WaterFire – Providence, RI | May 26 | Sunset 8:09 pm

Full Lighting

WaterFire is the award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans presented on the rivers of downtown Providence, RI. It was first created by Evans in 1994 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of First Night Providence. This popular event has since become an annual public art phenomenon.

WaterFire is simultaneously a free public art installation, a performance work, an urban festival, a civic ritual, and a spiritual communal ceremony. This is a well known nationally and internationally community arts event!  WaterFire’s symbolism and interpretation is both inclusive and expansive.  This reflects the recognition that individuals must act together to strengthen and preserve their community.

On WaterFire evenings, downtown Providence will be transformed by one hundred fires that burn just above the surface of the rivers flowing through Waterplace Park and the middle of downtown Providence .  You are invited to come and walk the riverfront and enjoy the beauty of the flickering firelight, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the changing silhouettes of the volunteer firetenders, and the music from around the world.  These performers engage the senses and emotions of all who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park and the walkways along the banks of the rivers.

Average attendance is 40,000 a night ranging from 10,000 to 100,000. WaterFire is presented for free, but donations are encouraged.

Arts Festival Plaza

Located on Washington Street in the heart of the WaterFire installation, the Arts Festival Plaza is a showcase for local artists and craftspeople. You will find photography and sculpture, paintings and hand-crafted ceramics, to jewelry and specialty textiles. The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza features an array of locally crafted artisan wares. All are for sale to WaterFire’s visitors! The Arts Festival Plaza is open from 6 – 10:30 PM.

All Full WaterFire installations light up over eighty braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park.  Lighting occurs shortly after sunset and the event continues until half past midnight.

Visit the WaterFire website for details on the event, parking, transportation, activities at the festival and many more details.