KINGSTON, R.I.—Nov. 12, 2026—The University of Rhode Island invites alumni, families and the whole Rhode Island community to WinterFest on Saturday, Dec. 5. The family-friendly winter festival will fill Keaney Gymnasium with touch-a-truck, a youth basketball clinic and winter fun for all ages ahead of the annual URI vs. Providence College men’s basketball game (noon tipoff).
“WinterFest is a great opportunity to bring the Rhody community together and celebrate what makes URI special. There’s something for everyone, from shooting hoops with our women’s basketball team and checking out a real fire truck to cheering on the Rams against the Friars. Whether you’re an alum, a neighbor, a longtime fan, or visiting campus for the first time, we’d love to see you there. Everyone is welcome at Keaney!” said Mark Antonucci, CEO of the URI Foundation and vice president for university advancement.
WinterFest: Saturday, Dec. 5, 9:30 a.m., Keaney Gymnasium
- Touch-a-truck with a fire truck
- A youth basketball clinic with URI women’s basketball
- Hot chocolate, winter treats and sugar cookie decorating
- Face painting, hair tinsel, a photo booth and caricatures
- Food trucks, plus samples and food for purchase from local favorites Birch and Bay, In the Pink, Lighthouse Coffee and Bow Bar
- Beer and wine samples from Mews Tavern
- A marketplace of alumni-owned businesses
- Hands-on activities from URI colleges and departments
Admission is $10, and kids under 12 get in free. Tickets are available at: alumni.uri.edu/winterfest.
WinterFest admission does not include a ticket to the URI vs. PC men’s basketball game. Game tickets are sold separately.
More to do on campus WinterFest weekend
- Fitness center access for alumni: Alumni can work out at the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center Friday through Sunday, Dec. 4 to 6. Registration is required.
- Track and field home opener: URI hosts Bryant, New Hampshire and Stonehill on Friday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. in Mackal Field House.
- URI Theatre presents “Cabaret”: Performances run Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. in the Robert E. Will Theatre in the Fine Arts Center. Tickets are sold separately.
Additional Media Contacts:
Julie Sharkey, director of marketing and communications
URI Foundation
julie.sharkey@uri.edu
Patrick Bouthillette, assistant director of alumni engagement
URI Foundation
patrick.bouthillette@uri.edu
(for event questions)