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 the fourth year, PVDFest continues to expand programming and partnerships to showcase Providence as the Creative Capital. This year’s festival includes:
- 1000+ artists
- 18 stages
- 60 food establishments
- 28 outdoor bars
- 11 curators; including AS220, The Dean Hotel, The Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy and Day of Portugal Rhode Island
- Over 65 sponsors
PVDFest hours of operation of the four days are as follows:
- Thursday – 8:30 AM-12:00 AM
- Friday – 5:00 PM-12:00 AM
- Saturday- 12:00 PM-12:00 AM
- Sunday –12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Road Closures Information
There will be multiple road closures throughout the PVDFest footprint from Friday, June 8 through Sunday, June 10. 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 9 from 12:00PM-12:00 AM. All roadways will re-open at 5:00 AM on Monday, June 11.
Friday, June 8 road closures:
5:00 AM Snow Street between Washington and Westminster Streets
4:30 PM Aborn Street between Washington and Westminster Streets
4:30 PM Adrian Hall Way between Washington and Fountain Street
4:30 PM Beverly Street between Washington and Fountain Streets
4:30 PM Washington Street between Empire and Union Streets
4:30 PM Mathewson Street between Hotel Providence and the Residential Lot
4:30 PM Clemence Street between Fountain and Westminster Streets
Saturday, June 9 road closures:
5:00 AM Washington Street between Empire and Exchange Streets
5:00 AM Westminster Street between Empire and the corner of Westminster and Weybosset Streets
5:00 AM Dorrance Street between Weybosset and Emmet Square
5:00 AM Aborn between Washington and Weybosset Streets
5:00 AM Adrian Hall Way between Washington and Fountain Streets
5:00 AM Beverly between Washington and Fountain Streets
5:00 AM Snow Street between Washington and Fountain Streets
5:00 AM Mathewson Street between Chapel and Residential Lot before Fountain Street
5:00 AM Clemence Street between Weybosset and Fountain Streets
5:00 AM Union Street between Weybosset and Fountain Streets
5:00 AM Eddy Street between Weybosset and Fountain Streets
5:00 AM Fulton Street between Union and Exchange Streets
5:00 AM East Approach between Exchange Terrace and Washington Streets
5:00 AM Middle Street between Union and Dorrance Streets
5:00 AM Exchange Street between Fulton and Exchange Terrace
Sunday, June 10 road closures:
5:00 AM Washington Street between Union Street and Exchange Terrace
5:00 AM Dorrance Street between Westminster Street and Emmet Square
5:00 AM Union Street between Westminster and Fountain Streets
5:00 AM Eddy Street between Westminster and Washington Street
5:00 AM Fulton Street between Union Street and Exchange Terrance
5:00 AM 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. 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 to the events and visit www.RIPTA.com for information on routes and times. 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 on Saturday EXCEPT on the following streets:
Empire Street between Weybosset/Broad and Fountain Streets
Fountain Street between Empire and Emmet Square
Exchange Terrace between Exchange and Emmet Square
Fulton Street between Weybosset and Exchange Streets
Weybosset Street between Empire and Exchange Streets
Handicap parking will be available at the below locations:
Fountain Street corner of Clemence Streets
Weybosset Street corner of Eddy Streets
Exchange Terrace on the side closest to Burnside Park
See Something, Say Something
The festival footprint will be secured by 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 Aircraft.
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 nine recycle 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 City of Providence, founding partner of FirstWorks, the Providence City Council, the Providence Tourism Council, various City Departments, 11 curators, 65+ sponsors and volunteers. To volunteer at this year’s festival and become part of the event, visit the website at www.pvdfest.com/.