Sunday, September 6, 2026
Event Details
Sunday, September 6th Details
Full Lighting
Sunset (7:10 pm) – 12:00 am
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:00 pm
Music Program
WaterFire Providence — Full Lighting, Sunday, September 6
Schedule (Chronological)
- 1:00 PM – Walking tour
- 4:00 PM – Walking tour
- 6:00 PM – Vendors, food fairs, marketplace & live glassblowing open (Canal St., Washington St., Steeple St., College St.)
- 6:00 PM – Music begins: FM Collective (Bank of America Stage, Steeple St.) and Your Friend Moon (College St. stage)
- 6:00 PM – Lincoln Technical Institute community fair programming, Market Square
- Onshore – Arts and culture activations on the Washington Street Bridge featuring the Pawtucket Art Collective, Trinity Repertory Company, and WaterFire Accelerate Artists
- Onshore – Liquid Sunshine, an illuminated sculpture and projection by Michael Alfano, on the Washington Street Bridge
- Sunset – Andrew Anselmo (origami) at Market Square; A Silent Soapbox living statue at the Washington St. Bridge/Canal Walk; Ten31 Productions illuminates the WWI Monument, Memorial Park
- 7:10 PM – Braziers lit
- 11:00 PM – “Burn Your Negativity” ceremony, Starry Starry Night installation, Memorial Park
- 11:00 PM – Vendors, food fairs, and music end
- Midnight – Braziers extinguished
Featured Art
- Liquid Sunshine – Artist Michael Alfano’s illuminated sculpture and video projection on the Washington Street Bridge, creating the illusion of a stream of sunshine emerging from a human form — a meditation on the connection between humanity, nature, and consciousness.
- Starry, Starry Night – Memorial Park; star and luminaria candles. New this year: a “Burn Your Negativity” ceremony, inviting guests to write down stress, bad vibes, or negative thoughts on paper and add them to an orb for an 11:00 PM ceremonial burn.
- Living/street art – Andrew Anselmo (origami) at Market Square; A Silent Soapbox living statue at the Washington St. Bridge and Canal Walk; Ten31 Productions illuminating the WWI Monument.
- Fire performances – Cirque de Light (three sets throughout the evening).
Music
- FM Collective (Latin rhythms, hip-hop, jazz) – Bank of America Stage, Steeple St.
- Your Friend Moon – College St. stage
Vendors & Food
- WaterFire Marketplace – Canal Street (jewelry, glassware, gifts, apparel); live glassblowing by Gather Glass; additional information and merchandise stations at RISD Auditorium and both sides of the basin in Waterplace Park
- Artist/Maker vendors – Washington and College Streets, offering glass, photography, jewelry, and more
- Food fairs – Washington, College, and Canal Walk, featuring local favorites
Community
- Lincoln Technical Institute will be onsite at Market Square from 6:00 to 11:00 PM sharing their fall programs with the community.
Access & Membership
- WaterFire Access Boat – water taxi for guests with disabilities; contact access@waterfire.org to learn more or schedule a ride
- WaterFire Circle – reception tent at the College Street Bridge; members have exclusive access all season with their annual membership. 2026 memberships still available.
- Sponsors: The Catering Gourmet, Sakonnet Vineyard, C&C Distributors–MM Division, and Pranzi Tents and Events
WaterFire Walking Tour
Tickets 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. Tours on September 6 at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
More Info
Full season schedule: waterfire.org/schedule
Be One of 500 Milestone Torchbearers This Season
Each season, hundreds of community members help carry the fire. In 2026, a special group of 500 Torchbearers will mark WaterFire’s 500th lighting; one of them could be you. Step into a leading role in bringing this significant moment to life.
Each torch procession welcomes a limited number of participants, offering an intimate and memorable way to experience the lighting. It’s a chance to help bring light to the night and play a visible role in sustaining WaterFire for the future.
Participation details: Torchbearers must be comfortable walking down steps into the basin while carrying a lit torch (approximately 2 lbs) and standing for the duration of the ceremony.
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
