Summer Celebrations Block Party

Providence Youth Build Something To Celebrate:
“Summer Celebrations” Block Party Coming July 31

Free Community Event, Designed and Produced by High School Youth, to Feature Performances, Art, Food, and Fun at the Southside Cultural Center

PROVIDENCE, RI — Over the past six months, high school students, mostly from Providence, have been excitedly preparing for a special celebration for young people and our communities. Mark your calendars for July 31, 2026, from 12–6 PM at the Southside Cultural Center (393 Broad Street). Join us for Summer Celebrations — a fun, free, all-ages block party that is thoughtfully created, organized, and brought to life by youth, for everyone to enjoy.

– Youth, families, and community members can look forward to:
– Student performances
– Student art show and art vendors
– Karaoke
– DJs and dancing
– Games and prizes
– Resources from local youth-serving programs
– Free food
– And more!
– Led by Youth, Supported by Community

Summer Celebrations is designed and produced by high school students — mostly from Providence — who want to create something meaningful for their city and their peers to enjoy. From programming to logistics to creative vision, youth are running the show. Twenty-one students from various schools and after-school programs are collaborating to plan the event’s theme and vibe, performances, activities, and food. Through this process, they have developed broad skills in leadership, community organizing, collaboration, and communication, as well as specific learning in budget management, event planning and production, fundraising, project management, audiovisual technology, creative writing, and graphic design. Supported by a coalition of local youth-serving organizations, this event is planned and produced by Providence teens to showcase youth talent, creativity, and cultural traditions.

This idea was initially born out of the chaos and disruption faced by programs serving young people, as funding challenges and rising costs plague the nonprofit sector. Seeking a joyful response to challenges, this event aims to deepen relationships among high school youth-serving organizations in Providence and strengthen our sector’s resilience through capacity-building collaborations. What has developed is Summer Celebrations, a free, family-friendly event that aims to foster social networks and increase community engagement by celebrating high school students, elevating shared public spaces, and connecting families to the programs and supports that help young people thrive.

This collaboration includes over 30 youth-serving nonprofits in Providence that have participated in some way, from planning meetings and program support to helping spread the word to students and supporters. Local organizations that have provided substantial commitment include: DownCity Design, New Urban Arts, Movement Education Outdoors, Project Open Door, Providence Student Union, Southside Community Land Trust, The Steel Yard, and Young Voices.

Funded in Part by the Rhode Island Foundation and the Otto York Foundation
Summer Celebrations is made possible in part through the generous support of the Rhode Island Foundation and the Otto York Foundation, whose investment in Providence youth makes events like this possible.

Come Celebrate With Us
This event has been created by and for high school students and is welcoming to siblings, families, and neighbors. Anyone who wants to celebrate summer, community, and the power of young people— this event is for you. Come for food from the grill, dancing, and art, stay for the inspiring potential of our community’s youth.

Summer Celebrations Block Party
📅 July 31, 2026 | 12–6 PM
📍 Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad Street, Providence, RI
🎟️ Free and open to all