What is WaterFire?
Don’t miss one of New England’s most spectacular free events, held on select dates in Rhode Island’s capital city: Providence.
WaterFire, the award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans, is presented on the rivers of downtown Providence, RI. It was first created by Evans in 1994 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of First Night Providence and has since evolved into an annual public art phenomenon.
WaterFire is simultaneously a free public art installation, a performance work, an urban festival, a civic ritual, and a spiritual communal ceremony, recognized nationally and internationally as a community arts event. The symbolism and interpretation of WaterFire are both inclusive and expansive, reflecting the need for individuals to act together to strengthen and preserve their community.[1]
More About WaterFire
On WaterFire evenings, downtown Providence comes alive with eighty-six burning braziers, each containing approximately 33 pieces of wood. These braziers float just above the surface of the rivers that flow through Waterplace Park (the Woonasquatucket river) and the middle of downtown Providence (the Moshassuck and Providence rivers). The public is invited to walk the riverfront, enjoying the beauty of the flickering firelight, the fragrant aroma of wood smoke, the silhouettes of volunteer firetenders, and a diverse soundtrack from around the world. Attendance varies, averaging around 40,000 per night,[2] and can range from 10,000 to 100,000. Notably, WaterFire is presented free of charge, relying on a mix of governmental funding—accounting for only ten percent of its revenue—and generous support from private and corporate donations.
