. 22: Enjoy an evening of music with bassoonist Eleni Katz and pianist Evren Ozel. Together, the pair bring life to the classical bassoon repertoire exploring themes of dance styles, rhythms, lyricism and emotion. 7:30 p.m. $45–$58. Newport Classical recital hall, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, 846-1133, newportclassical.org

 

DANCE

Newport Contemporary Ballet

MAR. 14–16 AND 22–23: Admire an inspiring ballet performance with “Shifting Light,” a story of blurred edges and illuminated ideas from the minds of choreographers Janice Rosario and Kristopher Estes-Brown. Newport Contemporary Ballet will also perform the pas de deux from “Light Rain.” $20–$59. The Keats Theatre at St. Andrew’s School, 63 Federal Rd., Barrington, 847-4470, newportcontemporaryballet.org

 

BENEFITS

Cookies and Cocktails 

MAR. 7: Pair your favorite Girl Scouts cookies with a cocktail or two. Hosted by the Girl Scouts of Southern New England and emceed by NBC 10 news anchor Mario Hilario, indulge in hors d’oeuvres at this twenty-one-plus event. Don’t miss the light fare and unique dessert adaptations of the famed Girl Scout cookies, created by chefs from local bakeries and restaurants. 5:30–8:30 p.m. $100. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 331-4500, gssne.org

 

SPORTS AND WELLNESS

Still Together Mindfulness Meditation

ONGOING: Find peace and well-being during meditation sessions, held for free in-person and online at the Warwick Center for the Arts. Reduce your stress, improve your health and strengthen your focus while engaging in a guided meditation practice. In-person sessions are held on the first and third Monday of the month. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Virtual sessions are held every second, fourth and fifth Monday of the month. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Thurs. mornings 7:30–7:50 a.m. Free. Warwick Center for the Arts, 3259 Post Rd., Warwick, 737-0010, warwickcfa.org

Free Wednesday Nature Walks 

ONGOING: Every Wednesday afternoon, gather at the Norman Bird Sanctuary for a nature walk. Connect with the outdoors and breathe in the fresh air when you stroll among the wildlife at this seaside preserve. Wed. 3–3:45 p.m. Free. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, 846-2577, normanbirdsanctuary.org

Amica Mutual Pavilion

MAR. 1: Providence Bruins vs. Springfield. 7:05 p.m. $20–$89. MAR. 2: Providence College men’s basketball vs. Villanova. Noon. MAR. 3: Providence Bruins vs. Hartford. 7:05 p.m. $20–$119. MAR. 9: Providence College men’s basketball vs. UConn. Time TBD. $135–$400. MAR. 10: Providence Bruins vs. Springfield. 3:05 p.m. $20–$70. MAR. 15–16: Providence Bruins vs. Lehigh Valley. 7:05 p.m. $20–$89. MAR. 23: Providence Bruins vs. Charlotte. 7:05 p.m. $20–$61. MAR. 24: Providence Bruins vs. Syracuse. 3:05 p.m. $20–$119. MAR. 29–31: NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey championship. Fri. 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 6:30 p.m. $90. Visit website for more information and prices. 1 LaSalle Sq., Providence, 331-0700, amicamutualpavilion.com

 

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Discover exhibitions including “Art and Design from 1900 to Now” and “Fantasy, Myth, Legend: Imagining the Past in Works on Paper Since 1750.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.­–5 p.m.; Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Adults $20; seniors $15; youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thurs. 5–8 p.m. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View exquisite and thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Unfinished Business” and “Arghavan Khosravi.” Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Adults $15; seniors $10; college students $8; military, museum members and children seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

Chazan Gallery at Wheeler 

Through MAR. 6: Experience the work of new media artist and researcher Triton Mobley at “Coloured.Aesthetica.” Mon.–Fri. 3–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Sun. Free admission. Chazan Gallery at Wheeler, 228 Angell St., Providence, 528-2227

 

ETCETERA

Afternoon Tea Service

ONGOING: Experience an afternoon tea service at Hotel Viking. Choose from a variety of loose-leaf teas to enjoy while sampling culinary delights like house-baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, petit fours and more. Sat. and Sun. 2–4 p.m. $49 per person. Reserve on the website or on resy.com. The Garden Room at Hotel Viking, 1 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-3300, hotelviking.com

Waves of Discovery: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Seafaring Science

ONGOING: Discover the historical legacy of Newport in this enlightening exhibit, where visitors will learn about the early European settlers of the city and how they navigated voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit the website for details. Newport Historical Society, 82 Touro St., Newport, 841-8770, newporthistory.org 

Comedy Connection

MAR. 1–2: Mike Finoia. Fri. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. MAR. 14–16: Luis J. Gomez. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. MAR. 21–23: Chris Redd. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. MAR. 24: Alingon Mitra — The Sunday Sermons Tour. 7:30 p.m. Visit the website for prices and ticket status. 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, 438-8383, ricomedyconnection.com

The Big LeBREWski

MAR. 1–31: Local craft breweries compete to see who’s the best. Each participating brewery is offering a tasting or a pour for ticket holders to vote upon. Visit the website for tickets. $40. Various locations throughout Rhode Island, rifoodfights.com

Poetry Circle

MAR. 14: Watch words come to life at the Portsmouth Library’s monthly poetry circle. Whether you’re a beginner or a poetry connoisseur, get ready to read, share and create. Join insightful conversations exploring the art of different poets or get inspired to craft your own. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free. Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, 683-9457, portsmouthlibrary.org

Drag Bingo

MAR. 21: Add a twist to traditional bingo night at Drag Bingo. Join in on an unforgettable “Easter Bonnet”-inspired night filled with glamour, extravagant outfits and surprises. Enter contests, win prizes and more. Seating is first-come, first-served. Cash or check only. Proceeds go to AIDS Care Ocean State. 5 p.m. $25. Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, 521-3603, aidscareos.org

 

LOOKING AHEAD: APRIL

APR. 1–30: Newport Daffodil Days, Newport, newportinbloom.org

APR. 4–7: Rhode Island Home Show, Providence, ribahomeshow.com  

APR. 6: “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” in Concert with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Providence, ppacri.org

APR. 6: We Are ALL Readers Children’s Book Festival, North Kingstown, weareallreaders.com 

APR. 13: Newport Rhode Races, Newport, rhoderaces.com