Friday
If you truly love Rhode Island, you’ve got to get to the RI Newspaper Guilds Follies at least once. The Follies is a roast and variety show that pokes fun of all the local politicians we love to hate. All of the state’s top politicians and newspaper writers are there, ready to poke or be poked at – and believe me, the gloves are off and the jokes are brutal. There are always some mystery guests who turn up at the last minute, too. I hope it’s Pauly D!

The Follies will be held at the Venus de Milo, Swansea, MA. Contact the Guild for tickets.

Saturday
I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like chili, especially since there are so many different types that there’s something for everyone.  Stock up on some Tums and spend Saturday at the Winter Chili Festival. Local and regional chefs will compete in a People’s Choice competition where you get to decide the winner.  They’ll also join other chili masters from around the world in the Chili Society’s Rhode Island State Cook-Off.  And what else goes with chili? Beer & TV!  You can cool your stomach and your tongue or enjoy your chili with friends in the tailgate lounge that features beer and TV.  In between meals, you can shop for spices, hot sauces, chili-themed gifts and more.  If you’ve really got big balls, you can enter the chili pepper-eating contest. I’m sure you have to sign a waiver for that.

It’s at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 11- 6. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students.