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WaterFire Providence Celebrates 30th Season with Inaugural Lighting

The enchanting lighting of WaterFire Providence, marking its 30th season.

News Summary

WaterFire Providence, a cultural hallmark, is embarking on its 30th season with a full lighting event this Saturday evening. The celebration will honor RISD graduates and feature twelve evenings of water fire displays throughout summer and fall. Following recent financial challenges and increased support from city funding, the event aims to continue delighting nearly one million visitors annually by offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with art, music, and community spirit.

Providence, Rhode Island – WaterFire Providence, a cherished cultural event, is set to celebrate its 30th season with a full lighting scheduled for Saturday evening, starting around sunset. This inaugural lighting will pay tribute to the graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), marking the beginning of a season filled with art, ambiance, and community spirit.

The highly anticipated 2025 schedule will feature a total of twelve evenings of fires burning along the picturesque rivers of downtown Providence, with the season running from May 15 until New Year’s Eve. This year’s festivities will include “Starts at Sunset” lightings, which involve five braziers strategically placed on piers near the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge. As usual, these lightings will set the stage for a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, arts, and vendors, creating a lively night out for visitors.

Event organizers have detailed various lighting dates, with sunset times and expected concluding hours. Notable key lighting dates include:

May 31 (Sunset: 8:14 p.m., ends at midnight)
July 4 (Sunset: 8:24 p.m., ends at midnight)
August 9 (Sunset: 7:54 p.m., ends at midnight)
September 27 (Sunset: 6:34 p.m., ends at midnight)
October 4 (Sunset: 6:22 p.m., ends at 11 p.m.)
November 1 (Sunset: 5:40 p.m., ends at 10 p.m.)

In addition to the full lightings, events on June 19, August 18, May 15, July 17, October 30, and December 31 are also scheduled, with differing sunset and ending times, contributing to the diverse programming throughout the season. More comprehensive information regarding the lighting schedule can be accessed on the official WaterFire website.

However, WaterFire Providence has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, leading to a 40% reduction in lighting shows and associated activities. Last season offered only 14 partial and full lightings, with full events concluding one hour earlier than in previous years. The financial struggles of WaterFire, which began before the pandemic, intensified during it as funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) did not extend support to the arts and culture sectors, impacting the sustainability of this beloved tradition.

In response to these ongoing challenges, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced an increase in city funding for WaterFire from $50,000 to $100,000, aimed at bolstering the program’s viability amidst its financial hurdles. Despite these difficulties, WaterFire remains an essential part of the Rhode Island experience, drawing nearly one million visitors annually and generating an impressive economic impact of $162 million for the state. The event also supports approximately 1,500 jobs in the local community, emphasizing its significance beyond mere beautification.

As WaterFire Providence embarks on its 30th season, it not only commemorates the fiery tradition it has established but also highlights the resilience and commitment of the city to maintain its cultural heritage amidst financial challenges. The full schedule for the season is expected to be frequently updated online to keep the community engaged and informed.