Smiley considers change to this year’s PVDFest

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Earlier this week, Mayor Brett Smiley said PVDFest would be different this year. Now, he’s considering a change — allowing bars and restaurants to extend their businesses outside during that weekend.

“We are trying to find a way to allow for street closures or the extension of premises downtown,” said Smiley.

He said there’s concerns about closing streets because Providence police don’t have the staffing needed to keep people safe.

PVDFest, Providence’s signature arts festival, was moved from downtown Providence to the I-195 Innovation Park. It will be a co-festival with a WaterFire lighting and a headline event.

Another change is that open containers of alcohol will not be allowed.

Smiley said 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.”

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