Providence Welcomes Back a Fully Gluten-Free Food Festival

Finally, something tasty for us gluten-free folks.

If you avoid gluten, you know the feeling: walking into a food event and having to ask a million questions before taking a single bite. That’s why this event immediately grabbed my attention. GFree Fest is coming back to Providence, and it’s a food festival where everything is gluten free. No guessing. No stressing. Just eating.

I don’t have celiac disease, but I do have a gluten intolerance, and events like this are right up my alley. Savory food, desserts, drinks, and everything in between – all gluten-free – means I can actually enjoy myself without worrying about how I’ll feel later. To quote the great Randy Jackson, "That's a yes from me, dog."

Now in its third year, Rhode Island’s GFree Fest was founded by BJ Mansuetti of Ampersand Creative Co. after being diagnosed with celiac disease. After two sold-out years, the Third Annual GFree Fest returns March 21 and 22 to the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence for two full days of eating, drinking, and gluten-free goodness.

Yes, Everything Is Actually Gluten Free

This is a fully gluten-free event, top to bottom.

READ MORE: Fall River Restaurant Hosts First Gluten-Free Food Challenge

All 85-plus vendors have agreed to stick to a gluten-free menu, and since the festival is owned and hosted by someone with celiac disease, the standards are taken seriously. Vendors also provide info sheets at their tables explaining how and where their food is prepared, which makes navigating the event way easier.

Gluten-Free Drinks Included

There will also be a fully gluten-free bar serving cocktails, mocktails, ciders, hard seltzers, and more. Whether you’re drinking or not, there are plenty of options, and the bar staff is ready to answer ingredient questions.

Get our free mobile app

What to Know Before You Go

GFree Fest is held indoors, rain or shine, and parking at the WaterFire Arts Center is free. Tickets are sold for specific entry times, so make sure you arrive during the window you selected. Kids ages four and up need tickets, pets need to stay home, and VIP ticket holders get early entry plus a swag bag packed with goodies.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GFree Fest (@gfreefest)

Bottom line: we're talking about a food festival where I can eat everything without overthinking it. That’s my kind of weekend.