Family Fun at the Pawtucket Arts Festival

Now celebrating its 28th year, the Pawtucket Arts Festival (Aug. 28–Sept. 6) highlights the city's creative culture over the course of two weeks. This year's festival focuses on education and public engagement while celebrating the diverse communities of Pawtucket.

The festival kicks off on Friday, Aug. 28 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 6 at locations around the city. Two full weekends bring a variety of family activities, including a movie night, Cape Verdean festival, theater, live music and lots more. We've rounded up a few activities you don't want to miss:

Slater Park's Fall Festival

Slater Park's Fall Festival on Aug. 29 and 30 will be home to a market featuring more than 100 crafters and artisans, food trucks, live music from Roomful of Blues, The Rhode Island Gay Men's Chorus and the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble, plus fireworks on Saturday night. Check out more family fun at the 10th Annual Healthy Living Community Event for face painting, bouncy houses, prizes and games.

RI Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival

Stop by Festival Pier on Saturday, Sept. 5 to catch the dragon boat races and enjoy cultural performances, vendors and interactive activities. Don't miss out on the food trucks — there's even a dumpling eating contest. Who doesn't love a dumpling? (Foodies, be sure to save a little room, though, because the 2026 Empanada Fest takes place from 4–8 p.m. on Saturday. Get your tickets in advance to sample the best local empanadas and vote for your favorites.)

With such a wide variety of cultural events, the Pawtucket Arts Festival will keep everyone entertained. A full calendar of events and locations is available on the festival website.