✨ 3 cool festivals and 1 that sucks

Subscribe | Follow | Advertise

Good morning, Providence. Settle in, sip whatever gets you going, and let PVD Current serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead ☕️

In today’s edition:

• Summer jobs (already!?) ☀️

• Why everyone you know is sick 🦠

• Very last minute V-Day ideas 💝

• Good news for Friends fans 🎬

• 20+ things to check out 📆 

Let’s get to it.

Currents & waves

🌊 Get paid to hang at the beach

The Rhode Island DEM is hiring seasonal workers for state beaches, parks, and campgrounds, which means you could spend your summer getting paid to be outside. Lifeguards, park rangers, and admin positions are up for grabs (among many sandless and sunless jobs if that’s more your jam). If you’re CPR-certified and don’t mind the occasional seagull drama, lifeguarding gigs pay up to $20/hr—plus, a $500 sign-on and retention bonus if you’re hired by June 27 →

📽️ The Providence Children’s Film Festival kicks off tomorrow

From animated fun and shorts to full feature films, there are more than 40 opportunities to join the cinematic journey. With options for kids of all ages, there’s definitely something for every family. Plus, popcorn, soup, live music, and more are all included in your pay-what-you-can ticket. Check out the full lineup →

✌️ Other really cool festivals

It’s officially time to crown the best burger in Newport. All you have to do is try every burger on the list (just kidding, don’t hurt yourself) and vote for your favorite →

Newport’s also kicking off 10 days of winter festivities starting today, including a Tribute to Fleetwood Mac (tonight), a chili cook off, magic and illusions, creative workshops, a puppet band (it’s exactly what it sounds like), science experiments, reptiles, and more →

🤧 Unofficial flu… festival?

If it feels like everyone you know is sick, you’re not imagining it—RI’s flu cases are "very high" again. Health officials say this is the worst flu season in at least 15 years →

Here’s your first weekly Providence brief, featuring (at least) 20 things worth checking out around town over the next seven days 👇

Today - February 14th

💓 Very Last-minute date night ideas

Feeling fancy? Rogue Island is dishing out heart-shaped ravioli, caviar, and a laid-back date-night experience—there are still some reservations left for today and tomorrow so don’t wait →

Not that fancy? Me neither. Papa Gino’s is serving up heart shaped pizzas for $9.99 so you can enjoy a quiet but delicious evening at home. You can add all the toppings you want — including extra cheese — and order now for pickup or delivery later →

If you prefer something more interactive, roll into Long Live BeerWorks for a Sushi Flower Class where you'll craft Instagram-worthy rolls (your first drink is free) →

Another option is Narragansett Brewery, where you can paint custom beer mugs because nothing says "forever" like matching drinkware →

The Love and Laugh R&B Extravaganza serves up a triple threat of live music, comedy, and a "Love Bite" buffet that'll have you falling in love all over again →

For those who love to dance (skills not required), slip into something red for Bomboncito Valentine Milonga at Providence Tango, where traditional tango and chocolate create the perfect pairing.

Gathering your besties instead? Check out the PALentines Wine Tasting at Gilligan’s where you’ll taste eight natural wines with charcuterie pairings available to purchase. It’s from 6 - 10 (show up any time) and costs $20 per person.

The Providence Bruins are taking on Utica tonight at 7:05. 2nd and 3rd graders from Norton Elementary will be singing the national anthem AND players will be wearing TMNT jerseys for some extra fun. There’s also a special date night package that includes tickets, popcorn, Twizzlers, and two drinks — snag tickets now →

Can’t make it? They take on the Islanders Sunday at 3:05 and Utica (again) next Friday.

Tomorrow - February 15th

🛍️ A don’t-miss Saturday market

The MarketPlace is bringing together over 60 vendors, from vintage clothing and streetwear to home goods and visual art. It's part shopping spree, part vibe check, and completely free to attend.

Bonus: There’s a taco shop, café, brewery, ice cream shop, hot sauce shop, candy shop, and flower shop—so show up hungry any time after 4!

If you can’t make it, Providence Flea is hosting its Farm Fresh Market on Sunday from 11 to 3 with 80+ indie vendors. It’s free to enter and park.

🏀 Watch some guys shoot hoops

The Providence Friars are taking on the Villanova Wildcats, and if you’re into college basketball, this is a matchup you don’t want to miss. Expect high-energy plays, nail-biting moments, and a packed Amica Mutual Pavilion starting at 8 pm.

Snag your seats before the best ones disappear →

🍾 Brunch Galentine’s style

Rogue Island is serving up a Galentine’s Day brunch so good we hope it becomes an annual tradition. Think champagne, cocktails, and chef-crafted dishes like strawberries & cream French toast, warm scones, and chicken & waffles. There are a few spots left for the 15th and 16th — lock in your reservation →

🎶 Live music, old-time jams, and… pizza?

The Old-Time Jam at Nick-A-Nee’s is now a monthly weekend fixture. It’s an intermediate/advanced jam, so be prepared to keep up if you want to join in. No cover, cash bar, and your chance to hang out with some really cool humans starts at 4.

If you prefer your music with more rock and storytelling, Mark Cutler & Men of Great Courage are playing an early show (5 - 8 pm) at The Parlour. Expect songs about ghosts, lost love, and other odd things all wrapped in melodies that will stick in your head for weeks. It’s all ages with a $10 cover.

Big fan of pizza? Us too. The PIZZA Show (at Wilbury Theatre - 2 pm) dives deep into life’s most important questions—why we love it, how much we eat, and when it’ll finally be ready. Expect songs, stories, dance parties, and surprise guests like Ben Levin, Justice Cow, and The Cosbrarian. Tickets are $25 →

Sunday - February 16th

🎶 More live music you’ll feel in your bones

Big Road is bringing their lowdown, dirty blues to Nick-A-Nee’s at 4 pm. There’s no cover but be sure to bring cash for the bar.

Later, Rob Davis is keeping the weekend vibes going at Moonshine Alley with an acoustic set perfect for winding down. Get there early for dinner and Casamigos tequila samples from 6–8 pm before the music starts.

🍹 Bad Bunny beats + boozy brunch

If you DeBÍ IR A MáS BRuNch, consider this your official invitation. The Black Sheep is hosting a Bad Bunny-themed brunch with Wattz Beatz spinning Benito’s best hits, plus a pop-up from Island Coquito with special surprises.

Your ticket gets you a brunch entrée and a drink flight, but the perreo vibes? Those are free (registration required) →

🎨 A day of art with the fam

Super Art Sunday at the RISD Museum isn’t your typical “look but don’t touch” kind of experience. Littles five and up + their grown-ups will get to dive into fun and unique hands-on activities like crafting portraits inside a giant camera.

Other highlights include remixing the Providence skyline with scenic wallpapers, creating personalized patterns for home décor, and exploring the artistry of Philippine textiles up close. It’s a good idea to reserve your entrance to the museum, but you can drop by any of the special events any time.

Monday - February 17th

Recurring events: Trivia at Jake & Johnny’s - 8 pm | Trivia at Wes’ Rib House - 7 pm | Trivia at The Patio on Broadway - 7:30 pm | Enter the $1,000 karaoke contest at The Hot Club (arrive around 10 pm to sign up) | Industry night at Brass Monkey - after 4 pm

🚀 A space adventure for the littles

The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is turning February vacation into an intergalactic mission. From February 15 to 21, kids can dive into hands-on activities, crafts, a planetarium show, and a special museum quest to learn what it takes to explore the stars →

📚 A new chapter in history

The Daughters of the American Revolution are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in the best way possible—by sharing stories. Three Rhode Island chapters have teamed up to sponsor a Little Free Library, packed with books honoring those who fought for independence.

The dedication ceremony kicks off inside the Gateway Visitor Center at Roger Williams Park at 11 am, with the official event starting at noon.

Tuesday - February 18th

Recurring events: Taco Tuesday (4 pm) and Karaoke night (9 pm) at Brass Monkey | Full STEAM ahead for littles 6+ at The Washington Park Library - 3:30 pm

🦉 Fairies, forests, and feathered friends

The Family Fairy House Hike and Build is a hands-on workshop that’ll guide you through the process of building a tiny enchanted home using twigs, moss, and other forest finds. You’ll embark on a short hike to gather materials and inspo followed by a building session to bring your ideas to life — if you return your fairy house by the last week in March, it’ll be displayed during Fairy Garden Days →

For more nature fun, stop by the Rhode Island Birds of Prey event at Rochambeau Library at 3:30, where the Audubon Society will teach you (and littles 12+) all about birds of prey and introduce you to one of theirs.

📖 A deep dive into true crime

This month, the True Crime Book Club is tackling The Sniper in the Tower: The Charles Whitman Murders, a chilling look at one of the first modern mass shootings. The discussion starts at 6 pm at Fox Point Library — need a copy of the book? We heard they’ll hold one for you if you ask nicely.

🎶 Live music to warm up winter

The Winter Tuesday Series at Nick-A-Nee’s is rolling into Week 7 with back-to-back sets from Marty Ballou & Friends and Austin Andrews & Friends (it’s free and starts at 6:30).

If country is your jam, Luke Combs UK—the only tribute act endorsed by Combs —is bringing the party to Alchemy alongside Screamin' Rebel Angels and Jake Hunsinger & The Rock Bottom Band. Expect twang, energy, and a crowd that knows every word →

For indie, folk, country, and Americana fans, there are also a few tickets left for Jason Isbell’s solo show at PPAC →

Wednesday - February 19th

Recurring events: Trivia at Mirabar - 8 pm | Family Feud Trivia at Brass Monkey - 7:30 pm

🌱 Grow your garden like a pro

If you’re dreaming of a lush spring garden, Seed Starting with URI Master Gardeners is the class you need. Learn the secrets to perfect seed germination, lighting tricks, and the art of transplanting—all for free. They’ll even teach you how to “harden off” your seedlings so they thrive outside. It’s free, but an RSVP is required →

🎻 Speakeasy melodies

Justine’s is one of the coolest speakeasies in town and Vudu Sister (duo) is bringing their signature gothic folk sound to the dimly lit back room. Expect moody, melodic tunes perfect for sipping a strong drink in the dark.

🏡 Ready to buy a home?

Ready to move from rent checks to mortgage payments? Fab Living Realty is spilling the tea on how much homeownership really costs in a quick 20-minute live webinar. 

They’ll cover everything from down payments and closing costs to HOA fees and all those sneaky costs that add up quick →

🎨 Double trouble for the littles

The Mt. Pleasant Community Library is cooking up a perfect Wednesday for your tiny humans. Start your morning with Baby Lapsit Storytime at 10:30, where your future Broadway star (0-20 months) can wiggle and giggle through songs and rhymes.

The afternoon (4:30 pm to be precise) brings a LEGO Printmaking class, where the 6+ crowd can turn beloved bricks into artistic tools.

No reservations needed for either, just drop by whenever you can.

Thursday - February 20th

Recurring events: ½ price wings at Brass Monkey - after 4 pm

🕵️‍♂️ Trivia with a deadly twist

The city’s full of regular trivia. But murder mystery trivia? That’s going down at Providence Brewing Co on Thursday starting at 7 pm.

In The Case of the Poisoned Patron, you’re not just playing pub trivia—you’re solving a murder. Each round of questions unlocks new clues, backstories, and (hopefully) the answer to whodunnit.

Gather your sleuthiest friends and see if you can crack the case →

🎤 Step up to the mic

ProvSlam is heating up AS220 with its Open Mic & Poetry Slam Qualifier #5, where local wordsmiths (and you… potentially) battle for glory. Sound up your alley? Bring two sub-three-minute pieces and throw your hat in the ring for a shot at the April 3rd Semi-Finals.

Whether you’re in it to win or just to watch, get all the details here →

A sneak peek at next Friday

Recurring events: Crafting Club at Fox Point Library - 3 pm

🎸 It starts with… one thing

If you immediately thought of Linkin Park and sang the rest, this one’s for you. Papercut (a Linkin Park tribute band) will be taking The Parlour back to 2003 all the classics that defined your angsty years.

From In the End to Numb, prepare your vocal cords for the therapeutic screaming session you didn't know you needed →

☕ Could this trivia BE any more challenging?

Think you know every detail of Ross's leather pants disaster? Providence Brewing is putting your Friends obsession to the test with five rounds of deep-cut questions starting at 7 pm →

🎭 A tale of two comedy clubs

Next Friday is serving up a comedy clash of epic proportions. Your mission: choose wisely.

Behind door #1: Fête Music Hall brings local heroes Rafi Gonzalez, Steven Vecchiarelli, and Ren Garcia to the stage for a night of hometown hilarity →

Behind door #2: Matteo Lane brings his "Can't Stop Talking" tour to The Vets, mixing stand-up with spontaneous opera (because why not?). The Netflix star proves comedy and coloratura can coexist →

Harbor homes

💰 A $2 million dollar townhouse?

In this case, it just might be worth it. This gorgeous brick beauty near Wayland Square just hit the market, and it's giving us serious "Newport mansion but make it townhouse" vibes with its perfect blend of historical touches and modern upgrades.

The main floor is an entertainer's dream with stunning 9-foot beamed ceilings, a cozy gas fireplace, and a chef's kitchen that would make Gordon Ramsay jealous (hello, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances!). Upstairs you'll find a primary suite that feels like a luxury hotel, complete with a spa-worthy bathroom.

Take a peek (window shopping is always free) →

Providence fun & games

This week’s wordle features a 5-letter word hidden inside this edition. Let us know how many guesses it takes you!

—

Trivia question of the week

❓Question: What two teams are tied for the most Super Bowl losses?

🤔 Hint: They both have plenty of Super Bowl experience, just not the kind they hoped for.

Reply and shoot us your best guess (no cheating!) - Same time, same place next week → we’ll share the answer and a fresh question to ponder.

—

Last week’s answer: Leslie Knope.

See ya next Friday!

P.S. Know of an event or business we should share, interested in certain types of events & stories, or want to ask a question? Feel free to reply (or email us) any time.