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401 Fun: The best things to do in R.I. Sept. 20-27 – The Boston Globe

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401 Fun: The best things to do in R.I. Sept. 20-27 – The Boston Globe


My friends, it’s that weird week when we have one foot in summer, one foot in fall. As your loyal 401 Fun columnist I’ve hunted high and low for fun from both seasons: From a seafood fest and outdoor jazz, to a pumpkin trail and a Portuguese Oktoberfest (Oktobahfésta! It’s real.) Let’s go.

ONE PROVIDENCE PLACE: A MALL MUSICAL

Peak Rhode Island. The Providence Place Mall just keeps serving inspo. First, artists lived there. Then, a podcast about the artists. Then a documentary about them called “Secret Mall Apartment.” Now, a musical:

“One Providence Place: A Mall Musical” runs Sept. 19-29 at the AS220 Black Box Theater. According to billing: “Don’t expect this to be a straight-up retelling of the mall apartment saga. The folks behind this production… used the concept as a jumping off point” to talk about art, grief and family. $20. 95 Empire St. Providence. Details here and here.

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NEWPORT JAZZ

BYO picnic to this Portsmouth vineyard to enjoy jazz from Kenya. Newport Live x Greenvale Vineyards Present “Aaron Rimbui: Jazz From Kenya” Sept. 20. Multi-instrumentalist and composer Harun Kimathi Rimbui, who was born in Nairobi, is regarded as one of the greatest pianists in East Africa, according to African newspaper Nation. $35. 7p.m. 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth. Details here.

NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

This annual Rhody staple is mostly sold out. But the festival also includes a series of wine dinners at participating restaurants Sept. 20 and 21. Details on those events here.

PORTUGUESE OKTOBAHFESTA

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I love this so much. Head to Vigilant Brewing for their 3rd annual Oktobahfésta Celebration Sept. 21. Think beer, Portuguese food from Casa Tia Rosa food truck, malassadas, live music, and a Portuguese Azulejo Tile Painting Workshop. The ticketed event includes two tiles, lunch, dessert, and Vigilant beer. 44 Ballou Blvd., Bristol. Tile painting 2-4 p.m., $50. Otherwise free admission. Details here and here.

SOCCER TIME

Get your Ted Lasso on. The Ocean State’s pro men’s soccer team, Rhode Island FC, takes on FC Tulsa Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. At Beirne Stadium at Bryant University. 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield. Details here.

DAVID SPADE

Whether you know him from “Tommy Boy,” “Grown Ups,” “Joe Dirt,” “Saturday Night Live”… you all know him. The comic plays PVD’s The Vets Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. From $45. 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. Details here.

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GETTIN’ SQUIDDY WITH IT

Saturday is the last day of summer, and fittingly, the Ocean State is closing the season with one last seafood fest: It’s squid time. The 7th Annual Rhode Island Calamari Festival in Narragansett is Sept. 21, and typically draws thousands from across southern New England to dig into 1,500 pounds of calamari, according to billing. Local restaurants compete for top honors and the “calamari crown” in three categories: Best Overall, Most Inventive, and Most Spirited Team, according to billing. (If you win the Calamari Crown, please send me a photo. I’m picturing golden tentacles.) Don’t like squid? Fear not: There will be food trucks. Adults $20 advance, $25 door. Free admission 12 and under. 35 Ocean Road, Narragansett. Details here.

LAST WATERFIRE OF SUMMER

It’s tradition, on the last day of summer, for Rhode Islanders to gather by river banks in Providence to light pyres. We’ve got a special WaterFire on Sept. 21.

As the daughter of two Rhody teachers, I love this: “WaterFire: A Salute to Rhode Island Educators,” includes an awards ceremony and torch procession honoring Rhody educators at Memorial Park at 4:30 p.m. At 6:40 p.m., some 90 District Teachers of the Year and educators will take part in the lighting ceremony.

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Meanwhile, Washington Street Bridge will see “Robots on Fire” 5:30-10 p.m. Don’t be scared: it’s just 20+ robotics teams showing us their latest projects. Plus fire-spinning, stargazing, and more WaterFire Fun. Details here.

RHODE ISLAND HERITAGE FEST

Get to know your neighbors at the free-admission 46th Annual Rhode Island Heritage Fest Sept. 21 at the WaterFire Arts Center. Billed as a lively celebration of our state’s rich cultural heritage, expect culture, music, and dancing from around the world. Explore cultural exhibits, visual art, craft demonstrations, dance, music, and food trucks. It’s a jam-packed schedule, including a Puerto Rican drum group, a Bavarian folk dance group, Bollywood Dance, Rhode Island Black Storytellers, singing from the French American School of Rhode Island, dancing from the Colombian American Cultural Society, Swedish Folk Songs, Irish dancing, Korean harp, and much more. Plus face-painting, arts and crafts for kids. 475 Valley St., Providence. Details here and here.

HISTORIC HOMES

If you love historic homes, head to Bristol for the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society’s House Tour Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rain or shine event features 11 houses in downtown Bristol, according to billing. Shuttle vans will be available to take visitors to the homes. Advance tickets $45; day of $55 at 48 Court St. Details here.

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BALLET IN THE PARK

Leap into fall — literally. Sept. 22 is the first day of fall, and Ballet RI is hosting a free day of dance at Roger Williams Park Temple to Music. According to billing, you can take an “open creative movement class at noon,” then watch a performance from the Ballet RI Company Dancers at the pet-friendly event. Plus local artists, vendors, and food trucks. Free. Noon to 3 p.m. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Details here.

AUTUMN NIGHT MARKET

Rhode Island Night Market hosts an Autumn Marketplace Sept. 26, 6-9 p.m., at the Event Factory in Warwick. Hit up a local artisan makers market, with full bar, music, line dancing, paint and sip, giveaways and more. The first 100 attendees receive a $5 Dunkin’ card, according to their Insta. Free entry. 144 Metro Center Blvd. Details here.

HOPOSIUM: BEERS OF OKTOBERFEST

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You think you know beer? Hop-heads, School yourself for Oktoberfest season and head to Westerly’s United for “Hoposium: Oktoberfest & Festive Fall Brews” Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.

Hosted by master beer judge Max Finnance, you’ll explore seasonal beers like pumpkin ales, and learn more about the history of the world’s biggest beer festival. (I think I can get an A in this class.) 21+ Tickets include “3-4 beer tastings.” $32. 5 Canal St., Westerly. Details here.

LAST FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Say it ain’t so! Summer truly is over when the last of the food trucks in Roger Williams Park migrate to their winter homes. The final #FoodTruckFriday is Sept. 27. Bring a chair or blanket and soak up live tunes from local artists, jump on the carousel, or hop the train ride. Free admission; pay for what you eat. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Details here.

PUMPKIN TRIVIA TRAIL

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What WaterFire is to Rhody summer, Roger Williams Park Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is to Rhody fall — part of our customs and rituals. Yes, my friends, it’s time to see thousands of pumpkins as the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns Sept. 27. This year’s theme: “Trivia Edition.” Show off your trivia knowledge as you wander through the display filled with thousands of carved pumpkins. Open nightly 6-10:30 p.m. Online purchase only. Mondays through Thursdays: $19 adult, $16 child (babies 1 and under free). Fridays through Sundays: $22 adult, $19 child. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Details here.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: ONGOING FUN

MAIZE MAZE: Escobar Farm’s Corn Maze is now open for the season. Dare to escape Portsmouth’s maize maze. Plus concessions and hayrides. Adults $10, ages 4-10 $8. Under 3 free. 255 Middle Road, Portsmouth. Details here.

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES?: It’s apple-picking season, baby. From Jaswell’s Farm, to Steere Orchard in Apple Valley, it’s time to skip the supermarket and pick your own treats. Obviously, check online before you hit up any farms — Mother Nature is in charge here — but I rounded up some Ocean State orchards for apples, cider, doughnuts, pumpkins and peaches here.

BIG BEAUTIFUL BAMBOO BIRDS: You’ve heard of the Charlestown trolls — now there’s the big beautiful birds of Bristol. Noted artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein are talented artists in their own right. When they team up, they are The Myth Makers, and they’ve created big beautiful bamboo birds at the 33-acre Blithewold estate in Bristol. Each bird ranges from 15 to 30 feet tall, and each has a story to tell. Free to see with admission through next summer. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission for adults, $22, ages 11-16 $11; children ages 6-10 $6; ages 0-5 free. 101 Ferry Road. Details here.

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BROWN’S ART WALKING TOURS: Brown University now offers free public art walking tours led by Brown students every weekend. Learn about Brown’s public art collection with a 40-minute student-curated tour, exploring six works of art. All tours are outdoors, rain or shine. No registration required. Meet up at 1 p.m. On Saturdays, meet at the Eli Harvey sculpture, Bronze Bruno, on the College Green (79 Waterman St.) On Sundays, meet at Tom Friedman’s Circle Dance, on the Campus Walk. Tours run weekends through Nov. 17. Map and all details here.

FOOD AND ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOUR: Food, art, and architecture come together for Downcity Providence Food Tours, noon to 3:30 p.m., on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November. Get an insider’s view of creative and lively Providence during a tour lasting more than three hours over 1.7 miles. Discover some of the city’s award-winning restaurants, its hidden art and historic architecture. Tickets $76-$94 per person. 1 Ship St., Providence. Details here.

Until next week, Rhody: Keep rockin.’


Lauren Daley can be reached at ldaley33@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @laurendaley1.

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Flags are at half-staff in Rhode Island today. Here’s why

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Flags are at half-staff in Rhode Island today. Here’s why


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On Friday, May 15, flags will be flown at half-staff across the United States to commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Recognized each year since 1962 as part of May’s National Police Week, the national observance pays tribute to United States law enforcement officials who gave their lives in the line of duty, whether at the local, state or federal level.

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“United in gratitude, we recommit ourselves to supporting those who keep the peace in our neighborhoods, and we offer our heartfelt appreciation for the service they render to community and country,” reads a proclamation from President Trump. “Their steady presence brings calm to our streets, their dedication preserves the order that allows our Nation to flourish, and their unwavering vigilance is the reason families across America can rest under the promise of a safer tomorrow.”

In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the flag of the United States at all public buildings and grounds across the country and its territories – including in Rhode Island – will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15.

Why are flags flown at half-staff?

According to the official website of the U.S. General Services Administration, flags typically fly at half-staff when the country or specific state is in mourning. Observances include national tragedies, days of remembrance and deaths of government or military personnel.

The president, the state governor or the mayor of Washington, D.C., can order flags to fly at half-staff.

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Half-staff vs. half-mast

While half-staff refers to lowered flags on land, half-mast refers to those at sea. Both refer to a flag being flown beneath the top of its staff as a sign of respect.



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Star-studded cast of ‘My Boyfriend is a Demon,’ filming in RI, released

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Star-studded cast of ‘My Boyfriend is a Demon,’ filming in RI, released


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  • A new horror movie titled “My Boyfriend is a Demon” is currently filming in Rhode Island.
  • The film follows a lonely girl whose fake Instagram boyfriend materializes in real life.
  • The cast includes children of famous actors, such as Mattias Ferrell and Coco Arquette.
  • Veteran actors David Arquette and Rosanna Arquette are also part of the ensemble cast.

Verdi Productions’ secret horror movie, “My Boyfriend is a Demon,” now filming in Rhode Island, is no longer a secret as Chad A. Verdi, the East Greenwich production company’s president, has announced the cast and given an outline of the movie’s plot.

The ensemble cast comprises veteran actors and rising young talents. The story follows Mary, a lonely, small-town girl who creates a fake Instagram account that pretends to be boyfriend, a guy too perfect to be real. Mary puts so much effort into making him “real” that he shows up at her door one day.

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The cast includes:

  • Mattias Ferrell, son of comic actor Will Ferrell and known for “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” and “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”
  • Coco Arquette, daughter of Courteney Cox and David Arquette and known for “Cougar Town.”
  • David Arquette, known for his work in the “Scream” film franchise.
  • Rosanna Arquette, David’s sister and Coco’s aunt, known for “The Moment.”
  • Bailey Sloan, known for “Ragamuffin.”
  • Jack Champion, known for “Avatar.”
  • Ever Anderson, known for “Peter Pan & Wendy.”
  • Vinnie Hacker, known for “Euphoria.”
  • Josephine Reitman, known for “Juno.”
  • Savannah Lee Smith, kown for “Tunsel Town.”
  • Lisa Yamada, known for “Elle.”
  • Ty Law, known for “Friday Night Lights.”

“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is written and directed by first-time director mishka.

“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is filming in Providence

The movie began filming in Rhode Island in April and has rented Providence’s Cranston Street Armory for the month of May to use as a studio.

The producing team for Verdi Productions includes Chad A. Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, Michelle Verdi and Sera Verdi. Executive producers include Ketchup Entertainment and Kinolime.



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Weather Now: Showers, T’storm Today

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Weather Now:  Showers, T’storm Today


Good morning! Happy Thursday! Today will be pretty unsettled with the chance for showers and t’storms. Friday will still be damp with showers and drizzle, but the weekend still looks amazing!

The one good thing with the rain, for allergy sufferers at least, the pollen levels will be lower. In fact, both today and tomorrow, the tree pollen counts will be low locally. Do expect a spike in the pollen count for Saturday and Sunday with the dry weather.

INTERACTIVE RADAR: Live Pinpoint Weather 12 Radar »

“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” FLIGHT TRACKER

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“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” POWER OUTAGES

TODAY

Hour-by-hour forecast for today…

Hour by Hour // A close look at the upcoming conditions »

We’ll have some showers around during the morning commute today, but the greatest chance for showers and t’storms will be after 9AM and before 5PM.

Showers and thunderstorms could slow travel around mid-day. Rain could fall heavily at times.

A line of showers and t’storms will be sweeping across the area through the afternoon as a slow-moving weather systems moves through the region.

Highs today will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with southeast to east winds of 5-15mph.

“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” BEACH AND BOATING FORECASTS

TONIGHT

Showers are still possible this evening; although they won’t be as numerous.

TOMORROW

That low center will be nearby Friday morning, and we’ll be stuck with a damp, cool windflow. Expect drizzle and showers in the morning and possibly some lingering showers in the afternoon.

Highs Friday will only be in the 50s. The average high this time of year is in the upper 60s.

LOOKING AHEAD

Then…there’s the weekend. Saturday looks amazing with lots of sunshine and dry weather. It’ll be warmer, too, with highs in the 70s.

-Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo

T.J. Del Santo (tdelsanto@wpri.com) is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for 12 News. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Threads and BlueSky.

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