Waterfire Providence 2026
| Dates: | Only on 5/30, 7/4, 8/1, 8/29, 9/6, 8/26, 10/17, 11/7 between 5/30/26 - 12/11/26 |
| Hours: | Select nights at Sunset - see schedule |
| Ages: | Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free |
| Category: | Seasonal Fun |
WaterFire - a fire sculpture by Barnaby Evans - centers on a series of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile of urban public spaces and parks, and residents and visitors gather to stroll along the river while listening to a memorable and eclectic selection of classical and world music.
The fires are tended from sunset to past midnight by black-clad performers in boats who pass quietly before the flames. There are no admission charges to WaterFire.
2026 WaterFire Lighting Schedule
FULL LIGHTINGS
Saturday, May 30 – Celebrating WaterFire’s 500th Lighting
Supported by: Rhode Island School of Design,
with additional support from Achievement First
Sunset: 8:12 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 4 – Commemorating 250 Years of American Independence
Supported by: RI250 Commission
Sunset: 8:23 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 1 – Clear Currents Community Paddling Night
Supported by: Amica Insurance and Brown University
Sunset: 8:03 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 29
Supported by: FM
Sunset: 7:23 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 PM
Sunday, September 6
Supported by: The Providence Tourism Council
Sunset: 7:10 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:00 PM
Saturday, September 26 – Celebrating Rhode Island Educators
Supported by: the Rhode Island Department of Education
Sunset: 6:35 PM | Lighting ends at Midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 PM
Saturday, October 17 – United Way of Rhode Island’s Centennial Celebration
Supported by: United Way of Rhode Island
Sunset: 6:01 PM | Lighting ends at 11:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:00 PM
Saturday, November 7 – 14th Annual Salute to Veterans
Supported by: TBD
Sunset: 4:32 PM | Lighting ends at 10:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 3:30 PM
BASIN & PARTIAL LIGHTINGS
Friday, June 12 – Basin Lighting
Supported by: GoProvidence
Sunset: 8:21 PM | Lighting ends at 10:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:00 pm
Thursday, June 18 – Partial Lighting: RISD + Memorial Park Area
Celebrating Juneteenth & RI Pride
Supported by: Providence Tourism Council
Sunset: 8:23 PM | Lighting ends at 11:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:00 pm
Friday, July 17 – Basin Lighting
Supported by: GoProvidence
Sunset: 8:17 PM | Lighting ends at 10:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7:00 pm
Friday, August 14 – Basin Lighting
Supported by: GoProvidence
Sunset: 7:46 PM | Lighting ends at 10:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 pm
Saturday, October 3 – Partial Lighting
Supported by: Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Sunset: 6:23 PM | Lighting ends at 10:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 pm
Friday, December 11 – Holiday Basin Lighting
Supported by: GoProvidence
Sunset: 4:14 PM | Lighting ends at 9:00 PM
Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:00 pm
STARTS AT SUNSET EVENTS
Located on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Presented by the Providence Tourism Council
Thursday, July 9 – Sunset (8:22 PM) to 10:00 PM
Thursday, September 17 – Sunset (6:51 PM) to 9:00 PM
Thursday, October 29 – Sunset (5:44 PM) to 8:00 PM
Thursday, December 31 – Sunset (5:30 PM) to 9:00 PM
WaterFire is an experience that surrounds viewers on all sides and impacts all five senses.
The crackling flames, the fragrant scent of blazing cedar and pine; the flickering firelight on the arched bridges; the silhouettes of the firetenders floating by in their torch-lit vessels, and the extraordinary music from around the world engage all of the senses and evoke unique emotions from the many thousands who come to stroll along the river walks.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
waterfire.org/schedule/2026-waterfire-providence-event-schedule/
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Rhode Island
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- Most Waterfires dates are full lightings, however, several dates include a lighting of a portion of the full installation. Some prefer the smaller lightings because they are less crowded.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Events
- Waterfire Providence 2026, 5/30/26-12/11/26
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Waterfire Providence 2026 before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
