Waterfire Providence 2025

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Dates:	Only on 5/31, 6/19, 7/4, 8/9, 8/18, 9/27, 10/4, 11/1 between 5/31/25 - 11/1/25
Hours:	Select nights at Sunset - see schedule
Ages:	Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	Free
Category:	Seasonal Fun

WaterFire - a fire sculpture by Barnaby Evans - centers on a series of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence.

The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile of urban public spaces and parks, and residents and visitors gather to stroll along the river while listening to a memorable and eclectic selection of classical and world music.

The fires are tended from sunset to past midnight by black-clad performers in boats who pass quietly before the flames. There are no admission charges to WaterFire.

2025 WaterFire Lighting Schedule

FULL LIGHTINGS

Saturday, May 31
Supported by: Rhode Island School of Design
Sunset: 8:14 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:00 PM

Friday, July 4 – Celebrating Independence Day
Supported by: Providence Tourism Council
Sunset: 8:24 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 PM

Saturday, August 9 – Clear Currents Community Paddling Night
Supported by: Amica and Providence Tourism Council
Sunset: 7:54 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 PM

Saturday, September 27 – Celebrating Rhode Island Educators
Supported by the Rhode Island Department of Education and Cox Business.
Sunset: 6:34 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 PM

Saturday, October 4
Supported by: Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Sunset: 6:22 PM | Lighting ends at 11:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 PM

Saturday, November 1 – 13th Annual Salute to Veterans
Supported by: Rhode Island Energy and Manchester Street Station
Sunset: 5:40 PM | Lighting ends at 10:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 PM

BASIN AND PARTIAL LIGHTINGS

Thursday, June 19 – Partial Lighting: RISD + Memorial Park Area
Supported by: The Providence Tourism Council
Sunset: 8:22 PM | Lighting ends at 10:30 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:30 pm

Monday, August 18 – Basin Lighting
Supported by: CSG East 64th Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum
Sunset: 7:41 PM | Lighting ends at 10:00 PM

STARTS AT SUNSET LIGHTINGS

Located on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Presented by the Providence Tourism Council

Thursday, May 15 – Sunset (7:59 PM) to 10:00 PM
Thursday, July 17 – Sunset (8:17 PM) to 10:00 PM
Thursday, October 30 – Sunset (5:42 PM) to 8:00 PM
Wednesday, December 31 – Sunset (4:25 PM) to 9:00 PM

WaterFire is an experience that surrounds viewers on all sides and impacts all five senses.

The crackling flames, the fragrant scent of blazing cedar and pine; the flickering firelight on the arched bridges; the silhouettes of the firetenders floating by in their torch-lit vessels, and the extraordinary music from around the world engage all of the senses and evoke unique emotions from the many thousands who come to stroll along the river walks.

WEBSITE

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waterfire.org/schedule/2025-waterfire-providence-event-schedule/

LOCATION

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Rhode Island

TIPS

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Most Waterfires dates are full lightings, however, several dates include a lighting of a portion of the full installation. Some prefer the smaller lightings because they are less crowded.