The Pawtucket Arts Festival Returns with Amazing Offerings

Each September, the city of Pawtucket presents what is arguably its most exciting event of the year: the Pawtucket Arts Festival. This event seeks to celebrate the creative and cultural community that is embedded in the city and surrounding area. The festival showcases art, music, theater, crafts, film and so much more while representing some of the best offerings found in the historic Blackstone River Valley. This event is in its 18th year and will run through September 25.

Festival Director Joe Giocastro offered a brief overview of the history and growth of the Pawtucket Arts Festival. He said, “This amazing local festival was first created to recognize the beauty of Slater Park and celebrate the creative community of the city.” What began as a handful of events centered around the park has blossomed into a month-long festival with 30 uniquely fabulous events scattered across the city. While the festival continues to evolve, the core mission of ensuring a place for the arts in Pawtucket has remained.

The events are particularly exciting this year. The festival kick-off occurred on August 26 with the Blackstone River Revival Taste of the Valley event, which is the festival’s main fundraiser. Other events festival-goers can expect throughout the month of September include Pops In The Park, The Pawtucket Irish Music Festival, the Outsider Arts Festival, Oktober Fest and more. Musical offerings will include national and international acts performing everything from jazz, rock and blues, to celtic and chamber music. Additional offering of the festival include poetry contests, theatrical performances, art displays and a children’s stage.

This unique series of events provides not only a perfect way to experience the artistic community of Rhode Island, but are so diverse in offerings that there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. The festival, which has grown in attendance each year, is expecting upward of 10,000 people throughout the month. The Pawtucket Arts Festival would not be possible without its dozens of sponsors including, but not limited to, Rhode Island State Council on The Arts, Pawtucket Red Sox, Bank RI and Hasbro. For questions regarding volunteer opportunities and more visit the Pawtucket Arts Festival website, or email info@pawtucketartsfestival.org.

The Pawtucket Arts Festival takes place through September 25 in various locations throughout the city. For a full schedule of events, visit pawtucketartsfestival.org.