Tuesday, June 4, 2019
PROVIDENCE, RI– PVDFest has released the following logistic, safety, and transportation information for community members and visitors. For more information on festival programming and scheduling, visit www.pvdfest.com.
Festival Overview
In its fifth year, PVDFest continues to expand programming and partnerships to showcase Providence as the Creative Capital. This year’s festival includes:
- 1500+ artists
- 22 stages
- 85+ food establishments
- 8 outdoor festival bars
- 3 public art commissions
- Over 63 sponsors
PVDFest hours of operation for the four days are as follows (with other activities scheduled as part of PVDFest Ideas outside of these times, information at www.pvdfest.com):
- Thursday Various (see schedule of events for details)
- Friday 5:00PM-11:00PM
- Saturday 12:00PM-12:00AM
- Sunday 12:00PM-6:00PM
Road Closures Information
There will be multiple road closures throughout the PVDFest footprint from Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate means of transportation when possible and are reminded to respect road closures. The PVDFest footprint will be vehicle free on Saturday, June 8 from 12:00PM-12:00AM. All roadways will re-open at 5:00AM on Monday, June 9.
Thursday, June 6 road closures:
5:00AM East Approach between Washington and Exchange Terrace
Friday, June 7 road closures:
5:00AM Dorrance Street between Washington and Fulton Streets
5:00AM Eddy Street between Washington and Fulton Streets
5:00AM Fulton Street between Dorrance and Eddy Streets
5:00AM Snow Street between Washington and Weybossett Streets
5:00PM Washington Street between Dorrance and Exchange Streets
5:00PM Fulton Street between Dorrance and Exchange Streets
5:00PM Dorrance Street between Westminster Street and Emmet Square
Saturday, June 8 road closures:
5:00AM Washington Street between Empire and Exchange Streets
5:00AM Westminster Street between Empire and The Turk’s Head Building
5:00AM Custom House Street between Weybosset & Memorial BLVD.
5:00AM Dorrance Street between Weybosset and Emmet Square
5:00AM Aborn between Westminster and Fountain Streets
5:00AM Adrian Hall Way between Washington and Fountain Streets
5:00AM Beverly between Washington and Fountain Streets
5:00AM Mathewson Street between Chapel and Residential Lot before Fountain Street
5:00AM Clemence Street between Weybosset and Fountain Streets
5:00AM Union Street between Weybosset and Fountain Streets
5:00AM Eddy Street between Worcester and Fountain Streets
5:00AM Fulton Street between Union and Exchange Streets
5:00AM East Approach between Exchange Terrace and Washington Streets
5:00AM Middle Street between Union and Dorrance Streets
5:00AM Exchange Street between Fulton and Exchange Terrace
5:00AM Custom House Street between Weybosset and Memorial BLVD.
Sunday, June 9 road closures:
5:00AM Washington Street between Union Street and Exchange Terrace
Union St. will be open
5:00AM Westminster Street between Dorrance and The Turk’s Head Building
5:00AM Dorrance Street between Westminster Street and Emmet Square
5:00AM Eddy Street between Westminster and Fountain Streets
5:00AM Fulton Street between Union Street and Exchange Terrance
5:00AM East Approach between Exchange Terrace and Washington Street
Getting to PVDFest
Residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize alternative modes of transportation to arrive at the festival. Biking is always encouraged in Providence and there is bike parking available throughout Downtown- visitors are encouraged to use festival sponsor JUMP bike by downloading the application. Travel between Newport and Providence is available through the Seastreak Ferry service, with complimentary shuttle bus service between the Providence train station, convention center, Downtown, and the Providence to Newport ferry terminal. For visitors using a rideshare service or taxi, the designated drop off and pick up location is in front of The Dean Hotel, 22 Fountain Street. Due to festival-related road closures throughout Downtown, RIPTA will operate normal bus routes on Empire Street. Festival visitors are encouraged to ride RIPTA service to the events and visit www.RIPTA.com for information on routes and times and to check their website for updates to bus stops and terminal changes. Amtrak and MBTA will run a regular weekend schedule.
Parking at PVDFest
Visit Park Downtown Providence for information on parking on surrounding streets and parking facilities. Street parking will be available EXCEPT on the following streets on designated days:
Friday, June 7th No Parking as of 5:00AM on:
Exchange Terrace Between Francis & Exchange
Eddy St. Between Fountain & Washington
Snow St. Between Washington & Westminster
Empire St. Between Fountain & Weybosset
Dorrance St. Between Fountain & Weybosset
Exchange St. Between Exchange Terrace & Weybosset
Washington St. Between Union to Exchange
*Friday postings will stay in effect through 5:00AM Monday June 10th*
Saturday, June 8th No Parking as of 5:00AM on:
Weybosset St. Between Empire to Memorial Blvd
Fountain St. Between Empire to Dorrance (Dean Hotel Side)
Fulton St. Between Exchange & Memorial Blvd
Green St. Between Sabin & Broad
Weybosset St. Between Custom House & Westminster
Handicap parking will be available at the below locations (please look for signage):
- Fountain Street corner of Clemence Streets – DROP OFF SITE
- Weybosset Street corner of Eddy Streets DROP OFF SITE
- Exchange Terrace opposite Burnside Park – 2 locations – DROP OFF SITE
- Page Street from Weybosset to Pine
- Weybosset from the Arcade to Custom House Street – DROP OFF SITE
Wheelchairs will be available for free at the PVDFest Merch area in front of the Alex and Ani Skating Rink. If you have accessibility questions before or the day of, please call 401-347-4633.
Visitors are also encouraged to reserve parking with a reduced festival price through SPPlus here.
See Something, Say Something
The festival footprint will be secured by the Providence Police Department and private security staff to ensure public safety and traffic flow. Throughout the duration of the festival, public safety, emergency management, and first aid services will be located on the festival footprint.
In an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity or item (a suspicious backpack, package or container), notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. In the event of a lost child, children should be brought to the nearest information booth.
Items NOT allowed inside the festival include but are not limited to:
- Weapons and contraband of any kind
- Outside Alcoholic beverages (Available to purchase on the festival footprint. You must be 21+ and have valid photo ID)
- Fireworks or explosives
- Illegal or illicit substances of any kind
- Motorized vehicles including dirtbikes, ATVs, and scooters
- Laser pointers
PVDFest is a “No Drone Zone.” Drone use is prohibited without approval and the use of drones over groups of people is a violation of FAA Special Rule for Model Aircrafts.
PVDFest is an all-ages event. However, you must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase and drink alcoholic beverages. Smoking is not permitted on any Providence Parks & Recreation property including, but not limited to, buildings, playgrounds, ice or skating rinks and parking lots.
Zero Waste
PVDFest is a Zero Waste event. Zero Waste events aim to emphasize and extend the lives of raw materials through waste reduction, recycling and composting. Together, PVDFest will demonstrate a united commitment to protecting the environment and set an example for members of the community, guests, and visitors. Attendees are responsible for any disposable items brought inside the festival footprint. Recyclables can be disposed of in any of the 10 recycling stations located throughout the festival footprint.
Banned products for vendors include:
- Single-use condiment pouches and plastic ramekins
- Plastic straws and stirrers
- Styrofoam cups or plates
- Plastic bags
PVDFest is made possible by the support of the City of Providence, founding partner FirstWorks, the Providence City Council, the Providence Tourism Council, various City Departments, 3 curators, 63 sponsors and many volunteers. To volunteer at this year’s festival and become part of the event, visit www.pvdfest.com/volunteerpvdfest.
A map of the festival footprint can be found here.
The full schedule can be found here.
**Any press or media looking to pick-up press credentials for the festival footprint should contact Emily Crowell, Chief of Communications by email at ecrowell@providenceri.gov before close of business on June 7th. A press schedule with on-site contacts will be released on June 6th**