What to Eat and Drink at the Best of Rhode Island Party

Here's what to expect at the Best of Rhode Island Party at WaterFire Arts Center on July 23.

14 hours ago

Jamie Coelho,

Gallery Night at last year’s Best of Rhode Island party. Photos by Mike Braca.

We can’t wait to celebrate more than 400 Best of Rhode Island 2026 winners at the Best of Rhode Island Party on July 23 at 6 p.m. at the WaterFire Arts Center. First-timers and party veterans may not know what to expect at Rhode Island’s biggest bash with up to 1,300 attendees.

We have many special guests in attendance this year, including the Pawtuxet Rangers fife and drum corps, historical Rhode Island-themed Ten31 performers, representatives from the Providence Tartan Army and bag pipers, Kent Stetson handbags, and other possible surprise guests. Bravo to what is sure to be a sensational event that includes our special cover reveal!

Be sure to bring your tickets as they are mandatory to enter the event. Tickets will not be sold at the door. This year, there is no VIP tent pre-party, and all attendees will enter the party at the same time. Keep that in mind for parking and entry. Tickets include complimentary plentiful parking at WaterFire Arts Center. Uber is also your friend, especially since this is an open bar event for beer and wine. Plan accordingly.

Once you arrive, the door person will simply scan your paper ticket or a QR code (if you purchased tickets online). You need a ticket for each guest, and can access the QR code through Eventbrite. We know it’s probably going to be a scorcher, but the party is indoors, so you don’t have to worry about overheating, though there will be some food trucks outside. You can also visit the upstairs outdoor roofdeck at WaterFire Arts Center, where there will be an additional bar set up, extra lounge seating and sunset views (if we are lucky!).

Ja Patty serving at last year’s party.

Be sure to dress in light, airy attire and comfortable shoes. It is a standing room party with cocktail tables. This is a more casual atmosphere where you can express your style while also staying comfortable. Many women wear summer dresses and shorts, while men are comfortable in short-sleeved shirts and shorts or jeans (no need for suits and ties, we’re talking to you Gene Valicenti!).

Becky Bass will provide live entertainment and there will also be a deejay. Enjoy photo opps at a photo booth, presented by Delta Dental, as well as a provided step and repeat, and digital robot caricatures provided by Luke Renchan Entertainment. Guests can also peruse an art exhibit from over 100 local artists on display at the WaterFire Arts Center.

Mario Hilario, Barbi Jo DiMaria and Jason Burley at last year’s party.

As for the food and drink, we will have stations set up for refreshments. For the ticket price of $118.22 per person (including fees), here’s what you can expect:

-Complimentary parking.

-Guests will receive two complimentary specialty cocktail drink tickets when they enter the WaterFire Arts Center, good for your choice of of a signature cocktail. There is also complimentary beer from Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island and complimentary wine from Newport Vineyards and Gooseneck Vineyards. Industrious Spirit Company of Providence, Sowams Cider Works Company of Warren, and Memere’s in Providence will also be serving drink samples.