Culture Fest returns to Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Culture Festival returned to Rhode Island on Saturday at the Southside Cultural Center of R.I.

Organizer Kobi Dennis said the festival is meant to celebrate the state’s culture through music, dance, food, and the arts.

He said his goal was to create the opportunity for a free event for people that don’t have the means to pay for expensive events or vacations.

“It’s important to have these events because a lot of times, in these tough economic times, there’s not a lot of things for people to do for free,” Dennis said.

The event will continue into Sunday, and Dennis said turnout has been great.

He’s also excited that all the vendors and acts are part of the Rhode Island community, creating a “holistic view of what a community should be.”

Culture Fest started in Providence in 2019, and was held in Pawtucket last year. Dennis said he wants the event to continue in the future, as many staff members are mentors for future generations.

“We don’t want to be doing this forever, we want to pass the torch,” Dennis said.

More information on Culture Fest and a schedule of events can be found here.