Looking for some tips on what to do this weekend and beyond? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few recommendations from Ocean State Media's afternoon host, Mareva Lindo, and executive producer, James Baumgartner.
It’s one of the marquee events in Providence, bringing more than 45,000 people to downtown. This year, there are mural battles, marketplaces, fashion shows and music on seven different stages. There are activities for kids including building Providence landmarks from Lego pieces and creating a giant collaborative comic strip. Headliners include La Excelencia, Luv U Better Block Party, Butch Taveras and Big Freedia.“The best way to experience PVD Fest is to not have a plan,” says Joe Wilson Jr. of the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism. ”Come and walk the city… You turn a corner and there will be something unexpected to experience. This festival is all about joy, and it's all about love. It's family friendly, and it’s free.”
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 5 - 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 19, 12 - 10 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations in the greater Kennedy Plaza area and off Washington Street
After the wild excitement of PVD Fest, you might be in the mood for something a little more relaxed. The Swell Folk Festival will have two stages of folk music in Lippitt Park on Sunday. Plus: food trucks, vintage shopping and a beer tent. Festival co-organizer Andrew Tagher says that he was inspired by going to the Newport Folk Festival for years, but wanted to create something more accessible. “Folks can literally walk out of their front door, they don't have to have a ticket. They can walk down Hope Street, they can walk right into the park. And we thought that would just create kind of a really cool, community-driven atmosphere.” Headliners include Melo Green, The Vox Hunters, Jake Blount and Hawk in the Nest.
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Lippitt Park, Providence
Twenty-five musical acts will perform on 15 different porches up and down High Street on Sunday (and one porch on Walley Street). It’s a great day to stroll down this historic street and listen to music as you go. After the performances, there will be a post-fest parade at 6 p.m. in the style of a New Orleans Second Line street parade, which leads the audience to the PorchFest afterparty at Unity Park.
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 3 - 5:30 p.m.; afterparty from 5 - 8 p.m.
Where: Several locations on High Street in Bristol
Celebrate the last days of summer in Wakefield with a day of music at the Sunset Stage at Birch and Bay. Performers include Will Evans, Lectra, Spellman and more.
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 12 - 9 p.m.
Where: Birch and Bay, 323 Main St., Wakefield
