The Weekly: 2/26/26 Guide to Downtown Providence
Here’s the gist: 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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DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE BUSINESSES OPEN TODAY AFTER BLIZZARD OF ‘26
We hope you all stayed safe during the historic Blizzard of ‘26! (And hey- I guess we all have something new to brag about for the next 40+ years!?) If you’re anything like us, then you are very excited to be back out and about. And many small businesses in downtown Providence are ready to welcome you! Here’s a few spots that we can confirm are open for business:
COFFEE SHOPS
SHOPPING
Serendipity Gourmet
RESTAURANTS & BARS
This list may be updated but is current as of 2 pm on Thursday, February 26. Paid parking is currently available at Biltmore Garage (51 Washington Street) in downtown Providence! If you’re not able to get out and about in person, please consider supporting these small businesses through online shopping and orders. For more updates throughout the day, follow @indowncitypvd on Instagram.
SYMPOSIUM BOOKS ANNOUNCES FULL CALENDAR OF AUTHOR EVENTS FOR MARCH 2026
Calling all readers and bookish people and those simply interested in engaging with the written word: Symposium Books, our go-to bookstore in downtown Providence, has just announced all the author events for March 2026! Each month, Symposium hosts a variety of writers across countless genres to read and discuss their work.
Beginning with an event centered around Jesse James Rose’s memoir on Thursday, March 5, the month is rich with fiction, nonfiction, and beyond. Check out the full event listing right here. All events are free and open to the public. Symposium Books is located 240 Westminster Street.
WHERE TO GRAB DINNER BEFORE SEEING “WICKED” (OR REALLY ANY SHOW DOWNTOWN)
So… We hear that there’s a special show coming next week to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC)… Are you ready to head to Oz for Wicked!? Want to eat something before your journey there? We have ten dinner spots within walking distance of PPAC that we highly recommend.
From tacos, to pasta, to gluten-free pretzels, there’s an option for everyone on our list of downtown Providence restaurants.
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.