Night Before Thanksgiving in RI: 5 Things to Do

[Although all information is believed accurate at time of publication, everything is subject to change, especially pricing. – Ed.]

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year. There’s stuffing your face full of food, catching up with family and enjoying new gifts from loved ones. There’s also the night before these holidays where people go out, run into old friends and have fun while probably seeing that scumbag from high school whose maturity level still hasn’t gone past age 17 even though in reality they’re pushing 40. The night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest bar nights of the year – closing time is 2am in PVD – and there’s plenty of stuff going on in Rhode Island to induce the hangover you’ll most likely have the following morning. To give you some tips on what to do, I narrowed down a list to five in no particular order.

Thanksgiving Eve Rockathon @ News Café, 43 Broad St, Pawtucket

Over at one of the coolest dives in the Ocean State, there’s going to be an abundance of amplified hard rock invading the News Café. A lineup consisting of post-apocalyptic rockers Blackletter, punk rock phenoms The McGunks and Newport rock ‘n’ roll ragers We Own Land will be getting loud. There will most likey be a special cocktail or two available at the bar along with a nice and friendly clientele being present. The News always provides a great atmosphere for live music. Also, make sure to wear earplugs to this one.
9pm / 18+ / $6

Friendsgiving @ The Grange, 166 Broadway, PVD

Along with being a great place to eat delicious and healthy food (especially if you’re vegan or vegetarian), The Grange has also become a great place to see live music. The entertainment database blog PVDLive will curate a night featuring four immensely talented singer-songwriters: Steve Delmonico from The Quahogs, Rachel Jorgensen, Russ Connors and Nashville artist Zach Schmidt will be performing. If you like folk music and intimate settings, this show is for you. Also don’t forget to try the seitan wings.
9pm / all ages / free

The Silks, The Little Compton Band, Gumption and Glory @ The Café at Parlor, 200 Broadway, Newport

For a heavy dose of blues, head on down to the heart of Aquidneck Island as three of the best bands around take the stage for what should be a fun night. The Silks have become one of the most sought after live acts in New England and sooner or later their popularity will go beyond the region. With a groovy jam vibe reminiscent of The Grateful Dead, The Little Compton Band has a pristine sound that’ll make anyone gravitate to them. Gumption and Glory will be playing their soulful music in between sets and their horn section is magnificent. If you find yourself in downtown Newport while this is going on, definitely stop by.
9pm / 21+ / $10

Funksgiving 2017 @ The Parlour 1119 N Main St, PVD

If you’re familiar with The Parlour, then you know that every Wednesday night there’s funk played by The Phunky Autocratz. This amazing band is dynamic and incredible, and they’ll be doing it all over again to ring in Thanksgiving. Shzz Mack will be spinning records all night long, and the party will be poppin’ off from the get-go. Wednesday nights at The Parlour are always fun and you should stop by if you’ve never been. Take advantage of the delicious food and wide assortment of beer and spirits while you’re there.
7pm / 21+ / $5 after 9pm

Night Before Thanksgiving Dance Party @ Dusk 301, Harris Ave, PVD

Ty Jesso, John O’Leary and Studs Jerkel are three of the best DJs in Rhode Island. Jesso is exquisite in his knowledge of soul, R&B, garage rock and the Motown sound. O’Leary is a savant when it comes to ‘60s British rock, new wave and Britpop. Jerkel has such a wide assortment of records that he can go from calypso to ‘80s alternative rock in a matter of seconds. At Dusk, they will unite to put on a party that can only happen at this specific location. It’s a time to put the groove shoes on and shake it up.
10pm / 18+ / free