WaterFire Providence is excited to bring back Valley Vibes: Thursdays on Tap for summer 2026. Running from July 2 through August 27, this collaborative series unites diverse communities by partnering with local event organizers to host free gatherings on the roof deck of the WaterFire Arts Center. Before heading up to the rooftop, guests can take in world-class art in the Main Hall, where the large-scale exhibition America Unfinished?! is on view.
Every Thursday from 6 to 9 PM, Valley Vibes: Thursdays on Tap turns the WaterFire Arts Center roof deck into a lively community hub. Local organizations will host a rotating mix of free events, ranging from networking socials to casual mixers. Hi Bar Lo Bar is back on the roof deck this summer, pouring handcrafted cocktails week after week. Valley Vibes offers a relaxed, creative setting to decompress after work — grab a drink, wander through the current exhibition, soak in the rooftop atmosphere, and connect with new people and communities along the way.
The series runs alongside America Unfinished?!, a large-scale exhibition housed inside the WaterFire Arts Center. Attendees can explore the exhibition throughout Valley Vibes and join in on weekly artist programming, as well as Gallery Night Providence tours on select evenings.
Each week, a different organization or local artist will host the roof deck, bringing its own theme and vibe to the space.
2026 Valley Vibes Schedule
July 2 – Kicking off Summer at the WaterFire Arts Center
Hosted by: Ink + Echo
Performances by: Kou Tukala Nyan, Jessi Bankston, Monica D. Vance, Rebecca N. Mancini, Chris Collado, Justice Ameer, and Christopher Cardoso
Drinks by: Hi Bar Lo Bar
Vendor: Ja Patty
Opening reception for America Unfinished?!, 6:00–9:00 PM in the Main Hall
Live Mural Painting by Ramiro Davaro-Comas in the Main Hall
July 9 – America, Unfinished?! Artist Mixer
Drinks by: Hi Bar Lo Bar
July 16 – Movie Club Mixer
Hosted by: Providence Movie Club
Drinks by: Hi Bar Lo Bar
Galley Night Providence Tours
Artist talk and tours in the Main Hall with Stephen Golding, Scott Lapham, Sussy Santana, Dominic Quagliozzi, and Jocelyn Vache
Fringe PVD is taking place in the surrounding Valley neighborhood
July 30 – Anti-Burnout Party
Hosted by: Contatto Arts
Drinks by: Hi Bar Lo Bar
Artist Performance and Dialogue with Megan Bent and Sussy Santana in the Main Hall
August 6 – Drinks with Artists
Hosted by: Michael Rose and Kannetha Brown
DJ: Krew$
Drinks by: Hi Bar Lo Bar
Workshop Night with Felipe Miguel and Jocelyn Vache in the Main Hall
August 13 – Summer Meetup
Hosted by: Sessions.PVD
DJ: Krew$
Drinks by: Hi Bar Lo Bar
Artist Panel featuring artists from Ascending, including Scott Foster, Miciah Stasis-Harding, and Joshua Carter, in the Main Hall
August 20 – Pop-up Thrift
Hosted by: Popup PVD
Drinks by: Hi Bar Lo Bar
Galley Night Providence Tours
Performances by Lee-Sean Huang in the Main Hall
August 27 – Closing of America, Unfinished?!
Hosted by: TBD
Drinks by: Hi Bar Lo Bar
Performances by Tracie Lee in the Main Hall
Free parking for visitors is available at the WaterFire Arts Center.
The store + gallery at the WaterFire Arts Center is open every Thursday evening until 9:00 p.m. and will be hosting Gallery Night Providence on the third Thursday of each month.
For more information about Valley Vibes: Thursdays on Tap, please visit: waterfire.org/valleyvibes
About the author
Jourdan Christopher brings a diverse creative background to WaterFire, spanning marketing, storytelling, branding, photography, videography, and design. A Detroit native now based in Providence, Jourdan spent years as a freelance photographer before founding One Oak Artwear, a sustainable fashion brand built on upcycled materials and one-of-a-kind design. That same eye for storytelling and craft now informs the work he brings to WaterFire — capturing moments, building brand narratives, and helping bring community and art together in new ways.
