Voted one of New England’s best events after dark Providence’s signature event is WaterFire, an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence. WaterFire is now in its 24th year and it is an event I have enjoyed going to for many years now. WaterFire consists of 99 bonfires that are lit from sunset and last until midnight. The fires stretch for 2/3 of a mile along where the three rivers meet each other. You’ll enjoy the crackling of flames, the scent of blazing cedar and pine, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the fire tenders, the many performers traveling along the river in torch-lit vessels, and the extraordinary music from all over the world engage all of the senses and evoke emotions from the many thousands who come to stroll along the river walks.
If you’re lucky enough and plan ahead you can take a gondola ride and get really up close to the fires. A company called La Gondola offers 40-minute trips starting at $139 on a partial lighting (basin only) for two passengers (+$20 
for each additional passenger, 6 passengers maximum). If you go on a full lighting night the price starts at $179. Not only are there gondola rides but you’ll find food vendors and craft vendors along the side streets where the fires are being held along with several living statues one can interact with. There is also a starry night installation which is a beautiful way to help support keeping the WaterFires burning. You can add your light to the night by writing your wish on a ribbon and attaching it to your own star and hanging it in the constellation in Memorial Park for a $10 donation.
My best advice if you are to visit WaterFire is to arrive early. Since WaterFire is open to all and has no restricted seating or VIP areas, the earlier you arrive, the better your chances are to get your preferred spot along the river or in the parks. Lighting typically takes place in Waterplace Basin approximately 15 minutes after sunset; however, I would still suggest that you reference the event schedule for all of the details on the specific lighting you plan on attending. WaterFire is held May through November, typically on Saturday evenings about twice a month. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. More information is available at www.WaterFire.org.
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