Things to do in Providence this weekend, Nov. 12 to 15
Rochambeau Library fills a room with local authors
By Lou P. and the Providence Loop editors. Thursday, November 12, 2026
Local writers take over the Rochambeau Library's Community Room on Saturday afternoon for its fall author fair. On Friday the Betsey Williams Cottage in Roger Williams Park opens its doors for free. If you'd rather stay up late, THAO and Aaron Lee Tasjan are both playing Alchemy, and Dark Star Orchestra is at PPAC on Thursday.
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING
Rochambeau Fall Local Author Fair 2026
The Rochambeau Library's fall local author fair is a one-afternoon Saturday event in the Community Room, and it is the most direct way to meet the people writing nearby.
Eighteen local authors gather in the library's Community Room to chat about their books, and you can buy copies on the spot. Refreshments are served, so it's an easy afternoon to browse and talk.
Saturday at 2 pm · Rochambeau Library - Community Room, 708 Hope Street, Providence, RI, 02906
FREE THIS WEEKENDcosts nothing
Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage
Friday at 10 am
Betsey Williams Cottage, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, 02907
Step inside the Betsey Williams Cottage, built in 1773, in Roger Williams Park. The open house is free, so it's an easy way to see a piece of the park's history.
WITH KIDSbring them
Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) Presents: What Do You Do with a Problem?
Friday at 5 pm
Wanskuck Library - Community Room, 233 Veazie Street, Providence, RI, 02904
Kids from Studio Playground turned Kobi Yamada's picture book into a play, using physical acting and playful improvisation. It's made for all ages, with a $10 suggested donation that supports the library's scholarship fund.
Sky Views Planetarium Show
Saturday at 2 pm; also Sun 2 pm
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI, 02905
The planetarium at the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park runs its Sky Views show on weekend afternoons. It's an easy indoor outing for stargazers of any age.
THE WEIRD ONE with Lou P.
Pet Photos with Santa
Santa is posing for photos with pets on Saturday morning at Miller's Family Farm in North Attleborough.
Saturday at 10 am · Miller s Family Farm - 500 Allen Ave North Attleborough MA 2760
DATE NIGHTfor two
THAO - Providence - Alchemy - Nov 13, 2026
Friday at 8 pm
Alchemy, 171 Chestnut Street, Providence, RI, 02903
Thao Nguyen of Thao & the Get Down Stay Down plays Alchemy, with Al Olender on the bill. She has a new album out, and she's known for her NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert.
Aaron Lee Tasjan - Providence - Alchemy - Nov 12, 2026
Thursday at 8 pm
Alchemy, 171 Chestnut Street, Providence, RI, 02903
Singer-songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan brings his tour for the new album Get Over It, Underdog to Alchemy. He once remixed a single with Widespread Panic's Dave Schools on bass.
A Christmas Carol
Saturday at 12 pm; also 6 pm, Sun 12 pm
Dowling Theater At Lederer Theater Center, 201 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903
BRING A TOTEmarkets and sales
Providence Flea Holiday Markets
Through Dec. 20
Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island, 02908
Providence Flea sets up its holiday markets on Ardmore Avenue, running from early November to just before Christmas. A good place to start on gift shopping.
Holiday Farmers Market Presented by Citizens
Sunday at 10 am
An outdoor holiday market near the Gazebo at Garden City Center, with local food, farmers and makers, and handcrafted gifts. It's free, with registration requested, and shops and lunch spots are close by.
BIG SHOWSyou've heard of these
- FRI 7 PMBert Kreischer (Children under 6 years of age not permitted), The VETS
- THU 7:30 PMDark Star Orchestra, Providence Performing Arts
- SAT 7:30 PMAndrea Gibson's Love Letter From The Afterlife, Providence Performing Arts Center
PLAN AHEAD
WHAT DID WE MISS?
We do our best to read every calendar in Providence, and we still miss good stuff. The church supper, the band at the corner bar, the block party your neighbor is throwing. If you know about something, tell us. Just write hello@loopcities.com. We read every note.
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