On October 22, 2025, the Providence City Council granted first passage to amendments aimed at further restricting cooperation between the Providence Police Department and federal immigration officers. The proposed changes would broaden the legal definition of federal immigration enforcement agencies, clarify prohibited collaboration without a judicial warrant, expand protected spaces (such as schools and hospitals), limit collection and disclosure of sensitive personal data, and allow organizations to sue the city for alleged violations. These amendments follow a July incident where police were found to have illegally assisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The final council vote is scheduled for November 6.

The University of Rhode Island is hosting the 10th Annual URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival from October 19 to October 26, 2025. This event features a variety of performances and activities celebrating guitar and mandolin music, offering a cultural and educational experience for the community.

Effective October 20, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island announced it will no longer have sufficient funding to sustain full, paid operations due to the ongoing lapse in congressional appropriations. This funding shortfall impacts the court's ability to dispense justice and preserve individual rights and liberties within Rhode Island, potentially affecting the timely resolution of criminal cases and civil disputes in the state.

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM EDT, join the SĒZN Lounge Social Night at Plant City Providence located at 334 South Water Street, Providence, RI. This event offers an evening of connection, conversation, and good vibes with delicious small plates and handcrafted cocktails available at the bar. It is an all-ages event with free parking, encouraging attendees to mingle, bring friends, or come solo to make new connections. Past socials have led to new friendships and even an engagement.

On October 18, 2025, a large crowd gathered outside the Rhode Island State House as part of the nationwide 'No Kings' protests against authoritarian policies. The event in Rhode Island featured demonstrators standing for civil liberties and rights-based debates, aligning with the broader movement involving millions across the United States. The protests were organized by numerous civil rights and advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, emphasizing peaceful demonstration and opposition to government overreach.

Horse Play's Fall Festival of Fun takes place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Rd, Saunderstown, RI. This family-friendly event features pony rides, games, raffles, prizes, demos, and a meet-and-greet with horses. Food and beverages will be available. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for community food banks. Horse Play is a Rhode Island-based 501(c)3 non-profit equine rescue and sanctuary, and tax-deductible donations are welcome.

The ACLU of Rhode Island has filed a 'friend of the court' brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston, supporting a legal case that may have implications for civil liberties or rights-based debates relevant to Rhode Island residents.

South Kingstown Councilman Jay Wegimont was found not guilty of assaulting Narragansett Republican Chair Anthony D'Ellena during a June confrontation. The verdict, delivered by Judge Mary McCafrey, cited inconsistencies in the accuser's testimony and insufficient evidence from video footage and witness accounts. The case has sparked political tensions, with D'Ellena expressing frustration and accusing local corruption, while Wegimont emphasized his acquittal and readiness to move forward.

The 34th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival takes place on October 18-19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day on Newport’s historic waterfront. This free-admission event features a wide variety of fresh seafood such as fish tacos, lobster rolls, chowder, fried calamari, clams, and oysters, along with signature cocktails and beer. Local restaurants and fishermen’s associations offer their signature dishes, including options for non-seafood eaters and children. Desserts like fresh donuts and kettle corn are also available. Live music performances run continuously throughout the weekend, with bands such as The Good Living Band, Birdstick, and DudeManBro on Saturday, and Morgan Treni & The Landscapes, Kate Virginia Band, and Nikki & The Barn Boys on Sunday. The festival supports Child & Family through proceeds from festival bars. Attendees are encouraged to use the Jamestown Newport Ferry or bike to the event, with bike racks provided. The festival operates rain or shine, allowing only service dogs inside tents but welcoming pets elsewhere on the wharf.

A special adults-only event takes place at the Providence Children's Museum on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6–10pm. This unique evening offers grown-ups a chance to explore the museum’s interactive exhibits and enjoy playful activities in a festive, social atmosphere.

On October 15, 2025, Brown University announced it would not join the Trump administration's proposed Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. University President Christina Paxson expressed concerns that the Compact could restrict academic freedom and undermine the university's governance autonomy. She emphasized that the Compact's criteria for research funding might prioritize ideological considerations over the merit and impact of research, potentially harming American education and research quality. Brown reaffirmed its commitment to a prior voluntary resolution agreement that supports equality of opportunity, compliance with nondiscrimination laws, and workforce development in Rhode Island, while preserving academic freedom and institutional values.

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Gallery Night Providence hosts a free guided walking art tour starting at 5:15 pm from the Graduate Providence hotel. The two-hour tour visits multiple art locations including The Gallery at City Hall, featuring a community art project with Mary Fogarty School students creating life-sized tape self-portraits, and the David Winton Bell Gallery, showcasing a solo exhibition by Diné artist Eric-Paul Riege that combines textile, sculpture, sound, video, and performance to explore Indigenous art and sovereignty. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

The University of Rhode Island's Metcalf Institute hosts a public lecture on October 23, 2025, featuring a panel discussion with National Science Foundation fellows addressing how to create healthier and more equitable food futures amid climate change challenges. The event focuses on the intersection of public health, food access, and climate change, offering insights from experts including climate scientist Ambarish Karmalkar.

The ACLU of Rhode Island filed an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to a federal law that prohibits unlawful users of controlled substances, including medical marijuana patients, from possessing firearms. Despite medical marijuana being legal in Rhode Island, it remains illegal federally, creating a conflict. The ACLU highlighted its longstanding opposition to marijuana criminalization and racial disparities in enforcement, noting its successful advocacy for marijuana legalization in Rhode Island and previous legal victories against arbitrary police interference with gun ownership.

The University of Rhode Island Theatre Department kicks off its season with a lively adaptation of Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice,' running Oct. 17–18, 22–25 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 19 & 26 at 2 p.m. in J Studio at the Fine Arts Center, Kingston Campus. The production emphasizes humor, empowerment, and self-discovery, aiming to leave audiences feeling bold and inspired.

Following nationwide demonstrations against the policies of President Donald Trump earlier in the year, the 'No Kings' protests are set to return to Rhode Island on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Nine protests are planned across the state, one more than the eight held in June. The Newport Democratic City Committee is organizing bus transportation to the Providence rally near the State House, scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. These peaceful protests express civil liberties concerns and dissatisfaction with the current administration's policies.

On October 9, 2025, more than 50 Newport families with children in kindergarten through second grade gathered at Pell Elementary School for a community dinner organized by RENEWport in partnership with Newport Public Schools. The event featured activities from over 20 local organizations, including filming with newportFILM, crab observation with Save The Bay, karaoke with Newport Sings, dancing with Kindermotion, and Halloween mask making with the Women’s Resource Center. Families enjoyed pizza, salad, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and those who registered in advance could enter a raffle for Walmart gift cards. The event aimed to showcase community resources and provide a fun, educational experience for children and families.

On Monday, October 13, 2025, join the Providence Ghost Tour for an eerie exploration of downtown Providence. This guided tour offers a unique cultural and historical experience, revealing ghost stories and legends tied to the city’s past. It is an engaging way to learn about local history and folklore through a community event.

On October 12, 2025, Federal Hill in Rhode Island celebrated the 40th Columbus Weekend Festival featuring a parade, annual floats, music, dancing, cars, and participation from various organizations along Atwells Avenue. This event highlights the community spirit and cultural heritage of the neighborhood with lively festivities and local engagement.

On October 12, 2025, the New York Times reported that dozens of sitting federal judges, appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, shared concerns about the legitimacy risks posed by the Supreme Court's release of opaque emergency orders related to Trump administration policies. This judicial unease highlights ongoing debates about the transparency and accountability of the highest court in the U.S. legal system amid politically charged legal changes.

Starting October 1, 2025, officers with the West Earl Township Police Department began wearing pink patches to support Breast Cancer Awareness. The initiative allows community members to purchase pink patches for $10, with all proceeds benefiting the Susan Arnold Breast Cancer Center at Lancaster General Hospital. This effort exemplifies a community-oriented approach by law enforcement to support health causes and strengthen ties with the public.

From October 9 to 12, 2025, the FABRIC Arts Festival will take place in Fall River and Providence, Rhode Island. Now in its sixth year, the festival features four days of art, food, music, and conversation. It includes exhibitions, performances, installations, and communal dinners, aiming to bring people together through creative and cultural experiences.

The JAYCEES & Alumni of Kent County are hosting a month-long community clean-up and horticultural event at the award-winning JAYCEE Corridor & Arboretum and the Riverpoint Community Park in West Warwick. Volunteers of all ages—including families, scouts, students, and autumn enthusiasts—are invited to participate in planting fall bulbs and mums, spreading mulch, watering beds, and sprucing up the area along the Westbay Bikepath. The event celebrates National Public Lands Day with outdoor family-style activities from October 11 to November 8, 2025. No experience is necessary; just bring your enthusiasm for community beautification and seasonal fun.

On October 10, 2025, the ACLU of Rhode Island filed an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge against a federal law that prohibits unlawful users of controlled substances, including medical marijuana patients, from possessing firearms. This challenge highlights the conflict between Rhode Island's legalization of medical and recreational marijuana and federal law, which still classifies marijuana as illegal. The ACLU emphasized its longstanding opposition to the criminalization of marijuana possession and the racial disparities in related arrests and incarceration. The organization has also previously litigated cases defending gun ownership rights against arbitrary police interference, including a successful U.S. Supreme Court case in 2021.

The Federal Hill neighborhood in Providence hosts its annual Columbus Day Festival, a multi-day celebration of Italian-American heritage featuring food, music, cultural displays, and family-friendly activities. The festival runs from October 10 to October 13, 2025.