The Collaborative, a nonprofit arts organization, has announced the 6th Annual Warren Folks Festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 30 Cutler St., Warren, RI.

The Warren Folks Festival is a free one-day music, art and food festival that has quickly become a must attend event each summer.

“Folks Fest is The Collaborative’s biggest fundraiser,” said Collaborative Executive Director and Founder, Uriah Donnelly. “The funds raised help us operate throughout the rest of the year, so it’s important to our organization. But mostly it’s an excuse to throw a big party with all our friends who do cool things.”

The festival focuses on all things local with plenty of art and wares from over 40 Rhode Island area artists and makers. There is also food from local restaurants including Balasco's Pizzeria, Hunky Dory, Bywater Restaurant, Chelsea’s Creamery, Dip’s Dips, Basil & Bunny, Farm to Sandwich, Lumpia Bros, Mooseman's Kettle Corn, and Chomp Kitchen & Drinks. The Beer Garden is, once again, fully sponsored by Narragansett Beer with 100 percent of the proceeds going to The Collaborative. 

“This is huge,” opined Donnelly.  “The partnership we have created with Narraganset is very important to us. They are incredibly generous and have been big supporters of The Collaborative for a long time. We couldn't do this without them.”

Besides Narragansett, there will be wine from Anchor & Hope, hard seltzer from Cannon & Anchor and light cocktails from Cruisin’ Cocktails, as well as nonalcoholic beverages from Granny Squibb’s Organic Iced Tea and Kristie’s Kraft Mocktails.

The main stage will feature RI-based acts Vudu Sister, Bochek, Joe Bruce & Friends, Honeysuckle Hill, spoken word from Ernest Edwards and, Brooklyn-based, Mary-Elaine Jenkins. There will also be an “acoustic” second stage showcasing four Rhode Island-based singer songwriters: Anthony Loffredio, Beauquet, Rafay Rashid, and American Echoes.

“We’re very excited about the lineup this year,” said Donnelly.” It features the most diverse group we’ve had and is a nice mix of musical styles. We’re particularly looking forward to the split set with Honeysuckle Hill and Ernest Edwards. Since Lily (from Honeysuckle Hill) was once our intern and Ernest is our neighbor on Main st with his barbershop.”

Helping sponsor the Folks Fest this year, along with Narragansett Beer and 30 Cutler Street, are Navigant Credit Union, BankNewport, Tasca Auto Group, and a Legislative Grant co-sponsored by Rep. Jason Knight and Rep. June Speakman. All proceeds from this event go to help The Collaborative continue to bring meaningful and fun events to the community.

The festival takes place in the backlot of 30 Cutler Street in Warren, rain or shine. Entry is free but donations are encouraged. Attendees are encouraged to walk or bike in as parking is very limited.

For more information about the event and The Collaborative and their other events, email info@thecollaborative02885.org or visit www.thecollaborative02885.org