Please explore the frequently asked question topics below for more information about the experience of visiting Waterfire and Providence:
Waterfire Information Tables
Boating Policies
Restrooms
Public Transportation
Waterfire Information Tables
During WaterFire there are WaterFire Ambassadors at various locations where you can ask questions of the volunteers, write your comments in our guest books, make a tax-deductible donation or purchase WaterFire memorabilia.
Locations:
The tables are located along the river walkways at the following locations:
1. on the south side of WaterPlace basin,
2. at the River Walk on the north side of the river between Exchange St. and Waterplace basin (closed due to construction),
3. at the gazebo between Memorial Boulevard and the river, across the river from the Citizens Bank building,
4. at the Citizen’s Plaza,
5. at the entrance to the RISD auditorium,
6. at the College Street tent,
7. in Memorial Park.
You can also refer to the waterfront map for more details.
The location at the Gondola Landing accepts Visa and MasterCard. Credit card purchases have a $10 minimum. You may also order any of the WaterFire memorabilia by calling (401)-272-3111. All phone sales require a credit card and have a small shipping fee.
Boating Policies and Services
WaterFire does not operate or arrange for boat tours or rentals for the general public on the river. The river is closed to all boat traffic on WaterFire nights from sunset to midnight upstream of the Crawford Street Bridge. WaterFire is intended to be viewed from the shore. We encourage anyone who would like to see WaterFire from the water to join us in creating this work of art as a volunteer on the fireboats. If you would like to volunteer, please click here.
Boat Access to WaterFire There are two private, independent companies that provide boat tours during WaterFire.
La Gondola operates three genuine gondolas and a vapereto and can be reached at www.gondolari.com Reservations are recommended.
Proud Mary provides motor launch tours leaving every half hour from the north side of Waterplace Basin. They can be reached at (401) 580-2628.
Restrooms
Rest room facilities are located in the lobby of the RISD auditorium and on Exchange Street (between the Citizen’s Bank building and Waterplace Park basin) just north of the river. The RISD facilities are open to the public from the start of WaterFire until about midnight. The portable facilities on Exchange Street are open from about two hours before sunset until the end of the event. For precise locations of facilities, please consult the Waterplace Park Map.
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Public Transportation
Amtrak offers weekend service to Providence. The Amtrak station is one block from WaterFire. Call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL for schedules and fares.
Bonanza Bus Lines offers service to Providence. Upon arriving at the Bonanza Bus Terminal, transfer to the shuttle bus to Kennedy Plaza. Kennedy Plaza is one block from WaterFire. Call Bonanza at 800-556-3815 for schedules and fares.
Greyhound Bus Lines offers service to Providence. Their terminal is located about two blocks from WaterFire. Call Greyhound at 800-231-2222 for schedules and fares.
Numerous airlines have convenient service to Providence’s T. F. Green Airport. Taxi service from the airport to downtown is about $25 one way. A shuttle van servicing downtown hotels and universities is available for $9 one way. The most convenient stop request for the shuttle van for visiting WaterFire is the Westin Hotel.
When you are in Providence, The Rhode Island Department of Transportation offers bus and trolley services around the city as well.
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