This event is being sponsored by Bank of America and Brown University
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May 27th, 2017 – Full Lighting
Sunset: 8:10 p.m.
Lighting time: 8:30 p.m.
The fires will remain lit until 12:30 a.m.
Music Program
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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.
WaterFire Providence welcomes back sponsor Bank of America “At Bank of America, we believe that arts matter. They help economies thrive, help individuals connect with each other and across cultures, and educate and enrich communities. There is no better example of this than Waterfire,” said Bill Hatfield, Bank of America Rhode Island President. “We are proud of our commitment to this great organization and to a 7 year tradition of bringing our community together to showcase the creative talent and energy within Providence.”
WaterFire Providence also thanks Brown University for its generous support in honor of their commencement weekend, for this event.
Catch performances by Japanese drumming group Gendo Taiko
Gendo Taiko, Japanese drumming group, will be performing on the basin stage during the opening ceremony (8:30 p.m.), followed by a second performance at 9:30 p.m. Both performances will take place on the Basin Stage in Waterplace Park. 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 artwork by Rhode Island-based artists.
Grab a bite to eat! Visit one of our great food vendors:
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Washington Street
- Sweet Smokin’ Pits
- Saugy’s
- Ray’s Mini Melts
- Dudley’s
- Umelt
- Kettle Korn Express
On the River Walk between College and Washington Streets
- Frenchy’s Popcorn
- The Nutty Bavarian
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College Street
Steeple Street
- Fat Belly’s Irish Pub
Waterplace Park Basin
Various Locations:
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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 place your very own message and 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 Spogga, Andrew Lindsay and Ember Flynne 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.
Hi Friends Waterfire organizers, I would love to attend, but since don’t have place to stay overnight was wondering if you know AMTRAK is running trains from and back to Boston late this friday? Any information will be truly appreciated. Thank you.
Alfredo Hernandez Chavez
MBTA Commuter Rail from Providence to S. Station has their last ride leaving Providence at 10:00 p.m.
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=PROVSTOU&direction=I&timing=S&RedisplayTime=Redisplay+Time
And it looks Amtrak has a train leaving Providence at 10:50 p.m.
https://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/396/67/Northeast-Schedule-W06-040317.pdf
What are the rules for river fire
Chairs? Food, drink, etc
Thanks
Hi Henry, thanks for asking. Here are the basic rules when it comes to chairs: Fire marshal regulations do not permit folding chairs to by set up on any of the river walks to assure safe passage for all of our visitors. WaterFire is an event to be explored and savored on foot as you wander around to discover its many surprises, leave you chairs in the car and start exploring all that our event has to offer. There are non-walkway areas where visitors can and do set up chairs. You are welcome to bring you own food or drink or purchase something from one of our vendors. You can find more about planning a fun and safe trip to WaterFire on our website.
Hi, Just wanted to check, if May27th event is happening as scheduled. Given the weather condition looks rainy and or cloudy. Thanks for the help.
Yes, everything is a go. Saturday’s forecast is looking relatively good, slight clouds with pleasant temps.
Thanks Tim. We are looking forward to attend. I have been there before. Time well spent always.
Where and what time can I catch the Japanese drumming group Gendo Taiko?
Thank you!!
They are performing during the lighting ceremony around 8:30 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. Both performances are on the Basin Stage in Waterplace Park.
Do you still have the gondola rides? If so, how much do they cost and how do I reserve one? Thanks!
Hi Rita, the Gondolas do still exist. You can find more info here.
We are planning to visit Sunday, Is this lightning event repeated this Sunday 5/28?
Hi Sahil, this event is taking place on Saturday only.
Hello!
The information above about the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza says that, “the Arts Festival Plaza and will be active from 7:00 – 11:30 p.m. on Friday night” – but tomorrow’s lighting is of course on a Saturday.
Is this just a typo, or does that part of the event really only operate on Friday evenings, which in the case of this weekend’s lighting would be the day before the lighting event itself?
Thanks in advance for the clarification!
-Bill
This is a typo.
Very good, thanks for the confirmation – hope you have a great holiday weekend!
We are new to Rhode Island and this will be our first WaterFire experience. Where do you recommend to park?
Hi Stephanie, sorry for the late response. For future reference info about parking can found here: https://waterfire.org/visit.
Hello!
Just wondering who I need to contact to get more Information on being a craft vendor?
Thank you
Joanne
Hi Joanne, more info can be found here: https://waterfire.org/waterfire-arts-festival-plaza/
How do I ride the boats? I want to take my girlfriend on them but Im finding no info on how to ride. Help please!
Hi David, both La Gondola and the Providence River Boat company do rides during WaterFire more info can be found on their websites.
I’m from Providence , and Im married to a beautiful Polynesian family.. I wanted to share their culture with my RI family and friends. They do hula shows with the fire knife dancers… I was wondering if we can talk about a show.
Hi Tony, please contact our Special Events and Operations department: [email protected]
I have never been to WaterFire but it appears as though there is a lighting June 10. Can you tell me more in terms of time, exact location for the best activities and possibly a schedule of events? I am staying in federal hill.
Hi Beth, there is indeed a lighting on June 10th. We are finalizing the details and the specifics will be post here on our website early next week. Thanks for supporting WaterFire Providence and enjoy your stay in Providence.
May i know when is the next waterfire show ? from website looks like its on Jul 8th. So don’t we have anything ln the coming weekend of july 4th ?
Yes, the next lighting is on July 8th.