Starts at Sunset - Thursday, September 12

 Please join us for the third Starts At Sunset event of 2024 on Thursday, September 12 supported by the Providence Tourism Council (PTC). Starts at Sunset was created in 2023 and is a community gathering on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge.  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.

Starts at Sunset event takes place on Thursday, September 12, and will include programming, live music, and art activations along the bridge beginning at 6:30 PM. Sunset is at 7:00 PM, the five braziers will be lit at 7:05 PM and burn until 9:00 PM.

The bridge’s lower deck will be transformed into a dedicated performance area, hosting acoustic music and other performances that will accompany the event’s overall ambiance. Tori Jae, a multilingual pop/rock singer-songwriter from Fall River, MA will be taking the stage to perform starting at 6:30 PM.

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 as well.

There will be a different programming on the bridge during the event, including – PVD Poetry who will be writing poems on the spot and sharing their work with the community. Skyscrapers will be on the bridge with telescopes observing the night sky and sharing information about their programs. DESIGNXRI will be on the bridge with information about their upcoming Design Week RI which runs from September 13 to September 20.

In addition to the activation and gathering of artists on the bridge, there will be a variety of push carts offering tasty treats organized by the Providence Parks Department including  The Guild Beer Garden which will be located in 195 District Park on the cityside of the bridge and Tizzy K’s Cereal Ice Cream which will be open on the east side of the bridge. 
The Providence Children’s Film Festival will be taking place in 195 District Park with a showing of the short film Comm-YOU-nity, beginning at 7:00 PM and concluding at 8:30 PM