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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:
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.
Local News
A car carrying a family of three went into the Seekonk River in Rhode Island Sunday evening, authorities said.
The vehicle entered the river near the Taft Street boat ramp shortly before 7:30 p.m., Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said in a statement.
A bystander riding a jet ski heard the car dive into the water and attempted to help, while another witness called 911, according to Goncalves.
First responders arrived within three minutes of the emergency call, Goncalves noted.
The vehicle’s three occupants are believed to still be inside, The Boston Globe reported.
Recovery efforts resumed Monday, with Pawtucket police and fire personnel working alongside Rhode Island State Police and other state agencies to remove the vehicle from the river, Goncalves said.
“Conditions are extremely challenging for dive teams due to the strong current and poor underwater visibility,” she added.
A video released by the Globe shows the car being recovered from the water Monday afternoon.
Authorities have not released the identities or conditions of the occupants.
“We ask that you please keep the family and their loved ones in your prayers as our first responders continue recovery efforts,” Goncalves said.
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(WJAR) — Rhode Island leaders will announce millions in funding for road improvements in Aquidneck Island on Monday.
Members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation will announce $19,250,000 in federal funding for the project.
File image of traffic in Aquidneck Island. (WJAR)
It’s meant to improve road and sidewalk conditions on the island.
This will include high-visibility crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)
Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman Gabe Amo are expected to attend.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 28, 2026, results for each game:
Midday: 7-7-1-0
Evening: 6-7-5-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
04-05-07-13-32, Extra: 18
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
04-11-31-54-58, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
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.
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