This Weekend: PVD Fest, Day of Portugal Festival & Partial WaterFire Lighting

The annual PVD Fest is happening this weekend from Friday, June 10th to Sunday, June 12th. Friday evening from 8:20 to 10:00pm, WaterFire Providence will also be hosting a partial lighting ceremony, partially supported by Brown University.

Photo by The Herald News

Providence is hosting its 45th Annual Day of Portugal Festival this weekend as well, with events from June 10th to 12th, including a special WaterFire Torch Procession at 8:30pm on Sunday, located at the BankNewport City Center. Celebrate Providence this weekend by taking in all of its talent, culture, small businesses and local artists at these free events!

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Apollo 11 50th Anniversary WaterFire Celebration

July 20th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and man’s first steps on the moon. Throughout the month of July, the WaterFire Arts Center has been home to science, art, and exploration.

English artist Luke Jerram has created the “Museum of the Moon” exhibit which now sits in the main hall of the WaterFire Arts Center. Alongside the moon installation stands an 85′ Milky Way display created by John Sabraw; and Jeremy Schilling’s current series of paintings entitled “The Overview Effect”. Nearly every night, the exhibit has hosted speakers of diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspective. Each lecture has shed light on the importance of past, present, and future space explorations.

The city of Providence has also played its part in celebrating this monumental moment in history. Exhibitions held throughout the city have displayed artwork, film, photography, and immersive hands-on experiences to visitors.

As part of WaterFire Providence’s month long celebration, there will be a full lighting on July 20th in honor of the moon landing. All full WaterFire installations light up over 80 braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street. Sunset begins at 8:16 pm and lighting will start at 8:36 pm. The fires will remain lit until midnight.

All on-shore activities will begin around 6:00 pm

4:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Envisioning Space Exhibition at The RISD Illustration Studies Building Gallery

poster 11 X 17_NASA Retrospective 04 (2)The ISB Gallery and Michael Kolondowicz have worked together to display incredible artwork, illustrations, NASA photographs and other projects, free to the public.

5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: The “Apollo Legacy: Rhode Island and Space Exploration” at Market Square.
  • This area will be a family friendly exhibition, science fair and demonstration area presented by the NASA RI Grant Consortium, and students and faculty from Rhode Island colleges and universities.
6:00 pm: Space Chats at the RISD Museum (Metcalf Auditorium)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Washington Street Bridge
  • “Dr. Samuel Wagstaff’s Eminent Emporium of Photography” – Have your portrait taken sitting on a classic Crescent Moon.
  • Dassault education pods on the visualization of scientific data
  • First Robotics Showcase of robots designed and built by students from 5th grade through high school.
  • RI Museum of Science and Art science learning demonstration.
8:20 pm: Waterplace Basin Stage
Sidewalk Astronomy at the Riverwalk near College Street

Sidewalk Astronomy will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the stars and planets in the sky.

 

 

 

 Sponsored by the NASA RI Space Grant Program as our Co-Lead sponsor along with Brown UniversityProvidence CollegeThe University of Rhode Island, the NASA/RI EPSCoR Program, and the generous support of Textron Charitable Trust.

Museum of the Moon at the WaterFire Arts Center

You look back at Earth from the Moon, and you can put your thumb up to the window and hide the Earth behind your thumb. Everything you’ve ever known is behind your thumb, and that blue-and-white ball is orbiting a rather normal star, tucked away on the outer edge of a galaxy.

Jim Lovell

For centuries, the moon has been a piece of human inspiration. It has driven explorations, discovery, art, and science. From border to border, each corner of the world has a vision, a history, and a story for the Moon. It evokes passion, vibrancy, and mystery. An intricate and complex combination.

English artist Luke Jerram, has sculpted a highly-detailed 23′ diameter Moon that will travel to 25 countries; Collecting the stories, mythologies, and emotional responses of its audience. “Museum of the Moon” will soon land in the main hall of The WaterFire Arts Center. This sculpture will play a part of a larger series of NASA-related events and exhibitions throughout the city.

The internally lit spherical sculpture is created with detailed NASA images of the lunar surface from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter that you can explore up close. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimeter represents 5 kilometers of the Moon’s surface.

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PVDFest Weekend: June 6th – 9th

PVD FEST IS COMING BACK TO PROVIDENCE FOR ITS FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW.  

Festival Dates & Hours
    • Thursday June 6th, 5 Pm – 10 Pm
    • Friday June 7th, 5 Pm – 11 Pm
    • Saturday June 8th, 12 Pm – 12 Am
    • Sunday June 9th, 12 Pm – 6 Pm

Admission Free

About PVDFest

PVDFest is a non-profit production with over 60 businesses and organizations supporting its cause. Artists of all walks are at the center of this event, bringing the city to life. This years festival will showcase over 1000 artists on over a dozen platforms. PVDFest offers both acclaimed and emerging talent showcasing their diversity.

Food Village

Kennedy Plaza will host the weekends culinary scene. Over 50 food trucks and booths are set up on Saturday and Sunday for all festival goers. Select vendors include:

For a full vendor list click here

2019 Artists

With over 1000 artists being showcased, be ready to experience something new and unique on every corner. Artists range from singer/songwriters to mimes. With public art being a significant part of the weekend, be sure to keep an eye out for murals and art installations around the city. Check out the Civic Center GarageCity Hall apron, and Empire Plaza for three of PVDFest’s awarded installations. Some performing artists include:

For a full list of artist bios go to pvdfest.com/artists

A full lineup schedule has also been posted to the PVDFest site.

Weekend Recommendations: 5/31-6/2

Enjoy a weekend with family or friends inside and outside of the city this weekend!

Fun for the Family

Head over to Salter’s Grove for a Fireworks Extravaganza this Saturday night. Between 9:00 Pm and 10:00 Pm, The Gaspee Days Committee  will hold a fireworks display set above Narragansett Bay and just off the coast of Salter’s Grove in Warwick.

  • Rain date: Sunday, June 2nd
  • Admission: Free

All summer long enjoy Friday night hangouts at the Alex and Ani Center. From 4:00 PM – 10:00 Pm there will be lawn games, volleyball, bumper cars, music and more. For a full summer programming schedule visit the Alex and Ani Center homepage.

  • Admission: Free

Health & Wellness

Register for the 2019 Aids Run/Walk for Life on Saturday, June 1st and support those affected by HIV/Aids. Come in your most colorful creations as you raise awareness and offer support to neighbors in our local community.

Arts & Culture

Trinity Rep will hold its 23rd annual Pell Awards Gala on Monday, June 3rd at the The WaterFire Arts Center. Founded in 1997, the Pell Awards recognize artists whose work exemplifies the values of Senator Claiborne Pell.

Event Info:
      • VIP Reception: 6:00
      • Dinner: 7:15
      • Ceremony: 8:15

All proceeds from the gala benefit artistic programming at the Trinity Repertory Company.

Purchase event tickets here

 

 

Memorial Day Weekend ’19

Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner, and we’re all anticipating how to kick-off summer 2019 in the Ocean State. Whether it’s your first beach trip of the season, or you’re looking to enjoy a weekend of food and art, Rhode Island offers some of the most unique experiences to dive head first into summer.

Be sure to attend the first WaterFire Lighting of the season on May 23rd as we begin to celebrate 25 years of transforming place and building community. 

Parade & Celebration:

On Monday, May 27th the town of North Providence will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade and inaugural Ahlborg Memorial Day 5k.

 

The town of Lincoln will also hold its annual Memorial Day Parade on the 27th, beginning at 11 Am on the corner of Higginson Avenue and Smithfield Avenue .

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Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 6/9-6/12

Events going on in and around Providence this weekend.

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Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 6/2-6/5

PVD Fest is this weekend!

June 2, 2016 – June 5th, 2016

PVD Fest is a festival that allows visitors to truly experience the creative, art-oriented city of Providence, Rhode Island. This multi-art, four-day festival completely transforms the city, taking place at historical and unique venues. Participating art installations, musicians/bands, restaurants, museums, libraries, etc. work together to create an event showcasing the best of the Creative Capital. For more information and a complete list of events and locations, please visit the PVD Fest website here.

Parking information for the event can be found here. Help with accommodations for the weekend here.

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Upcoming Events for October 29th – November 1st

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out these cool events happening in Rhode Island!

Thursday, October 29

Armory Farmers Market: The market is located at the corner of Parade and Hudson Streets in Providence. Come out and support your local farmers and buy some fresh fruits ad veggies. Begins at 3:30 p.m.

Geometer Exhibition By Steven Pestana : Visit GRIN for the geometer exhibition by artist Steven Pestana. The exhibition runs from October 15th- November 14th.

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: A nighttime display of 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns all along the beautiful Wetlands Trail, with well over 100 of the pumpkins carved into veritable works of art. Located at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, opens at 6 p.m.

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Upcoming Events for September 18th through 20th

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out these cool events happening in Rhode Island!

Friday, September 18th

Downtown Abbey Cooking Class:  You will prepare a 3 course menu of delicious, original recipes from the 1920’s. Menu: Broiled Oysters With Peach and Paprika, Apricot Stuffed Pork Tenderloins, Château Potatoes, Julianne Carrots with Lemon Cream and Floating Islands with Lemon-Scented Custard Sauce and Raspberries. 6:30 p.m. located at 41 Lookout Ave, North Providence, RI 02911. $70 per person.

Chris Distefano at Comedy Connection: Described as a high energy comic, Chris Distefano acts out a variety of characters derived from his life, typically leaving you on the edge of your seat. 8:00 p.m. ;located at Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914. Tickets are $15.

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Upcoming Events August 5th – August 9th

There are a million and one events going on in Providence this weekend! Especially, music events. From the Blithewold Concert Series on Wednesday Night to the Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series on Sunday night and ever day in between! Don’t forget to check out the local Farmer’s Markets as well to get local treats!

Wednesday, August 5th 

Blithewold’s Summer Concert Series: Music at Sunset – Honkey Tonk Knights: 5:00 p.m.  Spread out a blanket and unpack the picnic basket, soak up the warmth of the summer sun, and enjoy the sunset over Narragansett Bay, all while savoring a kaleidoscope of musical performances over the summer.

Summer Reading Event – Super Summer Celebration: 6:30 p.m. Wrap up a super summer at the library with a special celebration of your reading and your super powers.

Thursday, August 6th 

KidInfo Story Time + Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m. Join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life!

Armory Farmers Market: 3:30 p.m.

2015 Burnside Music Series: 4:30 p.m.  Join us every Thursday this summer for beautiful times in Burnside Park, replete with delightful bevs by Trinity Brewhouse, delicious food by Rhode Island’s greatest food trucks, casual jams by celebrity DJs, and, of course, the finest tunes Rhode Island has to offer.

Concert Under the Elms Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum.

Movies on the Block – The Last Waltz: 7:30 p.m. The city’s only outdoor movie theatre is back for another season!

Friday, August 7th

Family Fun Friday: 11:00 a.m. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.

Saturday, August 8th

Broad Street Farmers Market: 8:00 a.m.

Hope Street Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m.

KidEye International Film Festival: 10.00 a.m. Films by and for kids are showcased in this special Red Carpet Premiere program at The Metcalf Auditorium at the RISD Museum.

Rhode Island Waterfront Reggae Festival: 12:00 p.m.

AS 220 Foo Fest 2015: 1:00 p.m. FOO FEST is AS220’s annual summer block party, held outdoors and inside, on Empire Street in Providence, that highlights the incredible arts, music, creative, and cultural scene brewing right here in Providence, Rhode Island.

Manton Avenue Project Plays:  The Manton Avenue Project (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.

Sunday, August 9th

The Providence Flea: 10:00 a.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds! Shop Local this season at the Flea.

Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.

Symposium Books Sizzling’ Hot Summer Poetry Series: 3:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events July 29th – August 2nd

We have a lot going on this week in Providence! Especially, our WaterFire to support RI defeats Hep C. The Steeple Street Music Stage is back at this WaterFire. Come enjoy live performances by Rose Weaver and Greg Abate. Lighting begins at 8:25 p.m.

Wednesday, July 29th 

Windmill Wednesday’s at Prescott Farms: 3:30 p.m. Explore how this amazing machine works and learn about the importance of grist milling on Aquidneck Island.

Blithwood’s Summer Concert Series-Music at Sunset: 5:00 p.m. Spread out a blanket and unpack the picnic basket, soak up the warmth of the summer sun, and enjoy the sunset over Narragansett Bay.

PechaKucha Night Providence: 7:30 p.m. It’s time once again for one of your favorite PechaKucha Nights of the year: We return to the beautiful outdoor space and community garden at The Avenue Concept!

Thursday, July 30th

KidInfo Story Time + Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m.  Join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life!

Children’s Workshop-Rocks Rock!: 1:00 p.m. Ballard Park is holding a nature workshop for children! The one and a half hour program will feature hands-on activities focusing on the natural elements found in Ballard Park.

Armory Farmers Market: 3:30 p.m.

2015 Burnside Music Series: 4:30 p.m.

Concert Under the Elms Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum.

Movies on the Block: 7:30 p.m. Blade Runner

Friday, July 31st

Family Fun Friday-Rolie Polie Guacamole: 11:00 a.m. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.

Saturday, August 1st

Broad Street Farmers Market: 8:00 a.m.

Henseler Foundation Kayak and Paddle Board Race: 8:30 a.m. Enjoy the historic beauty of Wickford, Rhode Island from the water at this great flatwater race.

Hope Street Farmers Market 9:00 a.m.

WaterFire Providence Full Lighting: 8:00 p.m. For the 2nd year in a row WaterFire is partnering up with RI Defeats Hep C for our “C is for Cure” event.

Sunday, August 2nd

The Providence Flea: 10:00 a.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds!

Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.

The Empire Review Variety Show: 8:00 p.m. Witness a raft of talented local performers the likes of which you have never seen at Providence’s premiere variety show!