Saturday, August 1, 2026 - Clear Currents
Event Details
Saturday, August 1st Details
Full Lighting
Sunset (8:03 pm) – 12:00 am
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:00 pm
Music Program
WWaterFire Providence Full Lighting · Saturday, August 1, 2026
Supported by Brown University · Clear Currents Presented by Amica Insurance
WaterFire Providence returns for a full lighting on August 1, supported by Brown University as part of Brown Loves Providence — a campus-wide initiative honoring the Providence community’s extraordinary support following the tragic shooting on campus on December 13, 2025. Onshore programming opens at 7:00 PM, the braziers light at 8:30 PM, and burn until midnight.
Clear Currents
Over 70 community kayakers paddle the river in schools of fish beginning at 8:15 PM, each carrying an illuminated Japanese koi fish. The opening formation represents the life cycle of a fish. Kayakers remain on the river until 11:00 PM. Clear Currents celebrates the remarkable water quality recovery of Narragansett Bay, made possible by the Narragansett Bay Commission’s Combined Sewer Overflow Project.
Brown Loves Providence Programming
On the Washington Street Bridge from 7:00 PM: a free teddy bear clinic hosted by Brown Medical Students, a Providence Fire Department touch-a-truck display, and engineering demonstrations. In Waterplace Basin at 7:30 PM: a speaking program and live music leading into the lighting ceremony at 8:00 PM. In Memorial Park: a Brown Memorial Garden with 100 luminaria and dedication cards, and an Evertrue Gallery.
WaterFire Walking Tour
Led by long-time WaterFire volunteers, tours cover the origin story, artistry, and hidden gems of the event, following the path of the braziers hours before they are lit. Tours on August 1 depart at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Tickets are $25. waterfire.org/visit/waterfire-walking-tours/
Starry, Starry Night
The beloved installation returns to Memorial Park near the Crawford Street Bridge. Wish on a star or dedicate a luminaria candle lantern. New this year: the Burn Your Negativity ceremony invites guests to write stress or negative thoughts on special burn paper for an 11:00 PM ceremonial burn on the river.
Music and Performance
Marcus Grant and Band perform on the Bank of America Music Stage on Steeple Street from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Cultural Survival presents a pop-up bazaar on the College Street Bridge with performers beginning at 7:30 PM. Cirque de Light performs fire-spinning at 8:02 PM, 9:30 PM, and 11:00 PM. Morris Dancing teams perform in Memorial Park in the afternoon: Ladies of the Rolling Pin, Firebird Morris, Jack in the Green, and Mystic Garland Dancers.
Arts, Makers, and Entertainment
Artist and maker vendors line Washington Street, Steeple Street, and College Street from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Andrew Anselmo, Origami Master, will be at Market Square all evening. A Silent Soapbox living statue performs at the Washington Street Bridge and Canal Walk from sunset. Ten31 Productions illuminates the World War Monument in Memorial Park.
Capoeira Performance
Members of Grupo Ondas Capoeira will participate in the WaterFire lighting ceremony in Waterplace Park starting at 8:20 pm. Additionally, Grupo Ondas will host a spectacular graduation in Memorial Park following the WaterFire lighting ceremony, featuring a roda performance by the instructors and students of this stunning martial art from 8:30 to 11:00 pm. The Grupo Ondas Capoeira team out of Warwick RI is led by Mestre Tigri of Providence who is the first capoeira Mestre of Cape Verdean descent.
WaterFire Marketplace
Returning to Canal Street with locally designed jewelry, glassware, gifts, and apparel — including the limited-edition 2026 Clear Currents t-shirt designed by WaterFire intern Anna Nichamoff. Live glass blowing by Gather Glass. Additional merchandise stations at the RISD Auditorium and both sides of the basin.
Food
Food fairs on Washington Street, College Street, and Canal Walk from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM featuring Full House Q, Sarcastic Sweets, Axelrod’s Fry Shack, Burrito Bowl, Rhody Pop, Kettle Korn Express, Good Vibes Beverages, Trinity Brewhouse, Del’s, Lucky 8, Taste of India, GrainReaper, White Dog Distillery, and Sal’s.
WaterFire Circle Members
The reception tent is located in Waterplace Basin on Finance Way. Official Circle Sponsors are The Catering Gourmet, Sakonnet Vineyard, C&C Distributors MM Division, and Pranzi Tents and Events. Memberships for 2026 are still available.
WaterFire Access Program
Water taxi rides for children and adults with disabilities are still available for August 1. Contact access@waterfire.org to reserve.
Conservation Partners
The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and Save the Bay will be in Memorial Park from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
WaterFire Circle: An Exclusive WaterFire Experience
One night tickets to the VIP Reception Tent!
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or treating yourself to a special night in your own backyard, the WaterFire Circle offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience the magic.
Your ticket allows you to come-and-go throughout the night to our intimate, welcoming space away from the crowds. Enjoy complimentary light bites, wine, beer, coffee, and desserts. Throughout the evening, guests may enjoy surprise pop-up performances, visits from living statues, and other unique moments.
This is also one of the only ways to experience WaterFire from the water. Guests have the opportunity to sign up for a complimentary boat ride during the lighting. Space is limited and rides are first-come, first-served, so we encourage you to sign up early onsite.
The Circle’s location may vary from night to night, but the experience is always unforgettable.
Organizer
