Each year, the Pawtucket Arts Festival’s many remarkable arts events are made free to City residents and visitors through a commitment shared by the City of Pawtucket and a community of supporters. Together, we help make Pawtucket a vibrant and culturally rich place where people want to live and work.

The Pawtucket Arts Festival celebrates the City’s creative and cultural life by presenting vibrant arts events throughout the month of September to Pawtucket residents and visitors to the Blackstone River Valley.  

We collaborate with local and international producing partners to present dance, music, theatre, film, visual, and folk-traditional arts that evoke the City’s historic legacy and diverse communities.  Many of our events are free and for audiences of all ages.

We are thrilled to work alongside our friends and partners to produce the 2023 Festival - which marks our 25th year!

Pawtucket Flavor Fest

Fri, Sep 1, 2023; 12:00 PM  Sun, Sep 10, 2023; 10:00 PM

137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI, 02860

Flavor Fest is a culinary and cultural experience that represents cuisines from various countries across the globe, from restaurants located right here in Pawtucket. 

Flavor Fest works with our Passport Program so that patrons can scan a QR code with their smart phone at participating restaurants; the more restaurants patrons visit, the more chances they have to earn prizes.  Check back here for more details!

Flavor Fest runs simultaneously with the Pawtucket Arts Festival, from September 1st - 10th. Get your passport to flavor! 

September 1st - 10th, please visit participating restaurant websites for hours!

Pawtucket Farmers Market

Friday, September 1, 2023, 4:30 PM 

Friday, September 8, 2023, 7:30 PM

461 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI, 02860

The market is located in The Guild’s outdoor beer garden, just a few minutes walk from the new Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center. Each week, patrons can enjoy a pint while shopping local, eating a food truck dinner, and enjoying entertainment by local musicians. The Pawtucket Summertime Farmers Market is open from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm every Friday from May 12 through Oct. 27, 2023.

PAF 2023 Opening Night — River Bend East Songwriters Festival (Friday)

Friday, September 1, 2023, 6:30 PM  9:30 PM

67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI, 02860

River Bend East schedule: 

6:30pm — J. Michael Graham

7:30pm — High Planes

David Lawlor from Run of the Mill will provide an artful visual display complementing high plane's performance*

The 2023 River Bend East Songwriters Festival will occur Friday, September 1 through Saturday, September 2 outside at Slater Mill National Park, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860, along the banks of the beautiful Blackstone River! This year's festival will "kick off" with a Friday evening multi-media event and continue on Saturday afternoon, September 2 with our traditional showcase of the region's best singer-songwriters! Free admission for both events and fun for the whole family!!

Friday Night Event:

Musical performance by the award-winning Americana band, High Planes! David Lawlor of Run of the Mill will provide an artful visual display highlighting mill preservation and labor history while High Planes performs! J. Michael Graham will play an acoustic opening set to kick of the evening's events. Music starts at 6:30 pm, bring lawn chairs and the whole family! Free admission!!

Mixed Magic Theatre Exult Choir Presents: DAYBREAK

Friday, September 1, 2023; 7:00 PM - Sunday, September 3, 2023; 6:00 PM

560 Mineral Spring AvenuePawtucket, RI,

Mixed  Magic Theatre’s  awarding  winning  Exult Choir, one of Southern New England’s most popular and celebrated gospel choirs, presents DAYBREAK: THE GREATNESS OF GOSPEL XVI for its annual gospel concert on September 1st - 3rd at Mixed Magic’s Amphitheater at 560 Mineral Spring Avenue in Pawtucket, RI. 

The Friday, September 1st concert will take place at 7:00PM and tickets are Pay What You Will!

DAYBREAK under the direction of the talented Kim Morrison Pitts -Wiley coversa wide spectrum of gospel, spiritual and a contemporary mix . The concertfeatures an intoxicating and eclectic array of songs that celebrate world music, and contemporary songs with a spiritual flare. The Mixed Magic Theatre

Exult Choir is celebrating an exemplary16 years of joyful and uplifting music !

The Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd shows are both at 6:00PM. 

The Tickets are $25 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-greatness-of-gospel-xvi-daybreak-tickets-680289713847?aff=ebdssbdestsearch —doors open at 5:30pm!

Plein Air Pawtucket

Saturday, September 2, 2023; 9:00 AM - Saturday, September 9, 2023; 5:00 PM

58 Walcott StreetPawtucket, RI, 02860

Plein Air Pawtucket, a FREE one-of-a-kind art event, is coming to Pawtucket September 2nd-3rd during the Pawtucket Arts Festival. This family friendly event will allow enthusiasts to explore the work of talented local artists as they work en plein air throughout the Slater Mill Historical park.

Artwork created during Plein Air Pawtucket will become the inaugural paintings of The Pawtucket Collection, an ongoing collection of art that captures the spirit of Pawtucket in artistic medium: painting, photography, sculpture, etc. The resulting artwork will be available for sale at the Pitcher-Goff House Gallery and Studio the following weekend September 9th.

We encourage families to pack a picnic, bring their dog and spend a few hours along the Blackstone River.

RI Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival

Saturday, September 2, 2023

9:00 AM  4:00 PM

Festival Pier, Tim Healey WayPawtucket, RI, 02860

RI DRAGON BOAT RACES & TAIWAN DAY FESTIVAL

The Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival is an extraordinary event for the whole family to enjoy! Our races continue to use the fiberglass Taiwanese-style dragon boats gifted to us from the Republic of China (Taiwan) and incorporate the skill of flag-catching in each race. Plus, the races are broken into different divisions…so they’re great for both club teams looking for a challenge, and amateur/corporate teams looking to do team-building with their employees and promote their business in a fun & unique way.

But that’s not all…under our giant tent, the Taiwan Day Festival presents some top-notch entertainment! The day is filled with cultural performances, many art & crafts tables, and the always-popular dumpling eating contests. The festival also has a great selection of vendors, interactive activities, and food trucks!

Darlington House of Worship Tour

Saturday, September 2, 2023, 12:00 PM  2:30 PM

358 Newport AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02861

We will lead a tour featuring 5 Darlington houses of worship, to showcase the heritage, history, and architecture of this important neighborhood. There are 25 seats on the trolley, Reserve yours by calling 401.725.9581, or emailing [email protected].

River Bend East Songwriters Festival (Saturday)

Saturday, September 2, 2023, 12:00 PM  5:00 PM

67 Roosevelt AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02860

RIVER BEND EAST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

The 2023 River Bend East Songwriters Festival will occur Friday, September 1st through Saturday, September 2nd outside at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860, along the banks of the beautiful Blackstone River! Free admission for both events and fun for the whole family!!

Saturday Event:

12:00pm — Kim Moberg: https://www.kimmobergmusic.com/ 

1:30pm — Jeff Byrd: https://www.facebook.com/jeffbyrddirtyfinch/ 

2:30pm — J. Michael Graham: https://www.jmgrahammusic.com/ 

3:30pm — Rachel Sumner: https://rachelsumnermusic.com/ 

National Park Service rangers will provide free specialty tours and activities all weekend long in honor of Rhode Island's rich labor history. Tours held at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.

Check our website early and often for River Bend East 2023 lineup additions and more information: https://www.jmgrahammusic.com/river-bend-east

Empanada Fest 2023

Saturday, September 2, 2023, 4:00 PM  6:00 PM

Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue Block PartyPawtucket, RI, 02860

This year we are hosting the 3nd annual Empanada Fest! Empanada Fest is a friendly competition between local empanada/patty makers where the attendees vote on who makes the best ones!

At event check-in, attendees will be asked to produce a paper of digital copy of their ticket/ticket set. Attendees will get a scoring card and a pencil and then proceed to each of our participating vendors to receive a sample of their signature empanadas/patties. Each sample will be 2-3 bites each. The staff at each booth will take your card to hole punch it and signify you have received your sample. Attendees can use the pencil to write down any notes they want to make about a sample.

Once you have visited each vendor on the scoring card you may proceed to the voting booth. At this booth you will be asked to produce your scoring card and will receive 2 tokens. You will select the two restaurants you believe had the best empanadas/patties out of all the vendors and then place one token in both of those ballot boxes. The two tokens cannot be placed in the same restaurant ballot box. At the conclusion of the event the winners will be announced and presented with an award.

There will be other vendors at this event selling refreshments and desserts, as well as, Live music.

Participating Pawtucket restaurants will each be offering their own signature empanadas/patties for attendees to sample and vote on. The signature empanada/patty from each vendor will be revealed prior to the event.

This event is a celebration of our local eateries which produce different types of empanadas/patties and best exemplifies the authentic flavors from across the globe you can find in the city. Pawtucket is home to one of the most diverse communities in Rhode Island, a fact which is showcased by our Empanada-Fest participants. The various nations with their own take on empanadas/patties which will be represented at this event include Dominican Republic, Colombia, Cape Verde, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago.

Buy Tickets

Culture Shock

Saturday, September 2, 2023, 6:00 PM  10:00 PM

Downtown Pawtucket, Pawtucket, RI

Culture Shock is an independently produced annual, family friendly community celebration and concert series that takes place in Downtown Pawtucket and includes live music, activities for children, live art, beer garden, food trucks, and fun for the whole community.

Romeo and Juliet

Two free shows!

Saturday, September 2, 2023; 6:30 PM and

Friday, September 8, 2023; 7:00 PM

175 Roosevelt AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02860

PAWTUCKET'S BURBAGE THEATRE CO PRESENTS WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S 'ROMEO & JULIET' AS A PART OF THE PAWTUCKET ARTS FEST. TWO FREE PERFORMANCES PRESENTED AT PAWTUCKET'S VETERANS' MEMORIAL AMPHITHEATER NEXT TO CITY HALL. GENERAL ADMISSION, ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR OWN CHAIRS/SEATING.

Silent Movie with Live Music

Saturday, September 2, 2023; 7:00 PM 

Sunday, September 3, 2023; 8:30 PM

228 Main StreetPawtucket, RI, 02860

Join us for a family fun night of old silent movies paired with live musicians!

At the height of silent movie popularity, every movie house boasted one or more live musicians who would play during the scenes. experience a modern twist on this old idea with us as we present vintage silent movie films while live musicians accompany.

Nha Tera Nha Kretcheu Festival

Sunday, September 3, 2023; 10:00 AM  10:00 PM

272 West AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02860

Nha Tera nha kretcheu festival is the only Cape Verde event of it’s kind, represented by all individuals island’s traditional food, music, dances, carnaval parade, batuku, tabanca…

McCoy's Final Inning

Sunday, September 3, 2023; 3:00 PM  10:00 PM

McCoy Stadium, 1 Columbus AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02860

The City of Pawtucket will be hosting its annual fireworks celebration at McCoy one last time, on Sunday, September 3rd beginning at 3 PM. PawSox fans will be invited onto the field one last time to enjoy activities, music and games as well as food trucks in the parking lot. The fireworks will begin at 9:20 PM.

3,000 fans will be allowed onto the field for the fireworks display. Wristbands can be obtained on a first come, first serve basis.

There will not be tickets to attend the event. Anyone who is coming to the event from 3-9 PM for food trucks, entertainment & activities will NOT need a ticket.

Wristbands will be needed to sit on the field during the fireworks display. Anyone on the field after 8:15 PM WITHOUT a wristband will be asked to exit.

- Wristbands will be obtained on a first come, first serve basis. They are free.

- Event attendees will be able to obtain wristbands on the day of the event ONLY. A table will be set up near the entrance of the field.

- Wristbands will begin being given out at 4 PM.

- Wristbands will be limited to one per person. Attendees can not collect wristbands for people who are not present.

- The seating is NOT in the stadium/ stands, it is on the field. Attendees will need to provide their own blankets or lawn chairs.

- No coolers, large bags or pets are permitted on the field.

- Attendees who do not receive a wristband are still able to watch from the parking lot by the food trucks.

Aurea Presents: Listen!

Sunday, September 3, 2023; 4:00 PM  5:30 PM

67 Roosevelt AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02860

“When words leave off, music begins” -Heinrich Heine.

Awakening our sense of sound in words and music, Listen! embraces the relationship of sound, language, music and poetry. This very popular program includes poetry of Wendell Berry, Mandelstam and Federico Garcia Lorca; harmonica improvisations of Chris Turner; and music of Bach, Mozart, Piazzolla and Martinu.

Performers:

Chris Turner, Spoken Word & Harmonica

Megumi Stohs Lewis, Violin

Consuelo Sherba, Viola

Emmanuel Feldman, Cello

Based in Rhode Island, Aurea Ensemble is an eclectic chamber ensemble that explores the relationship between music and the spoken word. The group takes its name from Catena Aurea Homeri, or the Golden Chain of Homer, a symbol of 18th century esoteric alchemy—the combining of disparate elements into a divine new element. This is the very definition of every Aurea event: a new kind of artistic experience is created out of the group’s strong framework of classical, folk and contemporary music performed together with eloquent poetry, journals and prose.

Art Battle

Sunday, September 3, 2023; 6:00 PM  9:00 PM

85 Main StreetPawtucket, RI, 02860

A live painting competition where guests vote for the winners and bid to win their favorite pieces!

Throughout three 20 minute rounds, 12 artists compete by painting live on stage. While guests walk around watching the art come together, they bid for their favorite painting in a live auction. At the end of each round guests vote for the best painting and the winner of the night moves onto championships!

Tickets available here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/667852152767?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Where the River Falls: A Concert of Original Classical Music

Sunday, September 3, 2023, 7:00 PM  8:30 PM

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church, 97 Walcott StreetPawtucket, RI, 02860

Concert of original classical music by composer Robert Rogler and performed by some of the most talented young musicians in New England, including Lauren Florek and Adam Merrill.

Tickets: $10.00 general admission, $5.00 seniors, students free

Elemdi Performance Collaborative: The Silent M

Friday Sept 8th 7:00 - 8:30Pm

Saturday Sept 9th 7:00 - 8:30PM

Sunday sept 10th 2:00 - 3:30PM

TEn31 Productions

249 Roosevelt AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02860

Join the elemdi performance collaborative for the premiere of its second evening-length work, The Silent M. Inspired by the individual narratives of its seven collaborating artists, The Silent M explores the the unique human experiences of motherhood and childhood through sensation, movement and sound.

During The Silent M's 9 months of process, elemdi has had the pleasure to connect and collaborate with local textile artist, Aleksandra (Sasha) Azbel of Sashoonya and Italian composer/DJ, Francesco Putano.

Elemdi would like to give a special thanks to the Rhode Island Council on the Arts (RISCA) and TEN31 Productions/Metamorphosis Dance Company for their unwavering support in the research and creation of this work.

Tickets  ($25) available here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-silent-m-tbdkk63e?_ga=2.113502593.706115723.1690913679-1334750139.1690913679 

Slater Park Fall Festival (Day 1)

Saturday, September 9, 2023; 11:00 AM  9:00 PM

Slater Memorial Park, 401 Newport AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02861

Part of the greater Pawtucket Arts Festival, the Slater Park Fall Festival is a celebration of Art and Culture set on the grounds of historic Slater Memorial Park. The festivals open-air market highlights over one hundred crafters, artisans, and creators of original handmade items. The surrounding areas are filled with fun, food and entertainment for the whole family. The festival culminates with a special outdoor performance by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra presented by The Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance. It’s a weekend not to be missed. Admission is free.

The 2023 Slater Park Fall Festival will begin on the morning of Saturday, September 9th at 11am with the start of our arts marketplace, food Truck court and other events. don’t forget to mark your calendars for the legendary Rhode Island Philharmonic as they take the stage for their 21st year, presented by the pawtucket teachers alliance, with fireworks to follow at dusk presented by Bristol County Savings Bank. We’re back again on Sunday with more fantastic family entertainment, truly exceptional art work and area culinary treats. The Slater Park Fall Festival is part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival celebrating its 25th year with arts events throughout the city from September 1st-10th.

FEATURING

Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance ‘s presentation of the RI Philharmonic ‘Pops in the Park’ 

City of Pawtucket Present their annual Fireworks (Brought to you by Bristol County Savings Bank)

Family Fun-day 

Arts Marketplace

Local Food Trucks

and much much more

French Roast

Saturday, September 9, 2023; 1:30 PM  3:00 PM

Slater Memorial Park, 401 Newport AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02861

French Roast plays French Canadian, Cajun and New England music. We play a variety of tunes and songs, with fiddles, accordion, guitar and bass. We'll be playing some toe-tapping music for the Pawtucket Arts Festival.

Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra presents "Pops in the Park" presented by the Pawtucket Teachers' Alliance

Saturday, September 9, 2023; 6:00 PM  8:30 PM

Slater Memorial Park, 401 Newport AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02861

A Highlight of our 25th anniversary will be the legendary performance of POPs in the park by the Island Philharmonic Orchestra, presented by the Pawtucket Teachers Alliance, at Slater Memorial Park with fireworks, courtesy of Bristol County Savings Bank, to follow at dusk, on September 9th. Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance has a special partnership with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School that goes beyond the annual performance for the people of Pawtucket but exists in our classrooms as we continue to work together on music literacy programs for the children of Pawtucket.” - Ron Beaupre, President, Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance.

Slater Park Fall Festival (Day 2)

Sunday, September 10, 2023; 10:00 AM  5:00 PM

Slater Memorial Park

401 Newport AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02861

JOIN US SEPTEMBER 9-10 AT THE SLATER PARK FALL FESTIVAL

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE! 

Challenge your friends in competitive games! 

Become anything your heart imagines with amazing face painting artists!

Try the latest art craze and make your own works of art! 

Enjoy the Giant Inflatable Slide! 

Visit Over 80 World Class Artisan Booths!

Food Trucks, Ice Cream, Popcorn and more! 

Part of the greater Pawtucket Arts Festival, the Slater Park Fall Festival is a celebration of Art and Culture set on the grounds of historic Slater Memorial Park. The festivals open-air market highlights over one hundred crafters, artisans, and creators of original handmade items. The surrounding areas are filled with fun, food and entertainment for the whole family.

The Slater Park Fall Festival is part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival celebrating its 25th year with arts events throughout the city from September 1st-10th.

FEATURING

Family Fun-day 

Arts Marketplace

Local Food Trucks

and much much more

7th Annual Healthy Living Community Event

Sunday, September 10, 2023; 11:00 AM  5:00 PM

Slater Memorial Park

401 Newport AvenuePawtucket, RI, 02861

7th Annual Healthy Living Community Event

The Empowerment Factory's 7th annual Healthy Living Community Event will be held at Slater Park as part of Family Fun Day at the Pawtucket Arts Festival From 11am - 5pm. Enjoy free family friendly activities, including arts & crafts, Games, and prize Raffles. Participate in wands of happiness, bubble making, Nature Drawing, puppet making, A Joke contest, and more!

Those who participate in the day’s activities will be eligible for prize raffles. Special Nature Drawing Program winners will also be announced. You must be present to win.

Find us at Slater Park to the right of the carousel

Art activities from 11-2pm, 

Bouncy house and games 11-5

For more details, give us a call at 401-365-1010.

Scouts in the Park

Sunday, September 10, 2023; 12:00 PM  5:00 PM

Slater Memorial Park, 100 Brook AvenueRiverside, RI 02915

Do you enjoy outdoor activities? Check out these scout activities!

Date: September 1-10, 2023

Location:   HISTORIC PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND

Click here for more information