PVD Fest Returning To Downtown Providence For 2024 Festival

PROVIDENCE, RI — PVDFest will take place on Sept.6 and 7, this year and return to its original downtown location, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said Tuesday.

Smiley said the free music and arts festival will move from 195 District Park back to Kenney Plaza, but it will be a day shorter.

“We welcome everyone, from near and far, to join us in the heart of Providence this September for a showcase of creativity, culture, and community,” Smiley said. “Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, PVDFest promises an unforgettable experience that highlights Providence as a vibrant, diverse, and truly unique destination.”

In the coming months, city officials said they will announce a lineup of local and international artists and performers, spanning genres and disciplines. Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of live music performances, art installations, craft markets, and food trucks showcasing global cuisines.

“There is no event that more fully exemplifies FirstWorks’ vision to be a leading cultural partner connecting art with audiences than PVDFest,” Kathleen Pletcher said, who is the executive artistic director for FirstWorks, the Providence nonprofit that co-founded PVD Fest. “As we celebrate our 20-year anniversary, we are thrilled to mark a decade of curating astonishing spectacles at what has become renowned as Providence’s signature celebration. We are delighted to once again transform downtown Providence into a multistage arts extravaganza for all ages, spotlighting local talents and creating indelible memories for all ages.”

Smiley said given the impacts of climate change globally, particularly in coastal communities, Sept. 8 will be held for a rain date for festival activities. While no festival programming is scheduled for Sept. 8 currently, partners are encouraged to produce indoor or low impact events that can be promoted by the festival rain or shine.

The city recently put out a call for PVDFest public art for two new and original works to be installed downtown beginning in August 2024. Artists will choose from the following sites to install their works for up to one year: outside Providence City Hall at the corner of Washington and Dorrance streets, at Empire Plaza, or on the Washington Street façade of the Civic Center Garage.

Festival programming is currently underway for the event of the year. Artists, performers, and vendors are encouraged to apply at pvdfest.com.

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