Rhodes on the Pawtuxet

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet is a historic event venue in the Pawtuxet Village section of Cranston, Rhode Island, tracing its roots to 1872, when Thomas H. Rhodes opened a small pavilion there for clambakes and canoe rentals along the Pawtuxet. The current building, designed by architect John O'Malley in the neoclassical revival style, opened in August 1915 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Following a complete renovation in 2020, the venue's grand ballroom showcases more than 10,000 square feet of original hardwood floors beneath 21-foot ceilings, along with second-floor orchestra lofts and a three-tiered stage that once hosted bandleaders including Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett. In the foyer, a mural of Narragansett Bay by artist Hezekiah Dyer hangs above the main bar beneath a restored coffered ceiling, and an 1880 sculpture of Terpsichore, muse of dance, remains on display. Wedding rentals include use of the foyer and ballroom along with a renovated bridal suite, groom's room, and the Canoe Lounge, a VIP space that nods to the property's early canoe-rental days. Rhodes on the Pawtuxet works exclusively with Ralph's Catering and offers 540 complimentary off-street parking spaces, hosting weddings, galas, fundraisers, and public events of up to 2,000 guests.