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WaterFire is an experience that embraces all of the senses and all of the city.

Come to enjoy yourself, to relax, and to discover a remarkable new urban experience and a fascinating modern city. WaterFire is presented for free, but we need your donations to keep the fire burning.

Dress up, or dress casual, or dress festive, everyone is welcome. Many people choose to make a trip to WaterFire a special occasion by wearing something special or romantic. WaterFire is a celebration of community and beauty and we encourage you to become a part of the event. There is often live dancing at the Sovereign Plaza Ballroom and live Jazz at the Verizon Jazz Stage (please click ot see the respective schedules), and always an ever changing, eclectic music program all along the rivers. Please remember that others are listening to the music and try to keep your voices low so they can enjoy the concert. There is a detailed music program available from the WaterFire Ambassadors that lists all of the music being played that night. Please help us keep the fires buring by giving a donation to the Ambassadors.

Due to the popularity of WaterFire it is not recommended that you bring folding chairs as they interfere with passage along the narroiw river walks. You will want to walk about during the evening and not be encumbered by folding chairs. WaterFire is an event to be explored and savored on foot as you wander around to discover its many surprises.

WaterFire is presented for free by an independent non-profit arts group and we need and welcome your support to keep the fires burning. There are WaterFire Ambassadors throughout the park who will happily accept your contribution. One of the most memorable ways to support WaterFire is to dedicate and light your own Luminaria candle lantern at the event for a donation of $10.00. This makes you an Ambassador of Light and allows you to add to the beauty of the evening by adding your own spark of light. The luminaria candle lanterns are available in Memorial Park and in front of RISD.

Another popular feature is to entrust your Wishes and Dreams to the flames or to cast your Sorrows and Worries into the fires. Add your Wishes and Dreams, or Sorrows and Worries, to the WaterFire Orbs and watch the spectacle as they are consigned to the flames just after 11:00 PM each evening. Keep an eye out for the large colorful WaterFire Orbs where we will collect your Wishes and Sorrows for a contribution to WaterFire.

There is a detailed listing of all the special events offered on the afternoon and evening of each specific date on the main schedule page when you click on the specific date of your visit. Providence has hundreds of superb restaurants many of which are within easy walking distance of WaterFire. Part of the fun of WaterFire is exploring the glory of superb cuisine as well. Providence also has one of the largest collections of restored historic architecture in America. There are many miles of extraordinary buildings that can be enjoyed on foot or on walks. An architectural walking tour is available here.

Please enjoy yourself at WaterFire!

To Get There: WaterFire takes place in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, along Memorial Boulevard and the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers. It is right at the heart of downtown and runs for just over one half mile from Providence Place to the Crawford Street Bridge. Providence is about a 50 minutes drive from Boston.

Walking Providence is a wonderfully walkable city and we encourage you to start your adventure off by enjoying the spectacular architecture of the city. You can park in the nearby residential areas of College Hill on the East Side and easily walk down the hill to WaterFire.

Train WaterFire is one block from the Amtrak Providence Train Station and is also served from Boston by the MBTA and commuter trains and is about a 45 minute train ride from Boston.

Driving From Interstate 95 North or South, take exit 22 to downtown. The off-ramp brings you onto Memorial Boulevard which runs along the river. WaterFire is on your left after the first set of lights, and the installation extends down past the Crawford Street Bridge. From Route 195, follow the signs for Route 95 north (towards Boston). Stay to the right, take exit 22, and follow the directions above.

Flying Providence has the best and most convenient airport in New England and WaterFire is only 15 minutes from the airport by car. Extensive air service and car rental facilities are available at the airport.

Please check out Restaurants & Hotels, FAQ, Parking / Directions, and Special Needs Access for more information about your trip to Waterfire!