The Weekly: 8/20/26 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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CIVIL TEAMS UP WITH NEW BALANCE FOR ICONIC RHODE ISLAND-THEMED SNEAKER
Okay, so something super cool has happened: Civil, our go-to Rhode Island skate shop, has a new collaboration with an iconic brand! Coming soon to catalogs, Rhode Island is being put on the map in a unique way with The Civil x NB 480 "Quahog" sneaker. New Balance is a huge brand and we love to see a little Rhody clam representation on a big scale.
Congrats to the Civil team, and check out the announcement video right here. We can’t wait to snag a pair!
MONTHLY BOOK CLUB AT SYMPOSIUM FOCUSES ON THIS TRANSLATED BESTSELLER
One thing we appreciate so much about our local bookstore, Symposium Books, is their community programming. And this month, on Monday, Aug. 24 from 6-7 pm, they’re hosting their monthly installment of book club. Grab a copy of Butter by Asako Yuzuki from Symposium ahead of time and then head to the bookstore to discuss.
This tantalizing novel is described as “a literary thriller about a female gourmet cook and serial killer, and the journalist intent on cracking her case, inspired by a true story.” Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into an intriguing story and make some friends along the way!
NEW MENU ITEMS DROP AT THIS NEW THAI SPOT IN DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE
Who doesn’t love the ever-changing landscape of the food scene in downtown Providence? We always have an appetite and cannot deny ourselves the opportunity to try something new… That’s why it’s delicious news that Phed Phed, a Thai spot that opened on Washington Street in March 2026, has a ton of new menu items.
There’s a little bit of something for everyone: from savory Phed Phed Beef, to Woon Sen Basil (glass noodles!), to the “Fresh Roll” with shrimp, and beyond. Try it all for yourself by grabbing lunch or dinner the next time you’re in the neighborhood. Check out the new menu items here.
Love this edition of The Weekly? Want to stay in the loop for future events (including for our Summer 2026 season of Movies on the Block), 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.