WaterFire Returning To Providence This Week With First Full Lighting

PROVIDENCE, RI — WaterFire season is back this weekend, with a full lighting of the Basins along the Providence River

"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."

Although there's been a couple lightings in April and May, those were just partial. The Saturday WaterFire will mark the start of a first full lighting season since before the coronavirus pandemic.

The lighting marks 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.

"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:

• Saturday, June 4 Full Lighting
• Friday, June 10 Partial Lighting, Waterplace Park
• Saturday, June 25 Full Lighting
• Saturday, July 30 Full Lighting
• Saturday, August 13 Full Lighting
• Saturday, August 27 Full Lighting
• Saturday, September 3 (Labor Day Weekend) Partial Lighting, Waterplace Park
• Saturday, September 24 Full Lighting
• Saturday, November 5 Full Lighting
• Saturday, December 3 Partial Lighting, Waterplace Park