Giant troll incoming, PVDFest news, nighttime farmers market, and more.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

June 20, 2025

Happy Friday, Providence. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let PVD Current serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:

  • A giant troll 🧌 

  • PVDFest news 🎉 

  • Caribbean festival 🎶

  • Things to do 📆 

Let’s get to it.

 

📰 In the news

Rhode Island June roundup: From Providence Porchfest to Gaspee Days, Rhode Island’s June calendar offers outdoor flicks, live music, food showcases, and Pride celebrations across the Ocean State — read the full list.

Next giant troll incoming: Danish artist Thomas Dambo is scouting East Providence as the potential home for Rhode Island’s third recycled-wood troll, following Erik Rock and Greta Granit at Ninigret Park — read more.

PVDFest’s big reveal: Mayor Brett Smiley, the Art, Culture & Tourism Dept., and FirstWorks unveiled Squonk’s Brouhaha, an illuminated LGBTQIA + market, a mural duel, and Battle of the Bands set for Sept. 5–6 — discover what’s planned.

 

Highlights this week

 

🫶 We got your back

Fresh fields, fresher flavors: Get ready to dig in—Gracie’s is where your fork meets the farm. From sun-kissed heirloom tomatoes to pasture-raised delights, every plate tells a story of nearby soil, sustainable practice, and that sweet “I-can’t-believe-this-is-good-for-you” sensation.

Steep your senses: When you need a timeout from the daily grind, Schasteâ brews up serenity one leaf at a time. Whether you’re chasing floral oolongs or smoky pu’ers, they’ve got the perfect pour-over to turn any afternoon into a moment worth savoring.

Desk not required: Tired of your same old home-office setup? Sprout CoWorking hands you the Wi-Fi, the office plant (sort of), and that soft‐serve of creative energy you’ve been craving. Plug in, brainstorm, and bond over communal snacks—without the awkward water-cooler small talk.

Develop roll call: it’s time to get analog —The Camera Werks is stocking your shelves with everything from dust-kissed Polaroids to fresh reels of 35mm film. With expert gear advice, film swaps for unexpected textures, and even darkroom tips for the true nostalgia seeker, your next photographic chapter is waiting to be written in grain and glow.

Degrees without the squeeze: Want to help your kiddo or grandchild through college? Co-signing their student loan helps them unlock lower rates and increases their chances of getting approved. Some lenders release co-signers after enough on-time payments, so it doesn’t have to be forever. Avoid last-minute headaches by acting now!

 

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

Own or manage a local business? Thousands of your future fans read our emails — advertising your products, services, listings, and events with us is easy.

You can advertise with us or submit an event for free.

 

📆 Providence happenings

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🤸 Usa Gymnastics Championships @ Amica Mutual Pavilion | Friday (6/20) at 1:30 pm – Witness America’s top gymnasts flip, twist, and soar across two venues in one epic day. Your all-session wristband unlocks both the RI Convention Center and the Pavilion—grab it early and don’t miss a second of the action.

🥕 Aari’s Night Farmers Markets @ Farm Fresh | Friday (6/20) at 4 pm – This isn’t your grandma’s farmers’ market—AARI’s Night Market fuses fresh local produce, sizzling food stalls, and live tunes from Rhode Island’s finest artists. Come for the veggies, stay for the vibes. Community-made, community-loved—don’t miss out.

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Edition: Rocky Horror Picture Show @ AS220 | Friday (6/20) at 9 pm – Get ready to do the Time Warp for Pride! AS220’s Black Box Theater transforms into Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s castle with The RKO Army shadowcast bringing all the campy thrills. It’s the original cult classic with a fabulous, rainbow twist—audience participation highly encouraged.

This weekend

📚 Read and Romp @ Carousel Village | Saturday (6/21) at 11 am – Storytime just got a whole lot more playful at this free family literacy bash. Join RORRI and Neighborhood Health Plan for crafts, mask-making, and games inspired by your favorite children’s books. Little ones can spin the carousel, snag free books, and snack on treats—all rain or shine. It’s the perfect chapter to add to your weekend story.

🎉 Caribbean American Heritage Festival @ Fete Music Hall | Saturday (6/21) at 12 pm – Let’s heat up your weekend with a vibrant celebration of Caribbean American Heritage! Expect live steel pan rhythms, island-inspired bites, colorful arts & crafts, and plenty of dancing. Support the community, snag some tasty food, and learn a thing or two about Caribbean culture. This is one festival you don’t want to miss!

🌱 Native Plant Gardening @ Rochambeau Library | Saturday (6/21) at 3 pm – Ready to green up your thumb? Dive into a free workshop with URI Master Gardener Marc Gagnon and learn how native plants can transform your garden. Discover easy-to-grow species, eco-friendly landscaping tricks, and tips for local pollinator pals. No signup needed—just show up and get inspired to grow something amazing in your own backyard.

🎤 Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer @ The Vets | Saturday (6/21) at 8 pm – British comedy queen Sarah Millican is back with her brand-new stand-up show, Late Bloomer, and she’s spilling all the juicy details on growing up shy to flaunting her fabulous self. Expect sharp wit, tales of dinner disasters, and brutally funny reflections on growing into her own. Grab your ticket, get comfy, and prepare for a night of belly laughs beside this laugh legend.

🐶 Low-Cost Preventative Pet Care Clinic @ Providence Animal Rescue League | Sunday (6/22) at 10 am – Skip the vet’s waiting room and swing by this drop-in clinic for budget-friendly shots, microchips, and more. With rabies, distemper, flea treatments, and nail trims priced between $10 and $50, your pup stays protected without breaking the bank. No appointment needed – just leash up and line up early, since service is first-come, first-served for 115 pups. Cash only and tails guaranteed to wag.

🍳 8 Years of Pride Drag Brunch @ Black Sheep | Sunday (6/22) at 12 pm – Providence’s fiercest drag brunch celebrates eight years of glitter, glamour, and gourmet eats. Hosted by the Black Sheep Babes with beats by DJ Pauly, every bite comes with a side of fierce performances. Grab your reservation for either seating and sip mimosas as you soak in the community spirit. Don’t sleep on this – spots are filling up fast!

 

🎶 Live music & entertainment

  • 6/20 Illuminati Hotties @ Alchemy – 5:30 pm

  • 6/20 Ben Shaw & Co. @ ISCO Spirits – 6 pm

  • 6/20 Half Past Dead and more @ Fete Music Hall – 8 pm

  • 6/21 Caribbean American Heritage Festival @ Fete Music Hall – 12 pm

  • 6/21 Paula Clare and more @ The Parlour – 4 pm

  • 6/21 Ali McGuirk and more @ The Parlour – 8 pm

  • 6/22 8 Years of Pride Drag Brunch @ Black Sheep – 12 pm

  • 6/22 Have Fun and more @ Alchemy – 1 pm

 

🏠️ Price Is Right – PVD edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.

Jim DeRentis (Residential Properties Ltd.) – 6 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | Built in 1929 | 7034 sqft

Drama queens and architecture buffs, rejoice: this 1929 Mediterranean Revival is serving up grand entrances with a swooping stone staircase and original wrought iron that would make Zorro jealous. Leaded glass windows pour light into a living room so stately, even the fireplace looks ready to host a salon. The dining room? Vaulted, plastered, and ready to outshine your favorite cathedral, while the kitchen’s granite and slate finishes would impress even the most seasoned home chef.

Upstairs, the primary suite goes full diva with dual bathrooms and custom everything, while the lower level brings the party with a game room, wine cellar, and gym. Outside, a walled courtyard and bluestone patio are primed for alfresco shenanigans, all perched above Blackstone Boulevard with views that’ll make your Instagram followers weep.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →

fbig

PVD Current may receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter. Content marked with an * is paid advertising. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

You received this email because you are signed up for emails from PVD Current.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

© 2025 PVD Current

25 Maple St
Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States of America

Terms of Service