RI's 46th Heritage Festival

Join us for a celebration of Rhode Island’s vibrant cultural diversity at the 46th Annual Heritage Festival hosted by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. This free event takes place on Saturday September 21st from noon to 5 PM at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. It’s a day filled with live performances international cuisine art crafts and interactive exhibits that immerse attendees in the diverse traditions that make Rhode Island special. 

What to Expect: 

• Parade of International Flags: The festivities start at 11:50 AM with a parade of international flags from over 30 countries. The parade sets the tone for a day of cultural pride and celebration. 
• Live Performances: Enjoy a variety of performances from Bollywood dance Irish step Polynesian hula Korean harp and many more. The performances run throughout the day showcasing music dance and storytelling from Rhode Island's diverse heritage groups. The event will be emceed by Kobi Dennis and Angela Sharkey ensuring the energy stays high. 
• Governor’s Address & Land Acknowledgment: Governor Dan McKee will give a welcoming address followed by a Land Acknowledgment from Silvermoon Mars LaRose paying tribute to the Indigenous communities of Rhode Island. 

Cultural Experiences: 

• Interactive Exhibits: Cultural organizations like the Tomaquag Museum Cape Verdean Museum RI Black Heritage Society and more will offer interactive displays and activities that give attendees a deeper look into Rhode Island’s cultural history. 
• Family-Friendly Activities: The children’s area will feature free face painting arts and crafts providing kids with a fun way to explore cultural traditions while being creative. 
• Delicious International Cuisine: Food lovers can enjoy traditional dishes from local favorites like Cultro PVD Eat Village Greek Angkor Boba Tea House and The Luxe Lemon food trucks. Whether you're craving Mediterranean flavors or Asian delights there’s something for everyone. 

Performances and Presentations: A rich lineup of performances will take place throughout the day including: 

• 12:00 PM 
• RIHPHC Executive Director Jeffrey Emidy 
• Governor Dan McKee 
• Silvermoon Mars LaRose 
• Ahlyha Nicole Bright - National Anthem 
• Jingle Dress Dance Performance 
• Fraternidad Folklorica Boliviana 
• PADAM - Kuchipudi Indian Classical Dance 
• Lydia Perez and Yoruba 2 - Puerto Rican Drumming 
• SGTV Alpenblumen Bavarian Dance Group 
• 1:00 PM 
• Nazeli Armenian Dance Group 
• Rhode Island Black Storytellers 
• Dance BFF - Bollywood Fusion 
• Azama Dance Group - Middle Eastern Dance 
• French American School of Rhode Island - Singing Group 
• 2:00 PM 
• Colombian American Cultural Society 
• RI Swedish Heritage Association - Folk Songs 
• Quisqueya In Action Folklore - Dominican Dance 
• Rhode Island Tamil Sangam - Dance 
• Medalit Scott - Peruvian Dance 
• 3:00 PM 
• Aftab Dance Group - Iranian Dance 
• Arte Latino of New England - Storytelling 
• Kelley School of Irish Dance 
• Morenada Boliviana San Bartolomé - Dance 
• Seoyon Kim - Korean Harp 
• 4:00 PM 
• Napua O' Polynesia - Hula Dance 
• Rhythm Nation Dance Company - Filipino Dance 
• Ecuador Sumag Llacta - Dance and Music 
• India Association of Rhode Island - Dance 
• Falun Dafa Association - Meditation Instruction 

Explore Cultural Displays: Engage with local cultural organizations through interactive displays crafts and demonstrations from groups such as: 

• Andean Cultural Center of Rhode Island 
• Armenian Community of Rhode Island 
• Books Are Wings 
• Center for Southeast Asians 
• India Association of Rhode Island 
• International House of Rhode Island 
• Roger Williams Park Zoo 
• RI Swedish Heritage Association 
• And many more! 

Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday September 21 2024 
• Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM 
• Location: WaterFire Arts Center 475 Valley St Providence RI 02908 
• Admission: Free 
• Website: https://preservation.ri.gov/heritage/46th-ri-heritage-festival 

This event is made possible with support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and sponsors like United Way of Rhode Island Amica Insurance Coastal1 Credit Union and others. 

Whether you come for the performances food or family activities the Rhode Island Heritage Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the cultures that shape our state. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of cultural exploration fun and community connection! 

Event Venue

The WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St, Providence, RI 02908, United States