Saturday, June 1

“Rhode Island School of Design is pleased to once again sponsor the first full lighting of WaterFire’s 2024 season as we welcome our alumni and families to Providence for Commencement and Reunion Weekend. The lighting is a wonderful addition to the many lively events RISD has planned for its multi-day campus celebration. We look forward to joining with the wider Providence community on the riverwalk for this special edition of the signature WaterFire event on June 1.”

— Bethany Costello, executive director of RISD’s Center for Community Partnerships

Remembering Michael Grando

This past winter, the WaterFire community lost a dear friend, Michael Grando, who brought his gentle spirit to WaterFire for over two decades. The community is invited to join an observance with the Eastern Medicine Singers and a drum circle in his honor at 7:30 PM in Memorial Park. WaterFire’s traditional observance of the Memorial Canoe, followed by Michael’s Thai boat, will depart Waterplace Basin around 8:55 PM on its voyage down the entire river. At 9:30 PM, near the drum circle, Michael’s daughter Crow Grando will don traditional makeup, and Pierrette will continue Pierrot’s mission of presenting flowers to those along the riverside. A collection of Michael’s images and writings, along with a remembrance book, will be at Market Square all evening.

Here is a link to an earlier post celebrating Michael Grando’s life

WaterFire Walking Tour tickets are now available for purchase online. Led by long-time WaterFire volunteers, this tour covers the remarkable origin story, artistry, and hidden gems of Providence’s most cherished event. Guests will walk through the heart of the city, following alongside the path of the braziers that will be lit just a few short hours later.

WaterFire Access Boat rides are now available to reserve for June 1 and throughout the lighting season. The WaterFire Access Program is a water taxi that provides an experience of the artwork for children and adults with disabilities to ensure that they can join in the most popular arts event in the state and share the experience with their families and friends. Contact [email protected] to learn more about the program or to schedule a ride.

The WaterFire Artist and Maker Vendors will be located on Washington Street and Steeple Street from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM where visitors can browse and shop for a variety of goods such as glass, photography, jewelry, and more. On Washington Street, visitors can explore Recycled SilverWear, Bare & Brine, Design WhatHaveYou, Celeste Diaz Falzone, One Oliver, Mike Cohea / Visuals, Sparkles & Glow by Yvonne, UncouthCurations, Moonlight Jewelry, Jessie Jewels Art, Joseph Mushipi Visual Art. On Steeple Street, Revibed Vinyl, Roses + Dragons Designs, Pourever Creations, Candles By Judith, The Dapper Flapper, James Polisky, Broken Arrow Studios, Parched, Odetta’s, Maeven and Me, Into The Woods, Skoshie & Friends. 

Funkademic at WaterFire

Music by Mel

Liz Knights performing at WaterFire Providence, photograph by John Nickerson.

Origami Master Andrew Anselmo at WaterFire. Photograph by Drew Christhilf.

Funkademic, a musical ensemble based in Providence, Rhode Island that plays funk, soul, and R&B on period-correct instruments will perform three sets beginning at 7:00 PM and concluding at 10:00 PM. 

Mel, a singer-songwriter steeped in soul and rock ’n roll, will be performing on the College Street Music Stage with three sets starting at 7:00 PM and concluding at 10:00 PM. 

Catch three fire-spinning performances beginning at 8:30 PM and continuing at 9:15 PM and 10:30 PM by Cirque de Light.

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 WaterFire Marketplace will return to Canal Street: stop by to support WaterFire with a donation or a purchase of locally designed apparel, jewelry, glassware, and gifts. Meet WaterFire Accelerate artists displaying their work as well as glass blowing by Gather Glass. WaterFire will also have additional information and merchandise stations in front of the RISD Auditorium, and on both sides of the basin in Waterplace Park.

The reception tent for Brazier Society Members will be located on the College Street Bridge.  Members have exclusive access to the tent all season with their annual membership. This year’s Official Brazier Society Sponsors are Fire Works Catering, McLaughlin & Moran, Gooseneck Vineyards, Golden Gate Studios, and Ocean State Rental. 

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, College Street, and Canal Walk. Enjoy local food from festival favorites: Kettle Korn Express, Full House Q, Caribbean Delights, One2Taco&more, Incredabowl, Pam’s Grill on the Go, Saugy Express, Gather Farm Ice Cream, Gong cha, Del’s Lemonade, Five-0-Five Fusion, Pita Pocket, Thrive Cakery, Shuckologist, Sal’s, and White Dog Distilling.

Trinity Brewhouse will have two locations 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 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM. 

Escape Rhode Island and R1 Indoor Karting will be located on Canal Street from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.