Coming to Providence in 2025 — Maybe Its Biggest Week Ever

Coming to Providence in 2025 — Maybe Its Biggest Week Ever

Forget PVDFest or commencement weekends; coming to Providence in March of 2025 may be the biggest combination of events to hit the city in recent history.

You might have to go back to John F. Kennedy speaking on the steps of Providence City Hall in November of 1960 to get as much excitement and as large a crowd.

Coming in March are two simultaneous mega-events. And, the weekend before, Providence hosts NCAA March Madness from March 20 through March 22.

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On Wednesday, the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) announced the inaugural Providence Culinary Collective scheduled to take place March 27 through 30, in locations throughout Providence.

And now, organizers are announcing a major comedy festival for the same weekend in Providence.

Combined, the two events are expected to bring to Providence as many as 100,000 or more visitors over the course of the week for the events in the city.

The comedy event is dubbed “Lil Rhody Laugh Riot: A New Comedy Festival Set to Bring Hilarity to Providence."

“This event isn't just about comedy; it's about creating a space where people from all walks of life can come together and share in the joy of laughter,” said Daniel Schwartz, General Manager of The VETS. “Our lineup transcends generations, blending comedy icons like Kevin Hart with hilarious rising stars like Chris Distefano to ensure there’s something for everyone. Rhode Island has always been known for its charm and creativity, and this festival will showcase both in the best way possible.”

"Anchored at THE VETS and spilling over into satellite venues around the city, including the Providence Performing Arts Center and RI Comedy Connection, this festival will feature four days packed with expertly crafted chaos, witty one-liners, and just enough self-deprecating humor to make us all feel seen with the first wave of headliners," said the organizers.

 

Scheduled to appear:

Kevin Hart: Thursday, March 27 at 7:30 pm - Providence Performing Arts Center
Michael Blaustein: Frida,y March 28 at 7:00 pm - The VETS 
Leslie Jones: Saturday, March 29 at 4:00 pm - The VETS 
Aziz Ansari: Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 pm - Providence Performing Arts Center
Hannah Berner: Sunday, March 30 at 7:00 pm - The VETS
Chris Distefano: Sunday, March 30 at 9:45 pm - The VETS

 

The full lineup, featuring a mix of comedy icons and rising stars, also includes Josh Johnson, Melissa Villasenor, Tone Bell, Sophie Buddle, Alec Flynn, and Andy Woodhull. Additional acts will be announced over the coming months leading up to the event. 

“GoProvidence has spent nearly two decades building Providence’s culinary brand, celebrating the chefs and creators shaping the city’s vibrant food scene,” said Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of the PWCVB. “Since launching Restaurant Weeks in 2006, GoProvidence has elevated the city’s national reputation, supported by the talent of Johnson & Wales University alumni and a thriving dining culture. We’re especially excited for this celebration to align with the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot comedy festival to further showcase Providence as a hub for creativity and culture in every sense.”

READ MORE ABOUT THE FOOD AND WINE EVENT "Providence Culinary Collective."