Plan Your Creative Escape to Providence

This September, Providence Rhode Island is bursting at the seams. As students return to our great colleges and universities, and crisp fall weather is just beginning to dance in the air, it's a perfect time to visit. See the city come alive with one-of-a-kind artistic and intellectually engaging events that will enrich the senses and make long-lasting memories.

Featured Arts & Cultural Events

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
OUTPOST Magazine PVD-Edition Launch
5:00 - 9:00 PM | FREE
RISD Museum
Come see the new issue of the gorgeous arts mag Outpost in the city where the Outpost concept was born. Experience one-night only performances, refreshments, and a new exhibit in the RISD Museum.

FirstWorks 10th Anniversary Gala
6:00 - 9:00 PM | Tickets
Providence Biltmore Hotel
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of gourmet fare, cocktails, music and more before the weekend-long FirstWorks extravaganza.      

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
A Better World By Design Conference
9/19-21/14 | Register
A three-day conference, A Better World By Design brings together a global community of innovators with a united goal: building a better world. This year's theme is wayfinding.

PARK(ing) Day
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | FREE
Various locations 
This annual event, celebrated internationally, brings together artists, designers, and citizens to transform metered parking spaces into temporary public parks known as parklets. Designers work with local businesses, bringing enthusiasm and energy to the area, while also being sensitive to the needs of shopkeepers and their customers.

Columbus Theater & the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism Present: The Low Anthem and Friends 
6:00 PM | FREE
Providence Rink
Famed Providence folk troupe The Low Anthem take to the Providence Rink for an intimate evening of exploratory tunes and general merriment. Hip party-starters Ravi Shavi and brass bad boys What Cheer? Brigade share the bill. Surprises are all but assured.

Sound Check with The Little Compton Band
6:00 PM | $15
Bucket Brewery
Drink local. Sip brews from craft brewers Bucket Brewery while enjoying live music and free pizza. Named "Best Brewery Experience" by Rhode Island Monthly.

WaterFire
Sunset: 6:48 PM | FREE
Downtown Providence
WaterFire is Providence's famed multisensory art installation. The evening is centered around floating bonfires set ablaze throughout Providence's downtown rivers, but the night also features ambient music, wandering performers, and a bit of the unexpected, making for an experience unlike any other.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 
FirstWorks Urban Carnevale
3:00 PM | FREE
Downtown Providence, Providence Rink
A free evening of music, dance and spectacle! Join performers from around the world, including aerial theater troupe Strange Fruit (Australia) and the U.S. premiere of Ribab Fusion (Morroco). 
RSVP via Facebook here!

TedXProvidence
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Tickets
RISD Auditorium 
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.

Rhode Island Philharmonic Season Opener
8:00 PM | Tickets 
The Vets
The famed Rhode Island Philharmonic opens their 70th season in style. Featuring Augustin Hadelich on violin in the newly renovated Vets auditorium, the evening will be an experience not-to-be-missed.

PeaceWalk
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | FREE
The highlight of a month-long series of events aimed at celebrating and promoting the organization's Peace Month. Participants will make peace flags and t-shirts before walking from Memorial Park on South Main Street to the Union Station Plaza.  

Heritage Day Festival
12:00 PM - 6:30 PM | FREE
Roger Williams National Memorial
Rhode Islanders of all ages are invited to join in a lively celebration of the state's rich cultural heritage. There will be booths with cultural displays, traditional foods and crafts, and exhibits, representing more than 20 different countries.

Click here for a full calendar with more great things to do!