This weekend in Providence, RI

Providence City Councilor Justin Roias invites residents to take part in a neighborhood cleanup aimed at reducing litter and curbing illegal dumping. The effort encourages neighbors to take ownership of their surroundings so the places they live look better by the end of the effort, rather than waiting for someone else to step in. Community members can also share suggestions for locations that need care, such as vacant lots, parks, or street corners, to help ensure no area is overlooked.

Fall festival season returns to the Providence Artisans Market in Lippitt Park, celebrating its fourteenth year. Across 27 consecutive Saturdays, more than 300 local artists share their work alongside the Hope Street Farmers Market. Visitors can explore fine art, pick up fresh produce, enjoy food trucks, and listen to live music, creating a welcoming, family friendly experience.

After a long, hot summer, focus on replenishing body, mind, and soul with a full day dedicated to hydration and renewal. A thoughtfully curated program guides participants through self care, healing, and creativity, with services provided by a team of practitioners. The experience includes sound healing, meditation, and art, along with brunch snacks, lunch, and a smoothie to take with you. Guests can also choose from options such as reiki, a gel or regular manicure, a Japanese head spa, a wash and blow out, a facial, a card reading, tooth gems, or a brow tint and wax. Valued at $500 and offered for $199. Limited spots available.

A community gathering centered on the Greenway at Goldsmith Street brings people together to care for the multi use trail and outdoor classroom while deepening connections with neighbors. The site now hosts a living meadow of thousands of native pollinator plants that shift with the seasons, offering a chance to build knowledge about native species, pollinators, and ecological restoration. Meeting at the Fish Ladder in Johnston, this welcoming Friends Group offers opportunities to learn from WRWC staff, see how a restored landscape changes over time, and contribute to its ongoing health when stewardship is needed. Each meetup explores a different facet of meadow care and Greenway restoration, including how native plants support wildlife, why meadows require different maintenance than traditional lawns, updates on upcoming projects, and practical skills to apply at home. Expect time walking the site, hands on activities when appropriate, and conversations with staff and neighbors. All experience levels are welcome. Please dress for the weather, wear closed toe shoes, and consider bringing water and a snack. Tools and materials are provided. The Friends Group provides a meaningful way to help shape the future of the Greenway.

Explore the hidden lives of local squirrels on a family-friendly Greenway Wild Walk focused on their survival skills. Learn how six species find food, stay safe, and adapt to the seasons, visit a pop-up mini museum, make a squirrel craft, and head out on a guided nature walk to look for clues and wildlife along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. This program is presented by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in partnership with 15 Minute Field Trips, and is led by Melissa, with hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and opportunities to observe nature up close. The Greenway section used for these walks features the Native Plant Garden, the Manton Outdoor Classroom, the Manton Fishway, and examples of stormwater management and streambank restoration, a revitalized area that serves as both an educational and recreational space. Walks welcome all ages and move at an easy, exploratory pace, usually covering about a mile on a paved, wheelchair-accessible path. There are no on-site restrooms or water, and the nearest public restroom is at a Cumberland Farms. Limited parking is available at the Manton Outdoor Classroom, including accessible spots. Programs are conducted primarily in English.

Learn how insects create their remarkable sounds, then make a simple instrument to take home. Afterward, take a quiet walk through the park and tune your ears to the chirps, buzzes, and clicks of nature’s orchestra. Presented by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in partnership with 15 Minute Field Trips, this family-friendly walk mixes science, creativity, and play while exploring nearby plants, animals, and habitats. Guided by Melissa of 15 Minute Field Trips, each outing features hands-on learning and chances to observe wildlife up close. The route moves at an easy, exploratory pace and usually covers about a mile. The Greenway is paved and wheelchair accessible, although it is not maintained for snow or ice in winter. There are no on-site restrooms or water. Parking is limited at the Manton Outdoor Classroom, including accessible spaces, with overflow parking available nearby. The program is primarily conducted in English.

Undertow brings brass-focused music to Billy Taylor Park, wrapping up a three-show free series in PVD parks this summer. Expect bold brass sounds in a park setting.

WaterFire Providence honors Rhode Island educators at WaterFire - Waterplace Park, with support from the Rhode Island Department of Education. The program features a full lighting paired with onshore vendors and performances for a moving experience. Guests can help brighten the night as part of this community celebration.

Open air boat rides offer a way to experience WaterFire from the water. Firelight flickers across the surface while music fills the air, creating an intimate perspective on a signature Providence tradition. Offered since 1994, when the fires first began, these cruises provide a relaxed view without the crowds on the walkways. Seats often sell out quickly.

At The Parlour Providence, Jabbawaukee presents an album release celebration for the upcoming record Late Night, Early Morning, with opening sets from the Caylin Costello Band and Brother Guy.

Experience an all levels Hatha Yoga class at Deep Breaths Salon & Holistic Self Empowerment Center that blends mindful movement, breathwork, gentle challenge, and deep relaxation. Guided sequences emphasize intentional postures and conscious breathing to build strength and flexibility while offering space to reset. The practice welcomes both longtime practitioners and first-time students, with modifications and variations available to support your needs each session. Expect a calm, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to move with awareness, curiosity, and compassion. Please bring a yoga mat, water, and any props you enjoy using, and leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and restored.

Capture your look with gemstone-inspired color headshots. Choose a gemstone hue when booking and arrive in that color for your session to receive 50 percent off the studio session fee.

Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts presents the third annual Topgolf fundraising challenge at Topgolf Cranston, bringing together local professionals and community leaders in support of programs that benefit students across Southern Massachusetts. Participants enjoy three hours of Topgolf play, brunch, drink tickets, networking, and friendly competitions. The event culminates with the Golden Shot Finale, where finalists compete in a closest to the pin showdown for a grand prize in front of all attendees. Ticket options include a single golfer for $175, a six-golfer group entry for $1,050, and a supporter pass for $75. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For details about registration, sponsorship, or donations, contact Mike Silva at 508-496-6428 or michaelsilva@financialguide.com, or contact Jeffrey Pelletier at 508-264-0586 or jeffrey.pelletier@ja.org.

CHSAAP's fourth Hall of Fame Induction Banquet at Cranston Country Club honors some of Central's finest athletic teams, coaches, and individuals, and also recognizes Distinguished Alumni and posthumous honorees.

Free beginner West Coast Swing instruction takes place on the Providence Pedestrian, the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, presented by First on the Floor as part of the Providence Fitness in the Parks series. New dancers and solo participants are welcome, and there is no cost to take the lesson. After the introductory class, the gathering continues with social dancing beneath the city skyline, with donations for the social appreciated. The season includes occasional themed nights to keep the experience fresh and fun. Attendees are encouraged to arrive a little early to check in and complete the required Providence Parks Activities Waiver. On select dates the free lesson is paused due to holidays or special programming, and social dancing or other activities may still be offered. Weather, location updates, and schedule changes are shared on the event page and through First on the Floor’s social channels.

New York City comic Lucas Zelnick delivers rapid-fire stand-up that riffs on his comfortable upbringing. His work spans Comedy Central, a headlining slot at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival, and appearances in the films Regulars and Fade to Black. On the road he has sold more than 50,000 tickets and built an online following of 1 million with 500 million views. He also holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, for no particular reason.

Explore Providence’s haunted past aboard an evening boat tour led by the storytellers of Providence Ghost Tours, the city’s longest-running ghost tour company. Glide through the downtown waterways on comfortable, open-air vessels, passing beneath moonlit bridges and alongside cobblestone walkways and centuries-old architecture. Hear eerie accounts of residents from every walk of life, from noted literary figures to humble servants, whose spirits are rumored to linger along the river. This is a spooky night on the water to share with family and friends, complete with atmospheric views of downtown by moonlight. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Advance reservations are strongly suggested, as this cruise often sells out.