R.I.'s 47th Annual Heritage Festival

Rhode Island's 47th Annual Heritage Festival 
Saturday, September 20, 2025

WaterFire Arts Center
475 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02908
12:00 to 5:00 pm

"Explore the world through art and music!"

Join in a lively celebration of our state's rich cultural heritage! WaterFire Arts Center will be filled with culture, music, and dancing from around the world.

This extraordinary festival unites the cultural richness and creative expressions of Rhode Islanders. Explore cultural exhibits, witness visual art, and engage with craft demonstrations showcasing traditions from around the globe. Experience the magic as dancers and musicians from different ethnicities grace the stage throughout the day. Indulge in a culinary journey with food trucks offering a delectable array of traditional foods and drinks for purchase. Families can enjoy free face painting, arts, and crafts in the children's area. 

Discover the world right here in Rhode Island – where cultural connections come alive!

Admission to this family-friendly event is FREE.

Program Schedule Coming Soon!

⭐ 11:50

The RI Heritage Festival kicks off with a Flag Parade around the building.

⭐ 12:00

Opening Remarks: RIHPHC Executive Director Jeffrey Emidy                                    

Welcome: 

Land Acknowledgment:

Emcees: Angela Sharkey and Kobi Dennis

 – Singing the National Anthem

⭐ 1:00  

⭐ 2:00

⭐ 3:00

⭐ 4:00

Please contact Donna Alqassar (401)222-4133 for details.

View our event Accessibility Statement.

The 2024 festival was made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly, and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.  

We would also like to thank our 2024 sponsors, United Way of RI, Amica Insurance, Coastal1 Credit Union, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, Women and Infants/ Urogynecology, Navigant Credit Union, and Tri-County Community Action Agency for their support.  

2025 Sponsorship information will be posted soon! 

RI's 47th Heritage Festival Participants List

The Rhode Island Heritage Festival is coordinated by Donna Alqassar, RI Heritage Commission Coordinator, in conjunction with the support of Jeffrey Emidy, RIHPHC Executive Director, Joanna Doherty, RIHPHC Deputy Director Kobi Dennis and Angela Sharkey, Festival Emcees, and WaterFire Arts Center.  

The RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission would like to thank the following sponsors, people, and groups for their help and support: 

Rhode Island State Council on the Art for awarding us a Project Grants for Organizations through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly, and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.  

RI's 47th Heritage Festival Sponsors (Coming Soon!)

⭐ Platinum Sponsor

⭐ Gold Sponsor

⭐ Silver Sponsor

Supporters 

Governor Dan McKee

Lt. Governor Sabina Matos

RI Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

RI Office of Library & Information Services  

RI State Council on the Arts

Preserve Rhode Island   

 

Food Trucks (Coming Soon!)

 

Special Guests Speakers (Coming Soon!)

 

Participants (Coming Soon!)