PVDFest will roar back to downtown Providence Sept. 5-6. Here's what to expect.
During a press conference at the
'PVDFest continues to not only be one of the region's most beloved and celebrated art, music, and cultural festivals,' he said. 'But also an important driver of tourism and pillar of economic development here within our great city.'
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In 2024, downtown welcomed more than 75,000 attendees, generating $3 million in economic impact for the city. It also engaged more than 400 artists from Providence and beyond.
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Smiley's administration has provided some early details of what to expect.
The Drink Rink
For those who 'like to imbibe,' as Wilson called it, the Providence Rink will be transformed into the 'Drink Rink.' A bar experience will be built out by Anthony Santurri, the owner of
'All weekend long ink the rink will feature EDM and disc jockey music from DJs, both locally and nationally,' said Wilson.
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The Providence City Center Rink in downtown.
City of Providence
Mural unveils
As part of the city's celebration of
Also returning this year is the PVDFest Mural Battle, which will be produced by acclaimed Providence artist
Angela Gonzalez, a muralist who is know as Agonza, in front of her mural located at the Hartford Park housing development.
Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff
Battle of the Bands
Local arts and music publication Motif Magazine is teaming up with the festival to present a Battle of the Bands, which will highlight Rhode Island's emerging music scene and give local bands a chance to take the PVDFest stage. There will be four to six qualifying rounds taking place at
People waving during Denis Graca's performance at PVDFest in downtown Providence, R.I., on Sept. 7, 2024.
Kylie Cooper for The Boston Globe
Hip hop competition
The Road to PVDFest, curated by Wilson and artist
FirstWorks Spectacle: Squonk's Brouhaha
Each PVDFest is crowned by a spectacle. This year, Brouhaha will take center stage. It's the newest performance from Squonk, the genre-defying multimedia ensemble from Pittsburgh. The performance fuses visual theater, boisterous music, and an invitation for the audience to join in. Festivalgoers will inflate the massive accordion, and parade through the streets to help summon a 30-foot puppet, before a crescendo of sound and spectacle begins.
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Artists paint during PVDFest in downtown Providence, R.I. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
Kylie Cooper for The Boston Globe
Frequencies of PVD
Frequencies of PVD will celebrate the city's ever-evolving DJ scene, shining a light on innovators and culture-shapers who are redefining the sound of the city. This year, the city is partnering with three groups.
Keep It Movin' will bring a mix of house, afrohouse, jersey club, and freestyle.
Squonk performed in Kennedy Plaza at PVDFest in 2022.
Glen Osmundson
Upcoming announcements
Other music performances, food vendors, and other aspects of the festival will be announced in the coming months. The
Food trucks line Kennedy Plaza during PVDFest.
Matthew Healey for The Boston Globe
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at
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