PVDFest Moves to September, Extending Summer in the City

Free three-day fest celebrating arts, culture, and food takes over 195 District Park

BY REBEKAH SWENSON

Mark your calendar for music, food, art, and spectacle! Since its debut in 2015, PVDFest has brought a sparkling cultural experience – and nearly 600,000 festival-goers – to the heart of Providence with tallies of 4,800 artists, vendors, and curators. The annual extravaganza takes place once again this year – but with a few twists.

Traditionally in June, PVDFest has moved to the second weekend of September. The change was made to eliminate any competition between other important June celebrations such as Pride and Juneteenth. Says Mayor Brett Smiley, “This year we are bringing together neighborhoods, focusing in on the talented artists that are the core of our culture as a city, and using the Providence River to create a unique waterside festival that highlights everything that makes Providence special. We are excited to work with FirstWorks again to produce an unforgettable festival experience.”

The weekend kicks off on Friday with three hours of sets from DJ stay silent PVD. Saturday’s lineup includes rhythm and rap from Rhody’s own Flawless Real Talk, the musical stylings of Grammy Lifetime Achievement award winner and civil rights activist Mavis Staples, and a full WaterFire lighting. On Sunday, enjoy the 11th annual Afrika Nyaga Drum & Dance Festival. All weekend long, explore funky inflatable immersive sculptures from Rumford-based art and design studio Pneuhaus, and peruse the work of 150 artist vendors while sampling morsels from over 30 food trucks.

Director of the Department of Art, Culture & Tourism Joe Wilson, Jr., promises, “This year’s festival will be one for the books!” September 8-10, PVDFest.com