The ever joyous and festive Cinco de Mayo tends to fall during a not-so-festive reading period for Brown students. Sure, this timing may be less than ideal, but engaging in the Cinco de Mayo festivities is a welcome break from the tedium of studying. Need a study break? Here are six reasons why you should check out the 3rd Annual Cinco de Mayo Block Party, taking place today from 12-6 p.m. on Westminster between Eddy and Clemence.

1. Face painting. Everyone needs to regress a bit, especially during finals.
2. Mariachi de Brown. Bet you didn’t know we had a mariachi band.
3. Curious as to where all your favorite food trucks are? They may or may not be on dishing out on Westminster. Go say hello to Like No Udder, Sprout, Mijos, and PVD Pudding Pops, among others.
4. Writer’s block? You can write Happy Cinco de Mayo messages on a Mini Cooper courtesy of ZipCar.  Get those creative juices flowing.
5. Stressed? Smash a Pinata…or two.
6. If you’re of age, get your tequila fix at the Block Party’s outdoor bar. It’s a beautiful day, and margaritas are calling your name.

See you there!

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Brent Grossman-McKee ’13 and Leslie Clark ’14 both contributed to this post. I love hitting up random dive bars on my own, of course, but friends make the trip exponentially more fun. 

In short:

Hours: 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Attire: Swimsuit
Accepts credit cards: I guess
Ambience: Ocean-themed
Price range: $
Good for groups: If they can fit inside
Good for kids: Perfect replacement for the beach!
Takes reservations: No need
Outdoor seating: No way
Good for: Meeting drifters
Alcohol: Full bar, Fish-based drinks
Noise level: Loud-ish. Depends how drunk the singer is.

The long version: 

After a typical week of light working and heavy drinking, Leslie, Brent, and I decided to relax by going out. After some light drinking, we moseyed our way downtown with every intention of going to a typical bar, but on our way we got a little lost, on account of the drinking. Purely by chance, we found ourselves outside of Aruba Steve’s.
[Read more →]

Quick! Today may be your last chance of the semester to check out the outdoor Hope Street farmer’s market — a huge collection of local meat, seafood, produce and various other vendors such as Seven Stars Bakery. The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grassy area between Rochambeau and Blackstone Boulevard, until it moves to its indoor location in Pawtucket for the cold winter months.

With or without parents here this weekend, the Hope Street market is a great place to visit and is easily accessible via the 42 RIPTA bus. It’s more than a larger version of the Wriston farmer’s market Wednesdays — the market is filled with Providence locals, cute children, and animals that remind us that people outside of the age of 18-23 exist (a phenomenon known as the “College Hill Bubble”).

In case you aren’t convinced that this market is our jam, we have a few thousand words to share…

Lunchtime on Thayer between Waterman & George is a beautiful thing. Where else can you get a side of tacos for your bulgogi rice set? Well, tomorrow you can feast on your favorite meal on wheels and do some good for our community. Four food trucks— Thayer Street favorites Rocket and Providence Coffee Roasters, as well as Roxy Lobster and Jack’s Ice cream—are hosting a food truck extravaganza dubbed Truck-a-Palooza. From 1-4 p.m., these trucks will park at Roger Williams National Memorial and serve delicious nomz for charity. Ten percent of their profits will go to the City Meal Site food bank. Good food, good cause, and a good reason to leave the Hill.

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Daylight Savings got you down? Stop mourning that lost hour of sleep and celebrate the good things, like state-wide food competitions! In case you needed another reason to love Rhode Island, head downtown to The Spot Underground right now for The Great Cupcake Championship. Some of our favorite food trucks will be there reppin’ Thayer Street. According to Flour Girls Baking, tickets for today’s cupcake showdown are sold out (boo!), but it’s worth jotting down and following the event’s Facebook page to find out when the next face-off will take place. After all, if $10 gets you all-you-can-eat cupcakes with milk and coffee, imagine what the Mijo’s/Taco Truck duel will get you…

The ice skating rink at the Bank of America City Center downtown has been one of the only reminders of the winter season this year. However, this popular wintertime retreat is coming to a close once again on March 17th (St. Patty’s Day, if I must remind you). This week the rink began special End of Season hours, which are now Mondays through Fridays from 2PM to 10PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM to 10PM. The whole shebang will cost you $10 ($6 for entry, $4 for skates).

So bid adieu to the winter with one last hoorah at the ice skating rink this weekend…if you have time, that is. There will be a lot going on. Choose wisely.

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