Smiley announces headliners, new details for PVDFest 2023

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Mayor Brett Smiley on Wednesday announced the changes made to Providence’s signature arts festival.

The announcement came days after Smiley said PVDFest will be a lot different.

“In its ninth anniversary. We are making some changes that will support our surrounding businesses and shift the focus back to our local artists,” Smiley said.

Smiley added having the festival in September will help the economy in Providence.

“In June, which is when the festival had traditionally taken place, there are quite a bit of public events and the restaurants and the hotels are very busy,” he said “And while it could be possible one of our many goals, in addition to putting Providence on the map, is also to have economic impact.”

Smiley and his team feel the venue change to the I-195 Innovation Park creates a powerful statement of the river and the new location is within walking distance of much of Providence.

“We will use art to bridge our communities and have an opportunity to have everyone enjoy downtown, the Jewelry District, Fox Point, and beyond,” Smiley said.

There were also questions about certain changes made to the celebration, like the ban on open-liquor containers.

“I made a decision to put the focus on this festival back on the art, back on the performances, back on the experiences that families and residents can have to see the spectacle, the talent, the headliners, and the local talent,” Smiley said.

He added that this year’s festival will be more centered on the art, performances, and productions and less on a street fair vibe.

There is still time for vendors to apply to be involved with the festival. The event will be a co-festival with a WaterFire lighting and a headline event.

PVDFest is free to the public and runs from Sept. 8 through Sept. 10