Skip to content

Starts at Sunset - Thursday, July 17

17jul7:00 p.m.10:00 p.m.Starts at Sunset - Thursday, July 17Presented by the Providence Tourism Council

Event Details

Thursday, July 17 – Starts at Sunset
Supported by Providence Tourism Council

Starts At Sunset is a community gathering on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge supported by the Providence Tourism Council (PTC). This unique activation invites artists and observers to experience a night of immersive placemaking set against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset. WaterFire volunteers will be illuminating the bridge with the glow of five braziers.

The second Starts at Sunset event of the season will take place on Thursday, July 17, with programming beginning at 7:00 pm including live music and art activations along the bridge. The five braziers will be lit at 8:17 PM and burn until 10:00 PM. Enjoy the magical combination of city views and the wonder of the natural world from the Providence Pedestrian Bridge.

Luis Gilberto playing at the May 31st, 2025 Full Lighting. Photograph by Laura Paton.

Music on Deck

The bridge’s lower deck will be transformed into a dedicated performance area, hosting acoustic music that will accompany the event’s overall ambiance. Luis Gilberto, a Providence-based singer and songwriter, will be taking the stage to perform at 7:00 PM.

Set Times:

  • 1st Set: 7:00 pm – 7:55 pm.
  • 2nd Set: 8:10 pm – 9:00 pm

Onshore Programming

WaterFire merchandise will be available for purchase at both entrances to the bridge. Guests can pick up the latest WaterFire swag and are encouraged to donate at these stands.

Artists from near and far are invited to gather with their sketch pads and easels to draw and/or paint the scenes of the city.

In addition to the activation and gathering of artists on the bridge,  The Guild Beer Garden will be located in 195 District Park on the city side of the bridge, and Tizzy K’s Cereal Ice Cream, which will be open on the east side of the bridge. Axelrod Fry Shack will be parked on South Water Street, serving up burgers, fries, and other delicious treats from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

WaterFire Merchandise station in 2024, Photograph by Kevin Murray.

Event Times

July 17, 2025 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.(GMT-04:00)

Location

Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge

365 S. Water Street

Organizer

WaterFire Providence (horizontal logo)

WaterFire Providence

WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing...
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.

Learn More

Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge

Get Directions

How do you plan to get there?