This is a really cool way to spend an evening in Providence. During certain Saturdays throughout the year, Waterfire has a celebration which may include food trucks, live music, live entertainment, craft vendors and of course the lighting of the braziers in the river. The lighting itself is a spectacle. We have watched it from the basin twice. What is the basin? It is a large circular area at the beginning of the river walk. There is plenty of space to sit or stand and watch as the boats travel the circle lighting the braziers. We got beers and kettle corn and checked out some of the vendors. We saw living statues and got photos with living gargoyles. We tried some science fair booths and watched a man fold origami animals. There is a large amount of people but not so many that it feels crowded. There is plenty of inexpensive parking at the nearby Providence mall. Food and beers were inexpensive. Check out the schedule and plan an evening by the fires of Waterfire. read more

45 minutes south of Boston and you will feel like you traveled a lot farther. WaterFire is a must see this summer. Spend the day and take in Federal Hill First. Parking is tough so if coming from Boston I would take the commuter rail. You can park in Canton Junction for $4.00 and the ride to Providence is about the same per person. Providence Place is also a great take with parking but it can take a while to get out on the nights WaterFire is going on. read more

WaterFire Providence - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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A wonderful way to spend your Saturday in providence ! It was very beautiful! There was a great deal of people there all along the water and above, but everyone was having a good time. read more

WaterFire Providence - It was so nice and Beautiful - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Its a really popular and beautiful event that I believe warrants a visit at least. During the summer in Providence every other Saturday night they light up the bonfires in the middle of the river since 1994. I suppose being the 20th anniversary this year would make the place even more crowded. I think the crowds have definitely gotten to max capacities in my opinion. Its very beautiful but at the same time hard to just sit and enjoy the fire when there's a lot of foot traffic. It was so crowded that I thought might be worth it to shell out the money for the gondola or ferry ride around the rivers to avoid the crowds. But its free and its supported by donations and sponsorship so I can't really complain. I love the fact they have an online schedule of all the music they play throughout the night and that there are many art performers and art craftsman stalls. Also we were lucky enough to see the fire performers performing on the boats that was definitely one of the highlights of the event. Its a pretty long wait from dusk to the light actually being lit and the crowds does gather up very quickly. We were there at 7:30 for the 8 lighting and that was already too late to get a decent seat. Even though it says lightening at 8 doesn't really start for another 45 min after dusk. So my experience had been bit diminished mainly because of the crowds and the wait. Most likely gotten very popular over the years where I would think a lot in attendance were out of towners like me. So my suggestion is to either get there super early like around 5-6 like I've seen some reviews and just pick a good spot like you would do for 4th of July fireworks or just skip the lighting ceremony and just come bit later past 10 as the they keep the fires burning until midnight every night. We stayed until about 10 that night and it was still very crowded where people were walking shoulder to shoulder. But I do recommend a visit though just need some mental preparation. Hopefully with enough preparation you can have a much better experience than I did :) read more

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Allow me to speak to the out-of-towners as I have been one until now: My First Waterfier! I can be considered a true Rhode Islander and you can too. It's just water with floating pits of fire, but it is beyond beautiful with this small but glittery city as a precious backdrop. Music sets the scene and the night is made complete with an outdoor bar, food stands including Mamma Kim's BBQ, and every kind of painted street performer you can imagine posing with you for a donation. The cost is free, making it a cheap date night. Just two words of advice: 1) drive your smallest car for ease of parking should you choose to go street, and 2) have a dinner plan. We did Red Fez, per uge - so scrummy. read more

WaterFire Providence - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I absolutely love Waterfire! Ive been going for years, and it just keeps getting better. I went this past Saturday and it was a great time. Obviously the fire on the water is the main attraction, but there is so much more. Different restaurants and food vendors set up. There are crafts along with unique local artist displaying there work. I think my favorite part are all of the beautiful blue, lit stars hanging from the trees. Also for $5 you can write a dedication and receive a candle to go with it. Really cool idea, everything looks so awesome lit up. The vibe is always the same, peaceful and tranquil. Im always amazed at the amount of people there are, yet everyone is on the same page and just goes with the flow. If you haven't been yet, GO! You we be pleasantly happy with your decision! -plenty of room to roam no matter the amount of people - always at least 2 spots to get beer and wine -restrooms available -great food and restaurants around -clam vibe -you can bring chairs or blankets -it's FREE! read more

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WaterFire is a cool and interesting event for sure. Apparently it is a nationally renowned festival however I hadn't heard of it before until I started doing research for my trip to Rhode Island. Basically WaterFire is all about taking in your sorroundings and atmosphere as opposed to full blown nonstop live entertainment. Don't get me wrong there is some entertainment like a guy juggling fire, a pirate that rides by on his ship, and some bands and dancers and stuff. But once the fires along the rivers downtown are fully lit the commotion subsides and more classical type music begins playing that leads to a much more relaxed and laid back atmosphere almost serene. WaterFire is cool because its different honestly. Theres something that is just really cool about all of the fires lit up along the city rivers. With that said I definitely recommend getting here several hours before the event and walking around the area just to avoid parking and traffic issues. Traffic downtown leaving the event was expectedly terrible. read more

WaterFire Providence - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I loved the music at this event and the ambience. The light show from gondolas and the fire pits were beautiful and the staff did a great job entertaining the crowds. It's not an all day event, but a good 1-2 hour event to visit. read more

This was a first time for me. Though I only live in the Bristol area I have never been to waterfire. We!! Shame on me! My family was visiting from KY we looked up some things to do whole here. Waterfire was at the top of our list. It was a amazing experience. We arrived early to get a bite to eat. There's venders everywhere from local artist to speciality eatery a . We enjoyed ice cream for the kids from The Ice Cream barn , kettle corn , pizza, lobster rolls. After all that we strolled along and then saw RON's gourmet pastry 's !!! Once it was dark enough the lighting started on the river. Even on the murky waters it was truly beautiful. The boats float along with people enjoying the lighting. The starry night display where you can donate to keep the fires burning and make a wish or write a note to a loved one that passed . It is a great tribute . The stars are beautiful to walk through. There is street entertainment from locals. Statues that move when given a dollar. It was a amazing time!! Can't wait to read other reviews.:)) read more

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Ever since I went to school in providence and found out about water fire I fell in Love there is nothing like this anywhere on the east coast and when they have full lightings it's fun for the whole family. Where else can you see water with wood burning fires over the canals with gondola boats cruising up and down the river like you're in Italy? They also have fire spinners and a lot more If you've never been to this you need to free up a weekend and come down and check this out! read more

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If you are in the area in the summer this is certainly worth a stop. Parking can get a little tricky so try to get there about 2 hours before sunset and park on hope or benefit street as you approach from the south east. Make sure you have a reservation at one of the restaurants on the river or do Al Forno or Hemenways and then walk down after dinner. Enjoy the fires and the music. In our experience gondola rides must be reserved in advance as well as the other boat rides. Plan ahead and you will have a great time. read more

If I had a vague wordy yet catch all title for WaterFire it would be, "Not your average event put on by the city." Cheesy, but true. I had never heard of WaterFire before we made the trek down to Providence, RI. Heck, I had never been to Providence, RI before we made the trek down to Providence, RI - but there were a set of DJs, lots of cheap/free booze, and a new(er) bar that my friend had told me about so we went down early to grab dinner and check out WaterFire. WaterFire ended up being better than the event we actually made the trip for! The weather was perfect, we had great seats (which was completely by accident!), the music was inspiring, and the fire breather was captivating. I grew up a bit of a pyro and love mythology - so when we were coming into the city driving over the river, I was instantly drawn to the idea of an evening surrounded by pyre like structures, dark music, and deep waters. Mawahahaha - it was like the setting of every awesome epic novel! If some how you could drown out the crowds and gain some solitude, you could get lost in thoughts of Norse gods like Thor or the trials and tribulations of Odysseus and his men! But alas - there are stupid noisy children, annoying tourists, and crazy old people as far as the eye can see - so you'll have to settle for cool stuff being lit on fire, intoxicating music, and open container allowed (with relatively cheap booze and no ID checking, which we thought was odd, or perhaps we just look THAT old...FAIL). read more

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I have seen waterfire a couple of times and really enjoy it. The best part is the crowd, people from different cities n towns come here and enjoy this event. This event is basically lighting fire in the water. People come in series of gondola boats loaded with logs of woods and light the pits. It is a sponsored event and has a few stalls too. I enjoy this event. read more

Nothing celebrates summer or rings in fall quite like WaterFire in Providence. The raging bonfires, enticing aromas and haunting classical music create the most spectacular atmosphere and it's a shame I don't come here nearly enough. While it's definitely a popular (read: crowded) tradition, there's a wonderful calmness to the crowd, as we're all enjoying the same memorable post-sunset experience. It's a fantastic event to walk around and savor the setting from different vantage points around the river, then head out to explore PVD's wonderful dining scene. Did I mention it's free? read more

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This is a must for locals, and guest from out of town who would love to experience this wonderful evening of music, fire on the water, venues of food, entertainment, and see Providence all in firelight. I make sure that when friends come in for a visit that they are here when there is a WaterFire. I have been attending since they started and its better every year. Make sure to see one before the year is up. read more

WaterFire Providence - main street the torches - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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This is a must do if you're near Providence! It's especially fun with children. Very entertaining and beautiful so impressed that it's put on by so many volunteers. Great job, Providence! read more

Vikings meet Phantom of the Opera feel to this event. First time I have been to this event and it was a lot of fun. This was the full Waterfire. Check out the Waterfire website for show dates and type of show, some are smaller but probably worth seeing. This event is free and you can walk up and down the river across the bridges for great views even though it gets crowded. There are speakers throughout the river pathways with an interesting mix of music such as Andrea Bocelli, Enya, Trance genres. At various locations along the river and side streets were vendors. One was a local glassblower selling his work and putting on a demonstration. Along one of the sidestreets there was a stage set up for jazz performers. The 2 groups we saw were very good. Several food vendors were there also but I recommend going to one of the outstanding restaurants in Providence before the show. This is one of those Providence type events that make Providence a weird but special place to visit. read more

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Simply a lovely way to enjoy downtown on a summer or fall evening. You can stroll. You can dance in the Ballroom. You can eat carnival-style food. You can eat at one of the dientownmoots on the river. You can be mesmerized by the fire snd crackle of wood. You can arrange for a boat ride. There's something for everyone. Very special Providence tradition. read more

WaterFire Providence - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

My mother and I was in Providence for a short weekend visit when we caught the last WaterFire of the year! We were lucky because it was supposed to be the weekend before but had to reschedule due to poor weather. I was so excited because I have heard so much about this festival. We found ourselves at the ceremony, as it was also a celebration for the veterans. It was grand, majestic and beautiful. Then we walked along the water and find ourselves at the tents where there are food and some vendors. We had some delicious brisket and short rib sandwiches, and good ol' apple cider. Loved everything about it. I highly recommend it! read more

We went to the kickoff of the season, Memorial Day weekend. Getting there early was a big plus, we were able to find free street parking and get good seats on the stairs of the main area. There are lots of places nearby to grab dinner or drinks before or after the event. The lighting of the waterfire was magical. The instrumental band was great. There weren't too many food vendors at the art festival, just pizza, hotdogs and popcorn. It's a great family friendly event to bring the kids and dogs or a great outing with friends. Although public drinking is prohibited, many people were definitely partaking in drinking. People brought snacks and coolers with wine and beer. Best part, the event is FREE! read more

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I started looking for some places when we decided to go on business trip to Rhode island. Lucky Us!! we were there on memorial weekend and they organized an event after 8.30 PM. We reached this place after dinner from federal hill and it is crowded place but you can get a corner to sit and enjoy the music. Very romantic atmosphere all around. Couples all around - Hand in hand walking along the rivers at downtown . Not sure if they follow this as religion but the day we went they played a classical type music which made more relaxing and serene environment. I would highly recommend this place. Parking should be planned. Also they have some restaurants on the river side read more

WaterFire Providence - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Can someone stick a fork in this dinosaur of an event. The wow factor was over 15 years ago. How many times can you watch wood burn. From day one bartenders and wait staff would complain how WaterFire kept their regulars away. They had to work 3 times harder to make tips than on a normal night. The crowds are no where near what it used to be. Time to move this to another city and bore them. read more

This was are first time at waterfire it was a great atmosphere. Lots of cool little bars and restaurants set up sadly we ate before no knowing (theres always next time). There where alot of people but it was easy in and out of there we parked at the Providence place mall cost $2. The fires and the music and the smoke from the flames made us feel like we where at this really cool campfire. Definitely go it's great I wouldn't suggest going with small kids we had the night off with our 4 and 7 year old girls. I think if we had them it would have been ALOT more stressful get a babysitter and enjoy your wife or husband's company. read more

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The WaterFire in Providence is a great time, but sometimes it can be a bit boring. The first time you go it is such an experience, make sure to get there for the initial lighting of the fire. A good amount of people will be there and parking can usually be awful, so I would suggest taking an uber downtime to avoid dealing with this issue. If you do have to park I would recommend parking away from the actual WaterFire area and walk to make things easier. There are vendors all over the walk along the water. I would suggest starting at the side near the court house and walking down to the side that ends near the Providence Place Mall. All of the vendors are generally on the side near the court house. They sell alcoholic beverages. but I think you have to drink them in a confined space and can't walk around with them throughout the whole waterfire area. The music is always very engaging and beautiful. I like to sit on the side with my feet over the water and just take a breath and enjoy the atmosphere of the whole area. With the fire blazing and the music playing. They do gondola rides that go through the waterfires. You can do a couples ride or a group ride. I am not sure how much the actual ride is though I just know it is a possibility. Like I said the more you go the more the event begins to lose that spark that makes it so interesting and fun. You sort of get the whole experience the first time and nothing really changes from then. However, with that being said it is still very fun. I would say it is a great spot to take a date, whether its a first or the thousandth date it is certainly an entertaining night, and then once you finish you are in the middle of the city with numerous options after that. Definitely check this out if you get the chance! read more

I love coming to waterfire. It is my happy place. I have been a few times and always enjoyed the sights. It is truly magical. The lighting ceremony is gorgeous and powerful. Each lighting has a theme for the evening. I usually park at Providence Place and my friends and I walk over. The lighting for the evening happens around sunset. There are sometimes food trucks and other vendors along the river. In the summer you can grab a bite at some of the restaurants at Providence Place and eat outside. Waterfire is a lovely event and with it being so close to Boston, I think you all should experience it at least once!!! read more

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Fires burning in the water. Get it? It's an art installation and as such, it gets varying degrees of reaction. Some may explore the contrast and relationship of nature's basic elements and others find roasting marshmallows on their stove much more worthwhile. It's highly subjective. It's not meant to be an event, per se. It's atmospheric. It draws everyone out. Sometimes, I have found it to eerily gothic and beautiful, especially in its infancy, when it extended further and deeper into the cobblestone streets. Other times, it's a bizarre sideshow attraction, complete with bearded ladies and siamese twins. And those aren't even the street performers. It's up to you to find your patch in the grass, your handful of kettle corn. It's a rather passive activity that only requires you wanting to get out and to simultaneously treat your five senses. Walk through the crowds of people. Smell the wafting smoke. Listen to the music. Watch people pay an exorbitant price to ride on a gondola at dark. Pause under a bridge, catch a glimpse of the self-appointed Mermaid. Try out that new mime routine you've been working on. Waterfire has had some growing pains. With the influx of out of town people comes commercialization, with t shirts and mugs comes big hair and tackiness. Worse yet, there's a crop of imitators. Suddenly, neighboring towns and cities have Glowing Rivers and Burning Streams and Twinkling Lakes. It's ridiculous. Waterfire is the original and it's the best [as far as these logs burning on water events are concerned]. read more

Everyone has said it already. There's nothing NOT to like about this event. Free, beautiful, and a lovely way to start/end your evening.

If you haven't been yet this summer, GO. It's by far the coolest, most unique and special experience in Providence. I happen to absolutely love it. Plan your evening accordingly, because you have to know going in that parking is going to be a nightmare. One way to side-step this is to either park at the mall (torture!) or make a reservation at one of the many fine dining options downtown that have parking. Even if you have to pay, it's totally worth it - Waterfire is not to be missed, kids. You'll see Providence in an entirely different light - dim, moody, European old-worldy. Walk along the river under the bridges and you'll be stunned by how gorgeous our fair city looks from this angle. Seriously, it reminded me of walking along the canals of Venice. You can grab a beer or a glass of sangria in the beer garden, some snacks or a t-shirt, too. But the real fun is just the over-all energy, the collective awe of the crowd. It's inspiring, really. I love that this all began as a project for a RISD graduate student. Fire on water, floating up a long-forgotten and filthy river. Providence has taken it to a wonderful place by creating a phenomenon that attract people not just from Rhode Island, but all over the country. Cools. read more

Waterfire is an absolute MUST DO in summertime. I don't care that it's in Providence, and you live in Boston. Wah, wah - go cry to someone who cares. My advice to you is to get in your car, or your friends car, and get yourself down there. I don't know what people are talking about with the parking. I know of several free lots, and while they may be tricky to find, the obvious alternative is to park at the Providence Place Mall, which will run you maybe $10 for the whole nite. Now that we've solved that problem, let's focus on Waterfire itself. If you've never been, you're certainly wondering what is behind the mystery of Waterfire. And the fact of the matter is, no explanations that you've been given can fully capture the magic. I can list any number of puzzle pieces that make Waterfire what it is. Bonfires floating in the middle of the river. Carefully chosen mood music from all over the world. A mime who floats around on a boat and throws carnations into the crowd. Gargoyle statue street performers. A dance stage with music and ballroom lessons. Street food vendors selling everything you could ever want to eat out of a cart. Lumiere gardens, where for a donation to Waterfire you can dedicate lanterns and stars to past, current or future loves. Crowded streets. Kids running. Couples strolling hand-in-hand. Waterfire is where a public art instillation meets a street festival. And they fall in love. Madly. Passionately. With humor, and grace and beauty. It's also something you need to experience to understand. So get ye to Providence. I said go! What are you waiting for? read more

"Okay, so let me get this straight," a friend starts. "Go on," I say to her. "So you Rhode Islanders... you put big cauldrons of wood in the middle of the river in Providence." "Right." "And you set them on fire at sunset?" "Yep." "And people go around in boats and restock them all night long, and you blast opera and classical music in outdoor speakers?" "So far, so good." "And tens of thousands of people come to Providence every night that they do this?" "Yup." "I don't get it." "Don't try to," I tell her. "Just enjoy it." read more

Well, WaterFire certainly hits all senses. Sight: You see some bonfires in the river. There are people (I think just regular people, not performers?) slowly canoeing around the bonfires. There are big crowds of people staring at these things. Sound: The air is permeated with trippy new agey electronica, sort of what you might hear in your own head if you took a ton of drugs and then woke up alone in a giant haunted house and had to figure out what the hell was going on. Smell: I hope you like gasoline and smoke, because your hair is going to smell like it when you leave. Taste: If you weren't aware that smell and taste are related, you will become aware once the gasoline odor touches your tongue. Touch: You feel uneven cobblestones beneath your feet, the press of the crowd around you, and a bit of irritation that people rave so much about this event. I do give WaterFire points for originality, and it is definitely atmospheric. But after all the praise I've heard, I was really expecting something more. If you happen to be in the area, it's worth checking out, but I'd never make this a destination. read more

WaterFire is a very unique Providence experience. Before I moved here, people kept telling me I had to go. "What IS WaterFire?" I asked. "Well ... there's fire. On the water. You kind of just have to go see it." Now that I've gone, I know exactly what they mean. It's cool but it's very hard to describe it. I mean, they light the river on fire! Except, it's not really the river. There are these basins, you know? So there's wood. The wood is on fire. But it's *on* the river ... and then I just sound like a rambling fool. I prefer to walk down to the river to avoid traffic and parking. I live on the East Side, and despite Rhode Islanders' penchant for driving any distance longer than a parking lot I find it's quite a pleasant walk. The best views are up toward the north end of the river, where there are basins in a large circular area. The last time I was there, they had someone performing with fire - way cool! it's nice just to walk up and down the riverbank. Some of my favorite spots are underneath the overpasses, where there are some unexpectedly beautiful chandeliers. If you live in Providence but you've never been, you're missing out,. For visitors and tourists, if there's a lighting while you're here - it is definitely worth going! read more

Waterfire. If you're a local around the PVD like little old me, then you have been to a Waterfire. If not, homegirl has gotchyo back. -The fires always start at sundown, and the party don't start til homegirl walks in. -Depending on what other events are going on (concert, culture day, breast cancer awareness,etc) you ain't getting a parking spot. Homegirls' hot smellin perfume and fiery aura is fortunately, enough to save homegirls' front row spot as her heels click clack down the cobbles. -while homegirl has the strength of Hercules in her sky high heels, someone like yourself may want to stick with those comfortable pair of light up sketchers. And remember, it gets chilly at night. My mink furs ain't for sharing. Homegirl does enjoy a Waterfire on occasion. Especially the full lightings. If only thier music wasn't so exhausting to listen to. They have no problem playing a soundtrack of chanting monks, and Frann Sinatra back to back. It wares on homegirls glowing spirit. The uncertainty of what kind of religious sorcery is being played has homegirl whippin out her rosary beads. And when Franky boy finally wants to fly homegirl to the moon and play among the stars, it can't fully be enjoyed in awaiting fear of what's next. Homegirl may be bringing earplugs, but she will enjoy the Waterfire, who's flames are almost as hot as homegirl. read more

It's a little overrated, a little overcrowded. This is mostly due to peoples' high expectations of the event. When I first heard about it, I, like a lot of other people, expected cool fiery stuff. Water on fire. Fire shooting out of the water. Pyro technics up the whazoo. What is it? It's a bunch of fire-bowls sitting in the canal. A gondola full of people floats around the canal periodically and toss pieces of wood into the fire. And there's jazz. And youngers "sneaking" sexual acts in the shadows and shrubs. Sorry, I kind of spoiled it all, right? I was bored within minutes, I ended up wandering around the city aimlessly and getting a piercing at Evolution. That's how bored I was. It's a nice place to relax, have some glasses of wine, listen to some good jazz. read more

I have to give this stunt five stars for complete geographic uniqueness. It had a magical spell that could not be recreated. Yes, it is pointless. Yes, it is packed full of people. But there is something about a crowd full of people that feel hushed by the magical spell of a moment that can never be recreated. Boston could not pull it off. New York could not pull it off. Chicago could not pull it off. Only a town like Providence could pull it off. Really, there is something truly magical about hundreds of people all crammed onto the waterside speaking in hushed tones because they feel like they will spoil the moment presented by fire and classical music. Hard to describe unless you are there. Loved it, depsite the fact that yes, it is boring and cheesy and lame. But its also completely wonderful in that lame sort of way. Go, but don't be that lame-o criticizing everything and ruining everyone's good time. read more

Updating my initial brief review... WaterFire is the award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans presented on the rivers of downtown Providence, RI. First created by Evans in 1994 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of First Night Providence, WaterFire has grown to become an annual public art phenomenon. WaterFire is simultaneously a free public art installation, a performance work, an urban festival, a civic ritual and a spiritual communal ceremony. Well known nationally and internationally as a community arts event, WaterFire's symbolism and interpretation is both inclusive and expansive - reflecting the recognition that individuals must act together to strengthen and preserve their community. On WaterFire evenings, downtown Providence is transformed by one hundred bonfires that burn just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence in Waterplace Park (the Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, and Providence rivers). The public is invited to come and walk the riverfront, and enjoy the beauty of the flickering firelight, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the changing silhouettes of the volunteer firetenders, and the music from around the world - each of which engages the senses and emotions of all who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. Average attendance is 40,000 a night, ranging from 10,000 to 100,000. WaterFire is presented for free, with only ten percent of the funds needed to host WaterFire acquired through governmental means and the remainder coming from private and corporate donations. I've never had a bad time at a WaterFire. The artistry and symbolism that has been created is spectacular. The way the city comes together and is alive with it all is really amazing. WaterFire was the first thing to attract me to the city. There are other WaterFires in the country (Columbus, OH, Sharon, PA), and they're all Barnaby Evans' creations. But none of them compare to the crown jewel, the original, here in The PVD™. Yes, parking is a nightmare. Yes, there are tons of people. I usually experience it one of two ways... 1. My pretty traveling companion sets up her electric piano and sings for several hours, filling a 10 gallon plastic pickle tub with money from passers by. Once the bucket is good and full, she'll stop, donate it all to the cause, and then wander with me after we put her things in the car. 2. She and I simply grab a place to sit and look at the fires, take in the music and enjoy the aroma of burning cedar wood. Love, love, love it. read more

I just don't get it, and never have. Even when I was pregnant, with nothing else to do, this was extremely boring. I'm beginning to think the others who said you have to be wasted to enjoy it are on to something. One thing made me go more than once; the sausage sandwich vendor. Those are good. The gondola looks ok, but good luck getting one. Otherwise...I really don't get it. I can walk around my house in circles for free too, and I could even put some floating candles in the bathtub and blast Pure Moods. read more

On a beautiful summer night, Waterfire is incredible! We've always elected to go on nights that also have had both the jazz stage and dance stage. So much to see/do...and all free! Typically we've started out with an early picnic dinner by the river, then watched the lighting procession/fire dancer/gondolas, then would hit the dance lesson. Then start rotating back and forth between the jazz and the dance stages, taking breaks to chill out and be mezmorized by the fire, while simultaneously being entranced by the accompanying somewhat haunting (in a good way) music. The dance stage is breathtakingly dramatic and elegant! The dance floor lively and fun and the dance/jazz entertainment always wonderful! The crowd is nicely diverse, and comfortable for people of all ages. Beer and food are available at various places (ie: jazz and dance stages). A few entertaining side shows going on as well, sometimes with more formal ones coincidingly being put on at RISD. A nice alternative for a full fun night out, with very little expense. My compliments to the city of Providence for holding such a wonderful event! read more

This is awesome. That is all.

WaterFire is one of the unique works of art that makes Providence, Providence. If you live in Rhode Island and have never been... well, you're an idiot. That being said, once you've been to WaterFire, you've kind of seen it all. I've been a couple of times in my 11 years as a Providence resident and twice is enough for me. It's a great family event, or even a first date event. Several downcity streets are blocked off with all sorts of food vendors and local artists will display their pieces. Beautiful music from all over the world shoots out of huge speakers and it makes the evening feel so enchanting, especially with the bonfires burning in the river. My only gripe is because I do live in Providence, if I happen to need to be somewhere in the general area where WaterFire takes place and the event is happening; it's next to impossible to travel anywhere between streets being blocked off and the thousands of people parading around. read more