Festivals

Pawtucket is home to a diverse array of festivals celebrating the cultural, musical, artistic and historic assets of the community.

• Pawtucket Arts Festival: 
  The Pawtucket Arts Festival is dedicated to promote the arts in the City of Pawtucket, to enhance the quality of life of its residents and the New England region by providing and supporting quality art and cultural events within the city, year-round. The month of September is when the most Pawtucket Arts Festival event take place. The following are just a few events that are a part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival: Arts Fest at Slater Park, Dragon Boat Races and RI Philharmonic Pops in the Park.
  
  
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
  Each year the City of Pawtucket hosts the first of many St. Patrick's Day celebrations held across the state of Rhode Island. The celebration includes the Irish 5k  running race and the Pawtucket St. Patrick's Day Parade. 
  
  
• Polish American Festival: 
  St. Joseph's Church in Central Falls hosts the Annual Polish American Festival. The event features Polish American food, beer, games and music for all!
  
  
• Colombian Day Parade & Festival:
  The Colombian America Cultural Society presents Rhode Island's annual Colombian Parade and Festival in honor of Colombian Independence Day. The parade works its way from Central Falls to Slater Mill in Pawtucket. The parade's arrival at Slater Mill kicks-off the start of the festival which includes orchestras, folk dances and traditional foods. Music performances feature Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Boleros, Rock and more.
  
  
• Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival:
  The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council presents Rhode Island's Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival.The event consists of dragon boat races for professional and amateur teams, along with many artistic and other events aimed at adults and children. With the emphasis on competition and fun, the event makes an entertaining day for participants and the entire family.
  
  
• Greek Festival:
  "Glendi" the Greek word for Celebration is the theme for Pawtucket's Annual Grecian Festival hosted by Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. The public is invited to enjoy Greek food, dance, children's activities and fun!
  
  
• Oktoberfest:
  Featuring live music, Bavarian folk dances and food (bratwurst, bauernwurst, knockwurst, leberkase, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and pastries) Pawtucket's Oktoberfest welcomes guests of all ages. The annual event is hosted by the German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island, located in Pawtucket.

• Winter Wonderland:
  Pawtucket's annual Winter Wonderland festival is held the two consecutive weekends preceding Christmas. Hosted in Slater Park, the festival includes an array of over 400 brightly decorated holiday trees and family friendly activities. Events include: hay rides, miniature train rides, face painting, crafts, musical entertainment and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus.