WaterFire

Picture yourself standing along Providence's riverfront as dusk settles over the city. The air fills with aromatic wood smoke, music drifts across the water, and more than 80 blazing bonfires illuminate the three rivers that wind through downtown Providence. This is WaterFire – an award-winning sculpture installation that has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors since its creation in 1994.

On select evenings from May through November (and sometimes December), this free public art experience transforms the city's waterways into a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. Torch-lit vessels glide silently through the darkness, tending to the flames that dance on the water's surface, while world music echoes off the city's historic architecture.

More than just a visual spectacle, WaterFire engages all your senses. The crackling fires, fragrant wood smoke, and enchanting music create an immersive experience that has become Rhode Island's signature cultural event. Visitors can stroll along riverfront pathways, sample local cuisine from vendors, and witness street performers bringing the city to life in unexpected ways.

Join the million annual visitors who make the pilgrimage to Providence for this uniquely Rhode Island experience. As one of the most successful urban renewal projects in American history, WaterFire has helped transform Providence's downtown into a vibrant arts destination. Come discover why this enchanting blend of fire, water, and music has become an essential Rhode Island experience.

Check out this wonderfully informative piece about WaterFire Providence from CBSNews.com to learn more.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING FOR WATERFIRE 2025