Rhode Island Folk Festival
- Dates
- Expected August 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- Crescent Park
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 20, 2026
The last Rhode Island Folk Festival was August 30, 2026, in Riverside (East Providence), RI. Its 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. Froligo tracks free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
Rhode Island Folk Festival is a free annual folk, acoustic and Americana music festival at the waterfront Crescent Park in Riverside, East Providence, Rhode Island, held on the last Sunday of August. The twelfth edition was held on Sunday 30 August 2026, from noon to 6pm, on three stages plus a Children's Stage. Hear In Rhode Island produced the first free folk festival in downtown Providence in 2014, and the event took its current name after moving to East Providence.
How it works
Admission was free in 2026, with donations accepted. Music ran on the Band Shell Stage (national acts and top Rhode Island bands), the Songbird Stage (a more intimate listening experience) and the Gazebo Stage (short sets), with a songwriters workshop led by Mark Cutler and food trucks, a beer garden and a kids' tent on site. Guests were asked to bring a lawn chair, a blanket and, if they wished, a picnic, and shade tents were allowed without stakes. Festival parking was at the old Oldham Elementary School, 560 Bullocks Point Ave, with a shuttle bus to the park from 11am, and RIPTA Route 33 stops one block from the park.
Who it suits
Aimed at folk, acoustic and Americana singer-songwriter fans, and at families: the free festival has Alliloop's Sound Grove for kids and families from noon to five.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Rhode Island Folk Festival on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport PVD.
How do I get to Rhode Island Folk Festival?
By car
Most people drive to Rhode Island Folk Festival. The nearest major airport is PVD, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
Cost Free. Per the festival's own site: free parking is at the former Oldham Elementary School lot, 560 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside, RI 02915 (explicitly NOT the current Oldham Elementary at 60 Bart Dr.), about 1/4 mile from the park; a free shuttle bus runs from that lot to the festival starting at 11am, or attendees can walk the 1/4 mile. Handicapped parking with an RI placard is available at Crescent Park's own south lot, with drop-off there for those unable to walk from the Oldham lot. The site also explicitly asks attendees not to park on the nearby Riverside Terrace ('There is no festival parking available on the Terrace').
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at PVD
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the center of Riverside (East Providence). The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
Crescent Park
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Rhode Island Folk Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 3
1000 Warren Ave, East Providence, RI 02914
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates1030 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates45 Mink St, Seekonk, MA 02771
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesTreat yourself 1
5 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI 02903
Typically $170-300 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesAirport hotels 3
2100 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates2138 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates2081 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesAirbnb & private camping
General East Providence/Riverside-area Airbnb inventory is modest (a mostly residential waterfront neighborhood) compared to downtown Providence. This is a free one-day event, small and non-ticketed, so expect normal weekend rates.
Search AirbnbHipcamp's Providence-area directory lists roughly 20 nearby campgrounds/cabins (South Kingstown, Charlestown-area state-beach RV sites, private farms), none within Riverside/East Providence itself, a car-adjacent option for attendees comfortable with a 30-45 min drive rather than a walkable alternative to a hotel. Not a natural fit for a 6-hour, one-day free festival.
Search HipcampSearch all hotels near Crescent Park
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
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Quick answers
When is Rhode Island Folk Festival 2027?
Not announced yet. The last festival was August 30, 2026. The next one is expected in August.
How much are Rhode Island Folk Festival tickets?
Entry is free.
Where is Rhode Island Folk Festival held?
Crescent Park, Riverside (East Providence), RI.