Rhode Island
19 Trending Private Event Venues in Rhode Island Right Now
Rhode Island, despite being the smallest state in the country, boasts an extensive list of exceptional venues for private events. Its strategic location between NY and Boston makes it an ideal choice for events and gatherings of various types and sizes. To highlight some of the highly recommended event venues in the state, I’ve curated a list of 19 event spaces that are trending RIGHT NOW in Rhode Island. Explore these top-notch venues that offer impeccable food, facilities, and amenities for any occasion!
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Family Friendly Event Venues in Rhode Island
1. Hope Events on Main
1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
As you step into Hope Events on Main, you are greeted by an enchanting atmosphere that seamlessly blends modern elegance with timeless charm. The venue boasts a versatile space that can be transformed to suit your unique vision for the perfect wedding day or any other special occasion. Whether you envision a grand affair or an intimate gathering, The Hope Events on Main team is a dedicated team committed to bringing your dreams to life.
Reserve Hope Events on Main: https://restaurent.com/venue/hope-events-on-main/
2. Atrium on Main
285 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Atrium on Main is perfect for any event. The spacious 1500sqft event space can be transformed to fit your needs and style! Not only can you rent our dining room for your big parties like weddings and networking events, but we also have a 1700sqft event space downstairs and are no stranger to hosting birthdays, baby showers, and everything else you can imagine! If you’re curious about the space feel free to stop in for a tour on weekday mornings. The Atrium on Main has a coffee shop serving up drinks and delicious pastries when the venue is not reserved for an event. Available parking lot on site.
Reserve Atrium on Main: https://restaurent.com/vendor/atriumonmain/
3. Machines With Magnets
400 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Discover an arts haven just outside Providence, Rhode Island. Machines with Magnets is a unique venue since 2007, blending an established art gallery, music performance space, and a welcoming patio. Impeccable service, diverse bar offerings, and a standing capacity for 200 guests. Perfect for your special occasion, offering contemporary art exhibits, A/V amenities, and a seamless planning experience. Your special occasion begins here, where creativity meets celebration!
Reserve Machines With Magnets: https://restaurent.com/venue/machines-with-magnets/
EXPLORE 100+ VENUES IN RHODE ISLAND: Find the best venue for any event
4. Maria’s Cucina
477 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909
Maria’s Cucina is the perfect spot in Providence, RI to hold your next special event! We are conveniently located near Federal Hill at 477 Broadway Providence, RI 02909. We offer a large parking lot with plenty of off-street parking. We do all types of events, from political fundraisers, anniversaries, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, corporate events, collations/bereavements, Etc. Our second level can seat up to 70 people. The first floor is available based upon your event, up 60 seated or 125 buffet style or cocktail party. (Handicap Accessible). We offer both sit down/plated service, buffet style options. Your choice, either off the menu or customize select menu options
Reserve Maria’s Cucina: https://restaurent.com/venue/marias-cucina/
5. Waterman Grille
4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906
Offering a setting that is unlike any other in Providence, Waterman Grille is situated along the Seekonk River in a former bridge gatehouse that dates back to 1871. Waterman Grille offers an array of custom spaces for your private event, each highlighting the dramatic and romantic character of our historic building. From small intimate parties to corporate meetings or social gatherings to formal celebrations and wedding receptions, our choice of three private event rooms and outdoor patio space will be sure to accommodate all your event needs, up to 150 people. No matter your preference, you will be pleased with our unique location and our ability to accommodate all your event requests.
Reserve Waterman Grille: https://restaurent.com/venue/waterman-grille/
6. Mill’s Tavern
101 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903
Mill’s Tavern is known for its extensive and award-winning wine selection and was the recipient of Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence.
Celebrate your family, friends and business associates with a classic and comfortable atmosphere for Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Receptions, Holiday Parties and more! Our inviting space is enhanced with personalized menus and professional, attentive service. Our menus change seasonally based on the best local meats, seafood and produce. Create a memorable intimate gathering in our charming private dining room that can accommodate up to 25 guests. Larger parties can be accommodated throughout the restaurant. Our space is ready to host up to 125 of your guests! We love hosting birthdays, wedding rehearsals, baby/bridal showers, graduation parties and corporate dinners!
Reserve Mill’s Tavern: https://restaurent.com/venue/mills-tavern/
7. Provence Sur Mer
39 Touro St, Newport, RI 02840
Provence sur Mer is a unique event space in Newport’s historic Washington Square. Housed in a mid-1800s building, surrounded by iconic structures, our venue offers a distinct experience. Enjoy our exceptional outdoor garden and patio area with landscaping, seasonal decor and stone fire pit. Inside, our French-inspired design includes a Baby Grand Piano, elegant bar, gas fireplace, and more. Provence sur Mer is the ideal location for weddings, corporate meetings, and special events!
Reserve Provence Sur Mer: https://restaurent.com/venue/provence-sur-mer/
8. Cassarino’s Restaurant
177 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
From office events to birthday parties, any celebration can benefit from great food and attentive staff. Contact Cassarino’s Restaurant when you’re looking for Providence events and catering you can trust. We’ve been the premier restaurant for delectable Italian cuisine since 1988. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust our top-tier customer service to make your event stand out. Make sure it’s the best one yet with Italian food from Cassarino’s Restaurant. We provide catering for all occasions and events. Ask about our exceptional menu today! Located in the Historic Federal Hill of Providence, Rhode Island, and is sure to be a hit with all of your guests. There is a reason people trust Cassarino’s with their party and event needs!
Reserve Cassarino’s Restaurant: https://restaurent.com/venue/cassarinos-restaurant-third-floor/
9. La Forge Casino Restaurant
186 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Established in 1880, the restaurant overlooks the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. A view, special to La Forge, that reflects the rich history and heritage of Newport, Rhode Island. We are open year round, serving our guests daily, as well as offering bespoke private dining areas to Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Outings, Bus Tours and other Group Functions. We have long been the premier choice for many of Newport’s social gatherings such as the Miss Rhode Island Pageant, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, The Newport Rugby Club, and Newport Hospital to name a few. Whether your group is 15 or 150 people, there is no event too big or small. We take a lot of pride in the execution of every event we orchestrate and can even cater your off-site event for any number of guests. Our picturesque setting and abilities to customize events are only limited by our guest’s imagination!
Reserve La Forge Casino Restaurant: https://restaurent.com/venue/la-forge-casino-restaurant/
10. Saje Kitchen
332 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Saje Kitchen is a contemporary American restaurant fused with southern Inspirations open from brunch until dinner. Saje Kitchen would be honored to provide our services for your next event! Each event is bespoke to your tastes and needs, to provide the best experience possible for you and your guests. Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, office function, or any other special event, we’ll do our best to accommodate your desired date and any requests you may have to make your party/celebration memorable.
Reserve Saje Kitchen: https://restaurent.com/venue/saje-kitchen/
11. Bistro 22
22 Midway Rd, Cranston, RI 02920
Experience Bistro 22, where the timeless allure of rustic comfort meets the warmth of family-friendly charm. Prepare to create unforgettable memories at your private event or large party in our contemporary eatery. Indulge in our culinary delights crafted from fresh seasonal ingredients, combining cherished old classic dishes and dishes with a modern Italian flare. Our superb wine selection will elevate your celebration to new heights. Whether you choose to revel in our inviting indoor ambiance or bask in the delightful outdoor seating, every moment at Bistro 22 will be filled with exceptional flavors and cherished moments. Book your event with us and ensure an extraordinary experience that will be remembered for years to come!
Reserved Bistro 22: https://restaurent.com/venue/bistro-22/
12. WXYZ Bar
191 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903
WXYZ Bar. Serving inventive drinks, craft beers and small bites, our inviting restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Providence is ideal for unwinding with friends or networking with colleagues. WXYZ Is always serving up new and inventive drinks every day of the week. We are available for private and semi-private bookings for small to large parties. We offer a full bar and small bites to accompany your delicious drinks. WXYZ can also handle overnight accommodations as we are located in the Aloft hotel in Providence RI!
Reserve WXYZ Bar: https://restaurent.com/venue/wxyz-bar/
13. Thirsty Beaver
288 Atwood Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub & Grub; a stylish yet classic pub-staurant set in a distinctive & vibrant log cabin. The perfect space for family friendly and nightlife events. The Thirsty Beaver has 5 locations across Rhode Island and Mass in Cranston, Smithfield, North Kingston, Westerly, and Foxboro.
Reserve Thirsty Beaver: https://restaurent.com/vendor/the-thirsty-beaver/
14. The Event Factory
144 Metro Center Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886
The Event Factory is a crafted event space designed to enhance your vision for any special occasion. The venue has multiple conference or rehearsal rooms with stages of multiple sizes, along with open space rooms with theater style seating, a prep/catering kitchen, and lighting and sound packages. The Event Factory is the perfect blank canvas for Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Milestone Birthdays, Corporate Events, Dance Recitals and More.
Reserve Event Factory: https://restaurent.com/vendor/hugo-adames1gmail-com/
15. The Centredale Revival
2025 Smith St, North Providence, RI 02911
American comfort food and cocktails – The Centredale Revival will make the perfect welcoming atmosphere for your next event. The venue can be transformed into a spacious layout to allow for mixing and mingling at a networking style event. There is even a small stage for the host to say a few words or for a DJ/music performance. The tables and chairs can all be brought back out to create a space for enjoying all the food their great menu has to offer at your next family event like a birthday party or reunion.
Reserve The Centredale Revival: https://restaurent.com/venue/centerdale-revival/
16. Long Live Beerworks
40R Sprague St, Providence, RI 02907
At Long Live Beerworks we are passionate about brewing great beers and creating a comfortable and welcoming environment in which to enjoy them! Our prime location on Providence’s West End / South Side border is accessible to many visitors. The building features lots of natural light, exposed brick and carefully considered architectural touches, including a mezzanine with lots of seating. It is the perfect venue for your next gathering!
Reserve Long Live Beerworks: https://restaurent.com/venue/1378/
17. Rooftop at the G
100 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903
Rooftop at the Providence G is Downtown Providence’s premier rooftop restaurant and lounge that is weatherized and open year-round. Guests can enjoy stunning and unobstructed views of Providence’s famous skyline perfectly paired with a distinct food and drink menu, and live entertainment! The perfect venue for your next party or corporate event.
Reserve Rooftop at the G: https://restaurent.com/venue/rooftop-at-the-g/
18. Moonshine Alley – Music City
52 Pine St, Providence, RI 02903
Music City is the ideal choice for your group gathering & dining experience. Ambiance, food & drink, and entertainment… all with that southern twang!
Whether you’re hosting a birthday or holiday party, corporate event, or just gathering with friends & family for a night of Nashville, Moonshine Alley is sure to impress!
Reserve Moonshine Alley: https://restaurent.com/venue/moonshine-alley-music-city/
19. 345 by Plant City Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar
345 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903
345 by Plant City is a plant-based and vegan speakeasy lounge & mixology cocktail bar. Located next door to the main Plant City building, the intimate bar and seating area is a cozy home for creative small plates and innovative drinks. The rotating menu features an ever-changing array of eclectic concoctions, fresh mocktails, and elevated snacks. The space is perfect for those looking for a stylish, sleek, and elegant get together, while making sure that all of the products they are consuming are plant-based and ethically sourced. We love hosting events for charities, networking, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate events!
Reserve 345 by Plant City Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar: https://restaurent.com/venue/345-speakeasy/
Consider these event spaces the next time you’re planning a holiday party, birthday party, bachelorette party, bridal shower, business dinner, company get together, brand activation or investor meeting!
A man has died after a shooting in Cranston, Rhode Island, and investigators say a suspect was later involved in a car crash in Swansea, Massachusetts, that killed two other people.
The shooting victim was found Thursday on Legion Way, shot multiple times in the chest, Cranston police told NBC affiliate WJAR-TV. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where he later died. His name has not been released.
The suspect initially fled on foot, setting off a shelter-in-place order while investigators searched the area.
Police said Friday that investigators identified a suspect vehicle, which was later spotted by Massachusetts State Police. A trooper followed the car down Route 6 and Interstate 195, but stopped when it crossed back into Rhode Island. The car was later involved in a crash on Route 136 in Swansea, Mass.
Swansea police say that crash on Route 136 (James Reynolds Road) resulted in the deaths of two other people.
According to the Swansea Police Department, two officers saw a white Infinity G37 speed past them around 12:18 a.m. Friday on Route 6, otherwise known as Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Moments later, officers observed that the vehicle had crashed into the side of a blue Subaru Ascent that had been traveling southbound on Route 136.
Both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage, police said.
The vehicle that was struck was fully engulfed in flames. First responders and bystanders tried to extinguish the fire, but both occupants — a man and a woman — were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Their names have not been released.
The 28-year-old Infinity driver, who struck the victims’ Subaru, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries and later into custody by Cranston Police. They have not been publicly identified at this time.
Swansea police said they are aware that the Infinity was the subject of a police pursuit, and know the driver was wanted in connection to the Rhode Island homicide investigation. While Swansea police had been alerted to be on the lookout for the suspect’s vehicle, however, they say they were not involved in the pursuit and were not pursuing the vehicle at the time of the deadly crash.
The crash in Swansea is under investigation by Massachusetts authorities, including state police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Meanwhile, Cranston police said they would give an update on their investigation around 1 p.m.
House Speaker Shekarchi unveils 2026 RI housing legislative package
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s nine-bill package for 2026 seeks to cut red tape and relax rules on parking, dividing lots and staircases.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi is once again taking aim at the regulations he says are stifling new homebuilding.
The Warwick Democrat unveiled his sixth annual suite of housing legislation on Thursday, Feb. 26, a few weeks after announcing he would not be running for governor this year.
“We are still trying to play catch-up for all the years that Rhode Island was dead last in the country for new housing starts,” Shekarchi said. “While Rhode Island remains a relatively affordable option for people moving here from other states, our own residents are too often priced out of the neighborhoods they grew up in.”
The legislative text of the nine-bill housing package, and with it the specifics of how it would work, were not available for Thursday’s news conference.
But highlights of the package, according to summaries, include:
- Infill housing. Allow property owners to divide lots in single-family zoning districts, creating multiple dwellings instead of one, provided they have water and sewer service.
- Parking maximums. Put new limits on how much off-street parking communities require for new apartment buildings.
- Homeless Bill of Rights. Expand the state’s Homeless Bill of Rights to require 15-day notice to the occupants of encampments before local authorities clear them.
- Emergency shelters. Let communities build temporary shelters, such as the ECHO Village Pallet shelter in Providence, during a state of emergency.
- Stairs. Legalize the construction of four-story apartment buildings with a single staircase.
- Affordable housing taxes. Overhaul the tax system for income-restricted housing covered by the state’s “8 Law.”
Is land-use reform working?
Since Shekarchi was elected speaker in 2021, the General Assembly has passed dozens of bills he backed that tweaked state land-use statutes or streamlined the process for building.
How successful this approach has been is subject to debate.
Many local elected officials wary of development in their communities continue to rail against efforts to erode their power over construction.
Others in the growing Yes In My Back Yard movement see Rhode Island’s piecemeal approach as inadequate in comparison with the scale of the affordability problem and what other states are doing.
As evidence that his changes are making a difference, Shekarchi said Rhode Island saw a 70% increase in building permits in 2023 and a more modest increase in 2024. (Statistics for last year were not immediately available.)
Gov. Dan McKee’s 2030 plan calls for 15,000 new housing units built by that year.
Democratic primary challenger Helena Foulkes is slated to roll out her housing plan on Monday.
It is expected to include a millionaires tax to fund affordable housing, a revolving fund and target of 20,000 new homes.
What would the new laws do?
Letting property owners put multiple homes on a plot of land is one of the most direct ways that lawmakers can encourage the construction of more homes, but it is also one of the most controversial.
That’s especially true in areas zoned for large lots and single-family homes.
How far the new bill allowing lots to be subdivided in single-family zones goes is unclear. It is sponsored by Rep. Stephen Casey, D-Woonsocket.
Legislation setting maximum parking requirements for new developments, introduced by Rep. Joshua Giraldo, D-Central Falls, would apply to areas accessible by public transit.
Critics of off-street parking requirements say they make it harder to build new apartments and make the units that are built more expensive.
Shekarchi proposed the emergency shelter bill last year. It passed the House and died in the Senate.
It was the result of how long it took state officials to navigate Rhode Island’s building code and open the ECHO Village Pallet shelter in Providence.
The staircase bill, sponsored by Rep. June Speakman, a Warren Democrat and chair of the House’s home affordability study commission, follows a wave of cities and states relaxing rules on how many exits are required in new construction.
Currently, the state building code requires two stairways in buildings with more than three stories, and fire officials have opposed all efforts to change that.
Speakman’s bill would allow four-story buildings with a maximum of 16 units with a single staircase.
Supporters of single-stair buildings say they allow development of small sites that would otherwise sit vacant and allow family-sized units with more light and better ventilation.
A previous Rhode Island single-stair bill would have allowed six stories, but it died in committee.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order in mid-February to study the idea.
Rhode Island
One of Africa’s soccer giants will be based in Rhode Island for the World Cup – The Boston Globe
Providence has positioned itself as an alternative to Boston, one of the official host cities for the 2026 competition. Located just 30 miles away from Gillette Stadium — or “Boston Stadium” as it will be known during the World Cup — Rhode Island’s leaders have been touting the tiny state as more-affordable for fans and closer to the action. Seven matches, including a quarterfinal, are scheduled to be played in Foxborough.
“Today we announce that Ghana will be staying in Providence and we’d also like to extend an invitation to the fans and families to come to our city,” said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in a statement on Thursday. “We are committed to being a festive destination for soccer fans from around the world.”
The news has created excitement among the local Ghanaian community in the state.
Kwame Larbi, the president of the Ghana Association of Rhode Island, said Ghana’s decision will be a chance for people to celebrate the West African country’s culture through its soccer team and an opportunity to see what successful Africans look like on a grand stage.
“The Black Stars represent everything Ghanaian. They are Ghana’s pride and joy, our strength, perseverance, and freedom,” he said. “Hosting the Black Stars at Bryant would mean so much for our community. More specifically, our youth. Representation is everything.”
Larbi said the local community plans to show out for the team with traditional Ghanaian dances at Foxborough when they face England on June 23.
“We will all be in our Ghana T-shirts, Ghana flags and our drums,” he said. “I just came from Ghana. My shirts are ready.”
This is the fifth time that Ghana has qualified for the World Cup. Their best showing was in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinal after defeating Team USA only to be eliminated when Uruguay prevented them from scoring in extra time with an intentional handball on the goal line. The team boasts some world-class talent who compete in top leagues around the world, such as star players Mohammed Kudus, who plays for the English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur, and Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City.
Larbi is bullish about Ghana’s chances at this year’s tournament.
“We are going to beat England. It’s a big name, but we have hope. We are going to surprise everyone, and with the spirit of brotherhood and all, we are going to be successful,” he said.
Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo said his father, who hails from Ghana, is excited about the team being based in the state.
“The first thing he texted back to me upon the announcement was ‘Nice. Exclamation point. Buy me a ticket,‘” he said. “There’s a lot of immigrants and immigrant kids who are going to feel some special feelings across the weeks that Ghana has us as their home base.”
Amo said he hopes Ghanaian fans from places such as Worcester, Mass., and New York City will join their compatriots in Rhode Island and create a vibrant atmosphere in the state.
“This is a big deal for our state. We get to showcase all the things that make us special — our food, our amazing Rhode Island summer and our people — to Ghana,” he said. “So it’s going to be great soccer … and it’s going to be a great setting for the World Cup.”
State officials say that the team’s training sessions will be closed to the public, but the country’s football association was planning some events with young players in the state.
“We’re working hard to ensure that the FIFA World Cup leaves behind a legacy of passion for the sport and a commitment to growing the game of soccer in Rhode Island. Partnering with the Black Stars will fuel these young players’ passion,” said Jonathan Walker, executive director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission.
For Larbi, he said Rhode Island’s Ghanaian community is ready to prepare some jollof rice for the team. He has lived in Rhode Island for more than 40 years and he never thought that he would see his country’s national team be based in the state for such a huge tournament.
“It has never occurred to us that one day the Ghana Black Stars will be based in Rhode Island…competing for the World Cup,” he said. “It’s not only Ghanaians, but it’s for the whole of Africa.”
Omar Mohammed can be reached at omar.mohammed@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter (X) @shurufu.
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