For the community, by the community.
Become a WaterFire Providence Volunteer
WaterFire Providence began by transforming the three rivers in downtown Providence with over 80 bonfires, many local artists and food vendors, and thousands of visitors. Thanks to the commitment of countless volunteers, WaterFire Providence has been able to grow and strengthen over the years. Recently, WaterFire has committed to transforming place and building community at the WaterFire Arts Center in the underserved Olneyville/Valley neighborhoods.
WaterFire Providence volunteers are an integral part of all events, performances, and exhibitions we host. They are at the heart of WaterFire’s work. Volunteers build, perform, inspire, engage, and enjoy! Because of volunteers, downtown Providence and the Olneyville/Valley neighborhoods are able to transform completely. We bring art to the community, built by the community. We create world-class art experiences throughout the year, and we want your help. Whatever your skillset, we have an opportunity for you!
WaterFire volunteers come from all walks of life, and we appreciate the diversity, talents, skills, and creativity that are represented. Over the last 25+ years, a close-knit network of volunteers has been established. We are delighted at the community that they have become and hope to continue growing the WaterFire Providence volunteer family.
Begin your volunteer experience with WaterFire Providence by signing up now on our Volunteer HQ.
In between volunteer opportunities, we like to stay connected and show our appreciation for volunteers through fun social events, parties, outings and so much more throughout the year.
We welcome you to join us and discover just how much excitement and fun there is in volunteering! Whether you choose to be more of a ‘behind the scenes’ volunteer, meet and greet visitors, or just want to give back to the community, we would love for you to join the team.
Sign up for the WaterFire Volunteer Newsletter
The Latest Volunteer News
🔊Calling all volunteers!🔊
The first full lighting is right around the corner and we have a few ways that you can get involved to help prepare for the lighting season which is starting on Saturday, June 3rd. 🔥
First, next Tuesday, May 23rd there will be an onshore volunteer orientation happening in the Red Room at the WaterFire Arts Center. This meeting will cover frequently asked questions from guests, how to set up a greeter station, how to use a tablet, and more! This is a great opportunity for new and current volunteers to gain information about the events! 📸: Nicholas Millard
Second, Pre-season event prep is the newest opportunity on Volunteer HQ! Work side by side with the WaterFire Production staff and help us prepare for events by painting, loading trucks, assembling chandeliers, and more!
📸: Drew Christhilf
Lastly! Join us on Wednesday, May 31st at 9:00 AM for the first woodpile workout of the year! We will be loading 6 cords of wood into the 6 wood boats. This is a great way to spend the morning downtown and get a killer workout in! 💪
All opportunities are now linked in our bio!

🔊Calling all volunteers!🔊
The first full lighting is right around the corner and we have a few ways that you can get involved to help prepare for the lighting season which is starting on Saturday, June 3rd. 🔥
First, next Tuesday, May 23rd there will be an onshore volunteer orientation happening in the Red Room at the WaterFire Arts Center. This meeting will cover frequently asked questions from guests, how to set up a greeter station, how to use a tablet, and more! This is a great opportunity for new and current volunteers to gain information about the events! 📸: Nicholas Millard
Second, Pre-season event prep is the newest opportunity on Volunteer HQ! Work side by side with the WaterFire Production staff and help us prepare for events by painting, loading trucks, assembling chandeliers, and more!
📸: Drew Christhilf
Lastly! Join us on Wednesday, May 31st at 9:00 AM for the first woodpile workout of the year! We will be loading 6 cords of wood into the 6 wood boats. This is a great way to spend the morning downtown and get a killer workout in! 💪
All opportunities are now linked in our bio!
Looking to shoot WaterFire from a new light? 🔥📸
We are looking for new members to join the WaterFire Volunteer Photography Group! Each event volunteers capture one of a kind moments from the lightings that are used in our social media, marketing materials, and more! It’s also a great way to learn new skills and meet fellow photographers in the Providence area!
We invite you to join us at our monthly photography meeting on May 9th at the WFAC! 🔗 in bio to RSVP!
#waterfire #volunteer #pvdphotography #providence #pvdphotographer #pvdphoto

Looking to shoot WaterFire from a new light? 🔥📸
We are looking for new members to join the WaterFire Volunteer Photography Group! Each event volunteers capture one of a kind moments from the lightings that are used in our social media, marketing materials, and more! It’s also a great way to learn new skills and meet fellow photographers in the Providence area!
We invite you to join us at our monthly photography meeting on May 9th at the WFAC! 🔗 in bio to RSVP!
#waterfire #volunteer #pvdphotography #providence #pvdphotographer #pvdphoto
💥teamwork makes the dream work💥
Last night was our #strikethematch lighting where we announced the 2023 WaterFire lighting schedule! Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who helped make the night a big success! We had hardworking volunteers on the river and at our greeter station!
Don’t forget ALL lighting opportunities for the full season are available to register on Volunteer HQ! Link in our Bio! Try something new this season and experience WaterFire from different perspectives and point of views!
But for now see y’all on June 3rd! 🤩🔥
#waterfireprovidence #waterfire #providence #waterfireday #volunteer #fire #rhodeislandlife #waterfireartscenter

💥teamwork makes the dream work💥
Last night was our #strikethematch lighting where we announced the 2023 WaterFire lighting schedule! Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who helped make the night a big success! We had hardworking volunteers on the river and at our greeter station!
Don’t forget ALL lighting opportunities for the full season are available to register on Volunteer HQ! Link in our Bio! Try something new this season and experience WaterFire from different perspectives and point of views!
But for now see y’all on June 3rd! 🤩🔥
#waterfireprovidence #waterfire #providence #waterfireday #volunteer #fire #rhodeislandlife #waterfireartscenter
Last week was our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party! This year`s the theme was VolunteerFest, WaterFire`s take on a music festival. Our volunteers understood the assignment and were dressed in bright colors, florals, and their music fest best! Our 2023 award winners are as followed:
Russ Cooney: Eternal Flame Award 🔥
Mark Marino: Unsung Hero Award👏
Diana Rochefort: Rookie of the Year Award 🥇
Mercedes Guzman- Contreras: Rookie of the Year Award🥇
Doris Briggs: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Pat Moriarty: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Don Cimini: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Marita Stapleton: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Barbara Hudon: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Congrats to all of our award winners, much deserved! And thank you to everyone who attuned the party, we really appreciate you being a part of the WaterFire Family! We can`t wait to see you all on the river, and at the arts center real soon! 🎉💯🔥🎧

Last week was our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party! This year`s the theme was VolunteerFest, WaterFire`s take on a music festival. Our volunteers understood the assignment and were dressed in bright colors, florals, and their music fest best! Our 2023 award winners are as followed:
Russ Cooney: Eternal Flame Award 🔥
Mark Marino: Unsung Hero Award👏
Diana Rochefort: Rookie of the Year Award 🥇
Mercedes Guzman- Contreras: Rookie of the Year Award🥇
Doris Briggs: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Pat Moriarty: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Don Cimini: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Marita Stapleton: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Barbara Hudon: Lifetime Achievement Award ❤️
Congrats to all of our award winners, much deserved! And thank you to everyone who attuned the party, we really appreciate you being a part of the WaterFire Family! We can`t wait to see you all on the river, and at the arts center real soon! 🎉💯🔥🎧