News Summary
Providence is preparing for PVDFest 2025 at Kennedy Plaza this weekend, featuring a range of artistic and cultural events. Mayor Brett Smiley will announce details at a press conference, while road closures and parking bans are in effect. This year’s festival includes Squonk’s Brouhaha show, a performance by Moonlight Benjamin, and a vibrant lineup of food and craft vendors. Community competitions and celebrations of local artistry are also planned, alongside a rain date for weekend festivities.
Providence is gearing up for the highly anticipated PVDFest 2025, which will take place at Kennedy Plaza starting this Friday at 4:45 PM. The vibrant festival runs for two days, concluding on Saturday, and will feature a wide array of artistic and cultural events meant to celebrate the local community.
Today, Mayor Brett Smiley is set to hold a press conference at 12:45 PM to announce further details surrounding this year’s festival. As excitement builds, members of the public should be aware that road closures and parking bans are already in effect and will continue through the weekend.
Specific restrictions include no parking allowed on Fulton Street from Memorial Boulevard to Exchange Street, and on Exchange Terrace from the east approach to Exchange Street. All parking and road restrictions will lift by Sunday night at 8 PM, with the East Approach Road reopening to traffic at 11 PM on the same day. A comprehensive list of road closures along with a festival map will be made available online for public reference.
PVDFest has a reputation for showcasing a fusion of music, art, food, and community experiences. This year, the festival has unveiled an exciting highlight, Squonk’s Brouhaha, which promises to enthrall audiences. This spectacle combines visual theater with music, engaging the crowd in summoning a spectacular 30-foot puppet head.
The festival will also feature a headlining performance by Moonlight Benjamin, a Haitian-born artist whose unique style blends Caribbean melodies with a touch of 70s blues-rock. Mayor Smiley has emphasized the importance of PVDFest as a significant event that fosters community relations and showcases the rich local culture.
Should inclement weather occur, a rain date is scheduled for Sunday, allowing attendees another chance to participate in this beloved festival known for attracting more than 75,000 attendees last year alone, resulting in a substantial $3 million economic impact for the local area.
This year’s gathering promises to be equally impressive, with over 180 craft vendors and food trucks participating, ensuring a diverse range of offerings for visitors. One of the festival’s newest features, the Drink Rink, transforms a bar experience into a lively spot filled with music and dancing. This area will be hosted by Anthony Santurri, the owner of Colosseum nightclub.
Attendees can look forward to the unveiling of a large-scale mural celebrating AS220’s 40th anniversary. Additionally, a live competition, PVDFest Mural Battle, will be orchestrated by local artist AGONZA. Motif Magazine collaborates with the festival to present the Battle of the Bands aimed at showcasing local musicians, while The Road to PVDFest will feature a hip-hop competition with a $1,000 prize for the winning emcee.
The festival’s entertainment lineup will also include Frequencies of PVD, which highlights the city’s evolving DJ scene through various musical performances. Local DJ collectives and nonprofits will take creative charge in programming and presenting performances throughout PVDFest.
Moreover, applications for artists and performers wishing to be part of this year’s festivities remain open, but are set to close on June 6. This leads to a vibrant participation from community talents, showcasing diverse skills and artwork.
As the countdown to PVDFest 2025 narrows, community members are encouraged to participate in the exciting lineup of events, knowing that the festival aims not only to entertain but also to strengthen the bond among Providence residents through art and culture.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
PVDFest Returns to Providence with New Features
Hot and Humid Weather Predicted for Providence
Providence to Celebrate Creativity at PVDFest
Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: PVDFest
- ABC 6 News
- Google Search: PVDFest 2025
- WPRI News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- Boston Globe
- Google News: Providence events PVDFest
- Providence Journal
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
