‘Cigarette Surfboard’ screening at URI and other events | Your Weekend 401 guide to Rhode Island

Making surfboards as an environmental statement, a Laotian family’s journey documented in Woonsocket, and a mid-winter party at the Jamestown Art Center. Here’s what’s happening in Rhode Island this coming week

Taylor Lane with Cigarette Surfboards
Taylor Lane with Cigarette Surfboards.
Still from “Cigarette Surfboard” documentary by Ben Judkins
Share
Taylor Lane with Cigarette Surfboards
Taylor Lane with Cigarette Surfboards.
Still from “Cigarette Surfboard” documentary by Ben Judkins
‘Cigarette Surfboard’ screening at URI and other events | Your Weekend 401 guide to Rhode Island
Copy

Looking for some tips on what to do this weekend and beyond? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few recommendations from Ocean State Media afternoon host Mareva Lindo and Executive Producer of Audio Innovation James Baumgartner.

Cigarette Surfboard

During a 2025 cleanup of trash on Rhode Island beaches, 17.8% of the trash was cigarette waste. It’s a problem around the world and one surfer from California decided to make surfboards using cigarette butts found on the beach. The documentary “Cigarette Surfboard” follows his journey. The filmmaker will be at the screening to answer questions and show off a couple of the surfboards.

  • Where: Corless Auditorium at URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus
  • When: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.
  • Website: URI.edu

The Heart of Wattayai

from “The Heart of Wattayai” by Vimala Phongsavanh

“The Heart of Wattayai” by Vimala Phongsavanh features photographs and family keepsakes that trace one Laotian family’s story of loss, strength, and migration.

  • Where: Museum of Work and Culture, Woonsocket
  • When: On display through Feb. 28
  • Website: RIHS.org

JAC Frost ‘26

JAC Frost will feature immersive digital art by Julio Berroa
JAC Frost will feature immersive digital art by Julio Berroa
Jamestown Art Center / Yarrow Thorne

If you’ve got the mid-winter blues and want to go to a party with DJs, signature cocktails and immersive digital art, head to the Jamestown Art Center for JAC Frost ‘26.

  • Where: Jamestown Art Center, Jamestown
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
  • Website: jamestownartcenter.org
Policy changes ripple from Washington to Kingston, reshaping campus demographics
The Judicial Nomination Commission has 90 days to submit names to the governor. The House speaker is often floated for a spot
Mayor argues policy won’t lower rents and could slow housing development
Early skirmishes in the battle for governor of Rhode Island
The hospital’s operator says it plans to keep the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center open, but that it needs to raise more funds to ensure its viability
Revived ‘Riding the Circuit’ program brings real-world clarity on law, life to students