Providence Hosting Kevin Hart for First-Ever Lil Rhody Laugh Riot

PROVIDENCE (WBSM) — A new comedy festival is coming to Providence, Rhode Island this spring and will be headlined by some of the biggest names in standup today.

Kevin Hart will kick off the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot on Thursday, March 27 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The Veterans Memorial Auditorium will serve as the anchor venue for the four-day festival, with other events also happening at the PPAC and the RI Comedy Connection.

Also headlining will be Michael Blaustein, Leslie Jones, Aziz Ansari, Hannah Berner and Chris Distefano.

The festival will run through Sunday, March 30, and will also feature comedians such as Josh Johnson, Melissa Villasenor, Tone Bell, Sophie Buddle, Alec Flynn and Andy Woodhull. Other acts are expected to be announced in the months leading up to the event, and the festival will feature surprise pop-up performances as well.

So far, the following acts, times and venues have been announced:

Kevin Hart: Thursday March 27 at 7:30 p.m. - Providence Performing Arts Center
Michael Blaustein: Friday March 28 at 7 p.m. - The VETS
Leslie Jones: Saturday March 29 at 4 p.m. - The VETS
Aziz Ansari: Saturday March 29 at 7 p.m. - Providence Performing Arts Center
Hannah Berner: Sunday March 30 at 7 p.m. - The VETS
Chris Distefano: Sunday March 30 at 9:45 p.m. - The VETS

Also, just a heads up: no phones or smartwatches will be allowed during Kevin Hart's show. You'll have to leave them in a Yondr pouch if you bring them into the PPAC.

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A Food and Wine Festival Will Happen in Providence at the Same Time

The inaugural Providence Culinary Collective food and wine festival will be taking place in conjunction with the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot in various locations across the city.

According to a release, “events will include the Rhode Island Wine Experience, an upscale, educational event pairing international wine makers and local restaurants and venues to provide a sophisticated food and beverage experience; Taste Community Made presented by Hope & Main, featuring Hope & Main makers who will provide samples and small bites of food that highlight their diverse foodways and unique culinary heritage; cookbook signings; Chef’s Choice classes at Johnson & Wales University; specialty dinners; food truck events and more.”

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Mayor Says This Is a Chance to Show Off Providence

“Providence has long been a city that thrives on creativity, culture and connection, and the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is the perfect addition to our vibrant lineup of attractions,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said.

"This comedy festival, paired with the debut of the Providence Culinary Collective, will showcase the best of what our city has to offer – world-class entertainment, exceptional cuisine and an energy that draws people together," he said. "We’re excited to welcome visitors and locals alike to experience why Providence is quickly gaining national recognition as a top destination for people to live, work and visit."

How to Get Tickets to the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot

Tickets are available now on the Lil Rhode Laugh Riot website. You can also follow Lil Rhody Laugh Riot on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X.