WaterFire returns to R.I. for the 2025 season
Advertisement
During full lightings, more than 80 braziers are lit up from Waterplace Park to the South Main Street Park. Lightings take place after sunset and the fires typically remain lit until midnight. The events also include onshore programming like performances and vendors, such as food trucks and artist tents featuring prints of their work, hand-poured candles, and handmade jewelry, among other goods.
Get Globe Rhode Island Food Club
A weekly newsletter about food and dining in Rhode Island, by Globe Rhode Island reporter Alexa Gagosz.
Enter Email
Sign Up
Partial lightings can include braziers in any section of the river, and are more subdued. They do not have other onshore programming or food vendors.
A Waterfire event overlooking the Waterfire basin in Providence, R.I.
MARK STOCKWELL FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE/FILE
The 'Starts At Sunset' series is a community gathering at the pedestrian bridge, where volunteers illuminate the bridge with the glow of five braziers. Meanwhile, the lower deck of the bridge is transformed into a dedicated performance area, which includes acoustic music, a fire spinner or flow artist, and other performances.
Advertisement
A basin lighting includes the circle of 22 braziers in the Waterplace Park basin and eight braziers leading up to the Providence Place Mall.
Here is the full 2025 schedule.
Thursday, May 15 — Starts at Sunset lighting
Sunset: 7:59 p.m.
Lighting ends at 10 p.m
Saturday, May 31 — Full lighting
Sunset: 8:14 p.m.
Lighting ends at midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 19 — Partial lighting: RISD + Memorial Park area
Sunset: 8:22 p.m.
Lighting ends at 10:30 p.m.
Friday, July 4 — Full Lighting: Celebrating Independence Day
Sunset: 8:24 p.m.
Lighting ends at midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 17 — Starts at Sunset lighting
Sunset: 8:17 p.m.
Lighting ends at 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 9 — Full Lighting
Sunset: 7:45 p.m.
Lighting ends at midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 18 — Basin lighting
Sunset: 7:41 p.m.
Lighting ends at 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27 — Full lighting: Celebrating Rhode Island educators
Sunset: 6:34 p.m.
Lighting ends at midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4 — Full lighting in support of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Sunset: 6:22 p.m.
Lighting ends at 11 p.m.
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 30 — Starts at Sunset lighting
Sunset: 5:42 p.m.
Lighting ends at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1 — Full lighting: 13th Annual Salute to Veterans
Sunset: 5:40 p.m.
Lighting ends at 10 p.m.
Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
— Starts at Sunset lighting
Sunset: 4:25 p.m.
Lighting ends at 9 p.m.
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
NYC July 4th fireworks returning to East River after last year's display on Hudson
New York City's Fourth of July fireworks show will be returning to the East River next month to dazzle revelers after the display had moved across town to the Hudson River for last year's celebration, city officials said. The 49th annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show will launch thousands of shells from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four surrounding barges in the East River near Manhattan's Seaport District as part of the Big Apple's 400th birthday, according to the mayor's office. 'The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show is one of New York City's most iconic traditions, drawing thousands from across our city, the country, and the globe to witness a world-class celebration of America's birthday,' Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show will be back in the East River this year. Paul Martinka Last year's display was in the Hudson River for the first time in nearly a decade. James Keivom 'As we celebrate 400 years since New York City's founding, we're thrilled to welcome the crowds, once again, to experience an unforgettable Independence Day at our world-famous Brooklyn Bridge and East River skyline,' Hizzoner added. The display was moved to the East River nearly 10 years ago, with officials saying more New Yorkers could see them — however last year's show went back to the Hudson river off lower Manhattan. While the location shake-up may have delighted New Jerseyans and West siders, the sudden change left residents in Brooklyn, Queens, Roosevelt island and Manhattan's East Side feeling dumped. Public viewing this year will be available from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River, officials said. Additional details on viewing locations, live broadcasts, and a city-sponsored lottery for free public viewing tickets will be announced in the coming weeks, the mayor's office said.
CBS News
4 hours ago
- CBS News
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show returning to NYC's East River for 2025
The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show in New York City is headed back to the East River this year, Mayor Eric Adams announced Wednesday. The holiday tradition returns on Friday, July 4, as the nation celebrates Independence Day. Adams says this year the city is also celebrating 400 years since its founding. "The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show is one of New York City's most iconic traditions, drawing thousands from across our city, the country, and the globe to witness a world-class celebration of America's birthday right here in the heart of the Big Apple," the mayor said in a press release Wednesday morning. "Each year, this dazzling display lights up our skyline, boosts our economy, and brings vital support to local businesses. As we celebrate 400 years since New York City's founding, we're thrilled to welcome the crowds, once again, to experience an unforgettable Independence Day at our world-famous Brooklyn Bridge and East River skyline!" Last year, the fireworks show moved to the Hudson River on the West Side of Manhattan for the first time in more than a decade. This year, the best views will be on the East Side, as the fireworks are launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and barges below. "Macy's is known for bringing friends and families in New York City and across the nation together to create memories through celebrations all year long," said Will Coss, executive director for the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. "This year's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show, set against the city skyline and on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, is set to deliver an unforgettable night for millions nationwide." Officials say more details will be released in the coming weeks. CLICK HERE for more information.
Los Angeles Times
7 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Op-Comic: In troubling times, we turn to the global comfort food
Sólveig Eva Magnúsdóttir is an Icelandic American author, illustrator and actress. She has contributed to the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the New Yorker and McSweeney's.
