Our favorite weekly events – from bowling to bluegrass | Weekend 401: What’s happening in Rhode Island

We’re switching it up this week and highlighting the events that fly under the radar because they’re always happening. Consider these our weekly Rhode Island favorites

The Leland Baker Trio plays every Sunday at the Courtland Club in Providence.
The Leland Baker Trio plays every Sunday at the Courtland Club in Providence.
Ayannah Brown / Connecticut Public
Share
The Leland Baker Trio plays every Sunday at the Courtland Club in Providence.
The Leland Baker Trio plays every Sunday at the Courtland Club in Providence.
Ayannah Brown / Connecticut Public
Our favorite weekly events – from bowling to bluegrass | Weekend 401: What’s happening in 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.

MONDAYS: Mindful Mondays Sound Bath Meditation at Zen Zone in Westerly, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Kick off the week calmly, and be guided into a state of deep relaxation through the soothing tones of sound bowls, gongs, and other relaxing instruments. zenzoneri.com

TUESDAYS: Musical Bingo & Open Bowl at BreakTime Bowl & Bar in Pawtucket, 6 p.m.

Sing along, win bingo prizes, and enjoy vintage 1920s duckpin bowling in a giant old mill building that’s now a bar and event space in Hope Artiste Village. breaktimebowlandbar.com

WEDNESDAYS: Bluegrass Throedown at Nick-a-Nee’s in Providence, 8:30-11:30 p.m.

This long-running bluegrass night brings in a lineup of excellent performers from around the region, and it has a loyal following. During the warmer months, they take the show outside, and the parking lot is packed. And you can find out who’s playing each week on Nick-a-Nee’s Instagram or Facebook page.

THURSDAYS: Adult Skate Night at the United Skates of America in Rumford, 8-10 p.m.

Re-create the magic of your middle school nights at the skating rink. The rink here is huge, with the skating area going around the outside of an island with a snack bar and games. Plus, there’s rock climbing and laser tag. unitedskates.com/rumford/event/adult-skate-night-3/all/

FRIDAYS: Stargazing Nights at the Frosty Drew Observatory in Ninigret Park, 7-9 p.m.

It can be hard to find a good place to look at the stars in New England because of all the light pollution. But Ninigret Park is a dark corner of Rhode Island, and that’s where you’ll find Frosty Drew Observatory with its 24-inch telescope. Visitors get to use the telescope on Fridays to see the rings of Saturn, the craters on the surface of the moon, the polar ice caps of Mars, vast nebulae, distant galaxies, and the best views of the Milky Way in Rhode Island. frostydrew.org

SATURDAYS: Noir Saturdays at Noir Lounge in Providence, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Dance to DJs playing a mix of Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B and more. It’s an upscale club, so you’ll want to dress to impress – leave the sweats and track pants at home. noirloungeri.com

SUNDAYS: Sunday Jazz at the Courtland Club in Providence, 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Cozy up with a cocktail at the acclaimed Courtland Club, get some Greek food from Paula’s, and listen to jazz by the Leland Baker Trio. The group has played the Newport Jazz Festival and recorded a studio session with us in 2024. They often have a guest sitting in, and it’s always top-notch musicianship. Reservations recommended. courtlandclub.com/best-live-jazz-providence

Program chair Amy VanderWeele explains why this year’s pick—Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez—resonates with Rhode Islanders, from land rights to who gets to tell history
The Rhode Island governor warns against racial profiling and says the state will respond if federal immigration enforcement escalates
Thursday, Feb 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Through photographs, heirlooms, and memory, “The Heart of Wattayai” honors Lao history, resilience, and belonging in Rhode Island
National Weather Service has issued several types of notices nationwide, including winter storm watches, extreme cold warnings and winter weather advisories
The Rhode Island Secretary of State says federal pressure for voter data undermines confidence in elections