PAWTUCKET – The lineup for the 2026 Pawtucket Arts Festival, planned for Aug 28 through Sept. 7, has been announced. City officials joined with community partners, supporters, sponsors, and volunteers near the Looff Carousel at Slater Park on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Each year, the festival, which has a new website with complete events schedule and information, brings together residents and visitors for a showcase of art, music, culture, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
The first Pawtucket Arts Festival was held in 1999 as the city’s renaissance toward more of an arts-based economy from the old manufacturing and retail days began to gain momentum.
Serving as the grand finale of Pawtucket’s Summer of Celebration, which brought the community together through events commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, international soccer watch parties, and cultural celebrations, the 2026 Pawtucket Arts Festival promises to end the summer on a high note with many beloved traditions and exciting experiences.
“This year’s Pawtucket Arts Festival is especially meaningful because it serves as the culmination of our Summer of Celebration,” said Mayor Donald Grebien. “Over the past several months, we’ve welcomed thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, cheered together during international soccer watch parties, and embraced the many cultures that make Pawtucket such a special place. Now, we invite everyone to come together one more time to celebrate the incredible artists, musicians, performers, and organizations that continue to shape our city’s creative spirit.”
Grebien told those assembled Tuesday that the festival, featuring performances and art, will showcase what is a rich community. What makes this event in Pawtucket special is that it celebrates every corner, every community, and “invites everyone to the party.” It’s also an opportunity to support local businesses, he emphasized.
Kicking off the event, the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative will be hosting its “Arts Fest Party” at The Guild on Friday, Aug. 28. This community and artist mixer event celebrates PAC’s ongoing work supporting local artists and public art in the community.
The celebration continues Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30, with the Slater Park Fest, featuring more than 100 artisans, crafters, and makers, along with food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for the entire family.
The 10th Annual Healthy Living Community Event, hosted by The Empowerment Factory, will also take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Slater Park, offering a free day of wellness activities, family fun, games, entertainment, educational resources, and activities for all ages.
A new addition to this year’s lineup is the Heritage Festival at Looff Carousel at Slater Park, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. Hosted by the Friends of the Looff Carousel, in partnership with the Parks & Recreation Department, the event invites visitors to step back in time and experience the history, art, and traditions that have helped shape Slater Park and the City of Pawtucket. The festival will include five-cent carousel rides as a nod to the past, as well as historic tours, art and cultural exhibits, vintage photography, historic presentations, and much more.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, Festival Pier, 21 Tim Healey Way, will once again host the 25th annual RI Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival, featuring exciting dragon boat races, cultural performances, children’s activities, food vendors, and more.
Also, on Sept. 5, the Pawtucket Empanada Fest & Block Party returns to downtown Pawtucket (Pawtucket Municipal Lot, 150 Roosevelt Ave.), bringing together local restaurants for an empanada competition alongside a lively community celebration featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and cultural performances.
The festival continues Sunday, Sept. 6 to Monday, Sept. 7, with the Kretcheu Cabo Verde Festival at Festival Pier, celebrating Pawtucket’s vibrant Cabo Verdean community through music, dance, food, art, and cultural traditions.
“For nearly three decades, the Pawtucket Arts Festival has celebrated the creativity, talent, and community spirit that define our city,” said Jennifer Kilsey, cultural affairs program coordinator for the city. “As we mark the festival’s 28th year, we’re proud to honor the beloved traditions, local artists, organizations, and community members who have built this incredible legacy while continuing to expand our programming to reflect the many cultures and creative voices that make Pawtucket so vibrant today. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the arts, discovering something new, and experiencing all that makes Pawtucket a destination for creativity and culture.”
“The Pawtucket Arts Festival has always reflected the creativity, diversity, and community pride that define our city,” Grebien added. “Whether you’re discovering local artists, enjoying incredible food, celebrating different cultures, or making memories with family and friends, there’s truly something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors as we close out an unforgettable summer together.”
The Pawtucket Arts Festival is supported financially by the Pawtucket Teachers Alliance, Centreville Bank, and Bristol County Savings Bank, as well as many more local businesses and individuals supporting arts and culture in Pawtucket.
