News Summary
WaterFire Providence has unveiled its 2025 season schedule, featuring a variety of lighting events from May 15 to December 31. The lineup includes full, partial, and special lightings aimed at engaging the community. The city has increased funding to support these events, which have a significant economic impact and draw around 1 million visitors each year. Community-themed nights will also be part of the celebration, showcasing local institutions and honoring key community members.
Providence – WaterFire Providence has officially unveiled its 2025 season schedule, revealing a lineup of events that aims to engage the community despite ongoing financial challenges. The season, set to run from May 15 to December 31, 2025, will feature a mix of six full lightings, two partial lightings, and four special “Starts at Sunset” lightings, which will take place on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge.
The inaugural “Starts at Sunset” event is slated for Thursday, May 15, 2025. The first full lighting is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, beginning at 8:14 p.m. and concluding at midnight. Other full lighting dates include the Fourth of July celebration on July 4, which will start at 8:24 p.m. and end at midnight, and various dates throughout the fall, with specifics on start times provided for each event.
- Saturday, August 9: Lighting starts at 7:54 p.m., ends at midnight.
- Saturday, September 27: Lighting starts at 6:34 p.m., ends at midnight.
- Saturday, October 4: Lighting starts at 6:22 p.m., ends at 11 p.m.
- Saturday, November 1: Lighting starts at 5:40 p.m., ends at 10 p.m.
In addition to the full lightings, this season will include themed nights honoring local institutions and communities, such as Rhode Island educators, breast cancer survivors, and veterans. Additional lightings and events may also be introduced as the season unfolds.
To support these efforts, the city of Providence has announced a significant increase in annual funding for WaterFire from $50,000 to $100,000. This boost aims to help the organization overcome financial hurdles that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, although challenges had been ongoing prior to the health crisis.
WaterFire is known for attracting around 1 million visitors each year, contributing an estimated economic impact of $162 million to Rhode Island. The event not only draws crowds but also supports approximately 1,500 jobs in the local economy, showcasing its significance to the community.
Ed Cabral, the Director of Sponsorships and Corporate Relations at WaterFire Providence, expressed gratitude to the numerous sponsors, community partners, and supporters who have been integral in sustaining this beloved event over its 30-year history. Their contributions reflect a broader commitment to keeping WaterFire a vibrant part of Providence’s cultural landscape.
The complete schedule of specific lighting dates, including respective start times and sunset times for full, partial, and sunset events, provides an exciting outlook for the 2025 season. The planning aims to ensure that WaterFire continues to be a source of pride and joy for both locals and visitors alike.
As preparations continue, the WaterFire community looks forward to a season filled with creativity, celebration, and a dedication to honoring the collective spirit of Providence.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: WaterFire Schedule 2025
- RI Monthly: WaterFire Providence Schedule
- Turn to 10: WaterFire Providence 30th Season Announcement
- Boston Globe: WaterFire Providence New Season
- Fun 107: Providence WaterFire Schedule 2025
- Wikipedia: WaterFire
- Google Search: WaterFire Providence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WaterFire
- Google News: WaterFire Providence
- Google Scholar: WaterFire
