This year’s PVDFest will be different than in previous years

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence’s signature arts festival will be a lot different this year.

Mayor Brett Smiley and the Department of Art, Culture, Tourism said in March that PVDFest — initially a four-day event —will run for three days in September to close out the summer. In the past, it took place in June.

Now, Smiley said the event will be moved from downtown Providence to the I-195 Innovation Park.

The mayor told ABC 6 News Monday that PVDFest 2023 will be a co-festival with a WaterFire lighting and a headline event, which has yet to be announced.

“My hope — and I think the original intention of PVDFest was that it was always about local artists,” said Smiley. “This is an opportunity to create audience — to highlight the incredible local talent that we have here in Rhode Island. And that’s what we’re re-centering on in this year’s festival.”

Another change: open containers of alcohol will not be allowed.

Smiley said he understands the upset about the open container but said that he wants to steer PVDFest in a different direction.

“Change is never easy for people — particularly for Rhode Islanders,” said Smiley. “I think we’re more resistant to change than others.”

The mayor said that this year’s festival is going to be “much more centered on the art, the performances, the productions” and “less on a street fair vibe.”

When asked if he’s received any criticism from constituents or restaurant owners for making changes to PVDFest, Smiley said, “As people start to kind of internalize the changes and come to terms with the changes, people are kind of trying to figure out how it’s going to be good for their business and how it’s going to be exciting for their family.”

As for the date change, Smiley said they picked the month of September to fill a gap, saying that there’s a lot happening in June.

“After Labor Day in the city, there’s actually a lull in special events and economic activity,” explained Smiley. “So, we chose this new date to maximize that economic impact.”

Smiley is encouraging patrons to visit businesses near the new “footprint” and explore the city during PVDFest, so everyone can “benefit a little bit more equally.”

When it’s all said and done, Smiley said people are going to “love” and “really enjoy” the new changes.

PVDFest is free to the public and starts on Sept. 8.