Pawtucket is not only an outstanding community in which to live and work, but is also a great place to play and be entertained. From Chinese dragon boats to handcrafted jewelry exhibitors, to live music in numerous genres, plus historical attractions, three critically acclaimed theater companies, and top-notch recreational facilities, Pawtucket’s your ticket for a day of fun or a night on the town.
Below you will find just 2 of the many Pawtucket attractions…
25th Annual Pawtucket Arts Festival
SEPTEMBER 1ST – 10TH, 2023
Visit: https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/event/25th-annual-pawtucket-arts-festival/90338/ for additional information about the vendors, entertainment, and other Festival details for 2023.
Celebrate the creativity and culture of the diverse community of Pawtucket, RI.
Each year, the Pawtucket Arts Festival features long-time favorites, such as Slater Park Fall Festival, the Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance Pops in the Park performance of the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Taiwan Day Festival, the RI-Chinese Dragon Boat Races, SAM’s Fest, Mixed Magic Theatre and many more. These events engage thousands of people in the City’s creative and cultural life.
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.
In collaboration with local and international producing partners, they present dance, music, theatre, film, visual, and folk-traditional arts that evoke the City’s historic legacy and diverse communities. Many of the events are free and geared toward audiences of all ages.
They are thrilled to work alongside friends and partners to produce the 2023 Festival – which marks the 25th year!
The festival also features a curated, open-air marketplace, representing over 100 crafters and artisans, live entertainment, including performers live music, a family fun area with face painting, crafts, and more, which culminates with a live performance of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration.
Space at the festival is limited to approximately 8 food vendors per day, and selected vendors will represent a variety of cuisines and food options.
The festival features a curated, open-air market from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 9th – Sunday, September 10th, that attracts over 12,000 attendees, and features a live performance of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. All applications are reviewed by the Pawtucket Arts Festival Arts Vendor Selection Committee to ensure that all art vendor’s work is a unique, one-of-a-kind, handmade art object, and that a balance of many art forms are represented throughout the marketplace.
Empanada Fest 2023
Saturday, September 2, 2023
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue Block Party
This year, they are hosting the 3rd annual Pawtucket Empanada Fest! The Empanada Fest is a friendly competition between local empanada/patty makers, where the attendees vote on who makes the ones that are most authentic and delicious!
Culture Shock
Saturday, September 2, 2023
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Downtown Pawtucket
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, a beer garden, food trucks, and fun for the entire community.
Slater Park Fall Festival
Presented by Coastal 1 Credit Union
Saturday, September 9th
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, September 10th
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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 festival’s open-air market highlights over 100 crafters, artisans, and creators of original handmade items. The surrounding areas are filled with fun, food, and entertainment for the entire family.
Slater Park Fall Festival – Family Fun Day
Sunday, September 10, 2023
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Pawtucket Arts Family Fun Day Presented by Collette Travel is back again, for another great year of food, entertainment, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family!
Visit One of Pawtucket’s Most Historic Places…
Old Slater Mill
67 Roosevelt Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02860
The mill is open Thursdays – Sundays from May – December.
Visitor Information Station: Open Thursdays – Sundays, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Watch an 8-minute video, learn more about the Park, or earn your Junior Ranger badge. Park staff are available to answer questions. Bathrooms and drinking water are available.
The Visitor Contact Station is located inside of Old Slater Mill.
Guided Tours: 10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., and 2:30 P.M. (Thursdays – Sundays)
Join a Ranger for a tour of Old Slater Mill. These 30 – 45 minute programs talk about the legacy of the Industrial Revolution in America’s first cotton-spinning mill. Tours leave from the patio in front of Old Slater Mill.
The mill is accessible, but does have uneven floors. Special accommodations can be made by contacting 401-725-8638.
Please Note: For visitor safety, tours of Old Slater Mill will be modified or canceled if the heat index is above 87 degrees Fahrenheit. A shortened 10 minute Ranger talk will be offered at the normal tour times. Visitors will have a brief period of access to the main part of the mill. For the latest weather information, call 401-725-8638.
First Fridays (June – October):
Enjoy special evenings at Old Slater Mill. On the first Friday of the month (September 1, and October 6), the mill will be open late with special programming. Concerts, movie nights, special tours and more, are offered on the first Friday evenings of the month from June to October.
If you are looking to book a special group tour of Old Slater Mill or are a teacher or student check out the education page for more information.
