The smell of sizzling kebab, sweet paklava, and freshly brewed Armenian coffee filled the air as thousands gathered at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston on November 8–9 for the 60th annual Armenian Fest hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church.

Now in its sixth decade, the festival remains a highlight of the year for the Armenian community and its friends across Rhode Island. Families and visitors packed the hall to enjoy homemade food, live music, and the kind of warm hospitality that has made this event a local favorite for generations.

In the kitchen, volunteers worked for months preparing classics like shish kebab, losh kebab, pilaf, and kufteh, dishes that carry the taste and tradition of home. The pastry table was just as popular, offering rows of paklava, choreg, katah, and khadayif that didn’t stay on the trays for long.

Throughout the weekend, laughter and Armenian melodies filled the room. Children and adults joined in traditional line dances, while others browsed crafts, played games, or tried their luck in the raffles. Performances by local musicians and the Hamazkayin Artsakh Dance Group added even more life to the celebration.

While the festival is known for its food and fun, it also serves a deeper purpose, supporting the church’s cultural, educational, and outreach programs. Each year’s proceeds help sustain the parish and keep Armenian heritage alive for future generations.

As the final songs played and the crowd slowly dispersed, there was a shared feeling of gratitude for the memories made, the friendships renewed, and the enduring spirit of the Armenian community in Rhode Island.

A huge thank you to the Armenian Fest committee members, the Ladies’ Guild and Men’s Club, the more than 200 volunteers, and the church and sister organizations for their time, tireless efforts and dedication prior to and during the food fest weekend. We extend our appreciation to all our donors and sponsors for supporting the Armenian Fest RI! With another successful festival behind us, organizers and guests are already looking ahead to 2026 where we’ll be ready once again to celebrate the flavors, faith, and fellowship that make Armenian Fest so special.