2022 News Archives

PVDFest Safety, Transportation and Logistics Overview for June 10-12

Posted on June 7, 2022March 22, 2023 by Danny Esten

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of Providence and Founding Partner FirstWorks are today highlighting the following information related to PVDFest logistics, health and safety, and transportation options for community members and visitors.

Festival Overview

PVDFest is back in Downtown Providence after two years of scaled back activities due to the pandemic. The festival will continue to showcase Providence as the Creative Capital and will feature:

200+ artists
46 sponsors and counting
30+ food establishments
9 stages
5 outdoor festival bars
One fun outdoor celebration!

The PVDFest official hours of operation are as follows:

Friday, June 10: 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
Saturday, June 11: 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Sunday, June 12: 12:00 PM-6:00 PM

Health and Safety Protocols

In accordance with state and local guidelines, there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at PVDFest 2022. Therefore, the decision to use a face mask is a personal decision for attendees. Masking requirements and venue protocols for participating indoor venues are at the discretion of venue management. Providence residents seeking free COVID-19 test kits before or after PVDFest can call PVD 3-1-1.

A vaccination and testing booth, staffed by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Asthenis Pharmacy, will be available to the right of the City Hall Stage presented by Waste Management, located in front of Providence City Hall. Anyone looking to get vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 can stop by on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 between 1:00-3:00 PM. No appointment is required. Free, rapid 15-minute antigen COVID-19 test kits are being provided by the City of Providence.

Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather forecast. Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) recommends wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing if extreme heat is forecasted. Remember to wear sunscreen, protective sunglasses, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Confusion and light-headedness can be signs of dehydration or worse, so if experienced, stop all activity and seek shade and/or medical assistance. First-aid and medical professionals will be available throughout the footprint.

See Something, Say Something

Security and safety are of utmost importance. The festival footprint will be secured by the Providence Police Department and private security staff to ensure public safety and traffic flow. We encourage people to be aware of their surroundings.

In an emergency, or to report suspicious activities or items (such as a suspicious backpack, package or container), notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. In the event of a lost child, children and parents should go to the nearest information booth.

Items NOT allowed inside the festival include, but are not limited to:

Weapons and contraband of any kind
Outside alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are available to purchase on the festival footprint. You must be 21+ and have valid photo ID.
Motorized vehicles including dirt bikes, ATVs and scooters
Illegal or illicit substances of any kind
Fireworks or explosives
Laser pointers

PVDFest is a “No Drone Zone.” Drone use is prohibited without approval and the use of drones over groups of people is a violation of FAA Special Rule for Model Aircraft.

Road Closure Information

There will be several road closures throughout the PVDFest footprint from Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate means of transportation when possible and are reminded to respect road closures. The PVDFest footprint will be entirely vehicle-free on Saturday, June 11 from 12:00 PM-8:00 PM, with additional closures throughout the footprint on Friday and Sunday. All roadways will re-open at 5:00 AM on Monday, June 13.

Friday, June 10 Road Closures:
5:00 AM Dorrance St from Fulton St to Washington St
5:00 PM Washington St from Exchange St to Dorrance St
5:00 PM Fulton St from Dorrance St to Exchange St
5:00 PM Exchange St from Washington St to Fulton St
5:00 PM East Approach between Exchange Terrace and Washington St

Saturday, June 11 Road Closures:
5:00 AM Exchange St from Westminster St to Exchange Terrace St
5:00 AM Arcade St from Westminster St to Fulton St
5:00 AM Orange St from Westminster St to Weybosset St
5:00 AM Dorrance St from Weybosset St to Emmet Square
5:00 AM Union St from Fountain St to Weybosset St|
5:00 AM Clemence St from Fountain St to Weybosset St
5:00 AM Mathewson St from Mid-Westminster St to Fountain St
5:00 AM Snow St from Fountain St to Chapel St
5:00 AM Aborn St from Fountain St to Westminster St
5:00 AM Adrian Hall Way from Fountain St to Weybosset St
5:00 AM Moulton St from Westminster St to Maiden Ln
5:00 AM Maiden Ln from Moulton Ln to Mathewson St
5:00 AM Washington St from Exchange St to Empire St
5:00 AM Westminster St from Empire to Exchange St
5:00 AM Middle St from Union St to Orange St
5:00 AM Eddy St from Washington St to Weybosset St
5:00 AM Fulton St from Eddy St to Exchange St
5:00 AM East Approach between Exchange Terrace and Washington St

Sunday, June 12 Road Closures:
5:00 AM Washington St from Exchange St to Dorrance St
5:00 AM Fulton St from Eddy St to Exchange St
5:00 AM Exchange St from Washington St to Fulton St
5:00 AM Dorrance St from Fulton St to Washington St
5:00 AM East Approach between Exchange Terrace and Washington St

Getting to PVDFest

Residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize alternative modes of transportation while traveling to and from the festival. Biking is always encouraged in Providence and there will be bike parking available throughout the festival footprint. Due to high pedestrian traffic and a packed footprint, SPIN scooters, e-bikes and bicycles should not be ridden on the footprint during operational hours. For visitors using a rideshare service or taxi, the designated drop-off and pick-up location is in front of The Dean Hotel (22 Fountain Street). Due to festival-related road closures throughout Downtown, RIPTA has announced temporarily relocated bus stops during PVDFest weekend. Festival visitors are encouraged to ride RIPTA to the events and visit ripta.com for information on routes and times. Amtrak and MBTA will run a regular weekend schedule.

Parking at PVDFest

Visit Park Downtown Providence for information on parking on surrounding streets. Street parking will be available outside of the PVDFest footprint. No parking will be permitted on the following streets as of 5:00 AM:

Friday, June 10:
Exchange Terrace Between Francis and Exchange
Snow St between Washington and Westminster
Empire St between Fountain and Weybosset
Dorrance St between Fountain and Weybosset
Exchange St between Exchange Terrace and Weybosset
Washington St between Union and Exchange
*Friday postings will stay in effect through 5:00 AM on Monday, June 13*

Saturday, June 11:
Weybosset St between Empire and Memorial Blvd
Fountain St between Empire to Dorrance (Dean Hotel Side)
Fulton St between Exchange & Memorial Blvd
Green St between Sabin & Broad
Weybosset St between Custom House & Westminster

Parking and Accessibility

Handicap parking will be available at the below locations (please look for signage):

All Weekend:
Exchange Terrace from Dorrance St to Rhode Island Foundation (both sides of the street)

Saturday Only:
Weybosset from Snow St to Richmond St (both sides of the street)
Fountain St between Adrian Hall Way and Snow St (both sides of the street)

PVDFest is excited to collaborate with RAMP to ensure individuals with varying abilities have full access to this year’s festival. RAMP will be at Tina’s Table in the center of Kennedy Plaza, and at the information booth located by the entrance of the Providence Skating Rink. Here you will find a shade tent, accessible restrooms information, wheelchairs for loaning, and people ready and willing to answer questions, comments or concerns you have about accessibility. Residents with accessibility questions in advance of PVDFest are encouraged to call 3-1-1.

Open Containers & Smoking

PVDFest is an open container footprint, allowing any 21+ year old to purchase and walk around with alcohol in a plastic cup within the festival boundaries. Individuals 21+ must have valid photo ID to purchase and drink alcoholic beverages and be wearing a wristband provided by a TIPS certified bartender. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the festival footprint. Smoking is not permitted on any Providence Parks & Recreation property including, but not limited to, buildings, playgrounds, ice or skating rinks, and parking lots.

Waste & Recycling

Attendees are responsible for any disposable items brought inside the festival footprint and are asked to help us keep Providence clean throughout festival weekend.

Banned products for vendors include:

Single-use condiment pouches and plastic ramekins
Plastic straws and stirrers
Styrofoam cups or plates
Plastic bags

PVDFest is made possible by the support of the City of Providence, Founding Partner FirstWorks, the Providence City Council, the Providence Tourism Council, various City Departments, over 46 sponsors, and many volunteers. To volunteer at this year’s festival and become part of the event, visit the website at www.pvdfest.com/volunteer.

Additional art-focused activities will continue throughout the summer. For more information about these PVDFest Ideas! events, visit https://pvdfest.com/ideas/.

The PVDFest website will be updated with an interactive map and full details later this week. PVDFest is a large-scale, dynamic event and information is subject to change.

A Family Affair: PVDFest 2022 Features Fun Activities for the Entire Family to Enjoy

Posted on May 27, 2022March 22, 2023 by Danny Esten

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism and founding creative partner FirstWorks today announced additional details and performances happening during PVDFest weekend, happening on the streets on downtown Providence June 10-12. PVDFest, a free outdoor festival that features live music, dancing, food, shopping, and visual art installations in downtown Providence, will feature events the entire family can enjoy, including a special youth event stage, a Food Village, and art and artisan marketplaces.

“One of the best parts of our signature celebration is that there is something enjoyable for festival-goers of all ages and from all backgrounds throughout the entire weekend,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I can’t wait to bring my family to enjoy PVDFest, and I hope you’ll join us downtown to participate in all of the family-friendly activities this free festival has to offer.”

Grab your kicks and join Chicago’s The Era Footwork Crew to learn some of their fresh moves at an all-ages public dance workshop on Sunday, June 12 from 2:30-3:15 PM in front of the Squonk Spectacle Stage in Kennedy Plaza. Stick around to learn about the crew’s activism work and the history of Chicago Footwork to the present day.

And keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready for Providence’s favorite creatures from another planet. Big NAZO! Big NAZO’s Intergalactic Creature Band will touch down to kick off PVDFest with an extraterrestrial space-funk dance party on Friday, June 10, at the City Hall Stage. On Saturday, June 11, Yuranian Aliens and STROLL-BOTs from the BIG NAZO LAB “Space Transformation Station” will be at large across the festival footprint to bring joy and surprise festivalgoers.

Building on new and fun experiences, PVDFest and Haus of Codec are debuting a community exploration scavenger hunt that will feature in-game surprises, local prizes, and gear, sponsored by Niantic Labs, the minds behind games like Ingress, Pikmin Bloom, and Pokémon Go. You can pre-register for the scavenger hunt or check in at the Haus of Codec table in Kennedy Plaza on Friday and Sunday, and at the AS220 Stage and Marketplace on Saturday. Get ready to enjoy the greatest virtual citywide exploration Providence has ever seen.

Showing off Providence’s best, music fans can catch live tunes at the Youth Stage presented by Conduent, located at 260 Westminster Street. Youth musicians will impress festivalgoers with their talents, including performances from Classical Gas, a youth jazz/funk group; Kid Lunar, a punk/grunge band; and Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts’ student jazz, funk, and soul groups.

All that music, dancing, and scavenger hunting is sure to work up an appetite. Grab a bite to eat in the PVDFest Food Village, a signature component of festival weekend. The Village will be on the footprint all weekend long in Kennedy Plaza, on Dorrance Street between Fulton and Westminster. Kid-friendly favorites like Friskie Fries, Del’s Lemonade, and Poppy’s Kettle Korn will delight the whole family. Need to plan your meals in advance? Check out our Food Village vendors now listed online.

Taking over our streets and showcasing the creativity of makers, PVDFest’s artisan marketplaces will offer you an opportunity to find a unique and special gift for family or friends. Check out the PVDFest X Craftland Marketplace on Saturday, June 11 from 12PM to 6PM on Washington Street or the Haus of Codec 2022 LGBTQQIA+ Art Marketplaces on Sunday, June 12 from 12PM to 6PM in Burnside Park.

Have some energy after dancing in the streets? Remember that PVDFest relies on the contributions of the hard-working volunteers to make the event a memorable experience for everyone. PVDFest still needs volunteers to help us make this year’s festival the best PVDFest yet! Consider volunteering with your family; everyone can be part of making the magic of PVDFest happen. To apply, complete the volunteer form online.

For more information about PVDFest, please visit PVDFest.com and follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for many more exciting announcements in the weeks ahead.

And meet us outside for the comeback!

Hometown Glory: PVDFest 2022 Celebrates New and Returning Local Talent

Posted on May 13, 2022March 22, 2023 by Danny Esten

Since 2015, PVDFest has brought thousands of people together for a one-of-a-kind celebration, with truly unmatched and unforgettable experiences. From public art installations to vibrant musical performances, to innovative food and drink offerings, and more, this family-friendly festival has something for everyone. And while the festival’s show-stopping headliners deservedly receive a lot of attention, the City’s local artists and hometown favorites are what make PVDFest uniquely Providence.

“Providence isn’t the Creative Capital on its own, and PVDFest serves as a tried-and-true outlet for the City’s creative energy,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Our local artists are this festival’s DNA, enriching our city year-round with their diverse talents and important perspectives. I have no doubt that this year’s PVDFest will once again be one for the books, and I hope everyone joins us with their family and friends.”

Local artists will perform eclectic music from a wide variety of genres and flavors, including stylings from singer Alexus Lee and her band, and a mashup of musical genres, based in hip-hop with elements of pop, soul, Caribbean & R&B music, from An Artist Named Flizzl. The festival will also feature vibrant music and dance by Amaré Beyan and the sweet sounds of retro-pop with Alsarah & The Nubatones of Brooklyn, NY.

This year’s festival will also feature a stage dedicated to the magnificent art of dance, featuring folks like DJ Spinn from the electronic collective Teklife for an outdoor, interactive party. Other exciting performances will include the Middle Eastern belly-dancing wonder of The Azama Dance Company and the Bollywood rhythms of Dance BFF. The art of “Banig,” or Filipino mat wrapping, will be presented by Bhen Alan, accompanied by a performance by Filipino-American Community Dancers. All of this talent will be joined by Chicago dance group The Era Footwork Crew, who have pioneered the battle dance known as “Chicago footwork.”

Maybe dancing in the streets and music aren’t your thing? Fear not. Other hometown performers participating in the festival represent a wide range of talents, including unique performances by Amy the Mime, magical sleight of hand by Amazing Ivan, and artistic demonstrations by Gather Glass Blowing Studio that will blow your mind. See what we did there?

PVDFest is a family-friendly festival, with fun for all ages in all places. Squonk returns to PVDFest with their latest outdoor spectacle, Hand to Hand; a joyous, participatory event propelled by their irresistible music and signature giant purple puppet hands, each the size of a house and rigged like a sailing ship. Additionally, the Community Libraries of Providence are bringing CLPVD Library Fun, featuring fun activities and library information, and Circus Dynamics will offer a fun, interactive, fast paced, roaming variety show, complete with face-painting.

“PVDFest shines a bright light on the amazing talent we have here in Providence,” said Lizzie Araujo, Director of Art, Culture + Tourism. “I hope you’ll come join us for three days of performances and fun as we celebrate being back together again.”

Finally, look out for the festivals within the festival at PVDFest. On Sunday, June 12, bring your family and friends to the showcase of incredible music, dance and drums of Africa and the diaspora at the 10th Annual Afrika Nyaga Drum and Dance Festival. On June 11-12 at the Rink downtown, join thousands of participants in honoring the spire of fire “chama da Portugalidade,” a cultural ceremony bridging tradition, values, and instilling community pride during the Day of Portugal Festival. This will truly be a weekend of community, culture, and celebration!

PVDFest relies on the contributions of the hard-working volunteers to make the event a memorable experience for everyone. Be a part of the magic by volunteering for a few hours or a whole day this year by signing up today.

For more information about PVDFest, please visit PVDFest.com and follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for many more exciting announcements in the weeks ahead.

And meet us outside for the comeback!

Call It A Comeback: PVDFest to Return in Full Force June 10-12

Posted on March 23, 2022March 22, 2023 by Danny Esten

March 23, 2022

Providence’s signature arts festival to reignite Downtown after two years of scaled back festivities

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7), the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, and founding partner FirstWorks today announced details for PVDFest, Providence’s signature arts festival, happening June 10-12, 2022. This year’s festival marks the first time since 2019 that artists from around the corner and across the globe will meet in Providence’s Downtown neighborhood, coming together once again to celebrate the City’s world-renowned artistic, cultural, and culinary communities.

“So much has changed since we last danced in the streets of Downtown,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “After two very difficult years, this year’s PVDFest is the opportunity we have all been waiting for. We will meet downtown for three days of unforgettable performances and installations, continuing our tradition of elevating local talent and supporting the exchange of creative ideas. Our creative community needs our support now more than ever, and I know Providence is ready to come together and celebrate.”

Since its creation in 2015, PVDFest has featured over 4,400 artists, performers, and curators, and has brought 481,000+ attendees during the festival weekend into the heart of Downtown. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PVDFest was reimagined as a decentralized festival in 2020 and 2021, offering smaller outdoor events to keep attendees safe while keeping the spirit of the festival alive. PVDFest has grown year after year, providing new and exciting ways to bring people together through creativity. PVDFest encourages participants to experience what Providence means to them—while exploring artistic activation around every corner.

“Providence is open! PVDFest is a great opportunity to welcome back old friends and make new ones,” said City Council President John J. Igliozzi. “Visit our historic and culturally diverse city, check out our eclectic arts community, and dine in our world-class restaurants. You will not be disappointed. The City Council has always financially helped support PVDFest, and this year is no exception.”

With Founding Partner and Providence-based non-profit FirstWorks at the helm, patrons of this year’s festival can expect astonishing spectacles, world-class music and dance performances that light up Downtown, and international stars performing side by side with local favorites.

“FirstWorks is delighted to transform downtown Providence into a multistage arts extravaganza for all ages,” said Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director, FirstWorks. “Families can share the joy as they animate giant puppet hands as big as a house. Everyone can dance in the streets to an amazing array of musical wonders: from Friday evening’s New Orleans get-down bands to Latin Jazz legend Eddie Palmieri’s Salsa Orchestra. Artists and audiences are brimming with energy to create indelible memories together. This will be a festival of pure joy!”

The Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band is set to kick off the weekend in style, bringing with them pure vibrancy and fun for all. Their unique sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition, seamlessly mixing elements of jazz, funk, soul, and R&B. The band has collaborated with a venerable who’s who of the music industry, with everyone from the Grateful Dead to the Red Hot Chili Peppers singing their praise and will bring the French Quarter to Providence for an unforgettable night of music.

Joining the opening evening line-up is trumpeter/vocalist Kermit Ruffins, an ebullient entertainer who is often compared to his own hero, Louis Armstrong. The original co-founder of the Rebirth Brass Band, Ruffins personifies the laid-back vibe of New Orleans, and is laying it on this year’s PVDFest.

Headlining Saturday night will be one of the world’s best living pianists, eight-time Grammy Award-winner Eddie Palmieri. A legendary bandleader, arranger and composer of salsa and Latin jazz, Eddie will lead his 11-person salsa orchestra in a concert that will ignite joy on the dance floor of Downtown Providence.

PVDFest veterans Squonk return with their latest outdoor spectacle, “Hand to Hand,” a joyous, participatory event that brings audiences together for a humorous, uplifting visual extravaganza. Propelled by Squonk’s irresistible music, the show features two giant purple puppet hands, each the size of a house and rigged like a sailing ship. Squonk invites audience members on stage to power the giant fingers, creating a larger movement and web of connections through their individual dance. Inspired by a desire to bring people together in a time of isolation and divisiveness, “Hand to Hand” provides a thrilling moment of unity and community in a safe, public, outdoor space.

One of Peru’s most sought-after indie bands, Hit La Rosa, will close out PVDFest weekend with a bang, combining Cumbia and pop music, folklore, jazz, and dancehall, and bringing it to Providence for a magical night of music. Lead singer and lyricist Chaska Paucar aims to “bring healing to people” by deconstructing and embracing the darker sides of life, and inviting listeners along for the ride.

Today’s festival announcement featured a delicious taste of what’s to come in June, with Sidy Maiga and his son performing, kicking off the countdown to PVDFest in a way that festival-goers have come to expect and enjoy. In partnership with the City’s Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, Sidy will bring the 10th Annual Afrika Nyaga Drum and Dance Festival back to PVDFest in collaboration the Providence Foundation on Sunday, June 12, with Vieux Farka Toure, Chachi Carvalho, Satta Jallah, Natural Element, and Haus of Glitter.

Just like in years past, the re-emergence of PVDFest, spearheaded by both our headliners and local talent, is sure to attract visitors from far and wide. And after a difficult two years, our tourism industry welcomes the inevitable early-summer boost.

“We’re thrilled here at Graduate Providence to invite the community to celebrate with us this June as we ring in the 100th birthday of the Biltmore property,” said Graduate Hotel General Manager Scott Williams. “We are honored each and every day to call this historic, local landmark home and can’t wait to team up with our partners at PVDFest to throw an unforgettable celebration.”

PVDFest is made possible in large part by the generous sponsors who continue to support Providence’s creative culture year-round, including the Providence City Council, the Providence Tourism Council, Waste Management, the Boston Globe Rhode Island, Tufts Health Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, ProvPort, Waterson Terminal Services, LLC, WPRI Media Group, iHeart Media, Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Delta Dental, and others. In addition to sponsors, PVDFest relies on the contributions of the hard-working volunteers to make the event a memorable experience for everyone. Be a part of the magic by volunteering for a few hours or a whole day this year by signing up today.

More information about PVDFest will be released in the coming weeks leading up to the downtown celebration. For more information about PVDFest, please visit PVDFest.com and follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for many more exciting announcements in the weeks ahead.

And meet us outside for the comeback.