Mayor Brett Smiley and FirstWorks Announce Extended Festival Hours, Pre-PVDFest Events
PVDFest will feature later hours, a skating party, industry panel and illuminated night market
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with founding producing partner FirstWorks, today announced extended hours and new programming for PVDFest 2026, the City’s signature celebration of art, culture and community.
This year, PVDFest will take place from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, September 18 and from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday, September 19. The extended evening hours will give festival attendees more time to experience live performances, food, local vendors, public art and cultural activities. The festival will span Providence’s Downtown core, including Kennedy Plaza, the Providence Rink, Burnside Park and the streets surrounding City Hall.
Newly announced programming also includes a PVDFest fundraiser at The Strand on Thursday, September 10; a skating party hosted by The Juice on Thursday, September 17; and an Illuminated Night Market featuring local vendors in Burnside Park on Friday, September 18.
“PVDFest celebrates the artists, performers and creative entrepreneurs who make Providence such an exciting place to live and visit,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “By extending the festival until 10:00 pm on both Friday and Saturday, we’re giving residents and visitors even more time to experience Downtown and enjoy the incredible talent that defines the Creative Capital. We’re also excited to introduce new events that support working artists and bring people together throughout the week leading up to the festival.”
1 Mic 1 City PVDFest Fundraiser at The Strand
On Thursday, September 10, The Strand and Rosendale Group will host 1 Mic 1 City, a PVDFest fundraiser taking place from 6:00 pm to midnight at The Strand, located at 79 Washington Street. The evening will include an open mic, a talent competition and a panel discussion featuring artists and music industry professionals. The conversation will explore workforce development in the music industry, resources available to emerging artists and the opportunities and challenges involved in building a sustainable career as a performer.
“1 Mic 1 City brings together two important parts of our work: giving artists a platform to share their talents and helping them develop the knowledge and connections they need to build lasting careers,” said Joe Wilson Jr., Director of Art, Culture and Tourism. “We’re grateful to The Strand and Rosendale Group for supporting PVDFest and investing in Providence’s music community.”
Pre-PVDFest Skating Party Hosted by The Juice
On Thursday, September 17, The Juice FM will present Providence Video Disco (P.V.D.) — Skate Party Edition, offering another way to experience the energy of PVDFest before the festival officially kicks off. This all-ages experience is a journey through generations of music and video, bringing together the songs, visuals, and artists that have defined different eras. From classic throwbacks and unforgettable favorites to the biggest hits of today, P.V.D. bridges generations through music, movement, and culture. DJs from The Juice FM will be curating the soundtrack and visual experience throughout the night.
This pre-PVDFest celebration will take place from 5 pm to 10 pm, with music and entertainment curated by The Juice from 6 pm to 9 pm. Skate rentals will be available, and the PVDFest Bar will be open throughout the event.
Illuminated Night Market in Burnside Park
On Friday, September 18, Burnside Park will once again come alive after dark with an Illuminated Night Market featuring local artists, makers and small businesses. The market will be open from 5 pm to 9 pm offering a fun nighttime shopping experience at the center of the Friday festival footprint.
PVDFest is made possible with support from the City of Providence, Providence City Council, Providence Tourism Council, WM, Boston Globe Rhode Island, iHeartMedia Providence, ProvPort, Waterson Terminal Services LLC, WPRI, Citizens, Dimeo Construction Company, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, America News, Loyal, Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses, Rhode Island Design Center, Amica Insurance, SURV, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Legacy Collective RI, GatherWealth Investment Management, Neptune, Insomnia Cookies, Hey Rhody Media Co., Rhode Island Monthly, Johnson & Wales University, Stifel, The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island, Santander, FeedRI, and The Autism Corner.
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About PVDFest
Mayor Brett P. Smiley, the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism and producing partner FirstWorks host PVDFest, Providence’s signature outdoor arts festival. Returning September 18-19, 2026, PVDFest transforms Downtown Providence into a citywide celebration of music, art, performance, food and culture, welcoming thousands of residents and visitors to experience the creativity and energy of the Creative Capital.
About FirstWorks
FirstWorks is a nonprofit arts organization based in Providence, Rhode Island whose mission is to connect art with audiences through world-class performances, educational programs and community partnerships. As the founding partner of PVDFest, FirstWorks has collaborated with the City of Providence to curate and produce the festival since its inception in 2015.
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