The Greater Kennedy Plaza Working Group is a partnership of private and public sector organizations that have come together to transform the downtown Providence area (including Burnside Park, the Bank of America Skating Center, Biltmore Park and Kennedy Plaza) into a lively public square, rich with activity.
Summer programming includes a series of fun daily events like Public Square Tuesdays, Market Thursdays, Friday Farmer's Market and Rhythm & Soul Sundays. The line up at Kennedy Plaza this season also features exciting happenings like the Street Painting Festival, Roller Derby, IndieArts Fest, Peace Flags, the Bolivian Festival and R&B Heritage Month. Our vision is to create a vibrant and welcome destination, offering something for everyone.
See you there!
For more information about this initiative, please read our press release.
Mon 18 Aug 2008
There are now five new BigBelly solar compactors eating up trash throughout Biltmore and Burnside Parks as well as Kennedy Plaza proper.
The BigBelly “uses the sun’s energy to compact trash at the point of disposal, dramatically increasing capacity by 5 times within the same footprint as ordinary receptacles. Increased capacity reduces collection trips and can cut related fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.”
Made in the USA, BigBelly can operate for eight years on the equivalent energy it takes to drive a garbage truck one mile!
Tue 12 Aug 2008
Come down to the Bank of America Skating Center for the Rhode Island Bolivian-American Association’s music, performances, dancing, food and amazing costumes to celebrate the Bolivia Festival De la Vergen De Urkupina! On Saturday, the festivities start with a procession from St. Patrick’s church on 244 Smith Street and end up at the Bank of America Skating Center from 4pm through 9:30pm. Then, on Sunday, the fun begins at 2pm and lasts until 6pm.
Free admission!
Mon 4 Aug 2008
Non-stop live musical entertainment will run from opening until closing each day of the festival. While all the live entertainment has an Italian connection, there is a wide variety of approaches, including classical opera and arias, hard-driving swing, jazz accordion and many others. Also visit vendors of food, beverage and souvenir goods! At Burnside Park, the Bank of America Skating Center and other spots throughout Providence.
Thursday (Aug 7): 6pm - 12am
Friday (Aug 8): 6pm - 12am
Saturday (Aug 9): Noon - 12am
Sunday (Aug 10): Noon - 12am
Monday (Aug 11): Noon - 9pm
For more information please click here.
Thu 31 Jul 2008
Hosted by the Rhode Island Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, on Saturday August 2, come check out: Paul “Sweet P” Williams and the Sweet P Blues Band Emancipation Day Performance: Waleed Muhamad, Yakim Parker, Lady D.U.B.B., Christopher Johnson, Yunus, Raffini, Tshombe, Inphynit, Kimberly Morrison and others. FREE! Burnside Park, Greater Kennedy Plaza; 4pm-7:30pm.
Then come back on August 23 and 30th for more!
Wed 23 Jul 2008
Grab your lunch and catch Electrio perform by the fountain in Burnside Park! Electrio is made up of musicians: Mike Bernier, Nick Sollecito, and Alex Chapman. The three had been playing together for years before creating Electrio, who’s sound is a result of guys who want to play jazz, but won’t give up their love for rock. Their natural tendency is to play aggressive but keep the harmonic structure of their music fresh and interesting. A performance not to miss!
Mon 30 Jun 2008
Start growing your weird beard and harness your love of all things unique as Providence hosts the First Annual IndieArts/ri Fest, a free, day-long celebration of independently produced local art, music and performances. The festival will be held on Saturday, July 19, from 1-11 p.m. at Burnside Park, on Kennedy Plaza, and will celebrate the area’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
Bands! DJs! Dancers! General Burnside Best Facial Hair Contest! Craft artists! Eclectic collectibles! Local food and drinks!
Wed 25 Jun 2008
Chill with friends at the weekly gathering inside Burnside Park from 2-8pm to celebrate culture, community and the city. The AfroSonic Collective will be spinning soulful sounds ranging from classic Soul, Funk, Jazz, R&B, Roots, Reggae, House, Hiphop, Afrobeat & Worldbeat! Bring family, friends, food and even a drum to help make this ongoing event a beautiful get together for lovers of good vibes.
Fri 20 Jun 2008
Head down to the Bank of America Skating Center and Burnside Park for the pride celebration! This year’s Pride features an impressive line-up of marketplace vendors, food, fun, national and local performers - and most importantly - Tiffany! For more information, visit the RI Pride website.
Mon 16 Jun 2008
Mayor Cicilline, community partners launch summer programs designed to make Kennedy Plaza more inviting to visitors and families
PROVIDENCE - The sounds of African drums filled the air, as artists, jewelry makers and food vendors hawked their goods to the lunch-time crowd at Kennedy Plaza. “Thanks to the hard work and vision of our community partners, this wonderful space is being transformed into a vibrant gathering place that offers something for everyone,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline today as he joined representatives of the Greater Kennedy Plaza Working Group to announce summer programming for Kennedy Plaza. (more…)
Wed 11 Jun 2008
PHOTO OP: Live performance by drummers from the Providence Black Repertory Company Theater to kick off news conference Thursday, June 12 at 1:30pm
PROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline and representatives from the Greater Kennedy Plaza Working Group will launch an exciting initiative designed to transform the Kennedy Plaza area into an exciting destination at a news conference on Thursday, June 12 at 1:30 p.m. (more…)
SUBSCRIBE