This event is being sponsored by Bank of America and The Providence Journal.
May 26th, 2018 – Full Lighting
Sunset: 8:09 p.m.
The fires will remain lit until 12:30 a.m.
Music Program
All Full WaterFire installations light up over eighty braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park on the below scheduled evenings. Lighting occurs shortly after sunset and the event continues until half past midnight.
WEATHER NOTES: There is a chance of a stray shower or thunderstorm during the afternoon/evening. WaterFire will go ahead as planned.
WaterFire Providence welcomes back season sponsor Bank of America. “At Bank of America, we believe that arts matter. They help economies thrive, connect individuals and cultures, and educate and enrich communities. There is no better example of this than WaterFire,” said Bill Hatfield, Bank of America Rhode Island Market President. “We are proud of our commitment to this great organization and to a 9-year tradition of bringing our community together to showcase the creative talent and energy within Providence.”
WaterFire Providence thanks the Providence Journal for its continued support. “The Providence Journal is a proud partner of Waterfire because of how it showcases the positive in our community and attracts visitors from afar. Congratulations and thank you to all of the staff and volunteers that make this event a success.” Janet Hasson, President & Publisher of The Providence Journal.
Easily navigate your next WaterFire visit by downloading our new WaterFire Mobile App on iOS or check out the interactive map on our website. Get a clear guide to major WaterFire landmarks, find places to eat, and locate restrooms. WaterFire is an experience that embraces all of the senses and all of the city! Check out the Plan Your Trip to Providence guide on our website for resources that will help you make the most of your WaterFire experience.
Catch performances by Japanese drumming group Gendo Taiko
Gendo Taiko, the Japanese drumming group, will be performing on the basin stage during the opening ceremony (8:09 p.m.), followed by a second performance later in the evening. Gendo, loosely translating to “path of free imagination,” represents the journeys taken by members in years past, and the experience of creative inspiration they hope to pass down to future members and audiences in the years to come.
The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza
The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza, in partnership with Bryce Studio, returns to Washington Street for the 2017 WaterFire Providence season. The Arts Festival Plaza and will be active from 6:00 – 11:30 p.m. This outdoor artisan fair will showcase some of the great artwork created in Rhode Island in mediums such as glass, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and more. The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza will offer visitors the opportunity to purchase an artwork by Rhode Island-based artists.
Grab a bite to eat! Visit one of our great food vendors:
Washington Street
- Hummingbird Syndicate
- Kettle Korn Express
- Saugy’s
- Sweet Smokin’ Pits
- Umelt
On the River Walk between College and Washington Streets
College Street
Various Locations:
Waterplace Park Basin & Memorial Park
Visit Starry, Starry Night
The Starry, Starry Night Installation will shine brightly in Memorial Park. Join thousands of WaterFire visitors in Memorial Park where the public is encouraged to add their own light to the night. For a small donation to WaterFire, make a wish upon a star, or make a dedication with a luminaria candle lantern in the park. The park will be aglow with hanging blue stars and a constellation of twinkling luminaria candle lanterns below.
WaterFire’s favorite characters are back!
Fire Dancers Andrew Lindsay and Liz Knights from Cirque De Light will dazzle the crowds during several performances throughout the evening at the confluence, on boats, and on the wall of braziers near Memorial Park.
Mime artist Michael Grando will return again for this event. Be sure to catch Michael, in costume as the Commedia dell’arte character Pierrot, as he cruises the river tossing carnations to visitors along the shore.
Origami Master Andrew Anselmo will delight crowds of all ages near the RISD auditorium.
Charge up with National Grid
Make sure you can capture the magic of WaterFire all evening long by visiting National Grid charging stations on College Street and Canal Street to recharge your smartphone and other mobile devices during the lighting.
Step back through history at the Governor Stephen Hopkins House
Make time to see The Governor Stephen Hopkins House located at 15 Hopkins Street (off Benefit Street). They are open for tours: Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m. and April through November on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & until 10:00 p.m., when they fall on a full WaterFire lighting (the last tour begins at 9:30 p.m.).
Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
The museum is also open by appointment, for which there may be a modest admission charge. Please email [email protected] to make an appointment.
About the author
I've worked at WaterFire Providence since 2003. For the first 9 years of my career, I worked in the Production Shop learning all of the details that go into the physical production of the event. In 2012 transitioned to the role of managing WaterFire's social media and web presence. I now head up WaterFire Providence's digital projects including, web, social, databases, and our physical IT infrastructure.
