The Pawtucket Arts Festival announces plans for its 18th annual celebration of the arts and creative enterprise in the Blackstone River Valley, with a month-long schedule devoted to the fine and popular arts, as well as family-friendly creative events, many of which have free admission.

Opening weekend is August 26-28 in downtown Pawtucket by the banks of the Blackstone River, ground central for a newly designated National Historical Park.

On Friday evening, Aug. 26, the Pawtucket Arts Festival kicks off the 2016 season with Taste of the Valley, where crowds cheer on culinary competitors and the region’s restaurants offer food samplings in pursuit of the PAF “Tasting Cup” and “Peoples’ Choice” Awards. Held at the Slater Mill on Roosevelt Ave, Taste of the Valley is immediately followed by The Blackstone River Revival as Pawtucket’s arts party continues under the rockin’ Revival Stage Tent with Roomful of Blues and the Rad Trads, as the audience takes to the dance floor.

A gorgeous side aisle for the PAF opening evening is created by the new Blackstone River Walk behind Pawtucket City Hall and Slater Mill, offering compelling views of the falls as it roars over the dam in accompaniment to Roomful’s driving rhythms. Admission to the Taste of the Valley/Blackstone River Revival Gala is $10 and is a fundraiser in support of the Pawtucket Arts Festival. A cash bar is available.

In addition to these tradition-making PAF sponsored events, other returning PAF partner events include Slater Mill’s S.A.M.Fest, Aug. 27 and 28; the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s RI Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival on September 3rd, and XOS Exchange Street Open Studios on Sept. 17-18, among others. The PAF 2016 Season will conclude with the Annual City of Pawtucket Photography Contest & Reception on Sept. 25 at the Visitors Center in Pawtucket.

Of particular note is this year’s 15th anniversary performance of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, September 10th in a concert that draws thousands to Slater Memorial Park. Sponsored for many years by the Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance and billed as Pops in the Park, the free concert represents a major annual gift to the city from its public school educators in this arts-aware community. The evening begins with a Main Stage performance by The Duke Robillard Band, followed by Pops in the Park with the RI Philharmonic Orchestra and Grand Finale Fireworks sponsored by Bristol County Bank.

Slater Park Fall Festival showcases more than 100 artists, artisans, performers, and regional food truck fare, presented throughout the weekend of Sept. 10-11. Admission is free and open to the public.

For further Pawtucket Arts Festival information visit pawtucketartsfestival.org.