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.

In today’s edition: Hasbro Children’s Hospital pediatric rankings, a fairy puppet show for kids, a pie decorating class, and more.

Let’s get to it.

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Beloved park’s next chapter: Longtime visitor Melissa Carden recently became executive director of the Roger Williams Park Conservancy, succeeding Bonnie Nickerson, as the nonprofit readies winter programming and a move into new offices — read the full story.

Shows move to Dowling Theater: Trinity Rep marked the start of $40 million renovations at Lederer Theater Center, promising accessibility upgrades, a new elevator, lobby space, an Adrian Hall Way plaza, and Chace Theater improvements — learn what’s changing and when.

National pediatric rankings released: Newsweek and Statista named Hasbro Children’s Hospital among America’s Best Children’s Hospitals for 2025 after evaluating eight pediatric specialties. Boston Children’s Hospital and Mass General for Children were also recognized — see how rankings were determined.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week

• Shop and vibe at Elektrik Market
• Tour PPL’s renovated and historic library
• Compete in drag trivia with Ladda
• Explore Providence’s art and architecture
• Celebrate community with rapid PechaKucha talks
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

Providence, make a sweet stop in Cranston

Providence, your snack drawer needs a field trip to Aura’s Chocolate Bar in Cranston. Chocolatier Aura Fajardo Quintero channels Venezuelan roots and pastry-school precision to craft small-batch bars and confections that read like your chocolate wish list.

Expect wildly creative flavors that still feel grown-up. The Sommelier Series pairs cacao with wine and spirits, the Coffee Milk bar nods to the state drink, and there are thoughtful vegan options.

It’s woman-owned, family-run, and serious about great ingredients, so the chocolate actually tastes like… chocolate.

Skip the mall sweets and treat yourself locally. You can snag bars around town or pop into the shop when the craving hits. Start with Aura’s Chocolate Bar for hours and flavors.

Ready to see your business featured in an ad spot like this? 👆

Advertising with us is as easy as it gets. Fill out this quick form and we’ll get you in an upcoming edition!

🫶 We got your back

Linking docks to plates: Dune Brothers is charting a course to Tiverton’s Chase Marina, planning a seafood restaurant and market that doubles as a hub for local fishermen. After preliminary state approval, a 10-year lease starts Jan. 1, 2026. Expect wholesale sales, prepared foods, and access to underused local species. See what’s planned at Chase Marina.

Formula safety under scrutiny: Rhode Island health officials said an infant was hospitalized with botulism (confirmed Nov. 7) after reportedly consuming ByHeart powdered formula bought online. RIDOH is aiding an FDA/CDC probe into a multistate cluster involving babies who used the brand. ByHeart accounts for under 1% of U.S. formula. Officials said there are no formula shortage concerns. Early antitoxin helps. Read the full story.

Treats your dog deserves: Skip bland biscuits; Jack’s Snacks, a dog bakery crafts custom pup cakes and small-batch treats in-house with human-grade ingredients (no sugar, no salt, natural colors). The chicken-and-garlic signature and gluten-free options make it dangerously easy to spoil the co-worker who naps under your desk.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

🤝 Introducing local deals (just for you)

We’re launching a brand new segment to bring you exclusive local offers from trusted businesses right here in Providence. Think of it as your inside pass to the best local finds, discounts, and experiences.

The kind only available to PVD Current readers.

Know a local business you love? Send ’em this newsletter and encourage them to get involved.

Own, manage, or market a local business? We’d love to feature you here for free. The only catch? Your deal has to be genuinely valuable and exclusive to our readers.

Email us 👉 [email protected] to get started.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →

Today

📚 Ex Libris: America’s Funny-Man: The Comic Genius of Mark Twain @ The Providence Athenaeum | Friday (11/14) at 5:30pm – Nothing beats a deep dive into Mark Twain’s mischief with someone who actually knows their footnotes. Historian Philip Gould breaks down how America’s original wisecracker skewered snobs, rattled Victorians, and tackled slavery and empire, using Western humor, vernacular bite, and a very sharp pen.

🏺 Make Your Own Plant Pot Pottery Workshop @ Pawtucket Farmers Market | Friday (11/14) at 6:00pm – Take a break from screen time and get your hands gloriously muddy at a beginner-friendly, feel-good clay workshop where you sculpt a plant pot or vase. Pottery plus plants, obviously the perfect combo. Therapeutic, useful, and your succulents finally get the respect they deserve.

This weekend

🧚 Talking Hands Theatre Presents Fairies of the Four Seasons @ The Providence Athenaeum | Saturday (11/15) at 3:00pm – Need an hour of screen-free magic? Bring ages 2 to 7 for an interactive puppet adventure where fairies protect the four seasons from a delightfully grumpy gnome, with singing, movement, and plenty of wiggle room. Bonus, a cozy Scottish folktale sendoff.

💸 Bid & Benefit: Silent Auction Fundraiser for Hamilton House| Saturday (11/15) at 5:00pm – Whether you’ve got a soft spot for Hamilton House or you just enjoy a silent auction thrill, this fundraiser brings live music, complimentary wine, and hors d’oeuvres. It’s free, open to all, and a fine excuse to feel generous without baking anything.

🌿 Danksgiving @ Platforms Dance Club | Saturday (11/15) at 6:00pm – Feast, groove, and give thanks the elevated way at this cannabis community celebration. Sponsored by Solar Cannabis Co. and Aura of Rhode Island, Danksgiving brings together good vibes, great tunes, and a seriously tasty dinner (if you spring for the full ticket). Expect live music, games, vendors, and a haze of happiness—all totally above board.

🛍️ Flea at Farm Fresh Market Hall @ Farm Fresh Rhode Island | Sunday (11/16) at 11:00am – Skip the mall and wander the indoor Flea at Farm Fresh Market Hall, where local makers, vintage vendors, and food trucks make Sundays bearable, holidays included. Expect hot coffee, local spirits, gift-worthy finds, free entry, free parking, and a Black Friday night kickoff.

🥧 Pie Perfect Decorating Class @ Sarcastic Sweets | Sunday (11/16) at 1:00pm – Learning the art of pie polish at a hands-on decorating class with crust crimping, lattice weaving, and butter-brushing. Make your pies look as good as they taste, then enjoy the best part, quality control. Finally, a class where you get to eat the homework.

🌻 Sunflower Meadow – Painting Class @ Paint and Vino | Sunday (11/16) at 5:00pm – Come paint a sunflower meadow in-studio, sip a complimentary beer, wine, or soda, and pretend it counts as therapy. Ages 14+, actual free parking, and they will seat your crew together, so your “masterpiece” has a supportive audience.

Next week

🎖️ 5th Annual Veteran Voices @ Providence Public Library | Monday (11/17) at 5:30pm – If you prefer your Veterans Day plans with heart, not hashtags, catch local veterans reading, singing, and telling hard-earned truths at the library. It is free with registration, and a donation helps keep PCVI’s life-changing classes going after funding got the axe.

🔥 Enameling 101: What the Flux? @ The Steel Yard | Monday (11/17) at 6:30pm – Take a break from the scroll and play with fire at Enameling 101, aka What the Flux, with Nicholas Hesson. Beginner friendly, a little flame, plenty of color, and you leave with jewelry you actually want to wear. Curiosity welcome; experience optional.

🏛️ The Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence @ Graduate Hotel Lobby | Tuesday (11/18) at 11:00am – Downcity architecture tour, local history fix. Hear how Providence went from Gilded Age grandeur to mid-century slump to arts-fueled comeback, with Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and Neoclassical eye candy, plus the human stories behind the stone. Easy walk, excellent bragging rights.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 11/15 Desolation and more @ Getties – 7 pm
• 11/15 Morgan Jay @ Providence Performing Arts Center – 7 pm
• 11/15 Sourpunch and more @ Buttonwoods Brewery – 7:30 pm
• 11/15 Twilight in Concert @ The Vets – 8 pm
• 11/16 Lift Every Voice @ Grace Episcopal Church – 3 pm
• 11/16 Eslabon Armado @ The Strand Ballroom – 8 pm
• 11/17 The John Allmark @ Alchemy – 8 pm
• 11/18 Mirror Men and more @ Fete Music Hall – 8 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Providence 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).

Listed by: Michael Russo (RI Real Estate Services)

Steps from Hope and Blackstone Boulevard, this Colonial blends character and upgrades. A foyer leads to a fireplaced living room with inlaid hardwoods, custom moldings, and built-ins. Through an arch, a formal dining room opens by French doors to a covered patio overlooking a private fenced yard and lush gardens.

Stone and stainless kitchen opens to casual dining, plus powder room, pantry, and direct driveway access. Upstairs, sizable bedrooms include a primary with double closets and a flexible double. Lower level laundry and storage, new roof, central air, garage, garden shed, solar friendly, near East Side and Hope Village.

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