The Weekly: 6/12/25 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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WHAT TO BUY FOR FATHER’S DAY FROM DOWNTOWN SHOPS
Sunday, June 15 marks another Father’s Day! And this is one particular special occasion that can feel challenging to shop for... But don’t worry- we have some ideas in our handy Providence Father’s Day Gift Ideas guide.
For a little sampling of what we’re loving: Homestyle on Westminster Street has this adorable Father’s Day card in stock! Civil is a skate shop with three stores across the state, including one downtown. When we’re thinking of those father figures, we have an eye on the very newly arrived Asics Japan Pro.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Father’s Day without said father receiving an ungodly amount of things to imbibe! One of our picks from Eno Fine Wines is this sultry, sparkling Iapetus Figure 3 Pet Nat. Check out the full gift guide below!
TICKETS TO DRAG BRUNCH AT OBERLIN NOW ON SALE
Just announced: We’re so excited to hear that Oberlin’s Drag Brunch is back on Saturday, June 21! Seating are at 12 and 12:30 pm and the show begins right at 1 pm. And it’s quickly becoming a Pride Month favorite, so don’t hesitate to snag a ticket right here before they sell out.
Drag Brunch will feature Rage Ramzee, Paris Starr, and Poly Glamorous, and each $75 ticket includes two courses from the Oberlin brunch menu. Additional beverages and food can also be ordered a la carte, including champagne by the glass, mimosas, and specialty cocktails.
Plus, we love that $5 of each ticket goes right to Youth Pride RI and their mission to provide “a safe space for teens to be themselves, and access to resources and support services.” Happy Pride, PVD!
SUMMER READS (WITH RHODE ISLAND TIES) FROM SYMPOSIUM BOOKS
Beach weather is back (except on weekends, it would seem), vacations are booked, and it’s time for a little time to refresh and relax. If you’re anything like us, then you have a towering stack of books waiting to be read. If you’re not sure which one to dive into first, or are looking for something new and interesting, we’ve got you! Local bookstore Symposium Books has a rich variety of books. And we’ve picked three fun summer reads that each have a Rhode Island connection.
First up is Wedding People by Alison Espach. This entertaining, thoughtful novel follows Phoebe Stone and her adventures in Newport. Want something a little darker? Check out Rhode Island author Vanessa Lillie’s crime thriller, Blood Sisters. Follow Syd Walker as she leaves Rhode Island to uncover a mystery in Oklahoma. And last but not least, check out Between Friends and Lovers, a cheeky romance by author Shirlene Obuobi (she’s also a cardiologist living in Rhode Island).
Looking for more fiction to dive into? Check out Symposium’s fiction section of their online catalog below!
Love this edition of The Weekly? Want to stay in the loop for future events (like the return of Movies on the Block for Summer 2025), 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.