FALL RIVER — The Fall River community is once more turning up to show some love for the city, and the creative arts.
For the fifth year, the We HeART Fall River Festival is happening downtown in the heart of the Spindle City, bringing together local artists, writers, crafters, and more.
There will be a celebration of children’s books, with creative zones packed full of fun activities for kids, plus live music and lots of decadent meals from area food trucks.
This event is happening just in time for Mother’s Day too, for anyone who needs the perfect gift idea for their mom, or anyone in their lives who is like a mom.
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
When is the We HeART Fall River Festival?
The fifth annual We HeART Fall River Festival will be taking over downtown Fall River for an afternoon of art, fun, food, entertainment, and more.
It will be held on Saturday, May 10, from noon to 4 p.m., on the south side of Government Center along Sullivan Drive.
Is it free?
This event is free to attend.
What is the We HeART Fall River Festival?
“This annual community festival invites attendees to come together in a unified celebration of the power of the arts and culture to make a difference and to change our lives and our city for the better,” a press release from Viva Fall River said.
The We HeART Fall River Festival is presented by the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition and Viva Fall River, in partnership with the City of Fall River, the Narrows Center for the Arts, and the Fall River Farmers & Artisans Market. It’s financed in part by Bristol County, through the American Rescue Plan Act; and grants from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, and the Fall River Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the MCC; with additional support from the Office of Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.
What events and entertainment are planned?
Highlights from this year’s festival will include:
A maker’s market, with the Fall River Farmers & Artisans Market showcasing more than 25 vendors offering items for sale.
“From original artwork and hand-made decor to body care, jewelry and clothing, this market is the perfect place to get a unique gift for Mother’s Day and support a local artisan,” the press release said.
Lots of local food trucks, like BBQ Y Mas, Blount Clam Shack Food Truck, Kona Ice of Taunton, Mac ‘N’ Cheese Please, Pop’s Mobile Brick Oven Pizza, Tacofied, and What’s Up Cupcake.
Other local small businesses will be there too, like Bun Buds and Mario’s Lebanese Bakery from Fall River, and Brownell’s Bakery from Westport.
For the fourth year, there will be a biergarten with Troy City Brewing, selling local craft brews from noon to 4 p.m. This space is only for guests who are 21 and older.
Live entertainment, featuring a line-up of free performances. Guests are welcome to bring chairs or blankets.
The opening act will be Tori Costa, performing a fusion of Portuguese folk and Americana from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
Neal & The Vipers will be the headliner, performing from 2 to 4 p.m. Presented by the Narrows Center for the Arts, the Rhode Island-based band has been delighting audiences with American roots music for more than 30 years.
All-ages activities, including art projects, giveaways, and more.
There will be a big bubbles show with The Bubble Guy Vinny Lovegrove from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; free caricatures with Boston Caricature from noon to 4 p.m.; a free photo booth with Funfotos2go from noon to 4 p.m.; and dinosaur photo ops and fun with Tony Medeiros Entertainment from 2 to 4 p.m.
Local community and arts organizations will also host crafts and activities tables, with participants including Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River, Community Autism Resources Inc., Community Connections, Department of Children & Families Foster Parent Recruitment, Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition, Fall River Pride Committee, Fall River Public Library Bookmobile, Fall River YMCA, MassNOW, Peaceful Petals Sensory Bus, People Incorporated, SouthCoast Creative Arts Lab, South Coast LGBTQ+ Network, The Trustees Mobile Adventure Van, and Viva Fall River.
Children’s Book Week celebration
This year’s festival will also take part in celebrating Children’s Book Week.
The atrium in Government Center, with support from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, will be transformed into interactive storybook zones, featuring beloved children’s book characters.
“These engaging areas will not only delight young readers but also spark imagination, promote literacy, and inspire thoughtful conversations about the positive themes explored in their favorite books,” the press release said.
At the Story Safari Zone with the Fall River Public Library, Children’s Services Director David Mello will read a variety of jungle-themed books from noon to 2 p.m. This will include selections from Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein, as well as a variety of safari crafts. From 2 to 4 p.m., community volunteers will read additional selections, and kids can play jungle-themed games.
Meet area storytellers at the “We Love Local Authors!” area, featuring fun readings and activities.
From noon to 1 p.m., author Joanie Woodward will read her book, “Seven Little Monkeys,” and lead a “laughing yoga” session, as well as guide a coloring activity.
Avery Motta, a teen author and student at B.M.C. Durfee High School, will share excerpts from her debut novel “In the Game” from 1 to 2 p.m. She’ll also lead kids in their own story-writing activity, and take part in a moderated conversation about her path to becoming a published writer.
Award-winning illustrator Nicole Wong will read one of the many children’s books that she’s brought to life with her thoughtful artwork, from 2 to 3 p.m. She’ll also chat with kids about what it’s like to be an illustrator, and guide them through a hands-on drawing activity.
Costumed characters will bring beloved tales to life at The Storybook Kingdom with A Piece of Cake Parties. There will be live readings, interactions, photo ops, and fairytale fun for everyone. Meet Elsa from “Frozen” from noon to 1 p.m.; Dino Ranger from 1 to 2 p.m.; Mickey Mouse from 2 to 3 p.m.; and Bluey from 3 to 4 p.m.
“DRAW!” with SketchyGOichie, a digital art program designed for kids and young adults (age 7 and up). In this session, kids will tackle the same art prompt in small groups (15 to 20 minutes per round).
Parking
Free parking will be available at:
- The lot at 138 Third St., across from the Third Street Parking Garage
- 329 Central St.
There will also be street parking available.
ArtWeek SouthCoast
The We HeART Fall River Festival is a part of ArtWeek SouthCoast, a 10-day celebration of the arts in our communities. To learn more about other ArtWeek events, visit https://artweeksouthcoast.org/.
To learn more
For more information, visit https://www.vivafallriver.com/WHFR-2025/ or https://www.fallriverartsandculturecoalition.org/we-heart.