WaterFire
For two and a half decades, WaterFire has illuminated Providence and provided the community with world-class art experiences, performances and programs. Learn more about Brown’s connections to our city’s signature event.
WaterFire
For two and a half decades, WaterFire has illuminated Providence and provided the community with world-class art experiences, performances and programs. Learn more about Brown’s connections to our city’s signature event.
About WaterFire
Launched in the mid-1990s by Brown Class of 1975 graduate Barnaby Evans, the award-winning WaterFire has been acclaimed by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. During each lighting, more than 80 sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of wood smoke, flickering firelight on the city’s arched bridges, silhouettes of the fire-tenders passing by the flames, torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and enchanting music from around the world engage the senses and emotions of those who stroll Providence’s streets and sidewalks.
Each year, WaterFire attracts nearly 1 million visitors to downtown Providence. According to organizers, it creates $113 million in economic output for local businesses annually, generates over $9 million of tax revenue for the State of Rhode Island, and supports 1,294 jobs for community residents.
The event begins shortly after sunset in Waterplace Park with a lighting procession, in which community members use torches to light wood-filled braziers along the river, and concludes around 11 p.m. Attendees are invited to take in the sights and sounds of the illuminated downtown, as well as visit many food, drink and art vendors who line the streets along with WaterFire performers. Made possible with community support, WaterFire is free and open to the public.
Views of WaterFire
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Blazing torches line the river during a Brown-sponsored WaterFire lighting held during 2024 Family Weekend.
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Community members explore an inflatable display of lungs set up during a Brown-sponsored WaterFire lighting in 2022 celebrating Family Weekend and the Warren Alpert Medical School’s 50 Years of Medicine.
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Parents and families pose for photos with their students during a Brown-sponsored WaterFire held during 2024 Family Weekend.
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Visitors enjoy special activities, including a Bruno-themed photo op, as part of the Brown-sponsored WaterFire held in celebration of 2022 Family Weekend and Brown’s 50 Years of Medicine.
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Brown University mascot Bruno writes on an interactive chalkboard during the 2022 Family Weekend WaterFire.
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Students and others from the Providence community take in the sights at WaterFire.
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Community members pose for photos in front of marquee letters spelling BROWN, part of a Brown-sponsored WaterFire held during 2022 Family Weekend.
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The Higher Keys a cappella group performs at WaterFire, part of 2024 Family Weekend.
Brown and Providence
Brown’s support for WaterFire echoes a University-wide commitment to the community it calls home. For more than two and a half centuries, Brown has been deeply connected to the diverse and vibrant City of Providence — as a neighbor, employer and institution dedicated to a mission of education, research and service.
At the heart of the relationship between the University and the people and organizations in the city and state is a dedication to productive engagement and partnership. Through contributions ranging from improving medical care and public health, to community engagement activities, support for schools and our role in fueling the regional economy, Brown is deeply dedicated to investing in the success of our local community.
Getting to WaterFire
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. It is best enjoyed by walking and strolling.
Walking
Providence is a wonderfully walkable city, and we encourage you to start your adventure by enjoying the spectacular architecture of the city.
Train
WaterFire is one block from the Providence Amtrak/MBTA Station, which hosts Acela and regional Amtrak trains, as well as being served from Boston by the MBTA and commuter trains. The train ride from Boston is about 45 minutes. Check out the new MBTA Beginner’s Guide to the Commuter Rail. You can also take the train between Green Airport and Providence.
Driving
From Interstate 95 North or South, take exit 37B 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 (toward Boston). Stay to the right, take exit 37B, and follow the directions above.
Parking Suggestions
In addition to more than 40 parking lots and garages, downtown Providence has over 1,100 on-street parking spaces. We recommend planning to park in a lot or garage, unless you arrive early to secure street parking.