Things to Do in Rhode Island in Winter
February 14, 2026
Winter Festivals, Wine Weekends & Seasonal Experiences
There are so many cozy, creative and delicious things to do in Rhode Island in winter! A little chill and snow won’t make Rhode Island slow down. From vineyard celebrations to light installations and chef-driven comfort food, the Ocean State stays lively. If you’re searching for things to do in Rhode Island in winter, February delivers. Festivals, cocktails, and cultural moments make the season feel electric.
Here’s what to add to your calendar.
38th Annual Newport Winter Festival
February 13–22, 2026 | Newport
First, the Newport Winter Festival returns for its 38th year, and it’s one of the most anticipated things to do in Rhode Island in winter. The City by the Sea becomes a midwinter playground. Live music, themed events, and culinary happenings fill the schedule. Families, couples, and friend groups all find something to love. Waterfront venues lean into the celebration. Newport feels festive, polished, and distinctly coastal.
30th Annual Winet(er)fest at Newport Vineyards
February 14–15 | Newport Vineyards
Next, head to Newport Vineyards for the 30th Annual Winet(er)fest, where estate-grown wines take center stage. Two sessions feature session feature legendary competitions, including crowd-favorite Grape Stomping—where you can channel your inner Lucy—and high-energy Stein Hoisting for ultimate bragging rights, with participants selected at random at the stage. Beyond the contests, guests can visit the Ice Bar with its festive ice sculpture luge pouring dessert wines (available for purchase) and enjoy live music all afternoon. Seasonal fare and warm hospitality round out the weekend while snow-dusted vines add quiet drama. Crackling firepits create instant atmosphere. It’s one of the most charming winter events in Newport.
Lumina: A Winter Wonderland
February 19 – March 6 | Downtown Providence
Downtown Providence glows during Lumina, and we love outdoor things to do in Rhode Island in winter! Immersive light installations transform city streets. Familiar blocks feel cinematic at night. The walkable format invites lingering. Pair it with dinner downtown. You have one of the most atmospheric Providence winter activities.
RI VegFest 2026
February 21–22 | WaterFire Arts Center, Providence
RI VegFest celebrates plant-based creativity. Innovative vendors showcase bold flavors and inventive dishes. Held at the WaterFire Arts Center, the space feels energetic and modern. Besides, it’s a smart way to explore Rhode Island’s evolving food scene. Even devoted carnivores leave impressed.
Track 15 Winter Igloos & Street Curling
Track 15 food hall is fully embracing winter. Outdoor dining igloos create intimate gathering spaces. Seasonal cocktails and thoughtful mocktails keep things warm. In addition, two “street curling” lanes bring playful competition downtown.
The sport of curling has surged in popularity. Track 15 offers two street-style versions of the rink. Lanes are available for walk-ins or reservations. Each lane accommodates two to six players. The cost is $20 per lane per hour. It’s brisk-air fun with après-game drinks nearby. Inside, sip their your through winter at with a seasonal cocktail menu featuring citrus-forward spritzes, a spiced winter sangria, and herbaceous gin-driven blends, alongside an Old Fashioned of the Month program that rotates classic whiskey expressions.
Guests can reserve one of two winter dining igloos on Track 15’s outdoor plaza and enjoy the full food and drink menu in a cozy, private setting. Each igloo seats up to eight and is styled for comfort, with soft lighting, layered textiles, and electric heat for chilly nights. One channels a warm, lodge-inspired feel, while the other leans glamorous and dramatic.
Igloos are available in two-hour increments during regular hours, with a reservation fee and food-and-beverage minimum required
Hot cocktails round out the lineup, including mulled cider, spiked hot cocoa, and a traditional Hot Toddy — all designed for cold New England evenings.
For those skipping alcohol, the zero-proof menu is equally thoughtful, featuring spirit-free spritzes, swizzles, citrus “margaritas,” and seasonal shrubs. A curated selection of non-alcoholic beers adds even more range, ensuring winter drinking in downtown Providence feels inclusive, elevated, and decidedly not an afterthought.
Giusto’s Special Winter Secret Menu & Sunday Supper
Finally, Giusto offers one of the coziest dining experiences in Newport. The special Winter “Olly” secret menu leans into refined comfort.
On Sunday evenings, it’s Chicken Parm ($28). This is Giusto’s elevated take on Sunday Supper. The pan-fried chicken breast is crisp and golden. It’s topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. Housemade bucatini completes the plate. The dish feels nostalgic yet precise.
Monday nights feature the Giusto Smashburger ($19). It’s a double-stack layered with fontina cheese. Sweet-and-tangy housemade bread and butter pickles add balance. Nduja aioli brings gentle heat. It’s all tucked into a Martin’s potato roll.
Lunch has also returned to Giusto. It’s served Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sandwiches are back on the menu. The new Chicken Parm Sandwich joins the lineup. The Giusto Smashburger returns at lunch, too.
There’s also a Local Fish Sandwich with pickled jalapeño. A Porchetta Sandwich features giardiniera and white bean-harissa spread. Each sandwich includes salt-and-vinegar potatoes or a green salad. The salad combines baby gem, pear, and dill. It’s winter dining that feels indulgent yet considered.
Why Winter Is Worth Experiencing in Rhode Island
Rhode Island winter events feel intimate rather than overwhelming. Wine weekends, light installations, and Sunday Suppers anchor the season. Cozy igloos and curling lanes add energy. The pace slows, but the calendar stays full.
Bundle up and make reservations. Winter in Rhode Island isn’t something to endure. It’s something to savor.
