Rhode Rash

34th Annual Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival in Newport The 34th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival takes place on October 18-19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day on Newport’s historic waterfront. This free-admission event features a wide variety of fresh seafood such as fish tacos, lobster rolls, chowder, fried calamari, clams, and oysters, along with signature cocktails and beer. Local restaurants and fishermen’s associations offer their signature dishes, including options for non-seafood eaters and children. Desserts like fresh donuts and kettle corn are also available. Live music performances run continuously throughout the weekend, with bands such as The Good Living Band, Birdstick, and DudeManBro on Saturday, and Morgan Treni & The Landscapes, Kate Virginia Band, and Nikki & The Barn Boys on Sunday. The festival supports Child & Family through proceeds from festival bars. Attendees are encouraged to use the Jamestown Newport Ferry or bike to the event, with bike racks provided. The festival operates rain or shine, allowing only service dogs inside tents but welcoming pets elsewhere on the wharf.

Seafood lovers, get to Newport this weekend for the 34th Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival! Lobster rolls, clams, live tunes—11am-6pm, Oct 18-19. Free entry, supports Child & Family. Bike or ferry in, easy. Who’s grabbing a fish taco with me? #NewportRI #SeafoodFest

Play On! A 21+ Event at the Providence Children's Museum A special adults-only event takes place at the Providence Children's Museum on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6–10pm. This unique evening offers grown-ups a chance to explore the museum’s interactive exhibits and enjoy playful activities in a festive, social atmosphere.

Grown-ups, get ready to play! The Providence Children's Museum is hosting a 21+ event on Oct 17, 2025, from 6-10pm. Explore exhibits, have fun, and relive childhood. Who’s in for a night of nostalgia? #ProvidenceRI #RIEvents #AdultPlay

Brown University Declines to Join Trump Administration's Compact for Academic Excellence On October 15, 2025, Brown University announced it would not join the Trump administration's proposed Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. University President Christina Paxson expressed concerns that the Compact could restrict academic freedom and undermine the university's governance autonomy. She emphasized that the Compact's criteria for research funding might prioritize ideological considerations over the merit and impact of research, potentially harming American education and research quality. Brown reaffirmed its commitment to a prior voluntary resolution agreement that supports equality of opportunity, compliance with nondiscrimination laws, and workforce development in Rhode Island, while preserving academic freedom and institutional values.

Brown University just said 'no thanks' to the Trump admin's Compact for Academic Excellence. Worried it could mess with academic freedom and research quality. Gotta respect standing up for local control, right? What’s your take? #RhodeIsland #HigherEd

5:15 pm Walking Art Tour with Gallery Night Providence On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Gallery Night Providence hosts a free guided walking art tour starting at 5:15 pm from the Graduate Providence hotel. The two-hour tour visits multiple art locations including The Gallery at City Hall, featuring a community art project with Mary Fogarty School students creating life-sized tape self-portraits, and the David Winton Bell Gallery, showcasing a solo exhibition by Diné artist Eric-Paul Riege that combines textile, sculpture, sound, video, and performance to explore Indigenous art and sovereignty. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

Hey Providence, get artsy with Gallery Night on Oct 16! Free walking tour kicks off at 5:15 pm from Graduate Providence. See cool stuff like tape self-portraits at City Hall and Indigenous art at Bell Gallery. Wear good kicks! #ProvidenceArt #GalleryNightRI

Equity on the Table: A Conversation about Public Health, Food Access, and Climate Change at URI The University of Rhode Island's Metcalf Institute hosts a public lecture on October 23, 2025, featuring a panel discussion with National Science Foundation fellows addressing how to create healthier and more equitable food futures amid climate change challenges. The event focuses on the intersection of public health, food access, and climate change, offering insights from experts including climate scientist Ambarish Karmalkar.

URI’s Metcalf Institute is diving deep on Oct 23 with a talk on food access, public health, and climate change. How do we build a fairer food future in RI? Let’s chat about it. #RhodeIsland #ClimateChange #FoodEquity

ACLU of Rhode Island Challenges Federal Firearm Ban on Medical Marijuana Users The ACLU of Rhode Island filed an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to a federal law that prohibits unlawful users of controlled substances, including medical marijuana patients, from possessing firearms. Despite medical marijuana being legal in Rhode Island, it remains illegal federally, creating a conflict. The ACLU highlighted its longstanding opposition to marijuana criminalization and racial disparities in enforcement, noting its successful advocacy for marijuana legalization in Rhode Island and previous legal victories against arbitrary police interference with gun ownership.

Yo, ACLU of RI is pushing back on a federal ban that stops medical marijuana users from owning firearms. Legal here, but not up top. Shouldn’t we decide our own rules on this? What’s your take, Ocean State? #RhodeIsland #GunRights #Marijuana

URI Theatre Department Premieres 'Pride and Prejudice' The University of Rhode Island Theatre Department kicks off its season with a lively adaptation of Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice,' running Oct. 17–18, 22–25 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 19 & 26 at 2 p.m. in J Studio at the Fine Arts Center, Kingston Campus. The production emphasizes humor, empowerment, and self-discovery, aiming to leave audiences feeling bold and inspired.

URI Theatre is kickin’ off their season with a rowdy take on Pride and Prejudice! Oct 17-26 at Kingston Campus. Humor, heart, and a lil’ Ocean State swagger. Who’s catchin’ a show? #URITheatre #RhodeIslandArts #PrideAndPrejudice

'No Kings' Protests Return to Rhode Island on October 18, 2025 Following nationwide demonstrations against the policies of President Donald Trump earlier in the year, the 'No Kings' protests are set to return to Rhode Island on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Nine protests are planned across the state, one more than the eight held in June. The Newport Democratic City Committee is organizing bus transportation to the Providence rally near the State House, scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. These peaceful protests express civil liberties concerns and dissatisfaction with the current administration's policies.

The 'No Kings' protests are back in RI on Oct 18. Nine rallies statewide, one more than June, with a big one at the State House in Prov from 1-3pm. Folks got concerns about civil liberties. Where do you stand on this? #RhodeIsland #CivilLiberties

RENEWport Hosts Community Dinner for Over 50 Newport Families at Pell Elementary On October 9, 2025, more than 50 Newport families with children in kindergarten through second grade gathered at Pell Elementary School for a community dinner organized by RENEWport in partnership with Newport Public Schools. The event featured activities from over 20 local organizations, including filming with newportFILM, crab observation with Save The Bay, karaoke with Newport Sings, dancing with Kindermotion, and Halloween mask making with the Women’s Resource Center. Families enjoyed pizza, salad, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and those who registered in advance could enter a raffle for Walmart gift cards. The event aimed to showcase community resources and provide a fun, educational experience for children and families.

Big shoutout to RENEWport for hosting a community dinner at Pell Elementary for over 50 Newport families. Pizza, karaoke, crab-watching, and more—talk about Ocean State spirit! What’s your fave local event like this? #NewportRI #CommunityDinner

Providence Ghost Tour: Eerie Echoes of Downtown Providence On Monday, October 13, 2025, join the Providence Ghost Tour for an eerie exploration of downtown Providence. This guided tour offers a unique cultural and historical experience, revealing ghost stories and legends tied to the city’s past. It is an engaging way to learn about local history and folklore through a community event.

Feel like a spooky stroll? The Providence Ghost Tour is haunting downtown on Oct 13, 2025. Unearth some creepy history and local legends. Who’s got a ghost story to share from the 401? #ProvidenceRI #GhostTour #RILegends

Federal Hill Celebrates 40th Columbus Weekend Festival with Parade On October 12, 2025, Federal Hill in Rhode Island celebrated the 40th Columbus Weekend Festival featuring a parade, annual floats, music, dancing, cars, and participation from various organizations along Atwells Avenue. This event highlights the community spirit and cultural heritage of the neighborhood with lively festivities and local engagement.

Federal Hill just threw down for the 40th Columbus Weekend Festival on Atwells Ave! Parade, floats, music, dancin’—the whole nine. What’s your favorite memory of this event? #FederalHill #RIevents #ColumbusDay

Federal Judges Express Concern Over Supreme Court's Opaque Emergency Orders On October 12, 2025, the New York Times reported that dozens of sitting federal judges, appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, shared concerns about the legitimacy risks posed by the Supreme Court's release of opaque emergency orders related to Trump administration policies. This judicial unease highlights ongoing debates about the transparency and accountability of the highest court in the U.S. legal system amid politically charged legal changes.

Federal judges from all sides are raising eyebrows over the Supreme Court’s murky emergency orders tied to Trump policies. Transparency matters, especially in the Ocean State where we like straight talk. What’s your take on this court drama? #RINews #SupremeCourt #Transparency

Rhode Island Police Support Breast Cancer Awareness with Pink Patches Starting October 1, 2025, officers with the West Earl Township Police Department began wearing pink patches to support Breast Cancer Awareness. The initiative allows community members to purchase pink patches for $10, with all proceeds benefiting the Susan Arnold Breast Cancer Center at Lancaster General Hospital. This effort exemplifies a community-oriented approach by law enforcement to support health causes and strengthen ties with the public.

Big shoutout to RI police rockin’ pink patches for Breast Cancer Awareness this October. Grab one for $10—every dime helps local care. Community first, always. What’s a cause you’d rep on a patch? #BreastCancerAwareness #RhodeIsland #Community

FABRIC Arts Festival 2025 in Fall River and Providence From October 9 to 12, 2025, the FABRIC Arts Festival will take place in Fall River and Providence, Rhode Island. Now in its sixth year, the festival features four days of art, food, music, and conversation. It includes exhibitions, performances, installations, and communal dinners, aiming to bring people together through creative and cultural experiences.

Hey Rhode Islanders, mark your calendars for Oct 9-12, 2025! The FABRIC Arts Festival is back, hittin’ Fall River and Providence with art, food, music, and good vibes. Who’s got a favorite exhibit already? #RIArts #ProvidenceEvents #FabricFestival

National Public Lands Day Month & Community 'Fall Frolic' Clean-Up The JAYCEES & Alumni of Kent County are hosting a month-long community clean-up and horticultural event at the award-winning JAYCEE Corridor & Arboretum and the Riverpoint Community Park in West Warwick. Volunteers of all ages—including families, scouts, students, and autumn enthusiasts—are invited to participate in planting fall bulbs and mums, spreading mulch, watering beds, and sprucing up the area along the Westbay Bikepath. The event celebrates National Public Lands Day with outdoor family-style activities from October 11 to November 8, 2025. No experience is necessary; just bring your enthusiasm for community beautification and seasonal fun.

Hey Rhode Islanders, get out and spruce up West Warwick! The JAYCEES are hosting a month-long 'Fall Frolic' clean-up at Riverpoint Park and JAYCEE Corridor. Plant bulbs, spread mulch, enjoy the autumn vibes. Oct 11-Nov 8. Who’s in? #RICommunity #PublicLandsDay

ACLU of Rhode Island Challenges Federal Firearm Ban on Medical Marijuana Users On October 10, 2025, the ACLU of Rhode Island filed an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge against a federal law that prohibits unlawful users of controlled substances, including medical marijuana patients, from possessing firearms. This challenge highlights the conflict between Rhode Island's legalization of medical and recreational marijuana and federal law, which still classifies marijuana as illegal. The ACLU emphasized its longstanding opposition to the criminalization of marijuana possession and the racial disparities in related arrests and incarceration. The organization has also previously litigated cases defending gun ownership rights against arbitrary police interference, including a successful U.S. Supreme Court case in 2021.

ACLU of RI is pushing back on a federal gun ban for medical marijuana users. State law says one thing, feds say another. Shouldn’t we decide for ourselves who gets to bear arms? What’s your take, Ocean State? #RhodeIsland #GunRights #Marijuana

Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival The Federal Hill neighborhood in Providence hosts its annual Columbus Day Festival, a multi-day celebration of Italian-American heritage featuring food, music, cultural displays, and family-friendly activities. The festival runs from October 10 to October 13, 2025.

Federal Hill’s Columbus Day Festival is back October 10-13! Food, music, and Italian-American pride on display in Providence. Who’s got the best cannoli spot there? Let’s hear it! #FederalHill #RIevents #ColumbusDay

ACLU of Rhode Island Supports Gun Owners Charged for Medical Marijuana Use The ACLU of Rhode Island filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting a legal challenge against a federal law that prohibits firearm possession by users of controlled substances, including medical marijuana. This law conflicts with Rhode Island's legalization of medical and recreational marijuana. The case involves individuals criminally charged under this federal statute despite lawful marijuana use in Rhode Island. The ACLU argues that applying this law violates the Second Amendment by disarming lawful marijuana users without evidence of danger. This action continues the ACLU's long-standing efforts in Rhode Island to protect civil liberties related to marijuana legalization and gun ownership rights.

Yo, the ACLU of RI is backing gun owners charged over medical marijuana use. Federal law’s clashing with our state’s rules. Shouldn’t we decide what’s right for us here in the Ocean State? Thoughts? #RhodeIsland #CivilLiberties #GunRights

Hydroponic Propagation Workshop at Proclamation Ale On Friday, October 10, 2025, Proclamation Ale in Warwick hosts a Hydroponic Propagation Workshop with Bitsy’s Proper-gations. Participants will learn how to propagate plants and leave with a new plant in a mason jar and macrame hanger. The event includes two start times (6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), costs $50 per person (includes plant, jar, hanger, and beer), and offers food for purchase from W’s Wood Fired Pizza.

Got a green thumb or wanna fake it? Proclamation Ale in Warwick’s got a Hydroponic Propagation Workshop on Oct 10. Learn to grow plants, sip a beer, take home a jar setup for $50. Who’s in for some DIY green? #RhodeIsland #WarwickRI #PlantLovers

ACLU of Rhode Island Urges Brown University President to Resist Trump Administration’s Higher Ed Compact The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island has publicly called on Brown University President Christine Paxson to oppose a proposed compact from the Trump administration that would restrict university employees from speaking out on political issues, limit foreign student enrollment, and effectively require the university to deny the existence of transgender students. In an October 3 letter, ACLU RI Executive Director Steven Brown criticized the compact as an attack on higher education’s mission and civil liberties, drawing parallels to Brown’s recent settlement with the federal government over antisemitism claims. The ACLU argues that further compliance would embolden federal overreach and undermine academic freedom and equal protection.

Hey, didja hear? ACLU RI is pushin’ Brown University to stand up against a Trump admin plan that’d gag profs, limit foreign students, and ignore trans kids. Federal overreach much? What’s next for our schools? #RhodeIsland #AcademicFreedom #CivilLiberties

Rhode Island Civil Rights Case: Due Process Claim Dismissed A federal judge in Rhode Island dismissed a civil rights lawsuit brought by an Illinois man who claimed the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) violated his due process rights by interfering with his employment as a project superintendent. The plaintiff alleged that RIDOT’s written communication expressing dissatisfaction with his performance—which was shared with his employer, a subcontractor—unreasonably interfered with his right to pursue his chosen profession. The court found that the plaintiff failed to show that RIDOT’s actions were ‘conscience-shocking’ or deprived him of a protected liberty or property interest, and thus did not state a plausible substantive due process claim under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Federal judge tossed a civil rights case against RIDOT. Guy claimed they messed with his job by bad-mouthing him to his boss. Court said nah, no due process violation. Should the state be more careful with words? #RhodeIsland #CivilRights #RIDOT

Adult Line Dancing Thursday 10.9 An adult line dancing event hosted by Toni Manar at the Endicott Dance Academy in Providence, RI.

Got two left feet? No worries! Adult line dancing is happening Thursday 10/9 at Endicott Dance Academy in Providence. Great way to meet folks and shake off the week. Who’s in for a boot-scootin’ night? #RhodeIsland #ProvidenceEvents #LineDancing

Stormwater Innovation Expo The Stormwater Innovation Center’s annual event, the Stormwater Innovation Expo, takes place at the Roger Williams Park Casino from 8 AM to 3:30 PM on October 8, 2025. This community-focused expo highlights green infrastructure and sustainable stormwater management solutions, bringing together professionals, students, and residents interested in environmental innovation and education.

Got plans for Oct 8? Swing by the Stormwater Innovation Expo at Roger Williams Park Casino. Green infrastructure and sustainable ideas for RI’s future. Let’s solve local problems locally, yeah? #StormwaterRI #GreenInfrastructure #OceanState

School Safety Presentation in North Kingstown The North Kingstown School Department, in partnership with the North Kingstown Police and Fire Departments, is hosting a School Safety Presentation on October 8, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Kingstown High School Auditorium. The event will cover collaborative approaches between schools and emergency personnel, prevention programs, school safety procedures, and the family reunification plan. Attendees can submit questions in advance, with answers provided through an FAQ due to confidentiality of safety plans.

North Kingstown’s hosting a School Safety Presentation on Oct 8 at the High School Auditorium. Schools, cops, and fire dept teaming up to talk safety plans. Got questions? Submit ‘em early. Safety first, let’s keep it local. #RISchools #SchoolSafety

Rhode Island Supreme Court Suspends License of Immigration Lawyer Amid Misconduct Allegations The Rhode Island Supreme Court suspended the law license of Joseph Molina Flynn, an immigration lawyer involved in a federal raid earlier this year. The suspension follows professional misconduct allegations including taking fees without providing services, neglecting client files, misappropriating and co-mingling client funds, and making misrepresentations during the disciplinary investigation. Molina Flynn, who also resigned as a municipal judge in Central Falls on the day of the raid, is under criminal investigation though no charges have been filed yet. Federal agents had seized files from his Providence office in January, and there is ongoing scrutiny related to his mortgage application.

RI Supreme Court just suspended an immigration lawyer’s license over misconduct claims. Fees taken, no work done, funds mixed up—messy stuff. What’s your take on holding pros accountable in the Ocean State? #RhodeIsland #Providence #Ethics

Boston airs ICE ads to recruit police officers for deportation efforts amid local opposition On October 6, 2025, Boston was among several markets airing advertisements by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aimed at recruiting police officers to assist with deportation efforts. This campaign has been controversial, especially in cities like Boston and Chicago, which have policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Local officials in these cities have criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies and enforcement crackdowns. Despite the ads, some local police departments reported no noticeable departures of officers to ICE or the Department of Homeland Security. The campaign has sparked debate about policing roles and civil liberties in immigration enforcement.

Boston's airin’ ICE ads to recruit cops for deportation gigs. Lots of pushback from local leaders who ain’t keen on mixin’ policing with federal immigration. Should towns decide their own role in this? #RhodeIsland #ImmigrationDebate #LocalControl

Rhode Island ACLU Hosts Civil Liberties Events at University of Rhode Island On October 7, 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is hosting events focused on civil liberties at the University of Rhode Island's Memorial Union. These events aim to engage the community in discussions about civil rights, legal changes, and rights-based debates relevant to Rhode Island residents. The sessions include talks and forums designed to raise awareness and promote dialogue on current civil liberties issues.

Civil liberties on the table at URI on Oct 7, 2025. ACLU is hosting talks at Memorial Union to get us yakkin’ about rights and legal shifts in RI. Gonna be there to weigh in? #RhodeIsland #CivilLiberties #URI

2nd Annual Seafood & Jazz Festival in Hamden, CT On Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the 2nd Annual Seafood & Jazz Festival will be held at the patio of Cafe Amici in Hamden. This event features fantastic food and delightful entertainment, benefiting the Hamden Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and supporting the local community. ASL interpretation will be available for the program.

Hey Ocean Staters, craving seafood and jazz? The 2nd Annual Seafood & Jazz Fest is poppin’ off in Hamden, CT on Oct 5, 2025. Great food, tunes, and it helps the local PBA. Worth the quick ride! Who’s in? #RhodeIsland #SeafoodFest #Jazz

Rhode Island ACLU and Attorney General Challenge Trump Administration's Restrictions on Higher Education and Transgender Rights On October 4, 2025, the Rhode Island ACLU criticized the Trump Administration's proposed 'compact' demanding universities like Brown University restrict federal funding unless they comply with conditions limiting academic freedom, including prohibiting speech that 'belittles' conservative ideas. This move was seen as an attack on academic autonomy. Earlier in July 2025, Brown University had agreed to discriminatory policies against transgender Americans to restore frozen federal research funding, prompting backlash from civil liberties groups. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's efforts to restrict healthcare access for transgender youth, a legal battle ongoing as of October 4, 2025. These events highlight significant civil liberties and rights-based debates in Rhode Island involving education, transgender rights, and federal overreach.

Rhode Island’s ACLU and AG Neronha are pushing back hard against federal overreach on universities like Brown and transgender rights. Academic freedom and healthcare access shouldn’t be pawns. What’s your take on this fight? #RINews #CivilLiberties

Festival of Modern Design by Providence Preservation Society From October 5 through October 11, 2025, the Providence Preservation Society is hosting its Festival of Modern Design in Providence, Rhode Island. This event celebrates modern design and architecture, featuring exhibitions and activities that highlight the city's architectural heritage and contemporary design innovations.

Providence is gearin’ up for the Festival of Modern Design, Oct 5-11, 2025. The Preservation Society’s showin’ off our city’s architectural roots and fresh ideas. Who’s got a favorite local building? #ProvidenceRI #ModernDesign #RIArchitecture