PVDFest kicked off on Thursday with the largest ever Bike The Night ride with Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and Sustain PVD. Over 100 cyclists looped from Burnside Park around the city. But don’t worry if you missed out – there’s still plenty of fun on wheels to be had at PVDFest with bikes, bumper cars, and even brightly colored truck art. (Bike The Night events will continue throughout the summer, by the way.)
The Bump n’ Bass Raceway will be set up along Dorrance Street from 12pm-4pm with DJ Atorr & Lunchbagg soundtracking a neon 90s themed bumper car adventure. The fun starts up again from 6-10pm with Elemental on the decks. (Note: You must be 6 or older and 42 inches or taller to ride the raceway.)
Pittsburgh’s Squonk Opera: Cycle Sonic (pictured) is a not-to-be-missed celebration of “all things bicycle,” a double-decker human-powered stage propelled by original chamber rock music. As double-decker bike-stages circle the audience, backdrops of undulating flags and 20-foot legs pump with the rhythm of sustainable power. With no carbon footprint, “Cycle Sonic” combines the thrill of a live concert with the world of everyday transit. This event is presented by PVDFest Founding Partner FirstWorks.
BikeFest RI returns to PVDFest on Saturday from 12-4pm at 143 Washington Street behind The Dean Hotel. There will be BMX Stunt Riders, an expo area of bicycles and related gear, info and resources about biking in Rhode Island, and lots of live entertainment. DJ Cadillac Jack and Wattz will keep the action going. BikeFest RI is organized by The Met School, Recycle-A-Bike, Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition, and FULLCYCLE @the MET.
Don’t forget to check out Pakistan Truck Art all weekend in Biltmore Park! Showcasing a traditional art form in parts of Asia, the truck was painted by “the King of Pakistan Truck Art” Haider Ali and Ali Salman, Founder of the Phool Patti Truck Art Team. This event is presented by PVDFest Founding Partner FirstWorks.
Because Kennedy Plaza will transform into a Food Village on Saturday and Sunday, RIPTA busses will be rerouted. Check here for service alerts, and click here for a map of downtown road closures.
Squonk Opera photo: John Altdorfer