August 23, 2023
PVDFest today announced that dozens of independent artisans and makers curated by some of Providence’s favorite market managers will join this year’s festival for a weekend of shopping and community experiences along the Providence River.
“Providence is known around the country for its makers, designers and innovators,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “I am excited to be welcoming so many of them to this year’s festival and showcasing their talents to our many festivalgoers.”
Saturday’s South Water Street Markets will be held from 12-6pm and will be curated by Monica Martin, co-founder of Juicy Market PVD and Spocka Summa, founder of the Anti-Robot Club and The Marketplace at Farm Fresh RI. Sunday’s markets will be curated by the award-winning Providence Flea from 12-3pm and Haus of Codec from 12-6pm. The Providence Flea will showcase some of the region’s best artisans, makers, vintage vendors and food purveyors. Haus of Codec supports unhoused young people through the arts and educational empowerment, and provides their clients with opportunities to show, sell, and market their work.
“Haus of Codec is proud to have a network of more than 250 artists from across Rhode Island, and we are super excited about our partnership for the second year in a row with PVDfest, which gives artists a platform at one of the biggest events of the city,” said Haus of Codec Executive Director Julio Berroa. “Our artists get to connect, share and sell their works with a completely fresh audience. This year’s waterfront location at the I95 District Park is bound to be an even more refreshing venue and we hope to see you there!”
This year’s Artisan Markets round out the full PVDFest experience by offering attendees even more opportunities to shop, eat, and enjoy all things local while meeting and mingling with some of the region’s best creative makers and artisans. With hundreds of artists performing across the festival footprint, 6 stages of dynamic concert experiences and award-winning headliners, nearly two dozen food trucks sharing the best of globally-inspired local cuisine, family-friendly programming, local arts events activating the city, a full WaterFire lighting, and a shopping experience unlike any other, PVDFest is the celebration and destination of the season. Attendees are encouraged to check the PVDFest website for updates as more vendors and artists join this year’s the festival.
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, Delta Dental, Dimeo Construction Company, Dunkin’, Rhode Island Energy, RISD, Amica, Fidelity Investments, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, 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, and RIPTA. In addition to sponsors, PVDFest relies on the contributions of the hard-working volunteers to make the event a memorable experience for everyone. If you can volunteer for a few hours or a whole day, please sign up here.
More information about PVDFest will be released in the coming weeks leading up to the waterfront celebration. For more information about PVDFest, please visit PVDFest.com and follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.