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WaterFire


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 69 attractions in Providence
Traveler Description:
From May to October, bonfires are lit on the three rivers of downtown Providence as part of a unique urban sculpture by award-winning artist Barnaby...... more » From May to October, bonfires are lit on the three rivers of downtown Providence as part of a unique urban sculpture by award-winning artist Barnaby Evans. Together with music from around the world, the glow and aroma of the fires create an enchanting atmosphere for onlookers. « less
Familiar with WaterFire? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Performance, Scenic/historic walking area, Other
Activities: City walk sightseeing, Nightlife
Address: Memorial Boulevard
Downtown Providence, RI
Tel: 401-272-3111

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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4 of 5 stars
cml2   1 contribution
Providence
Oct 31, 2009

While some people might pish posh the idea of people gathering to watch bonfires in a canal, Waterfire is really something more than that. With the fires, gondolas in the canals, architecture, and booming opera music, Providence during this event feels pretty close to an authentic Italian city at night. more

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5 of 5 stars
OneParticularHarb0ur   1 contribution
Massachusetts
Oct 23, 2009

Waterfire is a cultural, social, visual, & musical experience. We spent the day seeing the sights of providence, shopping, & enjoying a little fine cuisine. The day we picked was chosen because it coincided with a Waterfire "lighting". (Google "waterfire, providence, R.I." to find out which dates have a Waterfire scheduled - Its not something that happens every night. Its... more

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5 of 5 stars
CG33   33 contributions
Naperville, Illinois
Oct 15, 2009

My wife and enjoyed our time at the Waterfire festival on October 10th, 2009. For slideshow pics of the festival follow this link: http://colinspics.phanfare.com/4387275 more

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5 of 5 stars
kktraveler   49 contributions
Glastonbury,CT
Oct 11, 2009

I experienced Waterfire this October after talking about seeing this event for years. We planned an overnight to coincide with the final Waterfire of the season as well as the JackoLantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo. We arrived late since the crowd at the Jackolantern event was much larger than we anticipated so we joined Waterfire at 9:30Pm. We... more

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5 of 5 stars
WritingMaven   5 contributions
WritingMaven
Sep 29, 2009

By far, Providence's Waterfire is one of the best kept secrets in New England. Although word has spread since its inception, every year it improves-significantly. Volunteers get together to offer performances, children's theater and a host of other activities for free. Great for families during the day, and romantic for couples at night. more

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5 of 5 stars
k1ckstand   24 contributions
Providence, RI
Jun 14, 2009

Waterfire is the quintessential attraction of Providence, and well worth doing if you're in town at the right time. What is waterfire? It's basically a big block party or street fair, except it's at night, and there are some creepy surprises. It's a unique and special experience. The main drawback to Waterfire is that it gets very crowded. Parking is... more

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4 of 5 stars
guineastuffer   7 contributions
PROVIDENCE
Mar 21, 2009
2/3 found this review helpful

I live in Providence and won't go downtown except for the waterfire. It is when the city is at it safest. It is great with the music they play it changes with every waterfire. Sometimes it can be opera, new age, jazz, latin, but it is always a good time for all. We take the kids after supper to stroll... more

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5 of 5 stars
pixie5008   29 contributions
Boston, Massachusetts
Mar 18, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

WaterFIre is a really unique event that I always enjoy going to, even multiple times in a year. There are street performers and interesting music, food vendors, and lots of people just enjoying the night. Its right in the middle of downtown Providence, but everybody really slows down and its very pleasant just to sit or to walk around the... more

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5 of 5 stars
oilslick   16 contributions
Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 10, 2008

Waterfire is one of my favorite events! I always go multiple times - there's always different music and food. I also love the romantic boat ride... more

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4 of 5 stars
Nyllie   51 contributions
NY
Jun 24, 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

I stopped by Waterfire on a whim on the way back home from a road trip. I didn't know too much about the event apart from a quick view of their website. Though it was my first time in Providence It wasn't too hard to find the location, though some more signs might have been helpful. There were several parking... more

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WaterFire Address

Memorial Boulevard, Downtown, Providence, RI
Tel: 401-272-3111