Exploring WaterFire is an experience that embraces all of your senses to safely visit the City of Providence!
See the WaterFire Season Schedule
Come to enjoy yourself, relax, and discover a remarkable new urban experience in a fascinating modern city. WaterFire is presented for free, but we need your donations to keep the fires burning! Dress up, dress casually, or dress festively. WaterFire is a celebration of community and beauty. Everyone is welcome, and we encourage you to explore WaterFire to become a part of the event. There is an ever-changing, eclectic music program all along the rivers.
Make the most of your time at WaterFire:
- WaterFire Lighting Schedule
- WaterFire Providence Event Map
- Sign up to Volunteer – Help is needed year-round!
- Celebrate at WaterFire – Let us create a special event just for you!
- WaterFire Walking Tours
- Accessibility at WaterFire
See Our Guide to Exploring Providence
- Dining and Shopping in Providence
- Providence Area Hotels
- Arts & Culture Attractions
- Experience Rhode Island Tours – A Locally Owned Tour Company
- RI Red Food Tours – Food is a window into the heart of the Ocean State
- Providence Tour Company – Exceptional Experiences in the Creative Capital
- Boat Tours on the Rivers of Providence
- Transportation Options
- Parking and Directions to/from Providence
- MBTA – Beginner’s Guide to the Commuter Rail
Great for those traveling from Boston or TF Green Airport
Explore the world of WaterFire – There is something new around every corner!
Planning For An Enjoyable and Safe WaterFire Experience
WaterFire is a very popular public event where you will join thousands of Rhode Island residents and out-of-town visitors who come to downtown Providence to enjoy an evening out with art. Like all large public events, it makes sense to plan and prepare for your visit, so we want to give you a few handy tips and reminders about how you can have the most enjoyable and safest experience at WaterFire Providence. WaterFire can get very crowded, especially at peak times just before and after lighting; therefore, we strongly recommend that you consider this as you plan your trip.
- WaterFire is an event to be explored and savored on foot as you wander around to discover its many surprises, leave your chairs in the car and start exploring all that our event has to offer.
- Arrive early. Since WaterFire is open to all and has no restricted seating or VIP areas, the earlier you arrive, the better your chances are to get your preferred spot along the river or in the parks. Lighting typically takes place in Waterplace Basin approximately 15 minutes after sunset; however, we strongly encourage you to refer to the event schedule for all of the details on the specific lighting you plan on attending.
- Orient yourself. Check out our new interactive map before you travel to Providence. After you arrive at WaterFire, find one of our volunteer WaterFire Ambassadors for a handy pocket guide which has a map and a schedule of the evening’s events.
- Please don’t bring any large or bulky items as they will make navigating the crowds difficult and potentially hazardous to you and other visitors.
- Fire marshal regulations do not permit folding chairs to be set up on any of the riverwalks to ensure safe passage for all of our visitors.
- It’s New England, be prepared for a diversity of weather and dress accordingly.
- WaterFire Providence takes place in a park and other public spaces over a variety of terrains including cobblestone pathways. We highly recommend that you wear comfortable, walkable shoes.
- In our modern security-conscious world, you must keep your backpacks, packages, and other items with you at all times. Unattended packages will be brought to the attention of the police and dealt with accordingly.
- If you see something, say something. If you see suspicious activity or packages, please report it immediately to the nearest Providence police officer, WaterFire staff member, or WaterFire volunteer. Please note that WaterFire staff and volunteers will have identifying credentials.
