Whether you are visiting Providence for the first time or returning for another world-class art experience these guides will help you make the most of your time at a WaterFire Lighting or the WaterFire Arts Center.
WaterFire Providence presents groundbreaking, world-class art experiences on the rivers of downtown Providence and at the WaterFire Arts Center in the Olneyville neighborhood. Additionally, the WaterFire Arts Center also serves as an event space where we play host to a wide range of galas, trade shows, and community events.
Visitors can proudly support the businesses listed on our guides knowing that they support the same important values and community connections that WaterFire seeks to foster. All of the hotels and restaurants listed here are direct financial supporters of WaterFire and/or the WaterFire Arts Center.
Are you a local business owner who is looking for a way to reach more visitors and help support our mission? Take a look at our Restaurant & Hotel Partnership Opportunities.
For more visit GoProvidence.com to find more guides from our partner organization the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The WaterFire Arts Center serves as our headquarters, production complex, and multi-purpose arts venue as well as a social enterprise platform strengthening the organization’s long-term financial sustainability. One of the unique features of the WaterFire Arts Center is the Main Hall which provides 15,000 sq. ft. of uninterrupted exhibition, performance, and production space with a 40 ft. ceiling.
The WaterFire Arts Center is available for your next event! From Galas and Weddings to Business Lunches and Trade Shows, we can make your event in Providence a success.
Learn more about Exhibitions and Events at the WaterFire Arts Center!
WaterFire Providence presents NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection: A Half-Century of RI Patronage at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) a large-scale exhibition featuring over 100 NetWorks Rhode Island artists. This exhibition celebrates a dynamic community of innovative artists living and working in Rhode Island and their champion, Joseph A. Chazan M.D. The exhibition is made possible by the support of BankNewport.
NetWorks Rhode Island, initiated in 2008 by Dr. Chazan in collaboration with Umberto Crenca, documented and celebrated the work of 113 Rhode Island artists through video and photographic profiles created over a 9-year span, 2008-2016. This collection of video profiles provides a window into the lives, practices, and cultural contributions of artists who have played vital roles in shaping the contemporary visual arts community in Rhode Island. In 2017, WaterFire Providence in partnership with Dr. Chazan, gathered these documentaries into an accessible website, networksri.org, with the aim to create a digital home for them that could be a resource for people to learn more about these Rhode Island artists and their work. The videography and editing of the profiles is by Richard Goulis and photo portraits by Scott Lapham, Lucas Foglia, and Miguel Rosario.
This summer exhibition is in the WaterFire Arts Center’s 15,000 square foot Main Hall and gallery spaces from Thursday, July 11, 2024 through September 1, 2024*. All are welcome to an opening reception on Thursday, July 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In Memoriam: Dr. Joseph A. Chazan
With deep sadness, we inform the community about the passing of Dr. Joseph A. Chazan, a beloved patron of the arts and a guiding light in the Rhode Island artistic community. Dr. Chazan’s passion for supporting artists and his dedication to fostering creativity has left an indelible mark on our community. His legacy lives on through the countless artists he championed and the works he lovingly collected.
While the planned talk on Wednesday, July 31 will not proceed as initially envisioned, the WaterFire Arts Center will remain open as planned until 7:30 PM for visitors to come and see the exhibition.
In honor of Dr. Chazan, we will be holding a special conversation event on a date to be determined. This evening of conversation will celebrate Dr. Chazan’s vision and commitment to encouraging others to support artists and collect art. Further details about the event will be announced soon.
We invite you to join us at the exhibition in honoring Dr. Chazan’s extraordinary life and legacy.
Thank you for your continued support.
Join us for Artists in Conversation nights on three Thursdays August 1, August 15, and August 22. Over 28 artists will be participating in the talks. There will be two artist talks per night, the first from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the second talk starting at 7:30 p.m. and concluding at 8:30 p.m. The talks will be moderated by Emily Gray, Executive and Curatorial Assistant of WaterFire Providence, and other members of the Rhode Island arts community.
Artists In Conversation
Thursday, August 1 (6-7 pm) World Building · Jesse Burke · Barnaby Evans · Wendy Wahl · Erminio Pinque · Richard Whitten
Thursday, August 1 (7:30-8:30 pm) The Geometry of Abstraction · David Frazer · Denny Moers · Jacqueline Ott · Barbara Owen Moderator: Emily Gray
Thursday, August 15 (6-7 pm) Art + Identity: Photography · Reenie Barrow · Annu Palakunnathu Matthew · Scott Lapham · Mary Beth Meehan · Salvatore Mancini
Thursday, August 15 (7:30-8:30 pm) Art + Identity: Multi-Media · Kate Blacklock · Julie Gearan · Richard Goulis · Rosanne Somerson · Monica Shinn
Thursday, August 22 (6-7 pm) Art and Memory · Tracy Mahaffey · Deborah Baronas · Ruth Dealy · Bob Dilworth · Jane Masters Moderator: Emily Gray
Thursday, August 22 (7:30-8:30 pm) Environment and Change · Jerold Ehrlich · Saberah Malik · Paula Martiesian · Allison Newsome · Agustin Patiño
TroopTop Thursdays a summertime rooftop bar, as well as the 11th Providence Fringe Festival presented by Wilbury Theatre Group happening throughout the neighborhood from Sunday, July 14 to Saturday, July 27. Visitors are invited on the third Thursdays of the month, July 18 and August 15, for Gallery Night Providence; when the WFAC and other art spaces throughout the city are open late and trolley tours are available. There is a closing gathering on Thursday, August 29from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a performance by NetWorks RI Artist and musician Mark Taber.
This exhibition features artwork from Dr. Chazan’s collection together with additional works by the NetWorks Rhode Island artists. NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection is a collaboration between WaterFire Providence, Dr. Chazan, and Candita Clayton, owner of the Candita Clayton Gallery and Collections Manager for the Dr. Chazan Collection.
“The WaterFire Arts Center is the ideal site for an exhibition that’s all about the excellence of Rhode Island artists. WaterFire has hosted the NetWorks archive (networksri.org) for several years, and WaterFire creator Barnaby Evans is himself a NetWorks artist. This large exhibition will provide even greater exposure to the extraordinary richness of the visual arts in Rhode Island. This was my motivation for creating NetWorks Rhode Island.”
Joseph A. Chazan M.D. Founder of NetWorks Rhode Island
The WaterFire Arts Center store + gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to all, donations are encouraged.
*The exhibition will be closed for a private event on Thursday, July 25.
About NetWorks RI
NetWorks Rhode Island, a visual arts project, was initiated in 2008 by Rhode Island arts sponsor and collector Joseph A. Chazan, M.D. Conceived with Umberto Crenca, the then artistic director of the alternative arts center AS220 in Providence, Rhode Island, NetWorks Rhode Island proposed to document, celebrate, and foster the richly creative and diverse professional visual arts community in contemporary Rhode Island through profiles of individual artists and their work. Seventeen profiles were produced that first year. During each subsequent year through 2016, additional profiles were produced, eventually forming an archive of 113 video and photographic profiles supplemented by museum and gallery exhibits, five printed catalogues and panel discussions. Each fall, RI PBS broadcasted the newly released profiles and has frequently re-broadcasted profiles from previous years, providing broad access to the content.
WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.
The community is invited to TroopTop Thursdays at the WaterFire Arts Center every Thursday this summer, through August 29. WaterFire Providence and Valley neighborhood restaurant, Troop PVD, have collaborated to create a rooftop bar with live musical performances and arts experiences as well as a fundraiser for the featured non-profit organization of the night. TroopTop is supported by Cross Insurance and US Rubber Lofts, proudly managed by Brady Sullivan Properties. Programming for each evening is presented by Little Guy At The Gig.
TroopPVD will donate a portion of the proceeds from sales of their specialty cocktail to Gallery Night Providence. For the past 26 years, Gallery Night Providence has provided accessible Providence art galleries to the public on the third Thursday of every month from March through November. Their primary goal of making art accessible is further strengthened by an annual 4,000 visitors and a mission statement of creation, cultivation, and support of the arts.
WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.
Join Foster Foward in celebrating youth in foster care and reflecting on their success!
This incredible night will include music, a LIVE auction, a Fund-a-Need presentation, food, drinks, dancing, and inspiring stories of how Foster Forward youth are reflecting on their success and shining bright like a disco ball
September 13th
6 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
WaterFire Arts Center 475 Valley Street, Providence RI
Foster Forward’s mission is to empower lives impacted by foster care. We have an unwavering commitment to support children and youth, families, and the child welfare system as a whole, to grow, connect, improve, and move forward.
A vintage shopping party with 90+ booths of records, art, decor, size-inclusive clothing, jewelry, and more, across eras and price points.
Join Little City Thrifty with over 90 vendor booths for an indoor vintage shopping experience in Providence, Rhode Island. Little City Thrifty features books, records, art, small furniture, home decor, jewelry, size-inclusive clothing, and more, at all price points, across eras. Vendors will be bringing their amazing collections, which range from vintage designer items to t-shirts to barware to pottery and art – and everything in between.
This ridiculous rally of rummaged regalia will be held over two days at Providence’s most revered venue, The WaterFire Arts Center. Spend a few hours with Little City Thrift, have a cocktail, mocktail, or beer at the Inside Voices bar, grab lunch from the two on-site pop-up restaurants (including JA Patty, with vegan and gluten free options), and pick through over 15,000 square feet of buried treasure.
At our core, we’re a creative team that thrives off of bringing people together through design, events, and grassroots marketing. From web and graphic design, to video and photography, to marketing and brand consulting, Ampersand Creative Co. is here to help you look your Sunday best.
Providence, 475 Valley St, Providence, RI 02908, USA
About the Event
The Mini Kids Entrepreneur Fair is the perfect opportunity for your young ones to discover their potential and unleash their creativity! This one-day event provides a unique platform for children, aged 4-14, to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and learn through play. Parents and caretakers will work alongside their children, helping them create a product or service to sell at the fair on October 12, 2024.
Secure your child’s spot by registering today for the Mini Kids Entrepreneur Fair! Trust us, it’s gonna be super awesome with some cool stuff in the pipeline!
After registration, we will email a guidebook to support with the process of developing your child’s business. In August we will also host drop-in sessions with our entrepreneur coaches to support business development. More information on our drop-in sessions to come!
The Mini Kids Entrepreneur fair is an entire vibe for all participants; Mini Entrepreneurs, parents, mentors, and customers!
Becoming an entrepreneur at a young age promotes teamwork, creative thinking, communication, problem-solving, and much more! Join our Mini Kids Fair and gain a rewarding experience.
WaterFire, an award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the fire tenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park.
Due to declining revenue from sponsorship, the long-term financial impacts caused by the pandemic and in an effort to reduce expenses, our summer WaterFire events will now end at 11 PM instead of midnight. Thank you for understanding.
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
Join us for a full lighting on Saturday, August 17, made possible through critical funding from the Providence Tourism Council (PTC) and with support from Red Bull. The lighting will begin at 7:30 PM and the braziers will remain lit until 11:00 PM. The wakeskating performance in the basin will begin at 8:10 PM and conclude at 8:40 PM.
Wake the Flames, a Red Bull Wakeskating Performance
Brian Grubb – Red Bull Wake the Flames
Brian Grubb – Red Bull Wake the Flames
Brian Grubb – Red Bull Wake the Flames
WaterFire Providence and Red Bull will partner up this summer, for Wake the Flames, an extraordinary wakeskating performance by Red Bull Athlete Brian Grubb. Grubb will enter the river on a foil, transitioning to wakeskating in the basin of Waterplace Park. Guests are invited to come down and witness Grubb’s stunts after sunset as he performs wakeskating maneuvers amid the illuminated fires. This promises to be an unforgettable experience for all thrill-seekers. The wakeskating performance in the Waterplace Park Basin will begin at 8:10 PM and conclude at 8:40 PM.
Brian Grubb is a three-time world champion and a pioneer of wakeskating. Brian has become one of the most influential individuals in the sport, pushing the boundaries with projects in unique locations. Brian’s most recent project, Wakebase was an astonishing accomplishment and success, where he garnered national and international media attention, wakeskating behind a high-powered drone off the tallest infinity pool in the world.
“I’m excited to come to Waterfire Providence this summer and show people wakeskating,” says Grubb. “My roots are in the Northeast so it’s always a pleasure to come back. This will be a unique experience for both me and the spectators to enjoy.”
WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.
Due to declining revenue from sponsorship, the long-term financial impacts caused by the pandemic and in an effort to reduce expenses, our summer WaterFire events will now end at 11 PM instead of midnight. Thank you for understanding.
WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.
WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.
WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.
WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.
Restaurants and shops in and around Downtown Providence.
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