The Weekly: Halloween 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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And this time, we’re bringing you a special treat (or trick!) by focusing on all of the Halloween programming that is planned for this upcoming week!
HALLOWEEN DRAG BRUNCH MOVES TO NEW LOCATION (FEAT. OBERLIN’S PANCAKES)
For the past few years, downtown Providence restaurant Oberlin has hosted a wildly popular Halloween Drag Brunch. And this year, they’re switching it up! Although Oberlin is no longer offering brunch, their pancakes will be making an appearance at this year’s Halloween Drag Brunch at Gift Horse (right next door). Head to 272 Westminster Street on Sunday, Oct. 26. Reservations are required for 11 and 11:30 am seatings for $50 per person; the show begins at 12 pm.
This year will include performances by queens Paris Starr, Rage Ramzee, and Ava Unit-One. Each ticket includes one drink and one menu item, a donation to Youth Pride RI, and payment for the talent. Still hungry? Additional food and drinks will be available a la carte. Grab your tickets right here.
DURK’S BAR-B-Q THROWS A HALLOWEEN EMO NIGHT PARTY
On Friday, Oct. 31, starting at 9 pm, Durk’s Bar-B-Q is ready to welcome you to the Black Parade with a Halloween Emo Night! “Break out the eyeliner, black nails, and your deepest middle school heartbreak,” shares Durk’s Bar-B-Q on Instagram, “because we’re turning Durk’s into a haunted house of feelings.”
This Halloween celebration will include music from My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and more, along with themed cocktails and specials, a photography backdrop and props (“make your own emo prom memories”), and even a Mario Kart Tournament to hearken back to staying up late on school nights of old.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AT THE SALON’S HALLOWEEN PARTY
The Salon, a bar and nightclub in downtown Providence, is fully embracing spooky season with their annual Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 31! They will have DJs spinning tunes all night (including Séga Genn, Yoonorlan, Charlie Tunes, and more), free candy, seasonal cocktails, a costume contest, and more.
The fun will spill onto both floors of the club and you won’t want to miss this unforgettable night. Presale tickets are sold out, but tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis at the door beginning at 8 pm.
COSTUMES, COCKTAILS, CANDY & MORE FOR HALLOWEEN AT CLEMENTINE
We love any excuse to dress up and go out- and dressing up in costume for a free drink? Yes please! Clementine Cocktail Bar on Washington Street in Providence has your plans for a spooky Halloween on Friday, Oct. 31… There will be a free cocktail for those who come in costume, a costume contest (with a prize), Halloween cocktails, tarot readings by Basil Tarot, and more.
The festivities will take place from 8-10 pm. No reservations are required, but Clementine does have limited seats so make sure to arrive early at this downtown Providence bar to snag your spot.
HAUNTED VICTORIAN AMERICA READING & PERFORMANCE OF POE POEMS AT SYMPOSIUM
Calling all readers, writers, and fans of fascinating, unsettling literature: on Halloween night, Friday, Oct. 31 at 7 pm, author Joshua Rex will head to Symposium Books in downtown Providence for a petrifying program. Rex will not only read from his book Haunted Victorian America, but also perform renditions of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven.”
If you’ve been looking for a unique way to celebrate the holiday, then head to 240 Westminster Street for this reading. (We always enjoy the sheer variety of author events, book clubs, and more that Symposium has planned so check out their Instagram for more.)
Love this edition of The Weekly? Want to stay in the loop for future events (such as the PVD DownCity Holiday Market in December 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.