Rhode Island’s most wintry month is here. But have no fear because imaginative organizers and inspired planners have worked their magic to create events specifically to lure us off our collective couches. Whether you’re looking for an ideal sitch for a low-stakes first date, a social event perfect for attending solo, or plans for a group, there is something going on every single day of the shortest month in the smallest state. We always advise checking with each venue about reservations, any weather delays, and more, and if we missed your favorite, let us know at Marketing@HeyRhody.com
PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEKS: Providence
Continuing from January 25, lunch, dinner, and three-course prix-fixe offers await from a lengthy list of participating eateries in the city and beyond, including Bristol, Cranston, Johnston, Warwick, and Seekonk, MA. GoProvidence.com
PRESERVED & DRIED FLORAL WORKSHOP: Providence
Learn how to make a fanciful decoration in this class led by Sarah Tefft of Salt Blossom, at Heavenly Creatures Salon at 506 Broadway. SaltBlossom.com
CIDERCON: Providence
Feel like an apple insider at this three-day conference. This year’s theme, Crafting Cider’s Future Together, celebrates collaboration and innovation, and guests can look forward to expert-led workshops, guided tastings, and a lively trade show featuring the latest trends, tools, and techniques shaping the cider world. New for 2026 is the debut of the Artisan Marketplace, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to textiles, prints, and cider-inspired goods. CiderAssociation.org
WAKEFIELD IDOL: Wakefield
Since January and continuing through March, Thursdays at 7pm mean showtime at this popular competition that takes its cue from the TV show. Now in year 12, watch as singers compete for the $1200 grand prize, performing new songs every week. Perhaps register to sing yourself? Open to ages 15 and up. Songs are all sung karaoke style and lyrics must be memorized. ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
WICKED BEST MARTINI COMPETITION: Providence
Cheer on Rhody’s beverage scene at this benefit for Tiny Paws RI and Shelter to Sofa RI held inside the stunning Reserve on Dorrance. The afternoon features bartenders demonstrating their skills while highlighting programs featuring Velo Vodka. A friendly competition is added to elevate the fun. Sample tastings, too. RINightMarket.com
VALENTINE’S SPECIALTY MARKET: Tiverton
Head over to the Tiverton Farmers Market’s Valentine’s Specialty Market and try creative chocolate fusions devised by local makers and businesses. This family-friendly culinary outing features mouthwatering goods and gifts. TivertonFarmersMarket.com
COLLAGE A VALENTINE WORKSHOP: Providence
Love playing with paper? Treat yourself to this class led by mixed media and collage artist Jenny Brown, where you’ll create a uniquely personal card using her extensive collection of antique ephemera. Held at Erase Studio & Gallery above XO Bar. EraseStudioAndGallery.com
A GALENTINE’S CELEBRATION: Providence
Held at Fogo de Chão, Regifting For Rights: A Galentine’s Celebration is a high-energy evening that includes delicious appetizers, a cash bar, conversations about women’s issues, and networking, all while collecting unused gift cards to be “regifted” as raffle prizes supporting the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island’s mission throughout the year. WFRI.org
MACARON MAGIC: VALENTINE’S EDITION: Providence
Learn the fundamentals of macaron making – from achieving smooth, even shells to mastering tinting and piping techniques – before hand-painting delicate hearts on your finished treats to take home. You’ll also whip up silky Italian meringue buttercream and discover how to infuse fillings with flavors. ElliesProv.com
CHOCOLATE STROLL: Westerly
This fundraiser for the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce promises a sweet night on the town. Participating locations serve up food and beverages with a common denominator of chocolate. Last year’s event sold out, so plan ahead for this ticketed treat. OceanChamber.org
LUCK BE A LADIES NIGHT: Wickford
A casino-themed evening is in the cards – with prizes, discounts, delicious bites, and tasty sips. WickfordVillage.org
VALENTINE’S CHAR-CUTE-RIE SKILLS WORKSHOP: Bristol
Blithewold’s private events manager Genie Correia, leads this hands-on class where eight participants will assemble their own small “cutie” board to take home, over a glass of white wine. Blitheworld.org
VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND AT OCEAN HOUSE AND WEEKAPAUG INN, Westerly
In addition to each sister property’s current restaurant offerings, their culinary teams are preparing a special four-course prix-fixe menu with optional wine pairings. OceanHouseRI.com
VALENTINE’S TEA: Bristol
The elegant dining room at Blithewold is the setting for two seatings (11am, 1pm) of pots of hot tea, freshly baked scones, and a three-tiered tray of sweet and savory bites to the sounds of harp playing. Program not suitable for children. Blithewold.org
OCEANS54 VALENTINE’S DISCO: Matunuck
Dance like no one’s watching at this 21-plus night held at the Ocean Mist beach bar. Plan ahead and make it an overnight stay at nearby Admiral Dewey Inn (a 10 minute walk) and receive complimentary entry into the par-tay. OceanMist.net
NEWPORT WINTER FESTIVAL: Newport
New England’s largest winter extravaganza is back with over 150 things to do. For foodies, find cook-offs and smack-downs (chili, hot drinks, mac and cheese); for kids, there’s a princess party, puppet band, a BYO teddy bear musical storytime, and a magic show. There are crafty workshops, tribute band concerts, and so much more. NewportWinterFestival.com
SWEET SHOPPE & GALENTINE’S TEA: Mapleville
Take a drive along Victory Highway to find the Mapleville Farm roadside stand transformed into a Valentine’s Sweet Shoppe on Saturday, and the greenhouse hosting a Galentine’s Tea on Sunday. Enjoy pots of hot tea plus servings of delectable bite-sized scratch-made foods. A festive hot chocolate event celebrates Roger Williams on February 22. BensBakery.com
WINE-TERFEST: Middletown
Wine-stomping competitions, stein hoisting feats of strength, live music, and an ice bar, are all part of an itinerary of fun. Tickets include admission to a specific session, souvenir vineyard logo glass and choice of five tastes from the wine and beer bars. NewportVineyards.com
LUMINA: Providence
The event that turns downtown into the city of light returns with activities at every turn. At press time, details were to be announced, so please check DowntownParks.org
RHODE ISLAND BOAT SHOW: Providence
Peruse dealers and vendors at the Rhode Island Convention Center. RVSuperShows.com
LITARTS RI WRITER’S BLOCK PARTY: Providence
We love an event with a clever name. Kickstart your writing in 2026 with a day of micro workshops designed to move you past creative barriers while building the skills to sustain your practice. Six 90-minute craft workshops will be interspersed with time to write and network with other creatives. LitArtsRI.org
VEGFEST: Providence
Head to the WaterFire Arts Center for two days of plant-based eating from over 85 vegan restaurants and sustainable shopping. Not just about tasty bites, the festival takes sustainability seriously, teaming up with a local compost processor and World Centric to divert 95 percent of event waste from landfills. RIVegFest.com.
CURLING: Providence
At press time, Track 15 imagineers were busy setting up dining igloos and curling rinks with posted rules and scoreboards on the property plaza for both league and casual play by the hour. Watch for Bonspiels (tournaments) with prizes to be scheduled throughout the winter. Track15RI.com
PROVIDENCE FLEA: Providence
The indoor market returns after a brief January snooze with vendors galore, each Sunday at the Farm Fresh RI Market Hall. ProvidenceFlea.com
WINTER WONDER DAYS: Providence
From January 1 through February 28, 2026, visitors can enjoy half-price admission. It’s a great time to bundle up, breathe in some fresh air, and see what your favorite animals are up to during the cooler months. RWPZoo.org
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