September 5, 2025

PVDFest Returns to Downtown Providence

News Summary

The annual PVDFest is set to return to downtown Providence for its 11th year, showcasing local art, music, and culture. Scheduled for June 9-10, this event will feature over 400 artists, live performances, and a parade. Last year’s festival drew more than 70,000 attendees and boosted the local economy significantly. Updated accessibility plans are in place to accommodate the large crowds expected this year, along with various street closures.

Providence

PVDFest returns to downtown Providence for its 11th year, taking place on Friday, June 9 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 10 from Noon to 9 p.m. This annual festival highlights local art, music, and culture, with a rain date scheduled for Sunday in case of inclement weather.

Last year’s event attracted over 70,000 attendees and generated approximately $3 million for the local economy. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the festival, emphasizing its importance to the community and cultural landscape of the city.

Festival Features

This year, over 400 artists will showcase their talents across various forms of expression, including music, dance, theatre, and visual art installations. The festival will include performances from global music acts, mural battles, and family-friendly entertainment, aimed at engaging diverse audiences.

One highlight of the festival is a live art challenge, in which artists will compete against one another in a dynamic, engaging setting. Festivities will kick off on Friday at 4:45 p.m., leading into a weekend full of events designed to celebrate creativity and community spirit.

Location and Accessibility

PVDFest will be held at Kennedy Plaza, located in the heart of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s bus plaza. As the festival approaches, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has announced several service changes to accommodate the event. All bus stops in Kennedy Plaza will be relocated to Dyer Street between Dorrance and Ship Streets. Additionally, Washington Street will be fully closed to bus traffic, with all routes detoured away from Kennedy Plaza.

Street closures will begin on Friday at 3 p.m., affecting multiple streets including Washington, Exchange, Eddy, Snow, and the East Approach, which will be closed until midnight on Sunday. Furthermore, Dorrance Street between Washington and Fulton will be closed until Sunday night at 10 p.m., and parking restrictions will be enforced on several downtown streets during the festival.

Special Events and Attractions

A parade is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m., featuring notable grand marshals such as Agonza, Ramona Bass-Kolobe, and Chip Douglas. The headlining performance on Saturday will include Moonlight Benjamin, a Haitian-born artist known for her captivating performances.

Another major attraction will be the mural battle on Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., where artists will showcase their skills in a competitive format. For festival-goers interested in food, a dedicated food truck village will be available on both days, offering a wide variety of culinary options. Attendees can also participate in contests at food trucks for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Additional Information

With a rich program of activities, PVDFest promises to be a vibrant celebration of Providence’s artistic community, encouraging residents and visitors alike to come together in appreciation of local culture.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

PVDFest 2025 Set to Celebrate Providence’s Local Culture
PVDFest Returns to Providence with New Features
Hot and Humid Weather Predicted for Providence
Providence to Celebrate Creativity at PVDFest

Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

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