Things to Do in the Providence Area
In Providence you can do your own thing. Sample the latest dishes at a red-hot restaurant. Score a one-of-a-kind find in distinctive neighborhood shops. We’ve got tons of public art, great museums, award-winning theater and cool music. Plus, we’re affordable and easy to get to. With so many options, you can curate a vacation that is uniquely yours. Pick your Providence today.
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WaterFire Providence
Providence's signature event is WaterFire, an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence. Created by local artist Barnaby Evans, WaterFire has become a must-see for visitors.
Providence Area Attractions
You'll find a wide variety of attractions in Providence and throughout Rhode Island. Take a look below and start planning some fun.
Base Station VR Lounge
Base Station VR Lounge is Rhode Island’s first dedicated virtual reality arcade/lounge. Whether...
Dave & Buster's of Providence
Dave & Buster's is the most fun you can have, all under one roof! Dave & Buster's is the one and...
Experience Rhode Island Tours
A family-owned business, Experience RI was started by brothers who grew up in Rhode Island. Together...
Gather: Glass Blowing Studio
Gather is a dynamic, multi-faceted studio of creators who make memorable glassblowing experiences...
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Set in one of Newport's most magnificent architectural sites, the Hall of Fame features a...
La Gondola
Want to enjoy an authentic Venetian experience in the heart of Providence? Take a journey with us...
Mulligan's Island Golf & Entertainment
Adventure awaits at Mulligan’s Island! Imagine a picturesque getaway in the heart of Rhode Island...
Providence Children's Museum
Providence Children’s Museum, Rhode Island’s only hands-on museum especially for children and their...
Historic Providence
Today, many of Providence's historic landmarks are open to the public, including the RISD Museum, the state's leading museum of art and design; the John Brown House Museum, a landmark from the 18th century; and the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, an American National Historic Landmark.
Events in Providence
Dragons & Mythical Creatures
- Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
- May 2, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
Food Trucks Hop into Hopkinton
- May 2, 2024 - Aug 1, 2024
Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour
- Providence Ghost Tour, LLC
- May 2, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
Wicked Tulips Exeter, RI U-Pick Event
- May 2, 2024 - May 11, 2024
Bring Your Own Improv’s Family Friendly Comedy Show
- May 3, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
Food Truck Friday Roger Williams Park - 10th Year
- Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
- May 3, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Jane's Walk Providence
- May 3, 2024 - May 5, 2024
Lovera Sunday Brunch
- May 5, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024
Bristol Art Museum to Host South Coast Artists Members’ Invitational Exhibit
- May 2, 2024 - May 25, 2024
Lippitt House Museum First Thursday Guided Tours
- Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum
- May 2, 2024 - Dec 5, 2024
Open Mic Thursdays
- May 2, 2024 - Jun 13, 2024
Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour
- Providence Ghost Tour, LLC
- May 2, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
Providence Ghost Tour
- Providence Ghost Tour, LLC
- May 2, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024
Singular Focus: Bristol Art Museum Takes Root at Blithewold
- Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
- May 2, 2024 - May 12, 2024
‘2024 Juried Artist Members Invitational’ Exhibit
- May 2, 2024 - May 5, 2024
“Ekphrasis: An Exhibition Pairing Poets and Artists”
- First Unitarian Church (ca. 1818)
- May 2, 2024 - May 4, 2024
Bring Your Own Improv’s Caffeinated Insomniacs Comedy Show
- May 3, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
Appy Hour at the Alley!
- Moonshine Alley
- May 2, 2024 - Mar 13, 2025
Downcity Providence Food Tour
- Rhode Island Red Food Tours
- May 2, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
Food Trucks Hop into Hopkinton
- May 2, 2024 - Aug 1, 2024
GPub House Party Nights
- Providence G Pub
- May 2, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024
Name That Tune !!
- May 2, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024
Newport Neighborhood Food Tour
- Rhode Island Red Food Tours
- May 2, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
Spring Afternoon Tea
- Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
- May 2, 2024 - May 3, 2024
Food Truck Friday Roger Williams Park - 10th Year
- Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
- May 3, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
GPub House Party Nights
- Providence G Pub
- May 3, 2024 - Jun 28, 2024
Acoustic Thursdays at Moonshine Alley!
- Moonshine Alley
- May 2, 2024 - Mar 13, 2025
GPub House Party Nights
- Providence G Pub
- May 2, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024
Open Mic Comedy Thursdays
- Jake & Johnny's Lounge (part of Napolitanos Brooklyn Pizza)
- May 2, 2024 - Jan 16, 2025
Open Mic Thursdays
- May 2, 2024 - Jun 13, 2024
Bring Your Own Improv’s Caffeinated Insomniacs Comedy Show
- May 3, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
Comedy @ The Hide Speakeasy
- The George
- May 3, 2024 - Jun 8, 2024
DJ NIGHT
- May 3, 2024 - Mar 28, 2025
GPub House Party Nights
- Providence G Pub
- May 3, 2024 - Jun 28, 2024
LGBTQ+ Providence
Providence is home to a thriving, diverse and dynamic LGBTQ+ community, whose influence may be found in every corner of our city.
Providence Self-Guided Historic Walking Tours
Immerse yourself in Providence's fascinating history, local lore and quirky tales by taking a self-guided walking tour. Explore the historic East Side, the rich culture of the West Side, the evolution of the Jewelry District, the reinvention of Downtown, and the city's early Black history.
Providence Neighborhoods
Some of Providence’s greatest assets are its vibrant, thriving neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own distinct personality, unique history and welcoming community.
Tours & Excursions
Explore the city on foot and see the sites up close on a walking tour. If you’re looking for a more leisurely adventure, sit back, relax and enjoy the views by bus. And, if you’re the seafaring type, hop on board a gondola or riverboat tour of the city.
Local Shopping
From boutiques to department stores, Providence offers ample shopping.