Visiting Providence for WaterFire: Planning Ahead

Fire dancers are mesmerizing to watch.

1. Check the official WaterFire schedule online. Full lightings typically happen twice a month, beginning shortly after sunset. Dates are announced in the spring, and the schedule may change depending on tides or special events.

2. Make dinner reservations well in advance. Downtown restaurants fill up fast on WaterFire nights. Some family favorites near the river include UNO Pizzeria & Grill, P.F. Chang’s, and The Cheesecake Factory in Providence Place. Walk-ins usually face long waits, so planning ahead is key.

3. WaterFire happens rain or shine. While some smaller activities may be canceled in bad weather, the fires are lit unless conditions are unsafe. The WaterFire Facebook page is the best place to check for last-minute updates.

4. Check the event schedule for the night. In addition to the fires, many evenings feature live music, dance performances, interactive art installations, and themed programming. Make sure to note if it is a Partial Lighting or a Full Lighting. Partial lightings only include a portion of the braziers and typically do not have onshore entertainment. 

5. Familiarize yourself with the interactive map on the WaterFire website. It’s helpful for planning where to park, where to eat, and where to watch the lighting ceremony. The RISD Auditorium is a good landmark—it has bathrooms, seating, and serves as a helpful indoor break space.

6. Consider staying overnight—but think carefully about location. Hotels close to the action may seem convenient, but the music and crowd noise can carry late into the night. Families with young kids may prefer a quieter stay a few blocks away. We loved our stay at The Beatrice, the spacious rooms, luxurious amenities, and super cozy beds were a perfect spot to end our night! Bonus Points: our room had a white noise machine to block out any city sounds.

7. Book a boat ride in advance if you’re interested. La Gondola and Providence River Boat Company both offer rides during WaterFire. It’s a truly unique way to experience the fires. Boats tend to fill quickly, especially on popular weekends.

8. If a member of your family has a disability or mobility limitation, WaterFire offers a special Access Boat program that provides front-row views in a safe, accessible format. These rides must be reserved in advance and are only for those with specific access needs.

An aerial view shows just how big WaterFire has gotten. Photo by Jeff Stolzberg

Visiting Providence for WaterFire: When You're There

9. Arrive early. Traffic can back up near the city center, and parking gets competitive fast. Plan to get into Providence at least two hours before the fires are lit.

10. Turn your visit into a full-day trip. Families can explore the Providence Children’s Museum, Roger Williams Park Zoo, or the RISD Museum before dinner. Providence Place also has shopping and kid-friendly dining options.

11. Street parking is free after 6pm, and spots on Benefit Street near RISD are often available if you’re early. When choosing a spot, consider where you’ll end your evening—the walk back with tired kids always feels longer.

12. If you have time to kill before the event starts, stroll through downtown. The State House, the Athenaeum, and the waterfront paths are all worth exploring. A little sightseeing can help kids burn off energy before the more peaceful parts of the night begin.

13. Identify the First Aid station early. It’s located at the head of Washington Street and staffed with registered nurses. It’s a good meeting spot if anyone gets separated and can help with anything from lost items to scraped knees.

14. Leave the stroller at home if you can. The main paths along the installation are cobblestone, which makes stroller travel tricky. The Memorial Boulevard side has smoother sidewalks and is more stroller-friendly if needed.

You can reserve space on a gondola ride on the river. Photo by Tom Lincoln

Things to See and Do During WaterFire in Providence

15. Look for WaterFire Ambassadors in black clothing—they hand out pocket guides with a map and schedule. These are handy to have as you walk.

16. Arrive at Waterplace Basin before sunset to see the fires officially lit. The lighting ceremony usually begins about 15 minutes after sunset and sets the tone for the whole evening.

17. Walk the rivers and enjoy the sensory experience: the heat of the fires, the sound of crackling wood, the background music, and the gentle glow of flames reflecting on the water. It’s unlike anything else.

18. Visit the Starry Starry Night installation in Memorial Park. Children can enter through a glowing blue archway and tie wishes to illuminated stars. It’s a peaceful, magical part of the event that many families return to year after year.

19. Check out the living statues near the World War Memorial. Artists from TEN31 Productions pose as silent sculptures—Gargoyles, Oracles, Greek gods—and sometimes come to life with a small movement or expression. They’re fascinating for kids old enough to know they’re people.

20. Donate to support WaterFire. Suggested donations start at $5, and you can drop them at blue-lit stations throughout the route. WaterFire is a nonprofit and relies on contributions to keep the events free and open to all.

Starry Starry Night field is a place where kids can make wishes and dedications. Photo by Kevin Murray

21. Families can also write a dedication card and light a luminaria candle for a $5 or $20 donation. All cards are saved in WaterFire’s memory book. Lighting a candle can be a meaningful, interactive part of the night.

22. Watch for the fire tenders—volunteers dressed in black who float in boats and keep the fires going all evening long. Kids love watching them reload the braziers with fresh wood.

23. Support local artisians at the vendors lined up throughout the pathways. The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza on Washington Street features work by local artists and craftspeople. The WaterFire Store on Canal Street is also a great place for unique souvenirs.

24. Don’t be surprised if the night ends with dancing. Depending on the theme, WaterFire evenings sometimes include live music or a pop-up ballroom for all ages. Check the schedule in advance to see what’s happening.

25. The music of WaterFire is a huge part of the atmosphere. Ethereal world music and instrumental tracks help set the mood. If your family falls in love with the playlist, you can download tracks from past events online.

WaterFire is the kind of event that turns an ordinary Saturday into something unforgettable. With a little prep—and maybe a few glow sticks—your family can enjoy a night of beauty, art, and a bit of magic under the stars.

Article first published in 2014; updated in 2017 & 2025

Top photo by Matthew Huang