Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday in October, carries multiple layers of meaning for Americans: its historical roots in Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage; its significance to Italian-American communities; and, in recent years, its re-interpretation in light of Indigenous histories. In Rhode Island, a place rich with maritime heritage and immigrant culture, the holiday is both an occasion for festivity and an opportunity for reflection. Below, you’ll find a deep dive into the holiday’s background, current perspectives, and a guide to Rhode Island’s signature Columbus Day weekend events.
What Columbus Day Represents & Its Origins
The holiday began as a way to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492, though Columbus never visited what is now the United States. In the centuries that followed, Columbus became a figure symbolic of discovery and, especially for Italian-Americans, a source of ethnic pride.
In the U.S., Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937. Over time, particularly in recent decades, the holiday has been subject to increased scrutiny. Critics point to the consequences of colonization: the displacement, suffering, and deaths of Indigenous peoples. Supporters argue for the recognition of European exploration and the contributions of immigrant communities. As a result, some places observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day in lieu of or alongside Columbus Day.
Columbus Day’s Presence in Little Rhody
Rhode Island is a place where colonial, maritime, Italian-American, and Indigenous histories all intersect. It’s perhaps fitting that the state observes Columbus Day with a combination of festival energy and cultural reflection. Here are some of the recurring events in Rhode Island that mark the Columbus Day long weekend, as of 2025.
Key Events for Columbus Day Weekend
Federal Hill Columbus Day Weekend Festival — Providence, RI
October 10-13, 2025
Atwells Avenue (Dean Street to Sutton Street), Federal Hill neighborhood, Providence.
What to Expect:
- Over 80 food, art, and retail vendors lining the avenue.
- Multiple live entertainment stages.
- Amusement rides and family-friendly games.
- Special cooking demonstrations (“La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage”) and expanded seating/dining from local restaurants.
- Street closures (Dean St to Sutton St) to allow pedestrian traffic.
This festival is one of the signature events in Providence every Columbus Weekend. It combines the culinary and cultural heritage of Federal Hill (often called “little Italy”) with large community celebration — attracting locals and visitors alike.
Scituate Art Festival — North Scituate, RI
October 11-13, 2025
Village Green, North Scituate (554 W Greenville Road)
What to Expect:
- A juried open-air exhibition of fine art, handmade crafts, and antiques.
- Live musical entertainment, a raffle of items donated by exhibitors, and a food court run by local non-profits.
- Rain or shine schedule
Scituate’s art festival is deeply linked to the Columbus Day weekend, making it a yearly tradition. It draws large crowds who not only come for the art but the social atmosphere, the local foods, and the autumn scenery.
Autumnfest — Woonsocket, RI
Columbus Day weekend (October 10-13, 2025)
Woonsocket, in Northern Rhode Island (often held in the parks or public spaces)
What to Expect:
- A large fall festival with artisan and food vendors, live entertainment, and rides.
- Family-oriented atmosphere: with fun activities for children, crafts, and seasonal foods.
Autumnfest is known as Northern Rhode Island’s big fall gathering. The festival helps mark the turning of the season with community, crafts, and lots of local flavor.
Traditions, Parades, and Cultural Significance
Beyond the festivals, there are several traditions associated with Columbus Day in Rhode Island:
- Parade on Federal Hill: The festival includes a parade (Sunday) along Atwells Avenue, which is often one of the most visible public expressions of celebration.
- Food culture: Federal Hill is famous for its Italian-American restaurants. During the festival weekend, many eateries offer special menu items, expanded seating, and festival-themed food offerings.
- Art, shopping, and craft booths: Both Scituate and Federal Hill mix vendor booths featuring art, antiques, handmade goods, and local foods. These create a marketplace feel, drawing both serious shoppers and casual browsers.
Contemporary Perspectives & Evolving Observance
While many Rhode Islanders enjoy the food, festivity, and sense of community at Columbus Day Weekend events, there is also increasing awareness of the holiday’s contested history. As in other places, some people prefer to emphasize Indigenous histories, to support or integrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or to use the weekend to reflect critically on colonial legacies.
In Rhode Island, this conversation shows up in public discourse, in decisions about statues and commemorations, in event programming, and in how educators teach the history around Columbus’s voyages. While traditional celebrations remain strong, there is a growing move toward inclusivity and historical nuance.
Planning tips for the best possible experiences:
If you plan on enjoying Columbus Day Weekend in Rhode Island, especially one of these festivals, here are a few practical suggestions:
- Check event schedules early. Some festivals begin in the evening of Friday, run full days on Saturday & Sunday, and taper off Monday. Confirm hours on the official festival websites.
- Arrive early and expect crowds. Especially for the Scituate Art Festival and Federal Hill. Parking and vendor lines can get busy.
- Dress in layers. October weather in Rhode Island is variable — morning chill, warmer afternoons, possibly damp by evening.
- Plan food & walking routes. For example, Federal Hill’s festival spans several blocks, with street closures, vendor booths, rides, etc. Map out your route so you don’t miss scheduled events or preferred vendors.
- Support local. Many booths are run by local artisans and nonprofits; food vendors are often local businesses. Doing a little shopping, dining, or contributing helps keep the character of the festivals strong.
In Rhode Island, Columbus Day is more than a federal holiday — it’s an annual rhythm that combines heritage, culture, art, food, and community gathering. The festivals help connect people with places (restaurants, churches, parks) and with one another. They also underscore the state’s diverse origins, with Italian-American influences, Indigenous histories, colonial legacies, and artistic traditions all intersecting during the long weekend.
While traditions persist — parades, art fairs, feasts — Rhode Island is also part of the broader conversation about how we remember history. Festivals offer more than entertainment; they offer opportunity: to celebrate, to learn, and to reflect.
