Planning to Attend…
Is there an admission cost to attend WaterFire?
Is WaterFire run by the city or state?
Is there a WaterFire every weekend?
How do I know when there is a WaterFire?
Are there weather updates for the event?
What kind of boat services & policies are there?
Where do I park for the event?
What public transportation to WaterFire is available?
Is WaterFire accessible for those in wheelchairs?
How much does it cost to hold a WaterFire event?
Is WaterFire entirely produced by volunteers?
How can I get involved with WaterFire?
At the Event…
Where can I get information about WaterFire?
Where can I purchase WaterFire merchandise?
How can I find out more about the music that plays at the event?
Where is the safe point for missing children?
If your question is not answered, please email us at mail@waterfire.org.
Admission to WaterFire
We are asking everyone to make a donation of at least $5 to WaterFire. We need your support. Make your donation at one of the Ambassador stations, throughout the event, marked by a column of illuminated blue balloons and receive a luminous blue Ribbon of Light so you can become a part of the installation and add your light to the night. The flow of the blue Ribbons of Light will echo the flow of the water and surround the entire park with a Ribbon of Light.
Add your light to the night…Visit one of our Luminaria Stations and make a $5 donation in exchange for lighting your own luminaria candle lantern and writing out a dedication card with your light.
Starry, Starry Night…Visit our star field in Memorial Park; wish upon a star and hang it overhead, also light two luminaria candle lanterns in exchange for a $20 donation.
Thank You for making it all possible.
WaterFire Providence is an independent 501 (c)(3) non-profits arts organization and all contributions are tax deductible. WaterFire is made possible by the generosity of our donors and sponsors.
Is WaterFire run by the city or state?
Neither, WaterFire is an independent 501 (c)(3) non-profits arts organization and we depend on your donations and support to keep the fires burning bright.
Creator of WaterFire
WaterFire was created by the artist, Barnaby Evans, in 1994. Barnaby is the artistic and executive director of WaterFire Providence.
Is there a WaterFire every weekend?
No. Sadly we cannot afford to showcase WaterFire every weekend. Our dates are largely determined by the extent of your support. Please donate now to help keep the fires burning.
WaterFire Dates
Please visit our Season Schedule page for the current season dates; make sure you check back frequently for additions and updates. WaterFire usually occurs between May and October. The dates for the following season are released around April.
Weather Updates and Cancellations
Visit our Breaking News & Special Events page at www.waterfire.org/now; where you will find links to the upcoming fires with weather updates and news of possible cancellations. WaterFire is only cancelled when there are serious weather concerns.
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 fire tending boats. If you would like to volunteer, please click here.
Public Boat Rides
La Gondola operates two genuine gondolas and a small beautifully crafted electric boat. The can be reached at www.gondolari.com Reservations are needed for WaterFire events, you can visit their website or call ahead at (401) 421-8877.
Parking at the Event
There are many parking lots located near WaterFire. Please visit the Parking/Directions section of our website.
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.
Peter Pan Bus Lines
offer service to Providence. Upon arriving at the Peter Pan Bus Terminal, transfer to the shuttle bus to Kennedy Plaza. Kennedy Plaza is one block from WaterFire. Call Providence Peter Pan at (401) 751-8800 for schedules and fares.
Greyhound Bus Lines offers service to Providence. Their terminal is located about two blocks from WaterFire. Call the Providence Greyhound at (401) 454-0790 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. Call (401) 737-2868 for reservations.
When you are in Providence, RIPTA, The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, offers bus and trolley services around the city.
Pets
Most dogs seem to love WaterFire! Leashed dogs and other animals are always welcome to join you at WaterFire, provided that they are safe and will be comfortable in large crowds. WaterFire can get fairly crowded, so consider your animal’s comfort and temperment. Please bring plastic bags to clean-up after any messes and be careful to monitor your pet. There are no doggie cleanup bag dispensers in this park.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Yes, most of the park is accessible, but there are cobble stones on
many of the paths. WaterFire has two access boats for
use by those in wheelchairs to have a close-up experience at WaterFire.
The
The Cost of a WaterFire Event
WaterFire operates all year round, with many costs. Among those are labor, music rights, insurance, transportation, brazier upkeep, boats, docks, programs, building materials, firewood, performers, audio equipment, police, permits and other expenses. Our annual budget is approximately 1.6 million dollars.
Is WaterFire entirely produced by volunteers?
Although volunteers are an essential part of each WaterFire event, WaterFire does have a dedicated full-time year-round staff of 15-20 people who work hard to make the event happen.
Getting involved with WaterFire
Join us as a volunteer by emailing us at volunteer@waterfire.org
There are many ways you can get involved with WaterFire by donating or volunteering. WaterFire is always looking for volunteers. Our volunteers do everything from greeting guests, to the set up and break down of our signature events, to feeding the fires.
WaterFire Information
During WaterFire there are WaterFire Ambassadors standing by illuminated columns of blue balloons. Please make a donation here too. Please come by and visit with all your questions about WaterFire, visit with our volunteers, write your comments in our guest books, make a tax-deductible donation or purchase WaterFire memorabilia.
Locations:
The Ribbon of Light stations are located along the river walkways at various locations, usually including:
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,
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 in Memorial Park.
You can also refer to the MAP of WaterFire Providence (Download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view map)
WaterFire Merchandise
During events, The WaterFire Store on Steeple Street is open from 3 p.m. until midnight. You can also visit our Online Store to purchase WaterFire memorabilia.
The Music of WaterFire
At the event WaterFire offers a program for the evening, which includes a detailed playlist, including the time when each song begins so that you can know exactly what you are hearing at any point. The program can be found at any of the Ambassador Stations marked by an illuminated column of blue balloons, where donations can be made.
Visit Music of WaterFire to learn more.
Restrooms
Restroom 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.
ATMs
There are many convenient ATMs nearby at the Providence Place Mall (several), the Amtrak train station, the Citizen’s bank tower (Citizen’s ATM), the Sovereign Bank Tower, and outside of Hemenway’s Restaurant at the south end of the park (Citizen’s).
Lost and Found
All lost items (and children!) should be returned to The WaterFire Store on Steeple Street.
If you lose an item at WaterFire, please visit The WaterFire Store on Steeple Street that evening or call the WaterFire office at (401) 273-1155; ext 141 the following Monday to see if we have retrieved it.
Missing Children and Safe Point
Missing children should be brought to the The WaterFire Store on Steeple Street during the event and parents should report here to reconnect with them. This site is continually staffed.