Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that feels as good as the drive home from work on a Friday afternoon.

What to expect in today’s Current:

• A cafe review ☕️

• 📅 Weekend event run-down

• The start of RI Startup Week 🚀 

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Coastal Cafe Chronicles

Where I Tried: Caffè Nero (75 Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903)

What I ordered: Small iced mocha with almond milk + chocolate croissant

What it cost: $11.02

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the order I always get when doing these reviews. I like to keep it consistent to keep the reviews fair. Iced mocha + chocolate croissant = go-to order.

Caffè Nero is a fairly new cafe downtown, a block away from Kennedy Plaza. They’re in a big building that offers lots of different seating options; armchairs, booths, window seats, and outdoor seating. I’ve only been early in the morning, but I think it could be difficult to park during the day because it isn’t surrounded by many parking spots. I liked both the mocha and croissant I got, and the pricing was similar to other places I’ve tried with similar options. They have a bunch of good-looking sandwiches on baguettes I’d like to try out next. On a weekend morning, I recommend a trip to Caffè Nero paired with a walk to view all the murals nearby.

Reply to this email with how many guesses it took you!

Currents & Waves

A Twist on This Year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular 🎃 

This year, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular introduces a new twist: Trivia Edition. Visitors can enjoy a mix of brain-teasing trivia on topics like pop culture, sports, and history as they stroll past thousands of artistically carved pumpkins. The event runs every night from 6:00 to 10:30 pm, with the last entry at 10:00 pm. Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with premium parking options also offered. The event is held rain or shine, and all tickets are non-refundable. Proceeds support the zoo’s animal care, education, and conservation efforts. This year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular begins September 27, next Friday, and runs until November 2. Tickets are on sale online only here.

Mayor Smiley Announces “Parent Permits” 🏠

Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the Providence Department of Inspection and Standards (DIS) have introduced a new “Parent Permit” program to simplify the building permit process. This initiative allows developers to submit a building plan once and reuse it for future projects across different lots, reducing the need for repetitive reviews.

Under this program, developers submit detailed construction plans for one-, two-, or three-family homes through an online portal. Once approved, these plans can be reused for subsequent projects by submitting a "Child Permit," referencing the original. While this streamlines the review process, site-specific documents and approvals are still required for each project. The goal is to expedite housing development across Providence. Read more here.

🚀 RI Startup Week Starts Today

Rhode Island Startup Week starts today and runs until next Friday. Rhode Island Startup Week is an annual celebration of the state’s innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. The week highlights the entrepreneurial spirit driving local startups and features showcases, workshops, pitch competitions, speakers, and networking opportunities. It's a chance to bring together change-makers who support and promote business growth in the region, shining a light on the bold and innovative work happening in Rhode Island's startup scene. For a list of the week’s events check out their website here.

📅 Weekend Event Run-Down

• WaterFire Fundraiser 💧 

  • Live glass-blowing demonstrations & hands-on ice cream making

    • Friday @ 5 pm @ Gather Glass Cafe

      • learn more here.

• East Side Eats: Summer Send-Off 🍔 

  • Over a dozen food trucks and live music

    • Saturday @ 4 pm @ Nathan Bishop

      • learn more here.

Coastline Commerce

PPAC Square Condo Hits the Market 🏡 

225 Weybosset St Condos @ PPAC Square features 16 loft-style units in Downtown Providence's Arts & Theater District, including a newly listed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom corner unit. Highlights include an open layout with soaring ceilings, a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a primary suite with a luxurious bathroom. Additional amenities include in-unit laundry, central A/C, and private storage. Conveniently located near dining, shopping, and universities, this unit offers a prime opportunity for downtown living.

Seaside Skies

FRIDAY

65°🌡 58° | 🌧️ | 💧 60% | 💨 NNE 16 mph

SATURDAY

63°🌡 55° | 🌧️ | 💧 37% | 💨 NNE 15 mph

SUNDAY

65°🌡 51° | ☁️ | 💧 23% | 💨 NNE 13 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

FRIDAY

Courthouse Center for the Arts | Rod Stewart - Rockin' With Rod | 7:30pm | tickets

Ladder 133 | Local Music | 6:30pm

Moonshine Alley | Hope for Rain Band | 9pm

SATURDAY

Moonshine Alley | Irish Step Dancers | 1-3pm

Moonshine Alley | Carlin Tripp | 5-8pm

Moonshine Alley | Matt Borrello Band | 9:30-11:30pm

Maritime Matches

FRIDAY

⚾️ Cardines Field | 7th Annual Cardines Classic | 5:30pm | learn more

SATURDAY

🏒 Amica Mutual Pavilion | Boston Bruins Black & Gold Game | 1pm | tickets

🐎 Newport International Polo Series | Herb Chambers Exotics Cup | 4pm | tickets

⚽️ Beirne Stadium | Rhode Island FC vs. Tulsa | 7:30pm | tickets

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Monday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current