PVD Fest kicks off with new location and revamped events

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — PVDFest is back at a new time of year and with a new focus.

The new format brings the event to the area around Providence Innovation District Park, which organizers said will allow more people to enjoy it.

“We did the accessibility for Kennedy plaza, and there’s a lot more moving parts,” Tina Petersen, who worked with the city on accessibility for the festival, said. “There’s a lot more that’s inaccessible over there. Where this footprint and the bridge is fully accessible. It makes making accessibility so everyone can participate so much easier.” 

PVDFest was normally held in the beginning of the summer and stretched all across the city.

This year the goal was to refocus the festival’s aim, bringing arts and music to the forefront, rather than partying.

Response was mixed to the change, but there are certainly some supporters.

“I think it’s very cool because we’re still trying to explore the city, see what they have to offer and so I think it’s like a cool opportunity for especially college students to see people, meet people, and see what’s happening,” Johnson and Wales University freshman Aayla Stolte said.

But some said the new changes weren’t quite up to snuff.

“Personally, I don’t like the location,” attendee Michael Daramola said. “I think downtown Providence was a pretty good location for it. So, I think all things considered, it was ok?”

PVDFest continues through the weekend, with events kicking off Saturday at 11 a.m. and leading into a WaterFire lighting.

The festival runs until 6 p.m. on Sunday.