Top Rated Attractions in Providence

AS220 is a non-profit venue that foments love for art in all its myriad forms. They have various resources open to the public, some are free, others require a nominal fee. Some of the workshops and classes include computer labs that teach programming languages, darkroom skills for DSLR Newbies and print shop techniques for traditional media purists. Additionally, inside this 22,000-square-foot building, visitors will find several galleries and a stage where local artists display their talents. There is always something new at AS220.

In 1984, seven members of Trinity Rep Conservatory established this theater to bring high culture to the area. However, in 2003, the stage outgrew its former space and moved to a larger one in Pawtucket. The name is an homage from local benefactor Alan Shawn Feinstein to his sister, Sandra Feinstein-Gamm. Today, the stage is housed inside the historic and grandiose Pawtucket Armory. The armory still stands larger-than-life just as it did when it was built in 1894 and is an attraction even from the outside. Inside, the 131-seat venue is very intimate and the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center allows visitors in even if they don't have a ticket to view a show.

Veterans Memorial Auditorium or better known as the VMA Arts & Cultural Center is a venerable downtown venue. Construction began in 1928, but it wasn't finished until 1950 due to the Great Depression. Today, the 1900-seat theater is known for its fantastic acoustics, its stage and of course the beautifully decorated interiors. The National Register of Historic Places put it on the registry in 1993 and the adjoining Masonic Temple (now a Renaissance Hotel) is an equally poignant building.

Brooklyn Coffee & Tea House is more than just a coffee shop; it is also a cultural event space and entertainment venue. Owned by local artist Anthony Demings, this coffee shop doubles up as a gallery for his work as well as other local artists. Live music, open mic nights, film screenings, and readings are held in association with Rhodywood, an independent film company owned by Demings. This multi-purpose space is a creative haven for art lovers and creatives and a great place to check out for visitors.

The Met is synonymous with Providence nightlife, where practically every night of the week you can hear the sounds of hip-hop DJs, rock bands, rappers, indie girl bands, the list goes on-and-on. The club first started out as the venerable Met Café, then it outgrew its space and moved over to the Peerless Building on Union Street. Since then, the calendar has held a veritable who's who list of popular acts, some of which have included The Black Eyed Peas, Dave Matthews Band and many others.

The Boombox is a hip, lively karaoke place with an extensive song selection that gets updated quite frequently. Comprising of a lounge and five private rooms that you can rent by the hour, you can croon with you friends to your heart’s desire. The crowd is generally cheerful and vivacious and don’t be surprised if you find everyone singing as you burst into your favorite song. Drink traditional beer, wine on tap or some delicious sake based cocktails as you see your friends try to sing like canaries. Reach before 9p to belt out songs for free, after that it’s only a dollar per song.