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!
(WJAR) — The Rhode Island House has passed a Bill that offers a rare alternative when considering end-of-life options: water cremation and human composting.
These processes are actually considered better for the environment.
Instead of being rooted in flames during cremation, remains are placed in water and no greenhouse gases are released.
Tom Harries, CEO of Earth Funeral – Green Funeral Home, explains the natural organic reduction also known as human composting, process while standing in front of an actual vessel in the warehouse during a tour at their new location, which will open in Elkridge. Eventually it will house 126 vessels. Jeffrey F. Bill/Baltimore Sun)
Last year NBC 10 was able to get a first-hand look into how it works.
The John F. Tierney Funeral Home in Connecticut became one of the first in Southern New England to offer water cremation or “Aquamation” for humans.
Remains are placed into a machine, and water begins to circulate, leaving bone material behind.
Human composting uses fertile soil to break down remains.
Lawmakers on both sides spoke before the vote.
It passed 47-17.
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It now heads to the Senate.
(WJAR) — Rhode Island mayors are spending taxpayer dollars on out-of-state travel, attending conferences, summits, and networking events across the country while away from the cities they were elected to lead.
Public records obtained by the NBC 10 I-Team shows the mayors of Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls used public funds for out-of-state travel between March 2025 and March 2026. The mayors of Cranston, East Providence, and North Providence traveled out of state during that period but reported spending no taxpayer money on those trips.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien spent $5,061.60 tied to 20 days of out-of-state travel, including $2,676.39 in city funds.
Grebien’s trips included the AGRIP Conference with the Rhode Island Interlocal Trust, Rhode Island Day in Washington, a Business Leaders Day conference hosted by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, a Veterans Honor Flight, and a medical mission to Cape Verde with Project Health.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien spoke about his travel. (WJAR)
“I try to use the least amount of city dollars, use some campaign, and then put some of the private as well,” Grebien said. “I do understand the perception, and that’s why I’m very, very careful.”
Asked how much time at conferences is spent working versus networking, Grebien said, “It’s probably honestly 60-40, 60% work and 40% off time by the time you get everything going.”
Several Rhode Island mayors attended Rhode Island Day in Washington alongside the state’s congressional delegation, despite lawmakers regularly returning to Rhode Island.
Grebien defended the trips as an opportunity to meet federal officials and pursue funding opportunities for the city.
“We are able on those days to go down and meet with department heads, so we have a lot of grants that we are in front of — HUD, the National Park Service — so it gives us that opportunity while we are there to do that,” he said.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien spent $5,061.60 tied to 20 days of out-of-state travel, including $2,676.39 in city funds. (WJAR)
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley spent more than 30 days out of state during the one-year period, according to records.
“Most of my travel is with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which is hugely valuable,” Smiley said.
Invoices show Smiley attended five conferences or summits across the country, more than any other Rhode Island mayor.
Those trips included the U.S. Conference of Mayors Summer Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida; the U.S. Conference of Mayors Fall Leadership Meeting in Oklahoma less than three months later; the North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in New Orleans; the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington; and the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Annual Meeting.
Records also show Smiley traveled to Israel with the Rhode Island Jewish Alliance and took a personal trip to Portugal.
Rhode Island mayors are spending taxpayer dollars on out-of-state travel, attending conferences, summits, and networking events across the country while away from the cities they were elected to lead.
The city spent $1,793.75 on conference registration fees for two of Smiley’s trips.
While Smiley was in Providence during the Brown University shooting, he had been traveling the week before. When asked what would happen if a trip coincided with a city emergency, Smiley said he remains accessible.
“My travel is almost entirely domestic, and I have ready access to get home quickly,” Smiley said. “I was not prevented from doing my job at any point last year or this year either.”
The investigation found Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera spent the most taxpayer money on travel during the period reviewed.
Rivera spent $3,302.23 on 17 days of out-of-state travel. That total included $717 from the police department budget for a joint trip with the city’s police chief.
Rivera traveled to Washington for the Yale Mayor’s College and CEO Caucus and Rhode Island Day, to Atlanta for the Purpose-Built Communities Conference, to Puerto Rico for the Northeast Leadership Conference hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Rhode Island, and to Chicago for meetings with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and police chiefs.
Rivera said the trips are necessary to build relationships and secure funding opportunities for Central Falls.
“Not every community has a $22 million budget, right? A lot of these communities have more funding,” Rivera said.
Central Falls City Hall. (WJAR)
Rivera pointed to a connection she made during a trip to Chicago that later resulted in funding for the city.
“This was a relationship I built when I went on one of these trips and I was able to get $25,000 for our summer food service program for this year,” she said.
When asked why she does not personally pay for conference travel, Rivera said the costs are difficult to cover privately.
“I wish I could pay for these trips out of my pocket, but it’s really hard,” Rivera said. “I am very careful. We get requests all the time. I don’t go to all these trips.”
Rivera was also the only mayor interviewed who said she canceled travel plans because of a city emergency, including a February 2026 trip to Washington that coincided with a blizzard.
Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins spent six days out of state attending two national conferences but reported spending no city funds on the travel.
Those conferences included the Community Leaders of America CLA|FCL South Carolina Spring National Conference in April 2025 and the CLA|FCL South Dakota Fall National Conference in October 2025. Attendance for both trips was paid for by the conference organization.
East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva spent 12 days out of the city on two international trips, also without spending city funds.
DaSilva’s office says he traveled to Cabo Verde in July 2025 with several state and local leaders to celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. He also traveled to Sao Miguel in the Azores in June 2025 for the “Sister Cities Summit,” which was paid for by FLAD, the Luso-American Development Foundation.
North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi spent 26 days out of state on five personal trips or vacations and one charitable honor flight, according to records reviewed by the I-Team.
The town said no city or campaign funds were used for Lombardi’s travel.
Rhode Island
Newport Juneteenth celebration to mark fourth year at Fort Adams with RI 250 theme – What’s Up Newp
The fourth annual Newport Juneteenth celebration will be held Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Adams State Park, organizers announced.
The event, presented by Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, will mark Juneteenth with a Rhode Island 250th anniversary theme this year and will be expanded to celebrate the history of Black and Indigenous people across the state, according to the organization. Free parking will be available.
The program will feature a reenactors’ parade and an honorary musket salute at 11:30 a.m., followed by tributes from civic leaders, including a keynote address by Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and remarks by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, according to RISHM. Additional guests are to be announced. The parade ground program will continue with presentations by historians, live music and dance, youth activities, craft vendors and food trucks.
Performances tied to the 250th anniversary theme will include colonial music, Indigenous dancing and drumming by the Thawn Harris family of the Narragansett people, a performance by members of the Pokanoket Tribe, a drum circle led by African drummer Sidy Maiga and a gospel performance by RPM Voices of Rhode Island, the organization said.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it took effect freeing enslaved people in the Confederate states.
“The annual Newport Juneteenth Celebration and marking the landscape where Black and Indigenous history happened in Rhode Island have been the focus of RISHM’s work since 2019,” said Charles Roberts, the organization’s founder and executive director. “We seek to share the untold stories of those ancestors who walked these historic streets, fields and coastlines before us.”
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for teens, and free for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at www.rishm.org/event. The organization said an overnight VIP package is also available; details can be obtained at info@rishm.org.
RISHM describes itself as a statewide nonprofit working to educate Rhode Islanders about the state’s role in the history of slavery by sharing documented stories of enslaved people. More information is available at www.rishm.org.
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