From Restaurants to Rumors: What the SouthCoast Awaits in 2026

A new year is coming up quickly and with it comes lots of exciting new things for the SouthCoast.

New Year’s night will bring parties, fireworks and toasts at midnight, but after that 2026 starts to unfold with plenty of highly anticipated events in our little corner of the world.

From new restaurant arrivals to long-awaiting reopenings, we're taking a look at the Top Things the SouthCoast Can’t Wait For in 2026.

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What’s Opening on the SouthCoast in 2026 ⬇️

Let’s be honest, there is nothing the SouthCoast seems to love more than food. Restaurants open and close constantly, people are always up for trying new things and Seize the Deal can come in pretty handy for finding a new favorite.

READ MORE: Score Big Savings to You Favorite SouthCoast Spots

Though we did lose some local favorites over the past 12 months, we also received news of expansions, reopenings and even rebrandings, leaving a lot of restaurant news to look forward to throughout 2026.

Historic Theaters Getting a Fresh Look

Yet it’s not just our restaurants that are getting renovated. Historic theaters are getting a new look in 2026 with big reveals expected in the coming months.

The Celebrity Question Everyone Is Asking

And nothing seems to be more expected than Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to celebrate their wedding day in the Ocean State. From the moment they announced their engagement, people have been speculating that the pair would wed in Westerly and more and more those rumors seem likely to be the case.

READ MORE: Mendon Drive-In Hosting Swiftie Dance Party with Cake Tasting

So how do all these exciting events of 2026 rank? Here’s our breakdown of the Top Things the SouthCoast Can’t Wait For in 2026.