Event Highlights
Friday, September 18
Stay Silent - LUV U BETTER Block Party (Rink Stage, 5 p.m.) - A live DJ party featuring every era of R&B from soul and dance music to Hip Hop.
Grace Darko (Burnside Park Stage, 6 p.m.) - This Providence-based artist is a 2026 Motif Rhode Island Music Award winner for Favorite R&B/Soul Act and performs a blend of jazz, soul and diasporic music.
Cultura Dance Arts (Plaza Stage, 7:30 p.m.) - Enjoy a medley of salsa, bachata and merengue lessons followed by a dance party with live DJ and band.
PVD World Music (Burnside Park Stage, 8 p.m.) - A concert and movie screening presented by Providence World Music.
La Excelencia (Plaza Stage, 9 p.m.) - This salsa band from New York will have you on your feet and dancing in the street.
Saturday, September 19
AS220 X Rhode Island Fashion Week presents "DRIP" Where Fashion, Music and Culture Connect (Washington Street Stage, 12 p.m.) - A celebration of Providence's hottest fashion designers, artists, musicians and performers.
Harris Family Narragansett Dance Troupe (Plaza Stage, 12:10 p.m.) - A multi-generational experience that uplifts the Narragansett Tribal Nation through traditional storytelling, hand-drum songs, championship-level powwow dancing and more.
Jaylin Eaves Comedy (Mathewson Street Stage, 2:40 p.m.) - This Rhode Island comedian, actress and content creator will perform a live stand-up set featuring original material, sharp observations and personal stories.
Butch Tavares (Plaza Stage, 4:20 p.m.) - This Fox Point native is a Grammy Award-winning legend in the genres of R&B and soul.
Sidy Maiga (Westminster Street Lounge, 5 p.m.) - Master djembe artist Sidy Maiga presents an interactive community drum circle. Bring your own drum or play one of theirs!
Motif - Battle of the Bands (Burnside Park Stage, 5:20 p.m.) - Finalists of Motif's Battle of the Bands events will square off to determine the winner. Be sure to vote for your favorite!
Big Freedia (Plaza Stage, 8:30 p.m.) - This New Orleans cultural icon headlines the festival with high-energy sound and a dynamic live performance.
Maker Spaces
In addition to live performances, maker spaces including LEGO Providence with Andy Grover, featuring Providence landmarks modeled in LEGO, and The Black Marketplace, a pop-up market showcasing Black American Culture, offer a variety of activations throughout the city.
For a full listing of performances visit pvdfest.com.
