Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with founding producing partner FirstWorks, today celebrated the return of PVDFest, the City’s signature celebration of art, culture and community. This year’s event will take place on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, with a rain date held for Sunday, September 7. PVDFest 2025 will once again transform Downtown Providence into a dynamic, open-air stage filled with music, dance, food and immersive art experiences that reflect the vibrancy of the Creative Capital.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the return of PVDFest and showcase the incredible creativity, culture and community that make Providence so distinctive,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Each year, PVDfest brings neighbors together from across the city and beyond to celebrate our vibrant arts scene and the diversity that defines us. We’re proud of this year’s programming and excited to welcome everyone back Downtown for another unforgettable celebration.”
FirstWorks Spectacle: Squonk’s Brouhaha
Each PVDFest is crowned by a showstopping spectacle —and in 2025, Brouhaha takes center stage. This latest outdoor sensation from Squonk, the genre-defying multimedia ensemble from Pittsburgh, will turbo-charge downtown. At its heart is the Squonkcordion—a colossal musical creation that towers, bellows and beckons. The electrifying performance fuses dazzling visual theater, boisterous music and a full-tilt, on-your-feet invitation for the audience to fuel the fun. Festivalgoers inflate the massive accordion, parade through the streets and help summon a 30-foot puppet head in a wild crescendo of sound, spectacle and community joy.
Headlining Act: Moonlight Benjamin (Haiti / France)
Haitian-born singer and Vodou priestess Moonlight Benjamin blends Caribbean melodies with gritty 70s blues-rock, creating a powerful and rebellious sound all her own. Nicknamed “The Caribbean Patti Smith” by The Guardian, she channels the spirit of artists like Alabama Shakes, Dr. John, and Oumou Sangaré, delivering raw, electric performances worldwide.
Praised by legends like Martin Gore (Depeche Mode) and Iggy Pop, Moonlight Benjamin has toured globally and earned acclaim from The Guardian, New York Times, Songlines, and more. Her music is a fierce, soulful incantation that is equal parts rock, resistance, and ritual.
In addition to the globally-renown Moonlight Benjamin, Saturday evening of PVDFest will also feature anchor performances by women whose talents are celebrated locally and nationally, including Eshawnee, Becky Bass, and DJ Ladyruck.
“The 2025 PVDFest is a shining reflection of the living culture that makes Providence extraordinary,” said Kathleen Pletcher, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of FirstWorks. “As founding partner, I often say festivals are in FirstWorks’ DNA. Each year we curate the FirstWorks Spectacle Stage — a centerpiece of PVDFest since its beginning — and join with artists, cultural organizations, and partners across the Creative Capital to ignite traditions that make every festival unique. Together we create a celebration that always promises wonder, delight, and the joy of our community coming together.”
World-Class Art
· As part of the city’s year-long celebration of AS220’s 40th anniversary, PVDFest recently unveiled a new large-scale mural, produced in partnership with The Avenue Concept, titled PROVCurio. Featured across the side of the AS220 Project Space Gallery at the corner of Snow and Washington Streets, PROVCurio showcases community members’ personal mementos that remind them of their connection to Providence, serving as a love letter to the Creative Captial.
· Also returning this year on Saturday afternoon is the high-energy PVDFest Mural Battle, produced by acclaimed Providence artist AGonza, where local artists will compete in a live paint-off that engages and electrifies the crowd.
· Pneuhaus will unveil an all-new illuminated installation that transforms public space with innovative light and inflatable design, accompanied by additional lighting activations throughout Burnside Park.
“Gathering together in public space to celebrate and connect is more important now than ever, and PVDFest is the ultimate expression of civic pride in celebration of our Creative Capital,” said Director of Art, Culture and Tourism Joe Wilson, Jr. “Our beloved festival will once again showcase the best of this city’s arts and cultural assets in the heart of our great city!”
Music Battles
· Motif Magazine is teaming up with PVDFest this year to bring its signature Battle of the Bands to the festival, amplifying Rhode Island’s emerging music scene and giving local bands a chance to take the PVDFest stage. Following a series of qualifying rounds, finalists will compete for cash and bragging rights in front a live audience at PVDFest on Saturday night beginning at 5:45 pm.
· #MVTHACRWD: The Road to PVDFest – Curated by Juan “J’Juan” Wilson Jr. and Anjelll Newman, this summer’s high-energy, three-round hip hop competition featured rising emcees judged by local legends like Chachi, Chip Doug, Club Ambition Podcast host Sound, and DJ Franchise.
Dozens of DJs
This year, PVDFest welcomes loads of talent from Providence’s vibrant and ever-evolving DJ scene, shining a light on the innovators, tastemakers, and culture-shapers redefining sound in the city. This year, we’re excited to partner with unique artists and groups who each bring their own framework, community, and sonic identity to the stage:
· Stay Silent returns to PVDFest on Friday, September 5 from 5-10 pm in the Providence Rink with exciting performances from Icee Redd, WHERE’S NASTY, Cam Bells, Guru Sanaal, and KEEM.
· The Ladyruck Experience joins PVDFest this year on Saturday evening at the Providence Rink. Get your dance on to the classics and today’s hits with Ladyruck as your guide. Specializing in R&B, hip hop, reggae, afro beats, classic old school and much more, this is the dance party you don’t want to miss.
· LOWKEY, the genre-bending DJ collective and creative agency, will take over with four hours of their globally-inspired sound, featuring electrifying sets like ultraMEGA (dance, pop, hyperpop) with indi.RL, Badbabez, Nick Bishop & Bimbo Jackie, and Sabado Gigante (reggaeton, dembow, salsa, latin tech) featuring Sega Genn, Norlan & Sir Hensley.
· Keep It Movin’ brings an unstoppable mix of house, afrohouse, jersey club, freestyle, and more, led by ChinoStaySolow, wattzbeatz, CHARLIE TUNES, GibranPVD and a special blend of DJing and live instrumentation from Soul Lounge, Cam Bells’ iconic fusion of poetry, vocals, and groove with guests like HENNESSY, Hil Holla & the Soul Lounge Band.
· The Collective PVD, a nonprofit preserving skateboarding and the arts in RI, will carve out a creative space where DJs, visual artists, and the skating community collide, with longtime PVDFest partner DJ Ken at the helm. These three movements represent the pulse of Providence nightlife, with additional talent to be announced over the summer.
Markets & Makers
· Gather Glass returns with mesmerizing live glassblowing demonstrations, showcasing the beauty of craft and fire in real time on Saturday 9/6. Gather Glass’ ice cream cart will also be on site to release a PVDFest signature flavor.
· Frog & Toad joins PVDFest this year with special-edition 2025 tshirts, stickers, sweatshirts and a commemorative poster. All items are available for purchase online, in store and at PVDFest. Proceeds support the festival and are designed by local artist Michael Ezzell.
· Haus of Codec will join PVDFest again this year with their Illuminated Night Market in Burnside Park on Friday, September 5 beginning at 5:00 pm.
· BLKMKT will return to PVDFest on Saturday, September 6 from 3:00-6:00 pm in the Mathewson Street lot.
· The PVDFest Market, curated by Juicy Market, will return to PVDFest on Washington Street and Burnside Park on Saturday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
· Tuft Lounge at PVDFest returns this year. The lounge serves as a chill zone where people can rest and find some shade while interacting with the artist. A live tufting demonstration will also take place.
In total, more than 200 vendors, artisans, and community groups will be on this year’s festival footprint. Visit pvdfest.com for the latest updates and announcements.
Parade and Grand Marshals
PVDFest Grand Marshals will lead the People’s Parade down Washington Street to City Hall on Saturday afternoon beginning at 3:00 pm.
“I’m thrilled to announce this year’s PVDFest Grand Marshals, who embody the spirit of creativity, community, and cultural pride that defines Providence,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “We are honored to celebrate the leadership and legacies of Agonza, Ramona Bass-Kolobe, and Chip Douglas during the Creative Capital’s biggest arts and cultural event.”
· Agonza is a celebrated Hispanic/Latin muralist and painter whose vibrant, community-rooted artworks enliven public spaces and honor diverse narratives across Providence. Agonza also hosts the PVDFest Mural Battle, where local artists will compete in a live paint-off that engages and electrifies the crowd.
· Ramona Bass-Kolobe is a storyteller, singer, and founding member of Rhode Island Black Storytellers and Rites and Reason Theatre. Ramona is known by many by her stage name The Watermelon Lady and has celebrated African diaspora culture through story and song since 1972.
· Chip Douglas is a Providence-based creative, curator, and radio host who has spent over two decades producing events and platforms that celebrate artists, storytellers, and community voices. Through his work as a host, speaker, and mentor, he empowers others to tap into their inner creativity and build lasting legacies.
Food & Drink
This year, PVDFest attendees can enjoy alcoholic beverages at the Providence Rink. The space is open for all ages, but ID checks will be conducted at the entrance, where guests will receive a wristband. A second ID check will be required at the bar when ordering alcoholic beverages.
The beloved Food Truck Village at PVDFest returns again on Friday and Saturday, offering delicious cuisine from dozens of spectacular food trucks. Visit https://pvdfest.com/food-truck-village/ for a list of participating vendors.
Many restaurants and bars will also be open and serving indoors and at block parties outside their establishments. Attendees are welcome to pop in and out of the festival and explore all that Downtown Providence has to offer.
Comfort & Safety
· PVDFest is an event for all-ages and abilities and is committed to making our signature arts and culture festival inclusive and accessible to everyone. As a sensory-rich event, attendees should anticipate loud music, bright lights and big crowds, especially after 3pm on Saturday.
· Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, refillable water bottle and sunscreen for long hours of fun downtown.
· PVDFest is a high stimulation environment. A limited number of ear buds and sunglasses can be requested at PVDFest Info Booths while supplies last.
· The PVDFest Accessibility Info Tent will also be on site, operated by R.A.M.P. (Real Access Motivates Progress), a disability advocacy organization, in partnership with PVDFest. Located near the intersection of Dorrance and Washington Streets in front of the Rink, the Accessibility Info Tent offers wheelchair loans, information about accessible restrooms, and is staffed by R.A.M.P personnel who can provide resources and recommendations to patrons navigating PVDFest.
· Please visit https://pvdfest.com/accessibility-information/ for details about getting to and around the festival, accessible parking and restrooms, medical and sensory support, and more.
Road Closures
Safety is the top priority at PVDFest. To accommodate the size and scale of the festival, many downtown streets will be closed throughout PVDFest weekend. Please visit https://pvdfest.com/road-closures/ for a list of closures and updates.
Performance Schedule & Map
The PVDFest map and full schedule are live on the festival’s website. For more information updates, please visit PVDFest.com.
Press Access
Media passes will be available to members of the press for festival weekend; please contact Josh Estrella at jestrella@providenceri.gov to coordinate badge pick up.
Sponsors
PVDFest is made possible with generous support from the City of Providence, Providence City Council, Providence Tourism Council, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, iHeart Media, Boston Globe Rhode Island, WM, ProvPort, Waterson Terminal Services LLC, WPRI Media Group, America News, Frog & Toad, Citizens, Breeze Airways in partnership with Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Dimeo Construction Company, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amica Insurance, SURV, Heritage Restaurant Group, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Insomnia Cookies, Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC, Bank of America, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses, Elovate, Legacy Collective RI, GatherWealth Investment Management, Cornish Associates, Stifel, Withum, First Bristol Corporation/Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites, Santander, Rhode Island Monthly, Hey Rhody Media, BankNewport, The MUSE Foundation, The Foundry, Providence Place, Hall of Grafx, RI Housing, Seven Hills Rhode Island, Goodwill of Southern New England, Community Action Partnership of Providence County, Pawtuxet Rangers Fife and Drum Corps, and Irth.
About PVDFest: Mayor Brett P. Smiley, the City’s Department of Art, Culture, Tourism and Producing Partner FirstWorks once again host PVDFest, Providence’s signature outdoor arts festival, September 5-6, 2025. This year’s festival returns to the beating heart of Downtown, animating the streets of the Creative Capital with astonishing performances, art installations, parades, artisan markets, and world-class cuisine. Discover a vibrant, cultural experience unlike anything else in the region. Visit pvdfest.com for the latest information.
About FirstWorks:
FirstWorks is a non-profit based in Providence, Rhode Island whose purpose is to build the cultural, educational and economic vitality of its community by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education programs. Now marking its 21st year, FirstWorks festivals, performances and programs have attracted more than 1 million participants since its founding in 2004. Across its 2023-24 season, FirstWorks produced 60+ events, employed 100+ artists, and reached 3,300+ Rhode Island youth. FirstWorks is the founding partner of PVDFest and has collaborated with the City of Providence to curate and produce the City’s free, signature arts celebration since 2015. Embracing collaboration, FirstWorks has fostered over 90 community partnerships across business, social service, government, arts and education sectors. Visit firstworks.org to learn more.