Looking for some tips on what to do for New Year’s Eve and beyond? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few recommendations from Ocean State Media afternoon host Mareva Lindo and producer James Baumgartner. Note: Weekend 401 is taking a break next week and will be back Jan. 8. Happy new year!
Waterfire New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Providence, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m.
It’s the last Waterfire lighting of the year! Programming begins shortly after sunset at 5 p.m., with food trucks, drinks, local bands, and roaming entertainment along the pedestrian bridge in downtown Providence. They’ll light the braziers at 5:30 p.m., and the night wraps up with a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.
Deer Tick New Year’s Eve concert at the Uptown Theater in Providence, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
***This event has been rescheduled for March 13, 2026***
Local favorite band Deer Tick is celebrating 21 years by restarting a tradition that began at the Uptown Theater, back when it was called the Columbus Theatre. It’ll be a retrospective show, including some of the band’s earliest songs as well as their more recent releases. Raindogs are the opening band.
22nd Annual Polar Plunge Challenge at First Beach in Newport, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m.
Hundreds of daredevils will be kicking off the new year by diving into frigid water for a good cause. They call it “Freezin’ for a Reason” because it’s a fundraiser for “A Wish Come True,” an organization that supports kids with life-threatening illnesses. You can take part in the plunge, or just watch a bunch of people jump into the icy Atlantic.
‘Moby-Dick’ marathon at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Jan. 2-4
It’s the 30th annual year for this 25-hour reading of Herman Melville’s epic tale of obsession, adventure, and the sea. This is a tradition across the country, but you could say it’s the white whale of ‘Moby-Dick’ marathons, being in the city where Melville embarked on his own real-life whaling voyage in 1841 – a time when New Bedford was the whaling capital of the world. The marathon actually takes place on the anniversary of his departure on the whaling ship Acushnet. In addition to the marathon itself, there are performances, lectures, a film screening, and other events happening throughout the weekend, but the marathon itself commences at noon Jan. 3, and it’s free. Reading slots are filled up, but you can drop in to listen (or sign up as a standby reader) anytime over the ensuing 25 hours – sleeping bags welcome.
Schedule and more information.
Acknowledgement: WaterFire is a financial supporter of Ocean State Media. Editorial decisions are made independently.
Editor’s note: The audio version of this story states the incorrect dates for the “Moby-Dick” marathon. Events are happening at the Whaling Museum Jan. 2-4, as noted in the details above.
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