Complimentary Parking in PVD Kicks off This Small Business Saturday

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced the return of complimentary two-hour parking for shopping in Providence business corridors throughout the holiday season. The two-hour free holiday parking program begins on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025, making it easier for shoppers to visit small independent retailers and dining establishments. Mayor Smiley and Providence City Councilor Oscar Vargas also announced that the City of Providence will provide free 30-minute parking outside of City Hall on Washington Street to make it easier for residents to access city services. The City Hall parking program begins December 2, 2024, and is available from 8:30am-4:30pm, while City Hall is open to the public. While parking meter violations will not be issued during free two-hour parking in the specified districts, two-hour parking limits will be enforced to allow all residents and visitors to take advantage of the campaign. 

Still parking-wary? Plan ahead and make dining reservations at a restaurant that offers valet parking in the area you plan to shop; bonus points for free valet parking! Simply exit your car, have it parked, enjoy a meal, and do some shopping before calling for your car. Pro-tip: bring along a parking key if you have one, and keep bills ready for tips; some valets also accept payment apps like Venmo.

Or take advantage of the RIPTA system and take the bus into or around the city. All bus routes start and end at Kennedy Plaza downtown. If you live in Providence, walk, ride, or take a ride-share. Pay using exact change, or the Wave smart card or mobile app. RIPTA.com/wave

Complimentary two-hour holiday parking will be available in the following commercial districts:

Broad Street 

Public Street to Montgomery Avenue 

College Hill 

Angell Street: Brook Street to Prospect Street 

Brooke Street to Bowen Street 

Euclid Avenue: Brook Street to Thayer Street 

Meeting Street: Brook Street to Brown Street 

Prospect Street: George Street to Angell Street 

South Water Street-Crawford Street Bridge to Wickenden Street 

South Main Street: Wickenden Street to College Street 

Thayer Street: Bowen Street to Waterman Street 

Waterman Street: Prospect Street to Hope Street 

Downtown 

Downtown Providence-bounded by Sabin Street, Memorial Boulevard, Dyer Street, Clifford Street and Dave Gavitt Way

Federal Hill 

Atwells Avenue: Bradford Street to Sutton Street 

Brayton Avenue: West Exchange Street to Spruce Street 

Dean Street: Atwells Avenue to West Exchange Street 

Spruce Street: Dean Street to Acorn Street 

Fox Point 

Ives Street: Wickenden Street to Preston Street 

Wickenden Street: Benefit Street to Ives Street 

Hope Street 

Rochambeau Avenue to Blackstone Boulevard 

Jewelry District 

Jewelry District-bounded by Clifford Street, Eddy Street, Point Street and East Franklin Street 

Point Street: Point Street Bridge to East Franklin Street 

State House/Train Station 

Canal Street: Smith Street to Park Row 

Francis Street: Hayes Street to Smith Street 

Gaspee Street: Smith Street to Francis Street 

North Main Street-Steeple Street to Smith Street 

Park Street: Smith Street to Orms Street 

Park Row & Park Row West: North Main Street to Exchange Street 

State Street: Orms Street to Smith Street 

Olneyville Square 

Bounded by Route 10: Delaine Street, Atwood Street, and Magnolia Street 

Wayland Square 

Angell and South Angell Streets: Butler Avenue to Gano Street 

Wayland Avenue: Angell Street to Waterman Street 

Source: ProvidenceRI.gov