August 24, 2023
PVDFest and WaterFire Providence today announced details for a full WaterFire lighting that will illuminate the Providence River on Saturday, September 9. Following PVDFest headliner Mavis Staples, the lighting will begin at 7:05 p.m. and the braziers will remain lit until midnight. The installation features 85 fire braziers floating on the river, which are lit at dusk and burn throughout the evening, accompanied by music and other performances. PVDFest programming will begin at 12 p.m. and WaterFire’s on shore programming will open at 6:00 p.m.
“I am thrilled to welcome WaterFire to PVDFest this year,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “PVDFest and WaterFire are two of Providence’s biggest attractions and beloved local traditions, and I am excited to bring them together for a full day celebrating our artistic heritage and vibrant community.”
Following PVDFest’s Artisan Markets and Food Truck Village, the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza kicks off on Washington and Steeple Streets from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., where visitors can browse and shop from a variety of local artists and makers in mediums such as glass, photography, jewelry and more. This outdoor artisan fair will showcase some of the great artwork created in Rhode Island and offer visitors the opportunity to support the local arts economy by purchasing work by Rhode Island-based artists.
“WaterFire is excited to join forces with PVDFest and the City of Providence to bring a day-long celebration of community on our riverfront and showcase the absolute best Providence has to offer,” says Barnaby Evans, Creator, Executive Artistic Director + coCEO of WaterFire Providence.
In addition to the lighting, additional programming will set a festive scene along the WaterFire footprint. Andrew Anselmo, Origami Master will be creating art throughout the evening at Market Square, and beginning at sunset, visitors can find A Silent Soapbox living statue at the bottom of the Washington Street Bridge and Canal Walk. Ten31 Productions will be illuminating the World War Monument in Memorial Park. The Starry, Starry Night installation returns to Memorial Park near the Crawford Street Bridge; festivalgoers can add their light to the night by wishing on a star or dedicate a luminaria candle lantern. Lastly, food fairs will be open on Washington Street, College Street, and Canal Walk, offering festival favorites including Kettle Korn Express, One2Taco&More, Full House Q, Saugy’s, The Incredabowl Food Company, Scoop T’s Ice Cream, Gong Cha, Del’s Lemonade, Vegan Suga, Pita Pocket, Spanglish, Pam’s Grill on the Go, FireWorks Catering, Poppin’ Minis RI and Sal’s. Trinity Brewhouse will have two locations, one on the corner of Canal and Steeple Street, and the other on the corner of Canal and Washington Street. They will be serving up local brews and wine from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
PVDFest is made possible in large part by the generous sponsors who continue to support Providence’s creative culture year-round, including the Providence Tourism Council, RI Commerce, The Boston Globe Rhode Island, Waste Management, Breeze, ProvPort, Waterson Terminal Services LLC, WPRI, iHeart Media, Delta Dental, Dimeo Construction Company, Rhode Island Energy, RISD, Amica, Fidelity Investments, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Cornish Associates, Evolis, First Bristol Corporation/Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites, Johnson & Wales University, BankNewport, The Foundry, PLDO Strategies, Withum, Verizon, Wexford Science & Technology, AARP Rhode Island, Bird Rides, Half Street Group, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Providence Monthly, The Public’s Radio, Regency Plaza/Chestnut Hill Realty, RI Monthly, and RIPTA. In addition to sponsors, PVDFest relies on the contributions of the hard-working volunteers to make the event a memorable experience for everyone. If you can volunteer for a few hours or a whole day, please sign up here.
WaterFire Providence is made possible by State of Rhode Island, Governor Daniel J. McKee; Rhode Island Commerce; The City of Providence, Mayor Brett P. Smiley; The Providence City Council; The Rhode Island General Assembly; Dunkin’; Providence Tourism Council; Rhode Island State Council of the Arts; Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau; PVDFest & FirstWorks; The 28th North American Catalysis Society Meeting; Rhode Island Energy; Bank Newport; Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation; Brown University; Cox Business; Check the Stigma Hockey Classic to benefit Horizon Healthcare Partners; Amica Insurance; Rhode Island School of Design; Fidelity Investments; Textron Charitable Trust; Bank of America; United Way of Rhode Island; Rhode Island Department of Education; XQ Institute; Cox Media; Rhode Island Monthly; WPRI 12 & FOX Providence & The Rhode Show; Cumulus Media; iHeart Media, Inc.; The Providence Journal; IGT; JP Morgan Chase & Co;. Gooseneck VIneyards; United Site Services Northeast; Stanley Tree Service Inc.; AJT Supplies; Fire Works Catering; McLaughlin & Moran, Inc; Dan’s Management Company, a Dunkin’ Franchisee; Let’s Roam.
More information about PVDFest will be released in the coming weeks leading up to the waterfront celebration. For more information about PVDFest, please visit PVDFest.com and follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.