Check out this week’s Mayor’s Newsletter: Mayor’s Weekly Newsletter 8/22/25
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Weekly Recap
Pawtucket Residents:
The Annual Pawtucket Arts Festival returns August 29 – September 7, celebrating the vibrancy of our arts and culture community with dance, music, theatre, film, and traditions that highlight our city’s history and diversity. Highlights include the popular Pawtucket Empanada Fest on Sunday, August 31, featuring empanada tastings from ten local restaurants and a free community block party, as well as Mayor’s Movie Night on Friday, September 5, with an outdoor screening of Guardians of the Galaxy at Centreville Bank Stadium. With many free, family-friendly events, the festival is a time-honored tradition that showcases the heart of our community. For the full schedule, visit www.pawtucketartsfestival.org.
This Week in Pawtucket:
-
Commemorating the Mackinac Tragedy: The City marked 100 years since the Mackinac Steamboat tragedy.
- Community Spotlight: Congratulations to Melissa Colvin, awarded Best Photographer in the 2025 Voices of the Valley contest!
- Back-to-school BBQ: Jenks Middle School kicked off the year with a BBQ for incoming 6th graders!
Upcoming Events:
- Pawtucket Arts Festival: Pawtucket Arts & Culture Festival 2025! Mark your calendars for August 29 – September 7 as Pawtucket comes alive with music, art, food, and cultural celebrations! Enjoy events like the Dragon Boat Races, Cape Verdean Festival, Empanada Fest, Fall Fest, and more. Learn more and apply: Click Here
- Pawtucket Empanada Fest: The Pawtucket Empanada Fest returns Sunday, August 31,from 4–9 PM on Main Street & Roosevelt Avenue! Get tickets online here.
- Lafayette Trail Marker Unveiling: Join us on Saturday, August 23 at 10:00 am at the Pawtucket Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheatre for the unveiling of Rhode Island’s first Lafayette Trail Marker! Held on the exact day Lafayette visited Pawtucket in 1824, this historic event honors his legacy and our city’s rich ties to American history.
- Pawtucket Falls Carnival: You’re Invited to the Pawtucket Falls Carnival! Join us on August 28, 2025, at 12:00 pm at the Pawtucket Falls Healthcare Center for an afternoon of games, rides, food, and fun! Bring the whole family and celebrate the end of summer with your community.
- Hope Artiste Village 2025: From live music and art shows to vintage markets and family events, Hope Artiste Village has something for everyone. Events run July through November, with weekly happenings and special celebrations. Check out the full schedule: hopeartistevillage.com/events
- Summer Mushroom Hunting: Slater Park, Monday, August 25, 5:30 pm
- Mixed Magic Theatre: The 18th Annual Greatness of Gospel Concert – August 22, 6:30 pm
Important Notice:
- Mentor RI: Scan the QR Code!
- RIBBA – Skill-Up Program
- Working Man Distillers event schedule
- International Market Vender Call! Looking for Vendors! Market Launch September 27th from 11:00am to 3:00pm, set up at 10:00am. Every Saturday through 2025. Apply now to reserve your spot!
Stay Safe!
City of Pawtucket