THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
RHODE ISLAND Vol. 4
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
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ABOUT RHODE ISLAND
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
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BAR GUIDE
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LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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ABOUT RHODE ISLAND LGBTQ Rhode Island Rhode Island is a small state, but its gay scene is as active as many of the larger east coast cities. Brown, Rhode Island Institute of Design, and Johnson & Wales all pull in a high percentage of open-minded, artistic and openly gay folks, creating a friendly, diverse and tolerant community. Rhode Island is home to many art galleries, live music venues and theaters. The city boasts charming and historical buildings, some dating to the late 1700’s, making it a favorite with architecture buffs. Foodies won’t want to miss the Culinary Archives and Museum at Johnson & Wales. One of the benefits of a small city is that most of the nightlife, dining and shopping is within walking distance of each other. The nightlife is hip and often cutting edge. Ladies will be glad to know that Providence has a friendly and supportive lesbian scene, with quite a few venues dedicated to female performers. One of the highlights of Rhode Island Pride week is the illuminated nighttime parade. 4
RESTAURANT GUI DE Circe Restaurant & Bar Bright, stylish space for refined New American fare & updated comfort food, plus cocktails & wine. 50 Weybosset St, Providence, RI
Camille’s High-end takes on traditional Italian dishes served in elegant digs that include a patio & a lounge. 71 Bradford St, Providence, RI
Bacco Vino & Contorni Compact restaurant serving traditional southern Italian cuisine in an informal ambiance. 262 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI
Matunuck Oyster Bar Destination dining enhanced by a raw bar sourced onsite (with a pond tour available) & a water view. 629 Succotash Rd, Wakefield, RI
Los Andes Creative Peruvian & Bolivian seafood & meat dishes, plus cocktails, in a relaxed, unassuming space. 903 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI
Cafe Nuovo Artistic food stylings Downtown - 1 Citizens Plaza Providence, RI CAV A dramatic dining atmosphere Downtown - 14 Imperial Place Providence, RI
India Restaurant Elegant venue for vegetarians & non, enhanced by Bollywood films & belly dancing. 1060 Hope St, Providence, RI
Chiantis Romantic (affordable) date spot Out of town - 195 Old Forge Road East Greenwich, RI
Nicks On Broadway Imaginative seasonal New American bistro with open kitchen & casual vibe earns buzz among foodies. 500 Broadway, Providence, RI
Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille All the flavors of Italy -- on the cheap. 970 Douglass Pike, Smithfield, RI The Restaurant at AS 220 Art space with cafe and bar 115 Empire Street, Providence, RI
Spain Restaurant The Spanish fare has a locavore bent at this big, airy vet that also boasts a late-night lounge. 1073 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, RI
Ristorante Pizzico Award-winning Italian 762 Hope Street, Providence, RI
Julian’s Hip brewpub with exposed brick walls popular for house-smoked meats & numerous vegetarian options. 318 Broadway, Providence, RI
Zooma Trattoria Handmade, award-winning pasta 245 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 6
2021 EVENT SCH E DULE SEPTEMBER
held every year in Woonsocket, RI on Columbus Day weekend. Filled with music, crafts, food, amusement rides and a parade. Drawing in over 100,000 attendees each year, Autumnfest is the largest Fall Festival in Northern Rhode Island. Visit autumnfest.org.
SEP 25
OKTOBERFEST
Each September, GACSRI welcomes guests to their grounds in Pawtucket to celebrate Oktoberfest and attempt to reproduce a sense of Bavarian Gemütlichkeit (coziness) with live music, dancing, German Festbier, and traditional food offerings. Our Oktoberfest is held across our outdoor Biergarten, Ratskeller bar, and large indoor Bierhalle. Visit gacsri.org/ oktoberfest for tickets and details.
OCT 9
SCITUATE ARTS FESTIVAL
We feature 200 juried art and craft exhibitors, select antique vendors, a food court offering regional specialties, live musical entertainment and a huge art/craft/antique raffle. Details at visitrhodeisland.com.
SEP 25
OCT 15
PVDFEST
BEERVANA FEST
Providence’s world-renowned art, culture and culinary community join forces with artists from around the corner and across the globe to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Live music, dance, food, and visual art installations transform the city in a multi-day, multi-arts take-over of public spaces, parks and outdoor stages in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island. Visit pvdfest.com.
Join us for Rhode Island’s ultimate craft beer fest at the historic Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Come enjoy 2 floors of World Class Craft Beer, 60 Beer Tables, 250+ Beers! Tickets at beerfests.com/events/ beervana-fest.
OCT 16-17
FOOD TRUCK & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Featuring some of the area’s most popular food trucks dishing out fan favorites such as fall-off-the-bone BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, zesty mexican food, traditional breakfast food, and more!
SEP 25
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Featuring Tractors, Regional Music, Food Trucks, Scenic Hayrides, Historic Barn Tours, Pony Rides, Audubon Raptors, Makers & Doer Vendors, Games & More. Visit franklinfarmri.org.
The official MIMOSA Bar Crawl is NOW a FEST! Visit the STRAND in Providence for a mimosa -inspired FEST you won’t want to miss! Learn more at azfoodfestivals.ticketbud.com.
Offering dozens of regional and national craft brews.Enjoy outdoor games like cornhole, giant jenga, giant checkers and more! Dance to the tunes of a local DJ and music artists from Performers on the Go. Most importantly - bring your friends and family, lawn chairs, blankets, and soak in the sun! Visit foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/ newport.
OCTOBER
OCT 22
AUTUMNFEST
An innovative and surreal fusion of cirque, theatre, comedy, and cabaret,
SEP 26
PROVIDENCE MIMOSA FESTIVAL
VAMPIRE CIRCUS
OCT 9-11
Autumnfest is a weekend festival
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BAR GU ID E Dark Lady Voted best gay bar in RI Downtown - 19 Snow Street Providence, RI
KiKi Fridays @ The Village Lesbian fun night Downtown - 373 Richmond Street Providence, RI
MiraBar Three floors of fun Downtown - 15 Elbow Street Providence, RI
Trinity Brewhouse Award-winning beers Downtown - 186 Fountain Street Providence, RI
The Stable Providence’s metropolitan bar Downtown - 125 Washington Street Providence, RI
Bobby’s Place Something for everyone South Shore - 60 Weir Street Taunton, MA
Providence Eagle Providence’s place for leather Downtown - 124 Snow Street Providence, RI
Union Great drag show and friendly service 200 Union Street Providence, RI
The Alleycat The Dark Lady’s friendly sister bar Downtown - 17 Snow Street Providence, RI EGO Feed your ego Downtown - 73 Richmond Street Providence, RI
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE NOV 26
The Vampire Circus features off-the-wall characters and death-defying acrobats from all over the globe. Be amazed by incredible acts of strength, balance, and electrifying special effects that will keep you on the edge of your seats!
HOLIDAY CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Unique Gifts for everyone on your Shopping list, all handcrafted by over 100 Ocean State Artisans. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be here, too! $3 Admission. Save $1 by bringing a canned/non-perishable food item, benefiting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Details at patch.com.
At The Vampire Circus, guests will be taken on a mystical journey through an abandoned 19th-century cemetery. When the moonlight shines the magic will begin as an extraordinary collection of corpses, ghosts and vampires will be resurrected for one final, spine-tingling show.
NOV 26-27
CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY
CITV is an annual, juried show featuring a select group of local artisans who create handcrafted pottery, jewelry, stained glass, textiles, woodwork, art and more. Details at christmasinthevalleyri.com.
Don’t miss this visual vortex of twisted acrobatic fantasy and frightful fun. Bring your entire family! The Vampire Circus is a show for all ages. Learn more at visitrhodeisland.com.
NOV 27
HOLIDAY ARTMART
NOVEMBER
WaterFire’s ArtMarts are part of a series of diverse arts experiences at the WaterFire Arts Center in the Valley neighborhood of Providence. ArtMart is an outdoor art market featuring local artists across a broad spectrum of fine art and craft mediums.
NOV 1
LORD OF THE PIES
LORD of the PIES is the BIGGEST celebration of the the BEST pizza in RI and lasts ALL November! It is the event of record to determine who has the #BestPizzaRI! Find the BEST Pizza in RI by eating the BEST Pizza in RI!
WaterFire aims to support and connect artists with new audiences by providing a safe venue to sell their work. Visit waterfire.org.
Participating Restaurants agree to offer 1 FREE slice of pizza to folks w/ coupons. Pizzerias that don’t offer slices are offering FULL PIES! At least 20 BEST Pizza shops participating! Easily $150 Value! ONLY $25! Tickets online at eventbrite.com.
DECEMBER DEC 17
PUDDLES PITY PARTY
In 2020, with touring cancelled, Puddles holed up in his studio and produced 12 episodes of his “Still Sequestered” show which featured a variety of special guests like Jack Black, Penn Jillette, Howie Mandel, E (from Eels), Weird Al, Sid Krofft, Michael Stipe, Patton Oswalt, Cait O’Riordan, Neil Hamburger, David Dastmalchian, Mastodon, Tim Heidecker and artist Mark Ryden. Details at eventbrite.com.
NOV 4
RHODE ISLAND COMIC CON
Rhode Island Comic Con (RI Comic Con, RICC) is a three-day comic book and pop culture convention held in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island. The state’s oldest and largest fan convention, its motto is “The biggest show in the smallest state!” Visit ricomiccon.com.
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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
PROVIDENCE GAY MEN’S CHORUS (PGMC) www.provgmc.org P.O. Box 41482 Providence, RI YOUTH PRIDE INC. Youth Pride Organization South Shore - 171 Chestnut Street Providence, RI PROVIDENCE LGBT FILM FESTIVAL When the lights go down, the queers come out College Hill - 83 Park Street Providence, RI
RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION OF GAY PROFESSIONALS LGBT professional network Phone: (401) 481-9492 rhodeislandagp@gmail.com www.riagp.com URBAN LEAGUE OF RHODE ISLAND Empowering communities, changing lives South Shore - 246 Prairie Avenue Providence, RI
AIDS CARE OCEAN STATE HIV services Elmwood - 18 Parkis Avenue Providence, RI
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY BANK BankNewport............................................................ 7
MOVING Economy Movers & Storage.................................... 12
FIREPLACES Hearthside Fireplace & Patio.................................. 15
NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER Redwood Nursery & Garden Center........................ 13
FOUNDATION REPAIR Crack-X.................................................................... 15
PATIOS Hearthside Fireplace & Patio.................................. 15
FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC.................. 3
REAL ESTATE Kerry Park- RI Realtors............................................... 5
INSURANCE Carey, Richmond & Viking Insurance........................ 1
SOD Laurel Brook Turf Inc............................................... 19
INSURANCE Simone Fargiorgio- Allstate.................................... 15
STORAGE Economy Movers & Storage.................................... 12
LANDSCAPE SERVICES Redwood Nursery & Garden Center........................ 13
TURF Laurel Brook Turf Inc............................................... 19
LAWYERS Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC.................. 3
WATERPROOFING Crack-X.................................................................... 15
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE DEC 17-18
JAN 7
The one and only Cirque Dreams Holidaze has been hailed by the New York Daily News as “A delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load.”
Beautifully lit paths throughout the grounds will reveal stunning custom light displays, handmade bamboo ornaments and all the beauty that Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum have to offer.
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
Broadway Director and Cirque Dreams Founder, Neil Goldberg, has searched the world to assemble a remarkable cast of incomparable cirque artists, singers, dancers and talent to mesmerize audiences with new acts, holiday scenes, theatrical innovation and much more in 2019. Visit goprovidence.com.
DEC 19
THE NUTCRACKER
The Nutcracker is back and better than ever! Experience the magic of Festival Ballet Providence’s brand-new production of The Nutcracker for the first time ever at the majestic Veterans Memorial Auditorium, featuring the New England premiere of magnificent sets and costumes, plus inventive new choreography from Yury Yanowsky that is sure to leave audiences of all ages brimming with holiday delight. The crown jewel of the holiday season, this family-friendly production features a 38 foot tall tree, a brand new Nutcracker character by Big Nazo Lab, stunning magic tricks, scores of vibrant tutus. and a children’s cast of dozens of delightful young dancers performing alongside the FBP Company of resident artists. Learn more at visitrhodeisland.com.
JANUARY JAN 1
COMEDY AT THE CASTLE
18 + comedy featuring some of the best comedians in the country at the historic Castle Cinema. Come out and see live comedy, with good food in a beautiful setting. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
NIGHT LIGHTS
RI Cruisin’ Cocktails will be serving non-alcoholic cider, hot chocolate, hot coffee, and some hot drinks with a kick! Provided by RI Cruisin’ Cocktails. Details at eventbrite.com.
FEBRUARY FEB 12
RI VEGFEST
RI VegFest is committed to bringing the idea of a fun and compassionate plantbased vegan lifestyle to the broader food community. Visit vegevents.com.
FEB 14
WINTER FESTIVAL
The annual Newport Winter Festival returns with 10 days of live music, foodie contests, kid-centric activities and more. Featuring over 150 events, the Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, festivities, music, and fun for all ages. Visit newportwinterfestival.com.
MARCH MAR 6
THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS
Astonishing gymnasts will stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show! These fearless performers will present more than twenty-five centuries of Chinese tradition through award-winning acrobatics, dance, and spectacular costumes, all choreographed to ancient and contemporary music. Find us on Facebook for details.