This weekend in Rhode Island
Thu–Sun, November 12–15, 2026
23 listings.
Thursday, Nov 12
Dark Star Orchestra at PPAC
What
The long-running Grateful Dead recreation band: seven players who build shows from actual Dead setlists or mix new sets from the catalog.
Where
Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St, Providence, RI 02903, US
Parking
PPAC: metered street parking on the side streets and plenty of garages nearby (PPAC Square Garage at 220 Weybosset, Civic Center Garage at 165 Washington), plus curbside drop-off out front. You can prebook on ParkWhiz. No rates listed.
Cost
Price isn't listed on PPAC's event page; you'll see it at checkout.
Kid-friendly
Depends — PPAC's page lists no age rule, but it's a long weeknight rock show.
Local take
The best Thursday-night ticket this week. A national conference is at the Convention Center through Friday, so leave time to park.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Cloth of the Earth: indigo night at the RISD Museum
What
Drop-in community gathering on indigo, Cape Verdean and West African textile knowledge, with gallery talks in Creole (6–6:30 pm) and English (6:45–7:15 pm) with Maria Tavares and Kate Irvin, plus light refreshments in the Grand Gallery.
Where
RISD Museum, 20 North Main St, Providence, RI 02903, US
When
Thu Nov 12, 5:30–7:30 pm
Parking
RISD Museum: discounted parking at Metropark lots (closest is P5, 131 Canal St) and metered spots on nearby streets. RISD faculty/staff lots at 45 Waterman St and 55 Canal Walk are free for museum visitors on weekends only.
Cost
Free. Drop by. Museum admission is free on Thursdays after 5 pm anyway (regular adult admission is $22).
Face value $0.
Kid-friendly
Depends — It's free and drop-in, and kids 18 and under always get in free, but it's mostly gallery talks.
Local take
A free weeknight museum outing with a real program attached. Come straight from work and you'll catch the English talk at 6:45.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Friday, Nov 13
Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party at The VETS
What
Stand-up from the comic Rolling Stone once named the "Number One Partier in the Nation," now one of the top-grossing touring comedians.
Where
The VETS (Veterans Memorial Auditorium), 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI 02903, US
When
Fri Nov 13, 7 pm (doors one hour before)
Parking
The VETS lot (entrance on Park St) is $27 per event and may be limited. Providence Place garage, right behind the theater (North Entrance on Hayes St), is $2 plus tax for 5 hours. The State House lots on Smith St are free for VETS guests during VETS events. Street parking on Francis St.
Cost
Price isn't shown on The VETS event page; you'll see it at checkout.
Kid-friendly
No — The VETS doesn't admit kids under 6 unless it's a family show. The tour is literally called Permission to Party.
Local take
Skip the $27 lot: the mall garage is $2 and the State House lots are free. There are metal detectors, so get there 35–45 minutes early.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Providence Bruins vs. Springfield Thunderbirds
What
AHL hockey at the AMP. It's the first of six "100 Years of Hockey in Providence" nights, with chances to win a limited-edition 100 Years T-shirt, trivia and giveaways.
Where
Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI 02903, US
Parking
The Convention Center's North Garage (99 West Exchange St) connects directly to the AMP. Event rate is $25 plus tax; you can reserve ahead through ParkWhiz (RICC parking page).
Cost
Prices aren't listed on the AMP event page. It's a "Save $10" game; the offer link is on the AMP page.
Kid-friendly
Yes — It's minor-league hockey at a family-friendly hour, with giveaways.
Local take
The cheapest arena night in the city. Use the Save $10 link before you buy.
Checked 2026-11-10.
West 22nd: Places To Be at The Met (sold out)
What
Rising band whose EP and debut album have racked up more than 75 million streams. They've played ACL and sold out dates on their first headlining tour.
Where
The Met (Hope Artiste Village), 1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860, US
When
Fri Nov 13, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Parking
Large lot behind The Met on Esten Ave (from Main St, take Warren Ave, then Esten Ave), per The Met's directions page.
Cost
Sold out at the official box office. The Met's page no longer shows the face-value price.
Kid-friendly
Depends — The event page doesn't list an age rule, and it's a 9 pm club show.
Local take
Sold out. Last-minute box-office returns or resale tickets can appear, so check The Met's own page before you give up.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Saturday, Nov 14
Wintertime Farmers Market at Farm Fresh RI
What
Indoor winter farmers market: full-time vendors such as American Mussel Harvesters, Barden Family Orchard and Choiniere Family Farm, plus rotating guest vendors.
Where
Farm Fresh RI Market Hall, 10 Sims Ave, Providence, RI 02908, US
When
Sat Nov 14, 9 am–1 pm (Saturdays through Apr 24)
Parking
Farm Fresh lot at the corner of Sims and Kinsley Aves, with entrances on both. Kinsley Ave is one-way.
Cost
No admission listed; you pay vendors. SNAP shoppers get a 100% Bonus Bucks match on fruits and vegetables.
Kid-friendly
Yes — Indoors, short, and there's food.
Local take
Do Saturday groceries here, then come back Sunday for the Flea in the same building.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Providence Fall Home Show
What
Two-day home expo at the Convention Center: custom cabinet makers, HVAC and other home-project pros, plus personal products from jewelry and clothes to wireless plans.
Where
Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903, US
When
Sat Nov 14, 10 am–5 pm; Sun Nov 15, 10 am–4 pm
Parking
Convention Center North Garage (99 West Exchange St), open 24 hours. Event rate is $25 plus tax; the hourly rate is $8 for up to 1 hour, $10 for up to 2 hours, $13 for up to 3 hours, plus tax.
Cost
$10 general admission, $8 seniors, free for kids 12 and under; tickets at the door.
Face value $0–$10.
- $10 — General
- $8 — Senior
- $0 — 12 and under
Kid-friendly
Depends — Kids 12 and under get in free, but it's a home-improvement expo.
Local take
Worth it if you just bought a house or have a project quoted. If you're not renovating, skip it.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Sky Views planetarium show at the Museum of Natural History
What
About 30 minutes under the dome at the city museum in Roger Williams Park, with the Zeiss star projector. Museum is open daily 10 am–4 pm.
Where
Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, US
When
Sat Nov 14 and Sun Nov 15, 2 pm (museum open 10 am–4 pm, last entry 3:30)
Parking
Parking not listed on the City's museum pages.
Cost
Planetarium $5, which includes the museum. Museum only is $2, and free under 4. No kids under 4 at the planetarium.
Face value $2–$5.
- $5 — Planetarium (includes museum)
- $2 — Museum only
Kid-friendly
Yes — Built for kids 4 and up, and kids 4–15 need an adult. Strollers are discouraged and have to be carried in and out.
Local take
The cheapest rainy-afternoon plan on the list. Get there 15 minutes early, because the doors close at showtime and there's no late entry.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Providence College men's basketball vs. Colorado
What
Friars home game at the AMP against Colorado.
Where
Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI 02903, US
Parking
The Convention Center's North Garage (99 West Exchange St) connects directly to the AMP. Event rate is $25 plus tax; you can reserve ahead through ParkWhiz (RICC parking page).
Cost
Prices aren't listed on the AMP event page; you'll see them at checkout.
Kid-friendly
Yes — It's an early-evening college game.
Local take
Early tip, so you can still do dinner downtown afterward. Reserve the garage if you're cutting it close.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Andrea Gibson's Love Letter From The Afterlife at The VETS
What
Film of the late poet Andrea Gibson's final live set, with the Goosebumps Orchestra playing Blake Neely's score live, guests Mary Lambert and Chris Pureka, and stories from Gibson's wife, poet Megan Falley.
Where
The VETS (Veterans Memorial Auditorium), 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI 02903, US
When
Sat Nov 14, 7:30 pm (doors one hour before)
Parking
The VETS lot (entrance on Park St) is $27 per event and may be limited. Providence Place garage, right behind the theater (North Entrance on Hayes St), is $2 plus tax for 5 hours. The State House lots on Smith St are free for VETS guests during VETS events. Street parking on Francis St.
Cost
Price isn't shown on The VETS event page; you'll see it at checkout. VIP packages with a Megan Falley Q&A are sold separately.
Kid-friendly
Depends — The VETS doesn't admit kids under 6 unless it's a family show. Best for adults and teens who know Gibson's work.
Local take
From the team behind the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light. If you saw it, this is the night out. If not, watch it first.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Disciple of the Garden: The Legacy of Chris Cornell at The Met
What
A tribute to Chris Cornell's catalog.
Where
The Met (Hope Artiste Village), 1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860, US
When
Sat Nov 14, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Parking
Large lot behind The Met on Esten Ave (from Main St, take Warren Ave, then Esten Ave), per The Met's directions page.
Cost
$20 advance, $25 day of, or $60 for a 4-pack
Face value $20–$60.
- $20 — Advance
- $25 — Day of
- $60 — 4-pack
Kid-friendly
Depends — It's listed all ages, but it's a club show that starts at 8.
Local take
The 4-pack works out to $15 a head, the cheapest rock night on the list, and there's a big lot out back.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Sunday, Nov 15
The Providence Flea (indoors)
What
Vintage, antiques, makers and curiosities at the indoor winter spot.
Where
Farm Fresh RI Market Hall, 10 Sims Ave, Providence, RI 02908, US
When
Sun Nov 15, 11 am–3 pm
Parking
Free off-street parking in two lots at Farm Fresh Market Hall (Flea's Visit page, Nov–Apr indoor season).
Cost
Free to enter
Face value $0.
Kid-friendly
Yes — Free, indoors, and easy to walk.
Local take
Free entry plus free parking is rare in Providence. Go early for holiday gifts.
Checked 2026-11-10.
"Expressions of Nature" opening reception at Blithewold
What
Opening of the Newport Photo Guild's nature-photography show marking 100 years since Blithewold was designated an arboretum, with snacks and bubbly.
Where
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd (Rt. 114), Bristol, RI 02809, US
Parking
Blithewold's parking lot is next to the Welcome Center, where you buy admission.
Cost
Reception is free. To tour the Manor and grounds afterward you need general admission: adults $22, ages 11–16 $11, ages 6–10 $6, family (2 adults, 2 kids) $50, under 5 free.
Face value $0–$50.
- $0 — Free reception
- $22 — General admission, adult
- $50 — General admission, family
Kid-friendly
Depends — It's free and low-key, but it's a gallery reception. Kids will get more out of the grounds.
Local take
A free reason to drive to Bristol on a Sunday afternoon. Pair it with lunch on Hope St.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Open Studio at the RISD Museum (free Sunday)
What
A monthly hands-on project designed by an artist, for visitors of all ages, on a free-admission Sunday.
Where
RISD Museum, 20 North Main St, Providence, RI 02903, US
When
Sun Nov 15, 2–4 pm (museum open 10 am–5 pm)
Parking
RISD Museum: discounted parking at Metropark lots (closest is P5, 131 Canal St) and metered spots on nearby streets. RISD faculty/staff lots at 45 Waterman St and 55 Canal Walk are free for museum visitors on weekends only.
Cost
Free. Museum admission is free on Sundays, 10 am–5 pm (grab a free Sunday ticket online or when you arrive).
Face value $0.
Kid-friendly
Yes — It's an all-ages make-something session, and the museum is free for 18 and under every day.
Local take
The best free Sunday afternoon in Providence with kids. On weekends, park free in RISD's Waterman St or Canal Walk lots.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Providence Bruins vs. Toronto Marlies
What
Sunday-matinee AHL hockey, the second of six 100 Years nights, with a chance to win a limited-edition 100 Years Samboni bobblehead plus trivia and giveaways.
Where
Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI 02903, US
Parking
The Convention Center's North Garage (99 West Exchange St) connects directly to the AMP. Event rate is $25 plus tax; you can reserve ahead through ParkWhiz (RICC parking page).
Cost
Prices aren't listed on the AMP event page. It's a Me+3 game: 4 tickets for the price of 3 through the AMP page's offer link.
Kid-friendly
Yes — It's an afternoon game, which is the family slot.
Local take
If you're taking the kids to one game this month, make it this one. The Me+3 deal makes a family of four cheaper.
Checked 2026-11-10.
John Crist Live! at The VETS
What
Stand-up and sketch comic with more than a billion video views, on his John Crist Live! tour.
Where
The VETS (Veterans Memorial Auditorium), 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI 02903, US
When
Sun Nov 15, 7 pm (doors one hour before)
Parking
The VETS lot (entrance on Park St) is $27 per event and may be limited. Providence Place garage, right behind the theater (North Entrance on Hayes St), is $2 plus tax for 5 hours. The State House lots on Smith St are free for VETS guests during VETS events. Street parking on Francis St.
Cost
Price isn't shown on The VETS event page; you'll see it at checkout.
Kid-friendly
Depends — The VETS doesn't admit kids under 6 unless it's a family show. The page doesn't give a content rating.
Local take
A Sunday-night laugh that still gets you home at a reasonable hour. Use the $2 mall garage.
Checked 2026-11-10.
All weekend
A Christmas Carol at Trinity Rep (50th year)
What
Trinity's 50th annual Christmas Carol, reimagined again this year, directed and choreographed by company member Taavon Gamble. Opened Nov 11.
Where
Trinity Rep, Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903, US
When
Fri Nov 13, 7:30 pm (Noche Familia, sold out); Sat Nov 14, 12 pm and 6 pm; Sun Nov 15, 12 pm
Parking
The Civic Center Garage is next door at 165 Washington St (450 spots, cards only). Meters within three blocks are enforced until 9 pm. Trinity warns parking gets tight when other things are going on nearby.
Cost
Price isn't listed on the show page; you'll see it at checkout. Trinity says Friday's Noche Familia performance is sold out.
Kid-friendly
Yes — It's the holiday family show. A Sensory-Friendly Plus! performance is set for Sat Nov 21 at noon.
Local take
Trinity says the best November availability starts Nov 14, so the Saturday and Sunday noon shows are the easiest to get into. Friday is sold out; check Trinity's page for returns.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Newport Restaurant Week (closing weekend)
What
Ten days of prix-fixe menus at restaurants across Newport and Bristol counties. It ends Sunday.
Where
Participating restaurants (see Discover Newport's list), Various locations in Newport and Bristol counties, Newport, RI 02840, US
When
Through Sun Nov 15 (started Nov 6); days and hours vary by restaurant
Parking
Varies by restaurant; Discover Newport's page doesn't list parking.
Cost
Prix-fixe lunch $20 or $30; dinner $30, $45 or $60
Face value $20–$60.
- $20 — Lunch, lower tier
- $30 — Lunch upper tier or dinner lower tier
- $45 — Dinner, middle tier
- $60 — Dinner, upper tier
Kid-friendly
Yes — Discover Newport says many participating restaurants have menus for the whole family.
Local take
Last call. The $20 lunch is the move: you can be in Newport by noon and beat the dinner crowd. Days and hours vary, so check the restaurant before you drive.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Roger Williams Park Zoo (regular day visit)
What
The state's zoo, with more than 100 species, in Roger Williams Park.
Where
Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, US
When
Thu–Sun, 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:30); open Thu–Mon, closed Tue–Wed
Parking
Parking not listed on the zoo's current ticket and visit pages.
Cost
Adults $25, kids 2–12 $19, seniors 62+ $21, toddlers 1 and under free
Face value $0–$25.
- $25 — Adult
- $19 — Child 2-12
- $21 — Senior 62+
- $0 — 1 and under
Kid-friendly
Yes — It's the zoo.
Local take
Go Thursday or Friday if you can, because it's quieter. The Holiday Lights Spectacular doesn't start until Nov 27.
Checked 2026-11-10.
The Breakers
What
The grandest of Newport's summer "cottages," built for the Vanderbilts, with timed tickets. A guide-led tour of the private third floor runs daily at 12 and 2 pm (separate ticket; times may vary).
Where
The Breakers (Preservation Society of Newport County), 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, US
When
Daily, 9 am–5 pm, last admission 4 pm (timed tickets)
Parking
Limited free parking on-site (Newport Mansions guest info: free at all properties except Hunter House and the Stable & Carriage House).
Cost
Adult $32, youth 6–12 $14, under 6 free
Face value $0–$32.
- $32 — Adult
- $14 — Youth 6-12
- $0 — Under 6
Kid-friendly
Depends — Under 6 is free, and there's a self-guided family audio tour (bring headphones). It's still an hour of looking at rooms.
Local take
The holiday lights start Nov 21, so this is the quiet window. The back and south terraces are closed for restoration, but the gardens and back lawn are open. Bring earbuds for the audio tour.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Marble House
What
William Vanderbilt's 1892 house, built as a birthday present for Alva, with no timed ticket. A kids audio tour is included with regular admission.
Where
Marble House (Preservation Society of Newport County), 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, US
When
Daily, 9 am–5 pm, last admission 4 pm
Parking
Limited free parking on-site, in the lot across the street from the entrance gates (Newport Mansions guest info: free at all properties except Hunter House and the Stable & Carriage House).
Cost
Adult $25, youth 6–12 $10, under 6 free (One Property ticket)
Face value $0–$25.
- $25 — Adult
- $10 — Youth 6-12
- $0 — Under 6
Kid-friendly
Yes — Young children are welcome, under 6 is free, and a kids audio tour is included with admission (bring headphones). Strollers stay outside; parking for them is near the entrance.
Local take
Holiday decor starts Nov 21, so this is the regular visit. No timed ticket needed. Bring earbuds for the audio tour.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Newport Art Museum (kids always free)
What
Three-building art museum campus on Bellevue Ave with a mostly American and contemporary collection.
Where
Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, US
When
Thu–Sun, 11 am–4 pm (open Wed–Mon, closed Tue)
Parking
Free museum parking off Downing St and Old Beach Rd, but spots are limited. The south lot off Downing St is easiest with strollers or wheelchairs (museum's Getting Here page).
Cost
Adults $20, seniors 65+ $15, college students $10. Free for ages 17 and under, and for active military plus a spouse.
Face value $0–$20.
- $20 — Adult
- $15 — Senior 65+
- $10 — College student
- $0 — 17 and under; active military plus spouse
Kid-friendly
Yes — Kids get in free, and the campus is easy to do in an hour.
Local take
Pair it with a Restaurant Week lunch on Sunday for a cheap Newport afternoon.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Thomas Dambo's Rhode Island Troll Trail (5 trolls)
What
Five giant recycled-wood trolls: Erik Rock and Greta Granit in Ninigret Park (Charlestown), Iver Mudslider in Ryan Park (North Kingstown), Young Boulder by Browning Mill Pond in Arcadia, and Mrs. Skipper at Kettle Point Pier (East Providence).
Where
Ninigret Park (first stop; four more sites statewide), Ninigret Park, Charlestown, RI 02813, US
When
Any day in daylight. It's an evergreen pick.
Parking
Ninigret: park near the playground for Erik Rock (South County Tourism). Ryan Park: parking is limited, so use Lafayette St (South County Tourism); the town says there are troll-footprint map kiosks at the lot entrances on Oak Hill Rd, Lafayette Rd and the Overlook Trail.
Cost
Free (South County Tourism: "All the trolls are free to the public")
Face value $0.
Kid-friendly
Yes — It's a scavenger hunt with giant trolls. The trails have roots and uneven ground, and the trolls aren't for climbing.
Local take
Arcadia is a hunting area, and DEM requires everyone, hikers included, to wear at least 200 sq in of blaze orange through Feb 28 (500 sq in during shotgun deer season). Wear an orange hat, and start early because it's dark by about 4:30.
Checked 2026-11-10.
Get next weekend's picks by email. Wednesdays, free.