Saturday, August 3

The Clear Currents event will feature close to 65 illuminated Japanese koi fish temporarily mounted on kayaks that registered participants will paddle up and down the river after sunset. The brightly colored fish beautifully complement the 80 wood-burning braziers installed on the river. Clear Currents celebrates the cleaner water that led to the opening of the Narragansett Bay Commission’s Combined Sewer Overflow; an initiative that has greatly improved water quality throughout the entire bay area over the past few years. This event was made possible by the Commerce of Rhode Island’s Placemaking Initiative.

WaterFire Walking Tours

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 Program

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 Marketplace will return to Canal Street. Stop by to support WaterFire with a donation or a purchase of locally designed apparel, jewelry, glassware, gifts, and live 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. Guests are encouraged to make donations at any of these locations. 

WaterFire is excited to announce the addition of a 50/50 raffle to its events. The new FIRED UP 50/50 RAFFLE allows attendees the chance to win cash prizes while supporting a community event. How it will work, participants purchase tickets, and the total amount collected is split evenly between the raffle winner and WaterFire. The funds raised through the raffle directly support WaterFire’s operations, helping to sustain and enhance the art installations, performances, and community programming. By participating in the 50/50 raffle, attendees can enjoy the excitement of a potential win while contributing to the continued success and growth of WaterFire. Raffle tickets will be sold on Canal Walk next to the WaterFire Marketplace.

Fidelity Investments will have an LED-lit photo booth located on the Washington Street Bridge from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM which is free and open to the public.

“WaterFire not only showcases and celebrates art and creativity, it also instills a strong sense of community where our customers and associates live, work, and play,” said Rhode Island resident Michelle Vetovis, General Manager and Regional Leader at Fidelity Investments. “As long-time members of the Rhode Island community, Fidelity is honored to support this signature event.”

WaterFire Food fairs featuring local food trucks and vendors are located on Washington Street, Canal Walk, and College Street from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Washington Street – Kettle Korn Express, Full House Q, One2Taco&more, Incredabowl, Pam’s Grill on the Go, Saugy Express. Canal Walk – Gather Farm Ice Cream, Gong cha, Del’s Lemonade. College Street – Five-0-Five Fusion, Pita Pocket, Thrive Cakery, Shuckologist, Sal’s, and White Dog Distilling.

Trinity Brewhouse will be serving up local brews on the corner of Canal Street and Washington Street and will also have a wine tent on the corner of Steeple and Canal Street.

WaterFire Arts Vendors will be located on Washington and Steeple Street from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Shop a variety of locally made goods including glass, photography, sculpture, and jewelry. Washington Street Artists include Recycled Silverware, Sophie Foulkes, Sacred Flame LLC, Gomber Art, Jessie Jewels Art, Mike Cohea / Visuals, Sparkle & Glow by Yvonne,  Spiritxhill, Land and Sea Glass. Steeple Street Artists include Chris Coccolith Arts, Lily’s Bone To Pick, The Dragon’s Bounty, Boojie Lolli, Roses N Dragons Designs, Studio J Florals, Paul & Sandy’s Honey Shack, All Things Lavender, Cutie Curls RI, Tigris Handmade, Into the Woods, and Revibed Vinyl.

The “Artist Makers Market” will be located on College Street + Canal Way. Shop this gathering of local artists as they share demonstrations of their craft including illustration, printmaking, and string art theory. Design WhatHaveYou and Colors of the Wynned will be featured from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Steeple Street Music Stage will feature Julie Rhodes, a Rhode Island based Soul and Americana singer who will be performing at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.

The College Street Acoustic Music Stage will feature Tori Jae, a singer-songwriter from Fall River, MA. She will be performing her pop/rock with classic Americana and Portuguese folk music at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.

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 illuminate 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.

Vineyard Offshore will be located on Canal Street near Market House from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council will be located in front of the RISD Auditorium from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Rhode Island FC will be located on College Street broadcasting their game against the Detroit City Football Club from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Catch three fire-spinning performances beginning at 8:00 PM and continuing at 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM by Cirque de Light.