A guide to PVDFest street closures, parking and transportation options
PVDFest is less than two weeks away. It will bring more than 500 artists, 200 artisan vendors, five stages, 30-plus food trucks to Providence. It will also bring a handful of street closures. But fear not, this guide to the festival footprint has you covered.
The closures will run from Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10.
What roads will be closed in Providence for PVDFest?
Sept. 8 road closures:
- East end of Peck Street (looping behind the Brown MBA building)
- South Water Street from Memorial Boulevard to Dollar Street
- Packett Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Planet Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Power Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Doubloon Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- James Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
Sept. 9 – 10 road closures:
- East end of Peck Street (looping behind the Brown MBA building)
- South Water Street from Memorial Boulevard to Wickenden Street
- Packett Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Planet Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Power Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Doubloon Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- James Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Dollar Street from South Main Street to South Water Street
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Where to park for PVDFest
The city recommends the South Street Landing garage steps away from the festival, which will be adjacent to the Providence River. You can also pay for parking at downtown garages and lots, or find street parking. However, on each day of the festival as of 6 a.m., parking won’t be permitted on the streets below.
Sept. 8:
- South Water Street from Memorial Boulevard to Wickenden Street
- South Main Street from Wickenden St. to College Street
- Ship Street from Richmond Street
- Packett Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Planet Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Power Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Doubloon Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- James Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Dyer Street from Ship Street to Dorrance Street
Sept. 9 – 10:
- College Street from Memorial Boulevard to South Main Street
- South Water Street from Memorial Boulevard to Wickenden Street
- South Main Street from College Street to Wickenden Street
- Ship Street from Richmond Street to Dyer Street
- Dyer Street from Ship Street to Elm Street
- Dyer Street from Ship Street to Dorrance Street
- Dyer Street from Hay Street to Custom House Street
- Packett Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Planet Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Power Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- Doubloon Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- James Street from South Water Street to South Main Street
- South Main Street from Wickenden Street to College Street
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What about accessible parking options?
On Friday, ADA-accessible parking will be available on Dyer Street from Ship Street to Dorrance Street and on South Water Street from James Street to Dollar Street. On Saturday and Sunday, accessible parking will be available on Dyer Street from Ship Street to Dorrance Street and on South Main Street from Packett Street to Memorial Park. Wheelchairs are available at the festival’s information booth in District Park and can be reserved for free with an ID.
If I’m not driving, what are my transportation options?
Bike racks will be located near the festival, or you may rent a bike from one of the city’s three available services: Spin, Bird Rides or Veo Ride.
Bird Rides, which is partnering with the city for the festival, will also offer scooters for a small rental fee. However, you won’t be able to bring a scooter or bike inside the festival’s footprint.
If you’re using a ride share app, beware of street closures. You’ll want to use either 1 Kennedy Plaza or 1 Dorrance Street as your drop off and pick up locations. Both are five to 10 minutes walking distance from the festival.
If traveling by bus, check out the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s online trip planner to figure out how to schedule your ride.
As a reminder, the festival runs at the following times: Friday, Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 10 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.