Rhode Island
Best things to do in Rhode Island: April 26-May 3 – The Boston Globe
May Day! May Day! Sorry, no emergency. I’m just excited for May. Yup, cue the Justin Timberlake memes. It’s gonna be May and we’ve got 20,000 rubber ducks, tight-rope walkers, trolls, guacamole and more.
Let’s ride, friends.
THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey rolls into PVD. Expect six shows from April 26-28 at the AMP. Some 75 performers hailing from 18 countries will put on a show that includes, according to a press release: stunts like “The Triangular Highwire” and “Double Wheel of Destiny,” comedic performances, “a modern take on clowning,” juggling, acrobatics, and dancing. Plus a skate park where BMX riders perform stunts, and trapeze artists, aerialists, music and more. 1 LaSalle Square. Tickets from $20. Details here.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY RETURNS
Beep beep beep! You know summer is returning to Rhody when the food trucks migrate back to Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village. It’s #FoodTruckFriday season: From April 26 through Sept. 27 — weather permitting — some 15 local food trucks park at Roger Williams Park at 5 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket and soak up live tunes from local artists, jump on the carousel, hop the train ride. Free admission; pay for what you eat. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Details here.
SOCCER IN RHODE ISLAND
The Ocean State now has a pro men’s soccer team, Rhode Island FC, and you can get your Ted Lasso on this week. According to the Globe, they play in the USL Championship league, the second tier of American men’s soccer, a notch below Major League Soccer. There are a number of ways you can buy tickets, from “Beer 2-pack” to “single match” or “mini plans.” This week’s game is April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Smithfield against Phoenix Rising FC. Ticket prices vary. At Beirne Stadium at Bryant University. 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield. Read more here. Details here.
20,000 RUBBER DUCKS
It’s time for one of the most whimsical of Rhody traditions: the 24th Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race. Watch 20,000 rubber ducks race the Pawcatuck River in Westerly on April 27 to benefit dozens of local charities. This full-on spectacle is free to watch — plus there are children’s games, rides, food booths, bounce house, and other activities. The event typically raises some $60,000 for groups involved, according to the event’s website. Plus: 90 prizes are up for grabs, including a trip to Disney World. The fun starts at 11:30 a.m., with a corporate race at 1 p.m., and the main race at 1:30 p.m. Downtown Westerly on the Westerly/Pawcatuck, Connecticut line. Details here and here.
EARTH WEEK
Earth Day truly is every day. Aquidneck Island is celebrating all week. Upcoming Aquidneck Island Earth Week events include:
- Albro Woods Work Party April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Nearly all the beech trees in Albro Woods are infected by beech leaf disease and large sections of the forest canopy are at risk,” according to billing. Volunteers are invited to lend a hand in removing invasive species and planting new trees. Afterward, everyone is invited to enjoy a potluck meal.” 125 Mitchell’s Lane #41, Portsmouth. Free. Details here.
- Help with an “Easton’s Beach Clean-Up & TrashBlitz” April 27 from 1-3 p.m. at Easton’s Beach. 175 Memorial Boulevard, Newport. Details here.
- Take time to notice birds on a free bird hike April 28 at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, 8-10 a.m. 583 3rd Beach Road, Middletown. Details here.
- Bonus for the 21+ set: Newport Vineyards, in honor of Aquidneck Island Earth Week, offers a free wine or beer flight to folks to help clean up. Participants are asked to pick up a bag or bucket of trash at their choice of location and take a photo. When they arrive at the event, they can enjoy a free tasting. Through April 27 during operating hours. Must present ID to show proof of 21+. Details here.
- Bonus for all ages: Scavenger BioBlitz is on — bring your BioBlitz scavenger hunt sheet to the Norman Bird Sanctuary for free admission for the whole fam through April 27 — and Earth Week Bingo encourages kids “to take environmental actions around their homes. There’s a sweet treat for kids who make five environmental actions in a row,” according to billing.
TAYLOR SWIFT DANCING FOR PUPPIES
A Westerly woman dropped a new album that broke Spotify this week (though she needs a grammar check on that title) And yes, there’s a Taylor event in Rhody: “Tailored for Tails: A Swift Promenade” is a night of human dancing to benefit the East Greenwich Animal Protection League. Billed as “an enchanting adult prom,” Swifties can dance the night away and enjoy a buffet. Dress to impress in “elegant attire” or “favorite Swiftie concert wear.” $60. April 28, 6-10 p.m. at the Event Factory, 144 Metro Center Blvd., Warwick.
CURL UP
I don’t know what intrigues me more: The shoes? The brooms? I vow every Winter Olympics to learn this sport. The Ocean State Curling Club hosts a “Learn to Curl” session April 28, 2:15-4:15 p.m. at Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink. Must register. $45. 109 Pleasant View Ave. Details here.
TROLLS! TROLLS!
I have been waiting a year for this. Recycle artist/activist Thomas Dambo, who makes giant trolls from recycled wood all over the world, is bringing his trolls to Charlestown’s Ninigret Park. Dambo takes stage April 30 at 7 p.m. at the United Theatre to talk about his life in Denmark, larger-than-life trolls — and to inspire you to think about trash and recycling differently. Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with the fascinating Dambo. 5 Canal St., Westerly. $5. Details here.
HOLY GUACAMOLE
Who makes the best guac around? Avocado fans, get to Providence Brewing Company May 1 for a “Wicked Best Guacamole Showcase and Tasting.” Local restaurants will also throw down in a “friendly competition.” Bonus: first 100 Early Bird passes get a free beer, according to billing. 10 Sims Ave. #Unit 110, Providence. From $15. Details here.
PARTY IN THE BALLROOM
FirstWorks — a Providence-based nonprofit with a mission “to enrich the social, educational and economic fabric of Rhode Island by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts experiences” — is turning 20 and you’re invited to the party.
Head to the Ballroom at the Providence G on May 2. Your $75 supports FirstWorks programs in Rhode Island, according to the website. Expect to “mix and mingle with fellow supporters and friends” with “drinks and small bites.” On the evening’s docket: two “sets” from dancers Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca, steel pan and vocals by Becky Bass; Sidy Maiga with DJ Brazao, and raffle. 100 Dorrance St., Providence. Learn more about the artists here, here and here. Event details, FirstWorks details and artist videos here.
PAINTING BIRDS
When I interviewed an Audubon educator/artist this week about the power of noticing — and drawing — birds, Clare Walker Leslie told me: “Once you become aware, you care.” An advocate for nature journaling and drawing, Leslie had me reaching for my sketchbook. With that vibe in mind, head to Rhode Island Audubon’s Maxwell Mays Art Studio for “Watercolor From Nature 101.”
The first session on May includes experimenting with brushes, paper and paint to create a landscape with birds. In the second session on June 7, you’ll learn color theory and drawing basics. No experience necessary, all materials provided. Meet in the parking lot. Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry. Last day to register May 2. $125/non-members, $100 for members. Details here.
RHODE READS
As a Rhody book lover, I started this subsection because every week, there are great Rhode Island author and book events. In this week’s book news…
April 27 is National Independent Bookstore Day and women-owned Ink Fish books in Warren hosts its 6th Indie Bookstore Day Party. Expect free books, raffles, including a signed-copy giveaway of Jamie Brenner’s “A Novel Summer,” and two talented local authors:
Did you love Rhody’s own New York Times bestselling author Jessa Maxwell’s hit “The Golden Spoon”? Same. If you haven’t read it yet, the book — which earned raves — was billed by its publisher as “Only Murders in the Building” meets “The Maid” and that’s accurate. Maxwell, of Jamestown, will be on hand for the party, along with an Empanada Assassin pop-up from noon to 5 p.m.
Plus, Rhody native author Christa Carmen signs copies of her gothic novel “The Daughters of Block Island,” from 1-3 p.m. according to Ink Fish. 488 Main St., Warren. Details here.
For my picks on other Rhode Island indie bookstores, see here.
Until next week, Rhody: Keep rockin.’
Lauren Daley can be reached at ldaley33@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @laurendaley1.
A new era for State Troopers in southern RI
Closing the State Police barracks facilities in Wyoming and Wickford marks the end of an era in community policing
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Loughlin wants the office to become the Rhode Island inspector general his party has been seeking in vain for years.
Loughlin, a former state representative, said on May 11 that, if elected, he would staff the underutilized office with people who would help him expose “fraud, waste, abuse, and government corruption.”
“Rhode Islanders are sick and tired of watching their tax dollars disappear into a black hole of inefficiency, cronyism, and outright corruption while the General Assembly talks a big game but delivers nothing − year after year after year,” Loughlin said in a news release. “For more than two decades, the legislature has failed to create a true Inspector General with real investigative power. Enough is enough. If they won’t do it, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office will − starting on day one.”
Why turn the lieutenant governor into an inspector general?
The Rhode Island Constitution gives the lieutenant governor little to no authority beyond being available in case the governor is unable to finish their term. That’s prompted some to call it a “do nothing” office and others to propose abolishing it.
“Frankly, the current workload of the office leaves ample time and resources to do far more for taxpayers than ceremonial appearances and ribbon-cuttings,” Loughlin said in his news release. “Rhode Islanders deserve a Lieutenant Governor’s Office that works every day to protect their money and hold government accountable.”
The lieutenant governor’s office has a budget of $1.4 million, which Loughlin said is enough to staff and run an effective investigative team made up of “certified auditors, investigators, and compliance professionals” to review state agency spending and contracts.
He acknowledged that the lieutenant governor does not have subpoena power, but believes that investigations can be completed utilizing public records requests and gathering publicly-available data.
Loughlin, who ended his talk radio show earlier this year when he announced his campaign for governor, said he would communicate his findings through “RI Report” publications, news briefings and podcasts.
He said he would also make the office’s resources available to city and town leaders.
Republicans have been fighting for an inspector general
Rhode Island Republicans have for years promised to lower state spending by rooting out government waste, fraud and abuse. The last GOP Rhode Island governor, Donald Carcieri, launched a “Fiscal Fitness” program that aimed to save money and find efficiencies.
Democrats criticized Carcieri’s tenure for featuring exorbitant privatization and outsourcing.
Since Carcieri, the idea of creating an independent inspector general similar to those in other states has become a holy grail for Rhode Island Republicans, but the Democratic General Assembly has had little interest in it.
“If our office saves just 1% from Rhode Island’s bloated state budget, the savings would return more than ten times the entire cost of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to taxpayers – and that’s only the beginning,” Loughlin said in the news release.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 10, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from May 10 drawing
Midday: 9-9-9-0
Evening: 5-5-0-9
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 10 drawing
01-13-14-16-32, Extra: 02
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 10 drawing
01-03-20-35-46, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Watch: Khano Smith speaks with media after RIFC drew Tampa Bay
Watch as Khano Smith speaks with media after RIFC drew Tampa Bay
PAWTUCKET — JJ Williams finally had his space and rose to the opportunity.
The Rhode Island FC striker, deep in the attacking zone, came back to a cross and headed Nick Scardina’s service to the near post to salvage the night for Rhode Island. Williams’ goal landed in the 86th minute to draw Tampa Bay Rowdies, 1-1, in rain-soaked Pawtucket.
It’s the third draw in USL Championship play for Rhode Island at Centreville Bank Stadium this season. RIFC was turning in a familiar performance before snagging the tie against the league-leading Rowdies as Williams supplied his third regular-season goal of the year. The draw is the first time RIFC has earned a result after the opposition opened the scoring since its 1-1 tie vs. Birmingham Legion FC on July 5, 2025.
Rhode Island now travels to USL League One side Portland Hearts of Pine for its second game of the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup group stage on Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. The club returns to Pawtucket on May 23 against Brooklyn FC.
“All night they made it tough because they were doubling,” Williams said of Tampa Bay. “And wherever I went to, they were going contact first, especially in this league with no [Video Assistant Referee] … but on that one, the ball was so good that they spun around, and then I was able to make good contact.”
Rhode Island had a string of missed chances in the first 15 minutes that fed into a goal for Tampa Bay and then a triple substitution in the second half that provided little spark. Max Schneider’s cross from right of the box found Pedro Dolabella at the far post for a clinical header in the 29th minute in front of an announced attendance of 6,790.
The game’s first score came just 10 minutes after attempts from Hugo Bacharach and Jojea Kwizera were saved and Williams sailed an open shot past the bar.
“We tried to correct some of those things that we struggled with last week,” Williams said. “Getting to the ball, making tackles, making a stick, I think that we weren’t as clean in possession as we would have been, especially as we won the ball and played forward. We had a lot of turnovers in the first half where we could have seen more chances, but we did well to weather the storm early and create some. But for me, I [have] to bury that first one.”
Rhode Island creates plenty of chances — it is tied for fourth with 112 attempts — but has just 12 goals this season. If it had finished one of the early chances against Tampa Bay, it would’ve shifted the tenor of the match and forced the visitors to play outside of its form. But the final scoring sequence is still missing with the summer months coming soon.
“Happy with the spirit, happy with the effort, happy with the fight,” RIFC coach Khano Smith said. “You’ve seen that a lot with our team. They just fought to the end, never gave up, kept pushing. Ultimately, it’s two more points dropped at home, and we need to find a way to stop doing that. We need to be ruthless – just ruthless in front of the goal.”
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