The Weekly: 3/27/25 Guide to Downtown Providence
In Providence, there’s always something interesting going on! And we understand how challenging it can be to wade through all the happenings and decide what events to attend, where to eat, and what to shop for. That’s why we’re here to share the top things we’re excited about in the coming week in each installment of “The Weekly.” Each week, we’ll rant and rave unabashedly about just a slice of the food, fun, and fantastic items that we’re currently obsessed with in downtown Providence, RI.
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A NEW WAY TO TREAT YOURSELF AT GUM HAIR SALON
Looking for something a little less of a commitment than a haircut and color? Are you someone who always wishes that the hair washing and head massage portion of your hair appointment was longer? Well, we have excellent news for you! Downtown Providence hair salon GUM now offers the “After Hours” treatment.
According to the folks at GUM, an After Hours appointment sounds so soothing: “Relax in luxury with our signature scalp treatment designed for the ultimate chill. Experience this 90 minute luxury service with a tingling astringent, heated processing, a 15-minute head massage, and a steam bath at the shampoo bowl—leaving your scalp feeling fresh and renewed.”
You can learn more and make an appointment online here. Curious about GUM? When GUM opened on Clemence Street in the fall of 2024, we couldn’t wait to see what magic salon owner and stylist Christian Domingos would weave! Now, the salon has three experienced stylists and offers an astonishing variety of colors and cuts. It’s a true space for creatives to find the look for them!
A NEW COMEDY FESTIVAL KICKS OFF IN DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE
ICYMI: we’re so excited that Rhode Island’s comedy festival, Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is finally here on March 27-30! Comedians both local and from across the country are performing at venues in the Ocean State, including notable acts taking downtown Providence by storm. To name a few: at The Vets, you can see Jonathon Van Ness or Leslie Jones, while Kevin Hart and Aziz Ansari take the stage at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Want to put your knowledge to the test? The Malted Barley has quite the treat for you (and we’re not just talking about their beer flights and housemade pretzels). The Malted Barley is hosting their Comedy and Trivia event series specially for Lil Rhody Laugh Riot. Bring your brains and a few pals for a chance to win gift cards from 4:30-6:30 pm on Friday, March 28 and 2-4 pm on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30.
EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY AT THE PROVIDENCE CULINARY COLLECTIVE
The Providence Culinary Collective kicks off March 27-30, with special tastings, dinners, and so much more. We’re very excited for this inaugural food festival, especially since it features some of InDowncity’s go-to spots in the neighborhood!
On Thursday, March 27, raise a glass at the DuMol Wine Dinner over at Oberlin! The event includes a four-course meal featuring wines from DuMol’s 2022 vintage, for $150 per person. Tickets are still available online here.
And then on Thursday, March 27 through Sunday, March 30 from 4-9:30 pm, Trinity Brewhouse will host the outdoor Culinary Beer Garden in Adrian Hall Way. Trinity is partnering with various local breweries to showcase their beers, so each day guests can taste a selection from Ravenous, Ragged Island, Gansett, and Proclamation (along with Trinity). There will also be delicious barbecue available from Durk’s Bar-B-Q, DJs spinning some tunes each day, and special live music on Sunday.
OUR CURRENT LUNCH ORDER FROM A PROVIDENCE DELI
Whether you’re working, studying, or just popping into downtown Providence for some fun, nothing hits like a simple and quick lunch! And Serendipity Gourmet on Weybosset Street is a classic spot for this. From hot lunch options, to made-to-order deli sandwiches, to international snacks, to well-stocked drink fridges, there are endless options, seven days a week.
On our most recent visit, we ordered a “High Protein” sandwich—which includes avocado, turkey, and roasted red peppers, to name a few ingredients—and then meandered through the store to find the rest of our lunch while the sandwich was made. After much deliberation, we went with a Mango Orange Spindrift, Kettle’s Dijon Onion chips, and Mango Kasugai Gummy Candy for a little something sweet.
Love this edition of The Weekly? Want to stay in the loop for future events, gift guides, new business openings, and more in downtown Providence, RI? We’ve got you! Subscribe to our newsletter and/or follow @indowncitypvd on Instagram.