Happy Wednesday, Rhody Islanders!

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Quiet Trails Forest walk led by land expert

• Briny Cheers Oyster beer bash fuels weekend

• Crafty Steals Rare ceramics deals draw collectors

Wicked Li’l Trivia: Is the world your oyster? Check below.

Rhody Moments: The “wives” are greenlit. Scroll for more

Let’s get right to what’s going on this weekend.

Outdoor & Nature

🌆 Cruise into golden hour: Twilight River Cruises with Providence River Boat Company. Enjoy a 60-minute evening cruise with local wines. Scenic views, calm waters, and a relaxed vibe. Charcuterie add-ons available.

🛶 Kayak, drum, and celebrate fish: 3rd Annual Fish Parade on the Blackstone River. Boats, fish hats, face paint, delicious snacks from Apothica Cafe, live music, and goodie bags for the first 50 people—all part of this family-friendly celebration of nature and renewal.

🐑 Shear joy in Bristol: Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival 2025 at Coggeshall Farm Museum. Watch sheep shearing, wool dyeing, and spinning demos. Shop handmade goods from 40+ local artisans: rain or shine.

🍃Join a quiet forest walk: Guided Trail Walk at Kenyon Crossroads with Hopkinton Land Trust. Join a forest health expert and explore protected woods. Nature’s calling—no RSVP needed.

🦅 Greet spring with community: Spring Migration Celebration at Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown. Guided bird walks, kids’ crafts, refreshments, live music, local artisans, and a “Halk Talk” with Norman Bird Sanctuary educators.

🍄 Step into fungi’s timeline: 2nd Annual Spring Fungi Fair at Borders Farm in Foster. Explore “Fungi Through Time” with hands-on demos, nature walks, talks, and local vendors. Free, family-friendly, and full of mycelial magic.

🌿 Explore the Marble House trees: Tree Walk at Marble House in Newport. Guided walk led by Jeff Curtis, Director of Gardens & Landscapes, showcasing the estate’s notable trees. Registration required!

Li’l Bulletin Board

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, or a hire, to 21,000 friends?

• Never Mind the Bollocks: A Fundraiser for Wilbury Theatre Group Join the Wilbury Theatre Group on Friday, May 16 at ISCO Spirits in Providence for Never Mind the Bollocks, a punk-inspired celebration of 15 years of groundbreaking performance. Expect bold previews of the 2024/25 season, live music from The Carson Daily, craft food and cocktails, and a buzzing crowd that believes in fearless, accessible theater. Tickets are limited. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Rhode Island’s most electric night of the season.

• Puzzical Chairs & Pie at 195 District Park Get ready for a whimsical afternoon of puzzles, pie, and playful music with Skyjelly at this all-ages outdoor celebration hosted by Puzlkind Jigsaw Puzzles. Taking place Sunday, May 18 from 1–3 PM on Bally’s Event Lawn in Providence, the event promises dancing, prancing, puzzling, and plenty of surprises next to The Guild Beer Garden. Space is free but limited. RSVP now at puzlkind.eventbrite.com to join the fun before it fills up!

• Rare & Unusual Plant Sale 2025 at City Farm Join Southside Community Land Trust for their 33rd Annual Plant Sale on May 17 & 18 from 10 AM–2 PM at City Farm in Providence, where thousands of vibrant plants, local music, and joyful community energy await—rain or shine. With early entry for members, EBT/SNAP benefits accepted, and live performances from artists like The Stinging Nettles and Community MusicWorks, this event is as nourishing as it is festive. Come early, dig in, and grow something amazing—before the best plants are gone!

Food & Drink

🦪 Shuck and sip local: Quahog Week at Providence Brewing - Celebrate RI’s shellfish scene with oysters from Aquidneck Island Oyster Co. and a pint of limited-release “Sand in My Salt Gose”. $1 per 4-pack supports local fisheries.

🍗 Gather for Southern comfort: Southern Charmed Sunday Supper at Newport Vineyards in Middletown. Enjoy a family-style Southern dinner in the Overlook dining room. $30 per person. Wine, beer, and cocktails available for purchase. Reservations recommended.

🦞 Chow down by the bay: Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival in Newport. Two days of oysters, chowder, cold drinks, and great bands. No tickets needed. Just bring your appetite and some sunblock. ✴️ STAFF PICK ✴️

🪴 Shop plants, sip beers: Plants at Proc at Proclamation Ale Co. The taproom goes full greenhouse with plants, tacos, cookies, slushies, and arcade games. (Scroll down!)

🛍️ Shop local every Sunday: Garden City Farmers Market at the Garden City gazebo. Farmers, makers, food trucks, special surprises, and a craft beer garden!

Highs & Lows

Entertainment

🎻 Experience a world-class performance: Gala Celebration with Yo-Yo Ma at The VETS in Providence. The RI Philharmonic presents the renowned cellist live with conductor Robert Spano. One night only.

🎭 Opera with a playful twist: Gianni Schicchi by Puccini at The United Theatre in Westerly. Salt Marsh Opera presents a family-friendly night of music, mischief, and laughs. $25 tickets.

🛥️ Board for a waterfront show: Take It to the Bridge plays live on the Coastal Queen. Set sail from Newport and enjoy the music while taking in views from the water.

🎶 Saturday with soul and strings: Live Music: Emily Barnes & Lily DeTaeye at Borealis Coffee. Two powerful singer-songwriters, cozy venue, cocktails, coffee, and snacks. Music starts at 7.

🎸 Blues trio brings raw energy: GA-20 at The Met in Pawtucket. Known for analog recordings and vintage gear, the Boston-based band channels vintage blues with modern grit.

🎻 Free outdoor concert: Rasa Quartet and Percussion: Redefining Home at Newport Craft Brewing. Experience a fusion of global rhythms and melodies blending Indian ragas, Argentine tangos, and Celtic tunes. Family-friendly, lawn seating! ✴️ STAFF PICK ✴️

Arts & Culture

⚓ History sails into town: Brits Attack Bristol (and Lose!) in Bristol, RI. Experience 1775 and 1778 raids reenacted, tour the Oliver Hazard Perry, and enjoy themed receptions. Weekend of immersive history.

✍️ Free outdoor writing session: Writing on Westminster at Symposium Books in Providence. Bring your current project, mingle with fellow writers, and enjoy pastries from local cafes!

⚙️ See how the port runs: Providence Port Day. Workshops, waterfront tours, and lunch are included. Learn about environmental access and management while exploring the heart of the Providence industry.

🛍️ Shop handmade pottery bargains: Annual 'Quality Seconds' Pottery & Art Sale at South County Art Association in Kingston. Discover unique, handcrafted pieces at affordable prices. Part of the Kingston Village Fair.

🎖️ Kick off Gaspee Days right: Proclamation Day at Pawtuxet Park in Warwick. State officials deliver proclamations, followed by food and live music. Bring a blanket and enjoy the festivities.

Wicked Li’l Trivia

Rhody Moments

• Fishy fossil hunting? Search is on for shark teeth after 7 fossils found on Narragansett beach. At least seven ancient shark teeth, including two from great whites, have turned up at Narragansett Town Beach. Visitors are encouraged by the Atlantic Shark Institute to join the search and share photos of discoveries.

• The United States ranked by the percentage of water area in each state. [hey look at us being in third place!😀]. We're third in the country for water coverage and second for coastline density. There’s banter, state pride, and even a Hawaii vs. RI nickname standoff. Zoom in and see our name near the top—where it belongs.

• It’s official Real Housewives of Rhode Island is really real. Bravo has greenlit The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, and Redditors are buzzing. From speculations about filming locations like Twin Oaks and Blu on the Water to humorous takes on RI culture. “Can't wait to see women fighting with each other drinking coffee milk out of a wine glass”. LOL, the community is both amused, intrigued, and ready for it. A hot mess? Probably. So bad it’s good? That’s probably the goal.

See you next week!

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