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PVDFest Schedule, Interactive map, events, Sept. 8-10
Photo: Pneuhaus – “Grove”
PVDFest has an official schedule and dynamic interactive map, detailing an impressive array of art exhibitors, musical and dance performances, eclectic food truck vendors, and grand spectacles in advance of Providence’s free, outdoor arts extravaganza. This year’s signature event will be held at the 195 District Park from September 8 through September 10 and feature hundreds of artists and performers. Music lovers can preview PVDFest artists on the festival’s new Spotify playlist.
“We’ve worked hard to curate experiences for every festival goer, and we’re incredibly proud of the rich diversity and high-quality programming PVDFest has to offer this year,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “Our map and schedule make it easy to plan your weekend ahead of time and get ready for an extraordinary, immersive experience on our beautiful riverfront.”
The interactive map further enhances the festival experience by providing the layout of PVDFest’s new location at the 195 District Park, visualizing key performance stages, sensory and ADA supports, and public safety booths where critical information and resources will be available.
This year, Spectrum Theatre Ensemble (STE), a Rhode Island-based neurodiverse theatre company, partnered with PVDFest to provide support for sensory-attuned program curation in addition to new informational signage throughout the festival footprint and sensory indicators for the festival map. STE is also hosting a multi-day Neurodiversity New Play Festival.
Stages of Freedom
Stages of Freedom is conducting Historic Walking Tours of “Christiana and Edward Bannister’s Providence” on Saturday, September 9th at 11am and Sunday, September 10th at 11am, starting from 10 Westminster Street, Providence. Limited to 40 people each. To register, email your preferred date, name & phone number to: [email protected]
Get FREE Admission to Stages of Freedom’s African American Museum and special Bannister exhibit on Friday, September 8th from 3 to 6pm, Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th from 12 to 5pm. Visitors will be given a tour of the exhibits by docents and receive a free map of Early Black Providence.
https://www.stagesoffreedom.org/
Bannister Community Art Project
The Bannister Community Art Project commemorates the life and legacy of the Black artist, Edward Mitchell Bannister. Check out the events happening during PVDFest Weekend! On Friday, join Artist/ Printmaker, Joseph Norman and Renowned Bannister Sculptor, Gage Prentiss, for a cocktail party (tickets available here.) On Saturday, visit the Providence Art Club Block Party open to the public featuring open artists’ studios, live music, guided tours, and food and drink. On Sunday, catch the artists at the PVDFest parade at 12:30pm culminating in the Edward Mitchell Bannister sculpture unveiling. Following that, check out legendary lithographer Joseph Norman’s lecture at 4pm at the First Baptist Church, with free tickets available here. https://providenceartclub.org/bannister-project/
Accessibility
Additionally, PVDFest partnered with Real Access Motivates Progress (RAMP), a disability advocacy organization, to offer wheelchair rentals and key accessibility information. Festival attendees can visit the PVDFest website to learn more about sensory and accessibility accommodations, including ADA-friendly parking details.
Sponsors
PVDFest is made possible in large part by the generous sponsors who continue to support Providence’s creative culture year-round, including Providence Tourism Council, RI Commerce, The Boston Globe Rhode Island, Waste Management, Breeze, ProvPort, Waterson Terminal Services LLC, WPRI, iHeart Media, Brown University, Delta Dental, Dimeo Construction Company, Dunkin’, Rhode Island Energy, RISD, Surv, Amica, Fidelity Investments, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Conduent, Cornish Associates, Evolis, First Bristol Corporation/Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites, Johnson & Wales University, BankNewport, The Foundry, PLDO Strategies, Withum, Verizon, Wexford Science & Technology, AARP Rhode Island, America News, Bird Rides, Half Street Group, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Providence Monthly, The Public’s Radio, Regency Plaza/Chestnut Hill Realty, Rhode Island Monthly, RIPTA, and Santander.
About PVDFest
Mayor Brett P. Smiley, the City’s Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Producing Partner FirstWorks will once again host PVDFest, Providence’s signature outdoor arts festival, September 8-10. This year’s festival will bring people from both sides of the Providence River to celebrate what has repeatedly garnered Providence its reputation as the Creative Capital— our artists. We will host three days of musical performances, public art, good eats and curated spectacles on the waterfront and together build community around the things that make our city unique.