This weekend in Pawtucket, RI

Providence Artisans Market brings a puppy parade to Lippitt Memorial Park as part of its Dog Days of Summer celebration. Now in its 14th season at this park, the market runs alongside the Hope Street Farmers Market and showcases work from more than 300 local artists across 27 consecutive Saturdays. Browse original artwork, pick up fresh produce, sample fare from food vendors, and enjoy live music in a welcoming, family friendly setting with plenty of pups.

Catch an indie folk performance by Lily Rhodes at Mt Hope Farm. The show starts at 9:00 AM on Saturday as part of the Mount Hope Farmers Market festivities.

Experience the Blackstone Valley from the water on a guided 90 minute kayak tour that highlights Valley Falls Mill Pond and Firestone Cove. The route features views of historic mills and peaceful stretches of river where wildlife is often seen, including egrets, painted turtles, cormorants, osprey, and Sam, the lone mute swan. All rentals depart from Central Falls Landing. A minimum number of participants is required for the session to run; if that minimum is not met, notifications are sent 48 hours in advance, and if it is met, a session reminder will follow. All sessions are dependent on river conditions. For comfort and safety, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a bathing suit, and water. Availability can be limited, so early booking is recommended.

After a sun-filled season, set aside a restorative day to replenish body, mind, and spirit. Participants move through a guided program of self care, healing, and creativity, receiving a dedicated service from each practitioner along the way. The experience blends sound healing, meditation, and art with nourishing food, including brunch-style snacks and lunch, plus a smoothie to take on the go. Personalize the day with options such as Reiki, a gel or regular manicure, a Japanese head spa, a wash and blowout, a facial, a card reading, tooth gems, or a brow tint and wax. The full package is valued at $500 and offered for $199. Availability is limited.

The Narragansett Brew Run 5k combines a 5k course with local craft beer from Narragansett Brewery. The run and walk format welcomes competitive racers, casual runners, and walkers, along with anyone who enjoys local craft beer.

A celebration of the wonderfully strange, this expo gathers handpicked vendors, artists, dealers, and small businesses that specialize in the unusual. Browse ethically sourced taxidermy and preserved specimens, original artwork, horror and Halloween inspired creations, antiques, handcrafted curiosities, vintage quack medical devices, eerie clothing, distinctive jewelry, skulls and bones, funeral collectibles, and more. All offerings are legal to own and sustainably sourced. In addition to the marketplace, there are stage performances by sideshow entertainers throughout the day, plus taxidermy classes for those interested in learning the craft. The event highlights a welcoming, DIY-driven atmosphere where visitors can discover new artists, make connections, and feel part of a like minded community. It also describes itself as the first traveling show in the country dedicated exclusively to oddities vendors and dark artists. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and children 12 and under are admitted free without a ticket.

Drift along the river on a relaxed evening cruise, taking in shoreline views and the natural soundscape as the last light shimmers across the water. It suits a romantic outing, a get-together with friends, or a peaceful moment to unwind, balancing easygoing comfort with memorable sightseeing. This is a cruise experience rather than a guided tour, though questions about Blackstone Valley are welcome. The outing includes a boat ride, and life vests are available if needed. Guided narration is not provided.

Explore sourdough baking in a hands-on class that teaches how to care for a starter and craft your own loaf with clear, step-by-step instruction. You will head home with dough to let rise overnight and bake in your kitchen, a starter to cultivate, a complete starter kit, a detailed guidebook, and a favorite recipe for delicious sourdough. To take part, you will need a home oven and a Dutch oven with a lid. The instructor looks forward to helping you dive into sourdough from your own kitchen.

Families can enjoy a fun-filled visit to the Zoo while exploring A Bug’s World from a pint-sized perspective. Tickets include access to the entire Zoo along with the A Bug’s World experience, where more than 60 giant animatronic caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other creatures bring the world of bugs to life.

An evening of comedy with a purpose, Comedy for a Cause supports the Cranston YMCA and the community. Tickets are $25 per ticket.

Experience a coastal tasting aboard a cruise in downtown Providence, created with food and wine enthusiasts in mind. Local oyster farmer Graham Watson, owner of West Passage Oyster Co. in South County, shucks premium oysters on deck and shares stories from his offshore farm near the John Chafee Nature Preserve in the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. The crew pours wine and Prosecco to pair with the oysters. Guests who are feeling adventurous can try shucking as Graham demonstrates his favorite techniques. It blends culinary exploration with time on the water in Providence.

Summer Salsa Blast 2026 returns to the Providence Rink with an evening centered on music, dance, and community, presented in partnership with Providence Parks. The night begins with a free salsa lesson that is perfect for beginners and anyone excited to step onto the floor. After the lesson, DJ Locura keeps the energy high with salsa, bachata, and more, and Robertico y Su Alebreke delivers a live performance that brings the sound to life. Showcases feature Mambo Pa Ti, Martin and Inara, and talented local artists from across New England, with additional acts to be announced. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be available so guests can stay fueled while they dance. This event is free and welcoming for the whole family. VIP tables are available. For reservations, sponsorship or vendor opportunities, or general questions, contact 401-952-2490 or mambopati@gmail.com.

Music Bingo adds a soundtrack to classic bingo at Sullivans Publick House. Play along to familiar tunes as you mark your card, enjoy food, and compete for prizes. Whether you know every song or simply like the game, this event is designed for all kinds of players in a social setting.

BeatCo.ViaMental, Robert Bushinsky, Mr. Slugg, and The New Pollution appear at The News in downtown Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The lineup brings all four acts together on one stage for a single event.

The Parlour Providence hosts a showcase featuring a solo set from Garrett Gleason, The Grandest Noise featuring Cody Silander, Ben Levin featuring Justice Cow and Kit Orion, and Parazoa.

MadHouse is bringing psychobilly, eurodance, and dance vibes to Six String Grill & Stage. The show gets started at 9:00 PM.

At Deep Breaths Salon & Holistic Self Empowerment Center, this 90-minute Hatha Yoga class welcomes every experience level, from longtime practitioners to first-time students. The session blends mindful movement and breathwork with a gentle dose of challenge, along with time for relaxation and restoration. Intentional postures support strength and flexibility while offering space to reset for the days ahead. Expect a warm, calming environment that encourages moving with awareness, curiosity, and compassion. Modifications and variations are available so you can honor how you feel each week, and beginners are encouraged. Please bring a yoga mat, water, and any props you enjoy using. This class is offered weekly.

Caring for a child who is struggling with substance use disorder can feel overwhelming, and support is available. PAL, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, meets weekly in person at Riverside Church in Red Bank, offering peer connection, guidance, and hope in a faith-based environment. The group is open to adults 18 and older. Conversations are confidential and nonjudgmental, providing a safe space for support.

Set out on a 50 minute guided journey along the Blackstone River through Central Falls, Cumberland, and Lincoln. Experience the serenity and beauty of this waterway, learn about the region’s distinctive landscape, and discover why its geography drew settlers and industries to the Blackstone Valley. Keep an eye out for river wildlife that thrives within this urban corridor. A guide leads the way, and life vests are provided if needed.

Sassy Succulents RI and Medeina’s Garden bring a plant themed gathering to Long Live Beerworks that blends a creative workshop with friendly competition. Begin by crafting a custom succulent arrangement at a hands-on station using a curated mix of plants, pots, and decorative accents. No experience is needed, and each ticket includes a beer or cider. After planting, enjoy four rounds of Plant Bingo, each with a winner and prizes that include succulents, planters, and special selections from the hosts. A final lightning round wraps things up, and additional bingo cards can be purchased for a last high stakes game. Expect plenty of plants, craft beer, lively bingo, and a welcoming crowd of fellow plant lovers. Space is limited and tickets are required. The mezzanine event area is accessed by one flight of stairs, so contact the venue in advance if accommodations are needed. Free street parking is available on Sprague Street and in the surrounding area, and nearby lots are reserved for Rooms & Works tenants. Long Live Beerworks features New England style IPAs, fruited sours, pastry stout, and modern takes on classics brewed on site, with non beer and non alcoholic options available through Solid Gold Provisions.

Enjoy an afternoon on the grounds of Crescent Park as Cruise Nights fill the park with nostalgic sights and sounds. This season, the gathering takes place along the waterside. Admission is free, and donations collected support the Historic Charles I.D. Looff Carousel. Event dates may vary during the season.

Learn the basics of West Coast Swing with a free beginner lesson held outdoors on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge. This class is part of the Providence Fitness in the Parks series and is designed for newcomers. No partner or prior dance experience is needed, and admission is free. After the lesson, the evening continues with social dancing under the sunset and city lights, with donations appreciated. Participants are encouraged to arrive a little early to check in and complete the required Providence Parks Activities Waiver. Special themed dance nights are featured throughout the season, and on certain dates the free beginner lesson may pause for other programming while social dancing or special activities may still take place.

Part of the Riverfront Concert Series, the Parks and Recreation Division, together with sponsors Coastal Credit Union, My Greene Team, Pamela Hughes, Bandits Baseball Club, Dupuis Oil, and The Washington Trust Company, welcomes The Good Living Band for a free 90 minute performance at the Veteran's Memorial Amphitheater. The group is known for tight three part harmonies, lively acoustic guitar rhythms, and rich bass lines, with a set that spans favorites from “Friday I’m In Love” to “Ventura Highway” for an upbeat, feel good evening. Parking is available in the City Hall lot. Canned and nonperishable food donations will be collected to support the Blackstone Valley Food Center and their efforts to reduce hunger in the area. Performances may be canceled if weather is poor and could be rescheduled. For updates or changes, check the Pawtucket Parks & Recreation or Pawtucket’s Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheater Facebook pages.

Kentucky folk singer-songwriter Jordan Smart shares songs with unvarnished honesty, moving from deeply personal reflections to sharp, topical satire. Influenced by John Prine, Malvina Reynolds, Phil Ochs, Barbara Dane, Woody Guthrie, and others, he crafts carefully drawn lyrics that foreground empathy and the human experience.

The popular twilight river cruise returns with an evening on the water as Providence glows at dusk. Historic architecture, graceful bridges, and cobblestone paths reveal a different side of the city as the sun sinks toward the horizon. Guests can unwind with complimentary wine and Prosecco from Rhode Island’s Gooseneck Vineyards while taking in sweeping views of the capital. The experience suits romantic dates, relaxed corporate gatherings, a fun night out with friends, or an after‑dinner adventure, setting the stage for lasting summer memories with family, coworkers, and loved ones. Drift into the heart of twilight as the river guides the way.