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    WaterFire Arts Center

    4.6 (21 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Services - WaterFire Arts Center

    Venue rental

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    Robert S.

    The WaterFire Arts Center is a multi-purpose arts venue as well as a social enterprise platform for many organizations. One of the unique features of the WaterFire Arts Center is the Main Hall which provides 15,000 square feet of uninterrupted exhibition, performance, and production space with a 40-foot ceiling. While Rhode Island is rich with cultural assets and resources including art museums and galleries, there was a realization several years ago, that there was no contemporary art center in the state that could host large installations or surveys. The WaterFire Arts Center is a flexible venue that filled that void...it now provides arts and cultural opportunities and experiences for all, regardless of social, cultural, or economic background. In 2019 The WaterFire Arts Center became the new home for the Wheeler School's Cityside at Wheeler interdisciplinary learning program. Cityside is embedded in Providence's 25 neighborhoods, working with various NGOs, non-profit organizations, community groups, and branches of government to provide a rich curriculum for project-based learning, inquiry, and research. The Wilbury Theatre Group also established its permanent location at the Waterfire Arts Center a few years back, providing theater goers a place with lots of parking and an ample main room for seasonal performances. If you are a lover of arts and culture in Rhode Island, chances are that you will eventually come here for a pop up market, an arts exhibit, a concert, a play, or any other cultural happening. I have attended many festivals here, flea markets, winter markets, plays, arts exhibits, fundraisers and many more events...a nice, clean and spacious venue.

    Francheska D.

    I attended a multiple day symposium hosted by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence here. The event was well organized - there was ample space for our large group & the catering for breakfast & lunch went smoothly. I deeply appreciated the large parking lot available to all participants. The bathrooms were modern & well maintained. My only complaint - it felt quite chilly during the programming - I recommend layering up!

    Jariah G.

    I love the WAC! So many great events and I've never run into any problems with crowds or safety, which is so important. I know when an event is held here it'll be organized and stress-free. And there's a free parking lot!

    Morgan C.

    Hipsters of New England, gather 'round! You'll definitely want to add the Waterfire Arts Center to your list of must-visit places when you're in Providence! This multi-use events venue is home to some of the most creative endeavors in the city, from stage shows to artisanal craft markets, and it's worth checking out to see what's going on if you find yourself looking for something to do. We visited today to attend the Made on Honor Market, and had a fun time! The building, like many in the area, was once an old industrial factory. The space has been masterfully repurposed to retain some of its rustic charm, but with modern amenities and plenty of natural light that pours in from floor to ceiling windows in the main room. It's actually pretty awesome, and I could also see it as a great option for an offbeat wedding venue if anyone's looking to be creative with their reception space! However, I am not sure that WaterFire Arts Center was the best choice for the Made on Honor Market. Most of the vendors were packed into the main room, which looks spacious at first glance, but when it's jammed with 40-60 vendor booths and hundreds of people plus dogs and baby strollers, it can get real chaotic real quick. I found it hard to maneuver around the tables and chat to the vendors because there was just so much going on in such a cramped space. I actually ended up staying for less time than I initially anticipated because I got so overwhelmed by the crowds. To its credit, though, the fair was chock full of talented artisans and vendors from Rhode Island and beyond. Even though I was only there for about a half hour, I did get a jump start on some Christmas shopping with a few unique gifts from various vintage booths. It was also fun to see Celebrated Co, a local bakery, set up shop at the marketplace. I never get their baked goods since it's kind of a drive from me, so it was a pleasant surprise to nosh on one of their cake jars while I could today! Yum! I would gladly attend another event at WaterFire Arts Center, and recommend the space to friends who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path locale for their special day. With ample parking, this is an ideal spot for a gathering, albeit maybe one not as large or as bustling as the one I attended today.

    Inside the venue- Little City Thrifty market
    Sarah A.

    Excellent venue where we have attended many markets and events such as Veg Fest and Little City Thrifty. Before COVID, we also attended a number of cultural events including an event commemorating the moon landing and several artistic performances. There is usually enough parking at the central lot and on weekends spill over into neighboring lots does not appear to be prohibited. Always very clean and well maintained. The small gift shop where sales benefit Waterfire is not to be missed and has a great selection of gifts for cooks, art lovers and fans of Rhode Island. I have never been to a subpar event here. They do a great job!

    Kevin M.

    Excited to finally visit this new venue. The Water Fire staff did an amazing job renovating this building while maintaining the character of an old industrial building. A great place to visit on a crisp winter afternoon Nice lobby arena and Waterfire gift shop, leads into a nice reception area and then to the event hall, lots of natural light, very clean and spacious allow for multiple vendors. Perfect location not far from highways, downtown and federal hill. Parking lots are brand new and a compliment to the first class venue. Can wait to comeback

    Vendors
    Megan H.

    I've been here for a few events - lots of parking which is huge, and it's free, might just need to walk a bit. They use all their space which is amazing / I'd rather a bit of a crowd and make my entry fee worth it!! The place was clean! Easy to navigate! Happy to attend vents here! The balcony is fun too!

    Jan R.

    I love this place. It is so nice to see a building that has been saved and re-purposed. I have been to a few events here and I find it very fun and inconvenient. The parking is ample and it is handicapped accessible. This time we went to the holiday show that they sponsored and it did not disappoint. There were many many artisans with their wares to show. So many different crafts and trades and art work. I went with my daughter at Jill and her family and of course we picked up some Christmas gifts and really had a nice time.

    Luke Jerram's "Gaia"
    Andres R.

    Thoroughly enjoyed the opening reception of Planet Earth: the Environment and our Future, on March 19, 2022. Several of the artists in the exhibit engaged on a discussion of their artwork, and Providence 's Plant City and Warren 's Sowams CiderWorks Company hosted the reception with vegan food and beverages after the discussion. Luke Jerram's Gaia, a 23 foot rotating globe representing Earth beautifully exemplified the theme of the exhibit, both its beauty and it's fragility, as punctuated by a periodically chiming bell, indicating the extinction from our planet of another species. This impressive and thoughtful exhibit ends on May 1st, I urge you not to miss it!

    Performance by Kate Gill at the venue
    Brandon L.

    Beautiful venue and definitely unique in style and structure. Attended the play "The Large Jar," a short piece in connection to the Fringe PVD program. We were seated in the "Garage" which, by all means, is just a garage. But it's simplicity sort of allows you to fall into the performance at hands... similar to a Black Box theater, just with white walls. Plenty of convenient parking, and plenty of space for all types of programs. A hip vibe, but very inviting and casual.

    Liz C.

    Beautiful venue, I have never been before but wanted to see the Museum of the Moon exhibit while it is in town. The exhibit is free and there are quite a few scheduled speakers and activities associated with it. This is a travelling exhibit and will be here in Providence until July 28th. I recommend going at night when it is illuminated; you can get some really great photos. I look forward to seeing more events at the location!

    LOVE the autocrat beer from Narragansett

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    So many great events and I've never run into any problems with crowds or safety, which is so important.

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    Riffraff Bookstore and Bar - Bar area

    Riffraff Bookstore and Bar

    (102 reviews)

    $$

    Olneyville

    Cute little book shop with a bar for snacks, drinks, coffee, and pastries. Stopped in with my…read morefriends who ordered some coffee. Lots of space to sit and read or do some work. Would definitely come back and recommend for people who need a place to meet up with someone or to just work.

    A bit tricky to get to. There's no signs or anything telling you where to go, and Google Maps…read morewasn't much help. It's located behind the first brick building in a sort of courtyard place up a ramp. Knowing that they were #107 helped. RiffRaff doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a bar? Is it a bookstore? It wants to be both and successfully does neither. The place lacks a coherence to it. It's starkly divided into Bar an Bookstore, and the lighting is abhorrent on both sides. They want you to read here, but there's only seating in the bar area, which is pitch black except for an ugly neon blue sign. So I don't know how one could do that without straining their eyesight. I'm not a drinker, so I can't tell you about the bar, but the selection of books was sad and clearly curated for a very particular audience. Which is fine if you're boring. I'm boring. I like the occasional high brow literary BS. But I also like to see things explode and for there to be monsters. None of that here because RiffRaff is too cool, apparently. Book prices seemed reasonable, but nothing was interesting to me. Also, it was too hot in there and they were playing some awful nonsense bass music that was just thumping and made everyone talk too loud. I probably won't come back here unless I'm meeting up with someone. RiffRaff would do so much better with real lights and an open concept vibe and more books. I don't want to sit and read or write in a dirty bar.

    Twenty Stories - Inside

    Twenty Stories

    (9 reviews)

    $$

    I first came across Twenty Stories after going to Aleppo Sweets right next door on Ives Street. I…read morecame back to Twenty Stories on Thursday, July 25th. When I walked in, Alexa was packing books and told me she was getting their teal vintage bookmobile (love the color) ready for Newport Folk Fest. I informed her I only wanted to take a look at the cards and Shorthand notebooks. She said as long as I didn't mind the mess, I can take a look. The store is spacious. By the front (cash register) is the card wall and the notebooks section (LEUCHTTURM1917 notebooks, Moleskine notebooks, and Shorthand notebooks.) I was so excited to see that Twenty Stories carried Shorthand products when I had first popped into the store. I have a few items from Shorthand and their quality is superb. Shorthand is a stationary company in Los Angeles specializing in creating tools for productivity and creativity - notebooks and office supplies that strike a balance between being functional and aesthetically pleasing. I purchased a lavender reporter (a compact notebook). The cover is letterpressed with Title and Date lines. At checkout, I was given a free Twenty Stories bookmark. Also don't forget to check-in on Yelp to get the offer - 10% off your purchase. I didn't use it this time, but will definitely use it next time. I learned that every month, the two owners, Alexa Trembly and Emory Harkins, hand-select twenty titles to feature in their store. They sift through hundreds of titles to find the most inspiring, innovative, and thought-provoking books out there, and at the center of the curation is a diverse list of authors, themes, and publishers. They also bring their bookmobile to different events. If you are in the area, you should check out Twenty Stories if you are a bookworm or a stationary aficionado.

    I could not find the location. First I tried this location on Ives, and then I went to the stores…read morewebsite and used that to find a location a few doors down. Another business was firmly there. It was like an incredibly cold and disappointing scavenger hunt that I also lost.

    RISD Store

    RISD Store

    (9 reviews)

    $$

    College Hill

    I just took my niece to get some pen, pencils, journals and the such. She loved the choices and…read morethe selection of all those items. I spent some time checking out the RISD inspired items like t-shirts and mugs and I loved the designs and the colors. Very bright and colorful. The staff was helpful and friendly and there was always someone close to ask questions

    I arrived at the store today, Thurthday, 1/22/2026 at around 11:00 am to purchase watercolors. The…read moresaleswoman at the main desk remembered me from previous visits. Suddenly, the police were called. Two Risd police officers arrived, detained me, and demanded my ID. I had no idea what was happening and was completely shocked After speaking with the store manager, the officers told me that about two years ago, when I purchased earrings at this store, I HAD TRIED THEM ON, WHICH WAS APPARENTLY NOT ALLOWED TO TRIED THEM ON! .. The same saleswoman who sold me the earrings at the time was at the desk today and she/or the store mange called the police today. she disappeared immediately when the officers arrived. The police officers themselves seemed surprised by the accusation. I am still struggling to process what happened today. I do not recommend purchasing anything from this store--mainly of course because of the disturbing and behavior and ridiculous accusation made by the saleswoman/manager , as well as the store manager's entirely lack of judgment, also of the exorbitant and unrealistic prices of this store. Therefore, I returned the set of necklace and the earring. The entire incident caused me significant emotional distress, and I remain shaken and upset by the injustice event I experienced due to the store manager's poor handling and poor judgement It is a shame and a disgrace... He/She showed a complete lack of judgment and caused me trauma for no fault of my own. If the saleswoman had asked me not to wear the earrings, there is no way I would have worn them.I complied immediately, after she asked not to wear the earrings.I am confident that the store's security cameras will fully corroborate my account of these events. The decision to involve law enforcement over an alleged incident from about two years ago about trying on earrings that, In addition, I would like to clarify that I purchased the earrings, and returned them in full compliance with the store's return policy. After the incident, a third party who heard about what occurred speculated that the saleswoman may have lost her commission on the returned item. Its raise the possibility that she made sure to inform the store manager that I was in the store, Since almost intentionally the moment I arrived at the store until the police arrived, she was busy texting on her phone. What deeply concerns me is that despite the fact that approximately two years had passed since that purchase and return, the saleswoman appeared to act in a retaliatory manner. Her behavior felt targeted and disproportionate, as if she were deliberately singling me out or "hunting" me, which ultimately led to an unfounded and humiliating escalation of the situation.This whole Spiel were not in my awareness when the officers approached me. This was and still shocking, absurd, unjustified and demonstrates a serious failure of managerial judgment. This action caused me undue distress, profound public humiliation and emotional stress, for which the store bears responsibility! The police made me sit on a chair at the store entrance while questioning me, as all customers watched, causing me public degradation and personal shame! I expect an internal review, and apology from the store manager. This is serious and troubling enough and on its own, and it raises the concern that it could happen again to any customer! The question also arises as to whether calling the police over the wearing of earrings on my ears is lawful and legitimate??? The store manager's actions constituted intentional harassment and abusive conduct! There was no legitimate basis for the manager's action, He abusing his authority and exploiting his position. I believe the manager targeted me as an immigrant, identifiable by my accent, believing I was easy to haras, as well racially motivated, despite my being an American citizen with 40 years in the field of education. Such behavior from management is unacceptable and warrants attention!

    Twice Told Tales - Front

    Twice Told Tales

    (6 reviews)

    This is the place to stop if you're into Trollbeads! I had searched to see if there were any local…read moreretailers as I really like to see before purchasing and this came up (relatively close - still a nice day trip). I was blown away when I stopped in at the selection of not only Trollbeads (more on that) but interesting items. There was a huge assortment of antiques, new crafts, cards, books, vintage furnishings - you name it, I think they may have carried it! But, back to the beads - Karen came over and she was just incredible. She clearly knows her Trollbeads and a total newbie like me learned so much from her probably less than an hour, it was amazing. Not to mention the huge selection. And, the really affordable prices on many beads that you just won't find anymore. I found Karen to be so helpful and charming and honest. It was a really nice customer experience and I highly recommend visiting Twice Told Tales for anyone in the area. Plus, the downtown is really nice with an assortment of quirky stores and restaurants (and plenty of parking). It really is a hidden gem!

    I stumbled spin this fun shop on a stroll. At first when. I walked in I saw lots of things that…read morelooked like nothing I would be interested in. BUT there is a great selection of old books, greeting cards and made in the USA items!! I am so happy I came in and was lucky to find things for an upcoming baby shower! Also shout out to the owners Nephew for being so helpful in the store!! Hopefully she had a great time at the baby shower!

    WaterFire Arts Center - museums - Updated May 2026

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