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WaterFire

Memorial Boulevard, Downtown, Providence, RI
401-272-3111
Website
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Ranked #2 of 59 attractions in Providence
Type: Performances, Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas
Activities: City walk sightseeing, Nightlife
Owner 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 » Owner 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 Evans. Together with music from around the world, the glow and aroma of the fires create an enchanting atmosphere for onlookers. « less
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348 reviews from our community

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Providence, Rhode Island
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

Very fun event running beyond midnight, as they are stoking the fires right until the witching hour. The boat rides are enjoyable though a bit expensive. Preplan if you want to do a gondola ride. If they cleaned the river the rides would seemingly be much more appealing. The Gloria Gemma event is the biggest draw with large crowds. I... More

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See 2 more reviews by GregsHay for Providence
Providence, Rhode Island
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Viewing the lighted wood-burning braziers on the Providence River after dark is truly one of the wonders of Providence, attracting thousands of tourists, as well as locals, here to the frequent lightings each spring, summer, and fall. On shore there are also musical performances and other events, and it's all FREE (except for the many food vendors, most of whom... More

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See 3 more reviews by John B J for Providence
Providence.R.I.
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

It was a wonderful night with all the fires along the river all the different places for food ,the music for dancing if you wanted to its just a fabulous evening out

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Newport, Rhode Island
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

i love the smell of the wood getting burnt it is awsome and i love that they sell sords,fire works and food and if you want to eat something else you can go to the Providence placemall and eat something and still see the water fire from the window.

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Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Music was fantastic, not enough seating however. A very interesting concept, makes you feel like you are in another country.

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See 2 more reviews by hilda102320 for Providence
Smithfield, Rhode Island
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I LOVE Waterfire. I don't make it to every one, but I try to get to a few every year, and have been going since the beginning. It's hard to explain......a very primal experience......the smell of campfire in the air, a nice breeze blowing, being at the river, and thumping primal-beat music playing. I don't do the whole deal of... More

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See 4 more reviews by library_girl_ri for Providence
Rehoboth, Massachusetts, United States
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Providence invented this local treat, bonfires set in the river, volunteers add wood throughout the night. Music is played to match the theme of the night. Great turnouts make it difficult to make your way, so get there early.

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Smithfield, RI
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

When traveling to Providence in the summer months you must visit the Waterfires at least once. The beauty of the flames down the river along with the haunting music make it magical. Crowds are usually worse at initial lighting and thin some later in the evening. Enjoy walking around Waterplace Park and getting some kettle corn to make it a... More

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Eastern USA
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

Look at the season schedule and pick out the nights that suits your dance style. I recommend to start before dark, parking on the east side, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants near Brown, take a leisurely stroll to downtown in time for the live music and dancing. Stroll around nearby streets, grab a beer,... More

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See 4 more reviews by noexpectationsmotto for Providence
Green Valley, Arizona
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

The site of the boats and fires is awesome. Nothing else I've ever seen compares. Parking is a bit tough, crowds are quie huge.

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