PROVIDENCE — WaterFire will return to downtown Providence this summer, kicking off the season in May with events planned through the end of December.
A large-scale public art installation, WaterFire is one of the signature events in the city where dozens of braziers in the river and basin are lit up like bonfires.
This year’s season will feature six full lightings, two partial lightings, and four “Starts at Sunset” lightings on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge — or more commonly referred to as the pedestrian bridge.
WaterFire’s future was in doubt last year. Corporate donations had dwindled and state leaders were hesitant to provide additional financial support. In 2023, the organization had a $750,000 deficit. Insurance for the event costs $225,000. The state provides $375,000 in the form of a grant.
During full lightings, more than 80 braziers are lit up from Waterplace Park to the South Main Street Park. Lightings take place after sunset and the fires typically remain lit until midnight. The events also include onshore programming like performances and vendors, such as food trucks and artist tents featuring prints of their work, hand-poured candles, and handmade jewelry, among other goods.
Partial lightings can include braziers in any section of the river, and are more subdued. They do not have other onshore programming or food vendors.
The “Starts At Sunset” series is a community gathering at the pedestrian bridge, where volunteers illuminate the bridge with the glow of five braziers. Meanwhile, the lower deck of the bridge is transformed into a dedicated performance area, which includes acoustic music, a fire spinner or flow artist, and other performances.
A basin lighting includes the circle of 22 braziers in the Waterplace Park basin and eight braziers leading up to the Providence Place Mall.
Here is the full 2025 schedule.
Thursday, May 15 — Starts at Sunset lighting
- Sunset: 7:59 p.m.
- Lighting ends at 10 p.m
Saturday, May 31 — Full lighting
- Sunset: 8:14 p.m.
- Lighting ends at midnight
- Onshore programming and vendors open at 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 19 — Partial lighting: RISD + Memorial Park area
- Sunset: 8:22 p.m.
- Lighting ends at 10:30 p.m.
Friday, July 4 — Full Lighting: Celebrating Independence Day
- Sunset: 8:24 p.m.
- Lighting ends at midnight
- Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 17 — Starts at Sunset lighting
- Sunset: 8:17 p.m.
- Lighting ends at 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 9 — Full Lighting
- Sunset: 7:45 p.m.
- Lighting ends at midnight
- Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 18 — Basin lighting
- Sunset: 7:41 p.m.
- Lighting ends at 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27 — Full lighting: Celebrating Rhode Island educators
- Sunset: 6:34 p.m.
- Lighting ends at midnight
- Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4 — Full lighting in support of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
- Sunset: 6:22 p.m.
- Lighting ends at 11 p.m.
- Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 30 — Starts at Sunset lighting
- Sunset: 5:42 p.m.
- Lighting ends at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1 — Full lighting: 13th Annual Salute to Veterans
- Sunset: 5:40 p.m.
- Lighting ends at 10 p.m.
- Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 — Starts at Sunset lighting
- Sunset: 4:25 p.m.
- Lighting ends at 9 p.m.
Woman jumps into Providence River to rescue a rabbit during WaterFire
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