WaterFire Returns To Providence With First Full Season Since Pandemic

Jimmy Bentley
·2 min read

PROVIDENCE, RI — Many of the basins along the Providence River were ignited Wednesday night, celebrating the beginning of WaterFire season.

"WaterFire was first set alight to turn around the fortunes of Providence," said Barnaby Evans, the executive artistic director for WaterFire. "Against all expectations, we hoped to make Providence a national destination. We wanted to celebrate our community for its rich history, its leadership in ideas and innovation, and its tapestry of preserved buildings. Now 25 years later, people have made the City a destination, and they love all that they find here."

The lighting marked the first time since 2019 the annual river lighting will have a full season, as the coronavirus pandemic season canceled the 2020 season. In 2021, the season was abbreviated, not starting until September.

Wednesday night was a partial lighting of the river. The first full lighting is scheduled for June 4.

"WaterFire is an opportunity to come and enjoy a historic city reborn, to see an urban center in new light, and to celebrate the balance of the old and the new mixed with the romance of firelight," Evans said. "It has all been made possible by the love, help, and donations of thousands of enthusiastic friends and supporters who have helped us realize their dreams."

From April to December, viewers can expect the return of the #Art4Impact series. It highlights community milestones and themes. This year's themes include arts and science, community heroes, and arts and health.

Popular WaterFire events will also return, including the WaterFire Holiday Celebration, the 10th Annual WaterFire Salute to Veterans and the celebration of the state’s Black, indigenous, and people of color communities.

See the full WaterFire schedule below:

  • Wednesday, April 27Partial Lighting, Waterplace Park

  • Friday, May 13Partial lighting, 12 stationary braziers in front of Memorial Park

  • Saturday, June 4Full Lighting

  • Friday, June 10Partial Lighting, Waterplace Park

  • Saturday, June 25Full Lighting

  • Saturday, July 30Full Lighting

  • Saturday, August 13Full Lighting

  • Saturday, August 27Full Lighting

  • Saturday, September 3 (Labor Day Weekend)Partial Lighting, Waterplace Park

  • Saturday, September 24Full Lighting

  • Saturday, November 5Full Lighting

  • Saturday, December 3Partial Lighting, Waterplace Park

WaterFire Returns To Providence With First Full Season Since Pandemic originally appeared on the Providence Patch