Updated April 2024
WaterFire Providence is a renowned public art installation in Providence, Rhode Island, where over 80 bonfires are lit on the rivers that pass through the downtown area. This event combines fire, music, and the city’s waterfront to create a magical and serene atmosphere. Held throughout the year, typically during the warmer months, WaterFire has become a beloved cultural experience for both locals and tourists.
The event features live music performances, food vendors, and art exhibits, attracting people to enjoy the beauty of the fires reflecting on the water, along with the sounds and sights of the city coming to life. Whether you’re exploring the city or looking for a relaxing evening, WaterFire provides a unique blend of art, community, and natural beauty.
Thursday, April 18
Partial Lighting, Memorial Park
Sunset (7:30 pm) – 9:30 pm
WaterFire Day – Season Schedule Announcement
Celebrate by Dining Out in Providence
Saturday, May 11
Partial Lighting in Waterplace Basin
Sunset (7:55 pm) – 10:00 pm
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 pm
Supported by the Governor’s Office, Always Learning Rhode Island, National Governors Association, and Rhode Island Department of Education in celebration of Learn365RI
Saturday, June 1
Full Lighting
Sunset (8:14 pm) – 11:00 pm
Supported by the Rhode Island School of Design
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 pm
Music Program
Thursday, July 4
Full Lighting – Providence Independence Day Celebration
Sunset (8:24 pm) – 11:00 pm
Support by the Providence Tourism Council
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 pm
Music Program
Tuesday, July 30
Partial Lighting in Waterplace Basin
Sunset (8:05 pm) – 10:00 pm
Supported by American Association for State Compensation Insurance Fund (AASCIF) Annual Conference
Saturday, August 3
Full Lighting – Clear Currents Community Paddling Night
Sunset (8:00 pm) – 11:00 pm
Supported by Cox Business and Fidelity Investments
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 pm
Music Program
Monday, August 5
Partial Lighting in Waterplace Basin
Sunset (7:59 pm) – 10:00 pm
Supported by Leadership Rhode Island in partnership with the National Leadership Network for the Association of Leadership Programs 2024 National Conference
Onshore programming opens at 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 17
Full Lighting
Sunset ( 7:42 pm ) – 11:00 pm
Supported by the Providence Tourism Council with additional support from Red Bull
Wake the Flames, a Red Bull Wakeskating performance from 8:10-8:40 pm in the Waterplace Park Basin
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 pm
Music Program
Saturday, August 31
Full Lighting
Sunset (7:19 pm) – 11:00 pm
Supported by Dunkin’ & FM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:00 pm
Music Program
Saturday, September 21
Full Lighting
Sunset (6:43 pm) – 11:00 pm
Supported by the Rhode Island Department of Education, Amica Mutual Insurance, and Igus
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 pm
Music Program
Saturday, October 5
Full Lighting – Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™
Sunset (6:19 pm)- 10:00 pm
Supported by Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:00 pm
Saturday, October 26 (added to the schedule on September 25)
Full Lighting
Sunset (5:47 pm) – 10:00 pm
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:00 pm
Supported by Brown University
Saturday, November 2
Full Lighting – WaterFire’s Salute to Veterans
Sunset (5:38 pm) – 9:00 pm
Supported by Rhode Island Energy, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and BuildSubmarines.com/BlueForge Alliance. With additional support from Dominion Energy/Manchester Street Station, Rob Levine Law, and Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD.
Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 pm
Walking to WaterFire from Christopher Dodge House is a pleasant experience that takes you through parts of Providence’s historic and scenic downtown. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace, and covers just under a mile. Make sure to arrive a little early to grab a good spot to view the lighting of the fires and enjoy the ambiance.
These dates sell fast. Be sure to book your stay with us in advance!
