Al Fresco Dining on Federal Hill is Back for the Summer
Starting this weekend, Federal Hill streets will be closed and dinner will be served with expanded outdoor seating.
Photo by Joanne DiBona.
One of Rhode Island’s favorite food neighborhoods is bringing back a community favorite: Al Fresco on the Hill. Beginning May 25 and lasting through August 31, the Federal Hill Commerce Association will be closing sections of Atwells Avenue on Saturday evenings so visitors may experience all the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage that ‘Little Italy’ has to offer. The outdoor dining event not only allows restaurants to set up right on the Avenue in designated sections, but also celebrates the culinary arts with an array of entertainment — including live music and artistic performances — and shopping.
“This year there are thirty participating retailers and restaurants and we look forward to a beautiful season on the Hill to continue to help our small business community thrive,” says Rick Simone, President of the Federal Hill Commerce Association. “Each participating restaurant accepts reservations and we recommend making them when possible.”
Dining on the Avenue will take place from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. each Saturday night. The event will only be canceled in the event of sustained heavy rains. (Plus, don’t forget to save the date for the annual Summer Festival which will span June 21 through June 23).
As for the location, Bradford Street to Dean Street along Atwells Avenue will be open to vehicle traffic each night. Participating restaurants in this section will have parklets set up on the Avenue directly in front of their doors. Meanwhile, Dean Street to Sutton Street along Atwells Avenue will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 3:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. For more information, visit federalhillprov.com.
