Smith Hill Block Party set for Aug. 12 with performances, services and free food

Smith Hill Library will host its annual Smith Hill Block Party on Aug. 12, bringing live performances, children’s activities, free food and a wide range of community organizations to Candace Street in Providence.

The event is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. at the library. Aug. 19 is the designated rain date.

Hosted by the library, the block party is planned as both a neighborhood gathering and a place for residents to encounter cultural, educational, health, social-service and civic organizations. The organizer lists more than 40 participating organizations and agencies.

Music, activities and tables

The program includes a DJ, other live entertainment, activities for children, information tables, retail tables and free food. The event listing does not publish an attendance projection or budget.

Listed performers are DJ D-Wun, Marlon Carey, Chris Monti, Shiloh Gospel Temple Choir and Maxwell Whiting. The lineup combines DJ programming, musicians and a gospel choir within the afternoon schedule.

The library’s participant list includes the Rhode Island Historical Society, Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Providence College Galleries, Teatro ECAS and the Providence Streets Coalition. It also includes multiple health and social-service groups.

The list reflects the event’s public purpose beyond performances and activities: bringing organizations working in different parts of community life into a shared neighborhood setting. The organizer says additional participating organizations may be added before Aug. 12.

Connection to summer library programming

The block party comes during Summer with your PVD Libraries, a citywide library initiative running from June 22 through Aug. 15, 2026. The program provides free performances, books, activities and events for K-12 youth through Providence library branches and the Readmobile.

Providence Public Library identifies the mayor’s office, Providence schools, parks, recreation and arts, culture and tourism agencies as partners in that summer initiative. The Smith Hill event extends the season’s library-based programming to a neighborhood gathering that includes offerings for children as well as contact with community institutions and service providers.

Residents planning to attend should keep the Aug. 19 rain date in mind in case weather postpones the Aug. 12 event. The published event information confirms free food but does not provide an attendance estimate or budget.