Frequently Asked Questions


Where do I pick up tickets?

Purchase your WBNA House Tour tickets online for a 20% discount in advance. But if you don’t end up getting them beforehand, you can also purchase your tickets on the day of the tour, Saturday, October 6th, at the Welcome Center located at the Providence Hmong Church, 46 Dexter Street in Providence. Tickets are $20 in advance; $15 for students and seniors. 

Can I bring my children?

Children under the age 12 and infants are welcome to attend. Infants may come into the houses, but please note that the homes cannot accommodate strollers.  We recommend that you arrange to have someone to wait outside with your stroller or bring a baby carrier or wearer.

What is the tour route?

The homes are in a within a three-block area, buffered by Hammond and Harrison streets. The House Tour Booklet has a map to guide you.  House Tour volunteers on site can suggest recommended routes, but you may visit the homes in any order that you wish!

Is there transportation provided?

This is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes!

What if it rains?

The tour happens every year, rain or shine!  Hopefully the weather will cooperate with us–it was gorgeous last year–but it is never a bad idea to bring an umbrella.

Where should I park?

You can park on any street on the West Side. Hmong Church is located off Dexter and you will find lots of spaces to park your vehicle.

What if my question has not been answered?

Feel free to contact us at wbna@wbna.org and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Are the walks wheelchair / stroller-accessible?

They are not wheelchair-friendly because of the nature of the neighborhood. Strollers are manageable, but do leave them outside the homes and don’t obstruct others!

Are there discounts available?

YES. We offer a discount of 20% for tour-goers ($20 in advance, $25 day-of); up to 25% off for seniors, students and military persons ($15 in advance, $20 day-of). Advance ticket sales for both the House Tour and the Preview Party end at 9pm on Thursday, October 4; after which tickets can be purchased at the door. 

Are all of the houses old?

There can be a great range in age of the houses on each tour, from 18th century dwellings to modern interpretations. This year features a cottage from the 1840s and a long-abandoned church built in 1866 turned into modern loft-style apartments, as well as a Victorian firehouse reimagined as a home and artist studio. You’ll also see a modern re-make of a “lightning splitter,” an architectural design from the 1850s referring to a wood-framed home with a sharply angled multi-story gable roof, which was believed in local Rhode Island folklore to split or deflect bolts of lightning. 

Where should I stay? Hotels, B&B, etc.

For hotels nearby, check out the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau website: https://www.goprovidence.com/hotels/providence-hotels/

Can I volunteer?

Yes! All volunteers will receive FREE admission to Saturday's tour.  PPS will be managing volunteer recruitment and coordination. Please click here to fill out the volunteer sign up form (your information will not be shared with third-parties). To read more, see this document. You may also reach out to William Ricci, Volunteer Coordinator for the Providence Preservation Society, by emailing: festivalvolunteer@ppsri.org.