Saturday, September 27 - Full LightingWaterFire4 North Main Street, Providence RI 02903 27sep5:30 p.m.11:00 p.m.Saturday, September 27 - Full LightingFull Lighting Event Details Event Details Photograph by Chris Podzon.Saturday, September 27th Details Full Lighting – Celebrating Rhode Island Educators Sunset (6:34 pm) – 12:00 am Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 pm Full Lighting Supported By: Rhode Island Department of Education Rhode Island Department of Education Rhode Island Department of Education Rhode Island Department of Education Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport Cox Business [Logo] Cox Business [Logo] Cox Business [Logo] Cox Business Red Bull Red Bull Red Bull Red Bull Fidelity Investments [Logo] Fidelity Investments [Logo] Fidelity Investments [Logo] Fidelity Investments Papitto Opportunity Connection logo Papitto Opportunity Connection logo Papitto Opportunity Connection logo Papitto Opportunity Connection Dunkin’ DS SolidWorks CorporationPerformersAndrew Anselmo, Origami Master: Sunset – 10:00 pm near the RISD AuditoriumTen31 Productions: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm located at the World War Monument in Memorial ParkThey will also be doing a 25th Anniversary celebration, and all proceeds from that night will be donated to WaterFire.A Silent Soapbox living statue: 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm on Washington StreetCirque de Light fire performer: performing on the river throughout the night. Performances are at 6:10 pm, 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm.Funkademic: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm on the Steeple Street Music StageJacob Frezza: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm on the College Street Music StageFood VendorsWashington Street: Kettle Korn Express, Full House Q, Incredabowl, Saugy Express, Atomic Blonde, Axelrod’s Fry ShackCanal Walk: Gather Farm Ice Cream, Del’s Lemonade + Inside VoicesSteeple Street: Maven’s DelicatessenCollege Street: Chill’s Cheesecakes, Taste of India, Sal’s, White Dog Distilling Trinity Brewhouse has two locations – one on the corner of Steeple and Canal St. with the other one on the corner of Washington St. and Canal St. Art VendorsWashington Street: Recycled SilverWear, Cuddlewear, Brushed Away Art, Paul & Sandy’s Honey Shack, MayPaul Publishers, Design WhatHaveYou, Scrapped and Found, Jeremy Schilling Fine Art, Land and SeaGlassSteeple Street: Odettas LLC, Celeste Diaz Falzone, Retablos, The Roving House, Annaleah Moon Studios, Parched, Cambrasine & Sara Capello, Revibed Vinyl, M Pearl, Eric Sturtevant Illustrations, Pourever Creations, K&T; Jewelry and AccessoriesCollege Street: Nubian Violet Creations, Hand Knitted by GraceCanal Street: Gather Glass WaterFire Ambassador + Merchandise Stations 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm on Canal Street, in front of RISD Auditorium, Waterplace Basin (in the tunnel + stage side) WaterFire Providence shares details for a full lighting on Saturday, September 27, made possible through the support of Cox Business, Dunkin’, Fidelity Investments, the RI Department of Education, and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, with additional support from DS SolidWorks Corporation, Pappitto Opportunity Connection, and Red Bull. The lighting will begin shortly after sunset (6:34 PM), and the fires will burn until Midnight. Vendor streets and onshore programming will start at 5:30 PM. “Everywhere I go, students tell me about their amazing teachers who help them see their own potential, who take the time to help them feel like they belong,” says Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Our teachers inspire us every single day. I look forward to this year’s Salute to Rhode Island’s Educators WaterFire, so that we, as a community, can celebrate our teachers and thank them for their commitment to our students.” WaterFire: Celebrating Rhode Island Educators, which includes an award ceremony and then a torch procession honoring RI educators, is scheduled to take place at Memorial Park beginning at 5:00 PM. At approximately 6:40 PM, during the sunset, nearly 85 District Teachers of the Year and educators identified for excellence in their professional areas from around the state will be a part of the lighting ceremony. There will also be a Luminaria display in Memorial Park for educators to make wishes and dedicate their lanterns. Video Created by WaterFire Volunteer Sabine Sheridan.The WaterFire Marketplace will return to Canal Street Stop by from 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm to support WaterFire with a donation or purchase locally designed apparel, jewelry, glassware, and gifts. Our friends at Gather Glass will do live glass-blowing demonstrations and sell handmade goods. WaterFire will also have additional information and merchandise stations in front of the RISD Auditorium, and on both sides of the basin in Waterplace Park. We encourage guests to stop by and purchase WaterFire merchandise or make a small donation. The WaterFire Programs tent on Canal Street will feature 24’-25’ WaterFire Accelerate Artist, Lizzy Sour. Stop by and learn more about the professional development program for Providence artists under 30 as it begins its fifth cohort in 2026. WaterFire Activations WaterFire Walking Tour tickets are now available for purchase online. Led by long-time WaterFire volunteers, this tour covers the remarkable origin story, artistry, and hidden gems of Providence’s most cherished event. Guests will walk through the heart of the city, following alongside the path of the braziers that will be lit just a few short hours later. Tours on September 27 are at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM Stop by Canal Walk near College Street from 5:30 to 11:00 PM to see Big B and the Looking Glass, a life-size bunny sculpture by Rhode Island artist Peter Diepenbrock. The Starry, Starry Night installation returns to Memorial Park near the Crawford Street Bridge; add your light to the night by wishing on a star or dedicate a luminaria candle lantern. The WaterFire Circle will return for this lighting on Finance Way overlooking the Basin. Individual and Corporate members will enjoy a reception area with linens and tables from Pranzi Tents & Events. The tent will feature a curated grazing table courtesy of FireWorks Catering, beer, and wine from McLaughlin & Moran and Gooseneck Vineyards. G Hospitality will be in the WaterFire Circle, hosting a cocktail tasting for members and guests. To learn more about the WaterFire Circle or to become a member, visit https://waterfire.org/support/waterfire-circle/. New Partner Additions for This Event With funding from DS SolidWorks Corporation and the Pappitto Opportunity Connection, Memorial Boulevard Tunnel in the Basin will be activated from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM with NE First Robots, with Robots on Fire. This activation will have 20+ Robotics teams showing off their latest robots and talking with guests all evening long. Red Bull will also be in the Memorial Boulevard Tunnel from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. The Red Bull team will be playing Tetris and invites guests to join for a game. Red Bull will also have their fleet of Mini Coopers on site. The Red Bull team will also be giving out free samples of Red Bull all night long. Dunkin’ returns to Market Square with an exciting Dunk tank activation. Educators, community members, and anyone eager to participate are invited to join. This event will also serve as a fundraiser for WaterFire Providence, with guests donating to dunk an educator. Dunkin’ will also have several activations in Market Square, including a 360 photo booth, a kiosk offering samples of their newest beverages, a Dunkin’ branded Volkswagen Van for photo opportunities, and community art activations. Additionally, Dunkin’ will be on Steeple Street, distributing branded merchandise. There will also be a Flag installation lining Memorial Boulevard. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport will be on site from 5:30 to 11:00 PM in front of Market Square. Guests will have the opportunity to spin the wheel and win swag, and also win a fly-away prize courtesy of the airport. There will also be a flag installation along Memorial Boulevard. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island will be on site, sharing information about donating clothing, how to become a mentor, and talking about Big Brothers Big Sisters month and what you can do to get involved. They will be located across from the RISD Auditorium from 5:30 to 11:00 PM. Beginning after sunset, the Tomaquag Museum will present an installation on the lawn between the World War I and World War II monuments in Memorial Park. Additionally, the Museum will feature a canoe as part of the WaterFire woodboat procession. Music Stages The Steeple Street Music Stage will feature Funkademic, a musical ensemble based in Providence, Rhode Island, that plays funk, soul, and R&B; on period-correct instruments. The band founded at Brown University will be taking the stage from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. The College Street Acoustic Music Stage will feature Jacob Frezza, a singer-songwriter from North Providence, RI. He will be taking the stage from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Funkademic at WaterFire Jacob FrezzaWaterFire Food, Artist and Maker Vendors will be located on Washington Street and College Street from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. WaterFire Food fairs featuring local food trucks and vendors are located on Washington Street, Canal Walk, and College Street from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Washington Street includes Kettle Korn Express, Full House Q, Incredabowl, Saugy Express, Atomic Blonde, and RaRa’s Surf Shack. Canal Walk includes Gather Farm Ice Cream, Del’s Lemonade, and Inside Voices. Steeple Street includes Maven’s Delicatessen and Sarcastic Sweets. College Street includes Chill’s Cheesecakes, Taste of India, Sal’s, and White Dog Distilling. Trinity Brewhouse will be serving up its local brews on the corner of Canal Street and Washington Street, and will also have a wine tent on the corner of Steeple and Canal Street. WaterFire Artist Vendors will be located on Washington and Steeple Street from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Shop a variety of locally made goods, including glass, photography, sculpture, and jewelry. Washington Street Artists include: Recycled SilverWear, Cuddlewear, Brushed Away Art, Paul & Sandy’s Honey Shack, MayPaul Publishers, Design WhatHaveYou, Scrapped and Found, Jeremy Schilling Fine Art, and Land and SeaGlass. Steeple Street Artists include: Odettas LLC, Celeste Diaz Falzone, Retablos, The Roving House, Annaleah Moon Studios, Parched, Cambrasine & Sara Capello, Revibed Binyl, M Pearl, Eric Sturtevant Illustrations, Pourever Creations, and K&T; Jewelry and Accessories. College Street Artists include: Nubian Violet Creations, and Hand Knitted by Grace. Photograph by Jeff Meunier. Cirque Photograph by Tom Backman. Photograph by Laura Paton.Performances As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, TEN31 will perform at the World War I Monument in Memorial Park with their living statues, including a stone Gargoyle and two white marble figures of Valkyrie and King Odin. The evening will also feature Flight, a dance work choreographed by Alicia Wilder and performed by Metamorphosis. All donations collected onsite will directly benefit WaterFire Providence. WaterFire thanks TEN31 for their generous support. Andrew Anselmo, Origami Master, will be hanging out all night at Market Square, and visitors can find A Silent Soapbox living statue at the bottom of the Washington Street Bridge and Canal Walk starting at sunset. Catch three fire-spinning performances beginning at 6:10 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM by Cirque de Light. WaterFire Circle: An Exclusive WaterFire Experience One night tickets to the VIP Reception Tent! Whether you’re visiting from out of town or treating yourself to a special night in your own backyard, the WaterFire Circle offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience the magic. Your ticket allows you to come-and-go throughout the night to our intimate, welcoming space away from the crowds. Enjoy complimentary light bites, wine, beer, coffee, and desserts. Throughout the evening, guests may enjoy surprise pop-up performances, visits from living statues, and other unique moments. This is also one of the only ways to experience WaterFire from the water. Guests have the opportunity to sign up for a complimentary boat ride during the lighting. Space is limited and rides are first-come, first-served, so we encourage you to sign up early onsite. The Circle’s location may vary from night to night, but the experience is always unforgettable. Get Your Tickets Today!Learn More>> Photograph by Tom Backman Photograph by John Nickerson Event Times September 27, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.(GMT-04:00) Location WaterFire 4 North Main Street, Providence RI 02903 Other Events Download .iCalGoogle Calendar Organizer https://waterfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WF_horizontal_logo.svg WaterFire ProvidenceWaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy. Learn More Get Directions
