Major Events & Festivals in Providence, United States

1. WaterFire Providence

A multi-sensory art experience featuring bonfires, music, and dance along the riverside.

Unique Timing: Occurs 30 weekends a year from April to November
Artistic Expression: Incorporates works by local and international artists
Community Engagement: Provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the arts

A celebration of traditional music and culture featuring local and national acts.

Cultural Diversity: Highlights various folk traditions from around the world
Community Participation: Includes workshops and jam sessions for festival-goers
Outdoor Setting: Held at India Point Park, offering a beautiful waterfront view

A weekend-long celebration of Greek culture with food, dance, and music.

Authentic Food: Offers traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka and spanakopita
Dance Performances: Features traditional Greek dances by local dance groups
Learning Opportunities: Provides workshops on Greek culture and language

A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, concerts, and vendor booths.

Diversity and Inclusion: Embraces all aspects of the LGBTQ+ community
Community Support: Raises funds for local LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives
Entertainment: Features live music, drag shows, and other performances

A celebration of experimental and avant-garde theatre, dance, and music.

Artistic Freedom: Allows artists to showcase non-traditional and risky works
Affordability: Offers affordable tickets for performances
Accessibility: Held at various venues throughout Providence, making it easily accessible

A holiday light display along the Providence River.

Holiday Spirit: Brings a festive atmosphere to the city during the winter season
Community Participation: Includes local businesses and organizations in the display
Accessibility: Offers a free, family-friendly experience

A traditional Chinese festival featuring dragon boat races and cultural performances.

Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding of Chinese culture and traditions
Competitive Spirit: Teams from around the region compete in dragon boat races
Family-Friendly Activities: Offers activities for all ages, including crafts and face painting

A celebration of Latin American cuisine with food vendors, cooking demonstrations, and live music.

Culinary Exploration: Allows visitors to taste a variety of Latin dishes
Educational Opportunities: Provides cooking demonstrations and cultural talks
Community Engagement: Promotes the celebration of Latin American heritage in Providence

A weekend-long celebration of Italian culture with food, music, and dance.

Authentic Cuisine: Offers traditional Italian dishes such as lasagna and cannoli
Cultural Education: Includes Italian language lessons and cultural talks
Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for local Italians to share their heritage with visitors

A celebration of jazz music with performances by local and national artists.

Jazz History: Honors the rich jazz history of Providence
Community Engagement: Offers opportunities for local musicians to perform and connect with peers
Accessibility: Held in various venues throughout Providence, making it easily accessible

A competitive dragon boat race with teams from around the region.

Competitive Spirit: Teams compete for bragging rights and trophies
Community Participation: Includes local businesses and organizations in the event
Physical Activity: Promotes physical activity through paddling

A food festival showcasing dishes from restaurants across the state.

Culinary Exploration: Allows visitors to taste a variety of Rhode Island's best dishes
Support for Local Restaurants: Supports local restaurants by promoting their food
Community Engagement: Promotes the culinary culture of Rhode Island to visitors

A festival showcasing films from Latin America and by Latinx filmmakers.

Cultural Awareness: Promotes awareness of Latin American cultures and issues
Artistic Expression: Showcases the artistic talent of Latinx filmmakers
Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for local Latinos to share their culture with visitors

A celebration of Portuguese culture with food, music, and dance.

Authentic Cuisine: Offers traditional Portuguese dishes such as pastéis de nata and bifanas
Cultural Education: Includes Portuguese language lessons and cultural talks
Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for local Portuguese to share their heritage with visitors

A festival dedicated to the traditional Portuguese music genre of fado.

Cultural Preservation: Preserves and promotes the traditional Portuguese music genre of fado
Artistic Expression: Showcases the artistic talent of fado musicians
Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for local Portuguese to share their cultural heritage with visitors