One of the most enchanting places to visit in Providence, Rhode Island is their spectacular WaterFire event. It is free to attend WaterFire and is the creation of the award-winning artist Barnaby Evans. It is very popular, and over a million people attend it each season! Timing wise, you can expect the lightings to happen right after sunset. WaterFire usually occurs from the end of May to November on Saturdays several times a month.

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

In the evenings, the fires keep going until around midnight. WaterFire is worth visiting, and it is something that the whole family can enjoy as well!

The first time that we went to WaterFire was about five years ago when I had a work trip to the area. I was completely in awe of the display, due to the fact that not only was it beautiful, but extremely moving as well. It is truly the combination of gorgeous art, music, and natural surroundings. When we decided to do a more extensive trip to the Ocean State more recently, we knew that we wanted to return to this spectacular place.

WaterFire is located right on the three rivers that flow through Downtown Providence. (The Providence River runs into the bay through the center city, which are formed by the confluence of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers.) The address that you will want to use for your GPS is 4 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903. You can find metered parking along the Downtown, Jewelry District, College Hill, Wayland Square, Atwells Avenue, and Smith Hill.

It is created by a nonprofit independent arts organization “whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.”

When you walk along the waterway, you will encounter over eighty bonfires. (The smell of the aromatic wood from them is truly amazing. This is an experience for all the senses!)

Barnaby Evans also selects special musical soundtracks for the events and it interacts with the acoustics of the waterways and natural sounds of the blazing bonfires. His unique selections of pieces are related to the religious, ritual, and symbolic sources of the sculpture. “The emotional character of the music is in opposition to the minimalism of the sculpture—just as fire is paired with water.”

https://waterfire.org/about/music-of-waterfire/

Hundreds of volunteers participate in making this an amazing event for the community, and you can definitely sense that this place is cherished by the city.

We were truly so inspired by this place, and by the emotional depth that the art conveys. Let me know in the comments if you have ever visited WaterFire, and what you thought about it as well!

I hope that you are having a wonderful day, and remember to click the like and subscribe button!

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https://waterfire.org/

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NortheastAllie

For generations, my family has lived in the Philadelphia area, and my writing reflects these influences. This blog explores perspectives on life, encouragement, travel, health, and local living.

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