News Summary
Providence, Rhode Island, is set to host the much-anticipated WaterFire season, featuring 12 events from May through New Year’s Eve. Attendees can look forward to a variety of lighting displays, including full and partial lightings, as well as evening performances. The event promises to create a vibrant atmosphere in downtown Providence, drawing in both locals and visitors. Additionally, financial support has been secured to ensure that this beloved community event continues to thrive, fostering unity and local culture.
Providence Announces 2025 WaterFire Season Schedule
Providence, Rhode Island is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season of WaterFire, featuring a total of 12 events from May 15 to New Year’s Eve. This popular community event will showcase a variety of lighting displays, including six full lightings, two partial lightings, and four evening performances in the “Starts at Sunset” series. The iconic braziers will illuminate the rivers in downtown Providence, drawing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of this unique attraction.
The full lightings will see over 80 braziers ignited along the rivers, creating a stunning visual experience. A full lighting event begins at sunset and typically concludes at midnight. On August 9, 2025, WaterFire will hold an event titled “Clear Currents Community Paddling Night.” Participants can engage in onshore programming and explore local food vendors starting at 6:30 PM, with sunset occurring at 7:54 PM and lighting lasting until midnight.
The event schedule for the 2025 WaterFire season is as follows:
- Thursday, May 15 — Starts at Sunset lighting
- Saturday, May 31 — Full lighting
- Thursday, June 19 — Partial lighting at RISD and Memorial Park
- Friday, July 4 — Full lighting for Independence Day
- Thursday, July 17 — Starts at Sunset lighting
- Saturday, August 9 — Full lighting
- Monday, August 18 — Basin lighting
- Saturday, September 27 — Full lighting celebrating Rhode Island educators
- Saturday, October 4 — Full lighting supporting the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
- Thursday, October 30 — Starts at Sunset lighting
- Saturday, November 1 — Full lighting for the 13th Annual Salute to Veterans
- Wednesday, December 31 — Starts at Sunset lighting
In addition to the full and partial lightings, the “Starts at Sunset” series will feature five braziers lit on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, with live performances enhancing the ambiance. The combination of lighting events aims to foster community involvement and promote local arts, performances, and food vendors.
Financial Support and Challenges
WaterFire has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, including a reported $750,000 deficit in 2023, primarily due to high insurance costs. To support the continuation of this beloved event, the state offers a grant of $375,000, which alleviates some of the funding pressures. Additionally, local sponsors play a crucial role in maintaining the events, creating opportunities for community engagement while showcasing the rich culture of Providence.
Background of WaterFire
WaterFire is a renowned community art installation that has become a staple of Providence’s cultural landscape. Since its inception, it has brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate the power of art and community in a vibrant atmosphere. The annual lighting events transform the waterways of downtown Providence into a beautiful spectacle, attracting thousands of visitors throughout the season.
As the 2025 season approaches, excitement builds for the WaterFire events that promise not only dazzling displays of fire and light but also an opportunity to support local artisans, performers, and culinary businesses. The community is invited to attend, participate, and enjoy a series of evenings that emphasize unity, culture, and the spirit of Providence.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: WaterFire Schedule 2025
- Wikipedia: WaterFire
- Providence Journal: Joel Kipper Discusses Role as Director
- Google Search: WaterFire 2025 Providence
- Boston Globe: WaterFire New Season Starts in May
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WaterFire
- WPRI: WaterFire to Host First Full Lighting
- Google News: WaterFire Providence
- Fun107: Juneteenth WaterFire Lighting
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
