Saturday, October 14

Saturday, October 14
Supported by Brown University
Full Lighting
Onshore Programs and Vendors Open at 5:00 pm
WaterFire Lighting: Sunset (6:06 pm) – 11:00 pm
Music Program

Join us for a full lighting this Saturday, October 14, 2023 supported by Brown University. The lighting will begin at 6:06 p.m. and the braziers will remain lit until 11:00 p.m. On-shore programming will open at 5:00 p.m.

“WaterFire has become a distinct symbol of Providence’s cultural identity and a point of pride for the city,” says Mary Jo Callan, Vice President for Community Engagement at Brown University,  “We are thrilled to build on our partnership with WaterFire as a sponsor to bring residents and visitors together in community to gather and celebrate this immersive art installation. Brown is deeply committed to working with local partners to contribute to positive impacts for people and communities throughout Rhode Island.”

WaterFire Marketplace will return to Canal Street, stop by to support WaterFire with a donation or a purchase of locally designed apparel, glassware, books, and gifts. Make a quick and easy donation with the DipJar and glass blowing by Gather Glass. WaterFire will also have additional ambassador and merchandise stations in front of the RISD Auditorium, and both sides of the basin in Waterplace Park.

Behind the Magic: WaterFire Walking Tour

Experience the magic of WaterFire like never before with a behind-the-scenes walking tour! Led by a long-time WaterFire volunteer, this tour covers the remarkable origin story, artistry, and hidden gems of Providence’s most cherished event. Your guide will bring you through the heart of the city, walking alongside the path of the braziers that will be lit just a few short hours later. You will also receive a certificate to add a wish to the Starry, Starry Night installation during the lighting. 

This tour will take place at 2:00 pm on October 14. The tour starts at 129 Dyer St in Providence and ends at the Basin. Free parking will be made available to you in a nearby lot for the duration of the tour (information will be sent after booking). 

The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza will be on Washington Street and Steeple Street, shop this gathering of local artists and makers in mediums such as glass, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more. 

The Steeple Street Music Stage will feature the Gendo Taiko drummers, enjoy two, thirty-minute sets at 7 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

Catch three fire-spinning performances beginning at 6:00 p.m. and continuing at 7:30 p.m. and 8:00  p.m. by Cirque de Light. 

The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza kicks off on Washington Street and Steeple Street from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. where visitors can browse and shop from a variety of local artists and makers in mediums such as glass, photography, jewelry, and more. This outdoor artisan fair will showcase some of the great artwork created in Rhode Island and offer visitors the opportunity to support the local arts economy by purchasing work by Rhode Island-based artists.

On Washington Street, visitors can explore Recycled SilverWear,  Ecuador to your door, Into the Woods, Emma Joyce Art, Jade’s Gems, Jeremy Schilling Fine Art, Adelante Shoe Co., Moonlight Jewelry, Land and Seaglass,  and Julia Gash. 

On Steeple Street: All Things Lavender, Sophie Foulkes, Broken Arrow Studios, Odettas, Glass Monkey, M PEARL, Revibed Vinyl, Tigris Handmade, Design WhatHaveYou, goddex apothecary, CandlesByJudith, Pourever Creations, and Sunu Body.

Andrew Anselmo, Origami Master will be hanging out all night at Market Square and visitors can find A Silent Soapbox living statue at the bottom of Washington Street Bridge and Canal Walk starting at sunset. Ten31 Productions will be illuminating the World War Monument in Memorial Park. 

The Starry, Starry Night installation returns to Memorial Park near the Crawford Street Bridge; add your light to the night by wishing on a star or dedicate a luminaria candle lantern.

Food Fairs will be open on Washington Street and College Street. Enjoy local food from festival favorites.

Washington Street:  Kettle Korn Express, One2Taco&More, Full House Q, The Incred-A-bowl Food Company, Duck Press, Caribbean Delights, and Saugys

College Street: Pita Pocket, Spanglish, Pam’s Grill on the Go, Poppin Minis, and Sal’s.

Trinity Brewhouse will have two locations, one on the corner of Canal and Steeple Street, and the other on the corner of Canal and Washington Street. They will be serving up local brews and wine from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.