WaterFire DESTINATION:

BY ELYSE MAJOR

Within a relatively short time period – as compared to, say, Brown University, founded in 1764 – the art installation created by Barnaby Evans setting braziers of wood ablaze in the tidal basin surrounding Waterplace Park has become a symbol of the city and put it squarely on the map as a tourist destination. WaterFire Providence began as a spark in 1994, and has engulfed the Creative Capital in the best possible way ever since, now boasting more than 80 bonfires, a full-time year-round sta of 21 people, and hundreds of volunteers, luring countless visitors from across the globe to its flames. Whether this will be your first WaterFire experience or your hundredth, this handy guide filled with tips from sta will help you navigate the waters.

Lightings take place approximately 15 minutes after sunset. The earlier you arrive, the better for parking; the later you stay, the better for crowds (which tend to loosen after 10pm).

Best Vantage Points

• At the north side of Waterplace Basin (below Capital Grille), there is a small lawn with some seating, offering fewer crowds versus near the stage.

• At the small section of the river between Steeple and Washington streets, you’re close to everything – food, restrooms, shopping, performers – and there are four braziers.

Best Places To Avoid Crowds

• Memorial Boulevard (above Waterplace Basin) is a great place to watch the lighting ceremony; it’s also easiest to move up and down the river along the boulevard versus the riverwalk.

• Memorial Park has fewer people than Waterplace Park. Go hang out in the Starry, Starry Night installation, an underrated part of the WaterFire experience.

BEST TIME TO ARRIVE/LEAVE

• Early option: Come to Providence in the afternoon for a day of shopping and exploring the city. For summer lightings that begin later, plan ahead and make a reservation to dine before wandering over to WaterFire.

• Late option: Go directly to dinner and enjoy WaterFire after 9pm when the crowds thin out. This option is perfect for fall when the fires are lit earlier.

Best Places To Park

• Providence Place garage is inexpensive and close to the action, or if you can swing it, park and pay at the first lot you can find, or in another area of the city and use a ride-share.

• No car? No problem. Take advantage of the RIPTA bus system, as all bus routes start/end at Kennedy Plaza downtown. If you live in Providence, walk, ride, or take a ride-share to and from the event.

Lighting Lingo

• Basin lighting: Features the circle of 22 braziers in the Waterplace Park Basin and the five braziers leading up to Providence Place Mall.

• Full lighting: Over 80 braziers lit, from Waterplace Park to Memorial Boulevard/South Main Street Park.

• Partial lighting: Can include braziers in any section of the river and typically encompasses only one section of the river but may include more.

Good To Know

• WaterFire is presented for free but donations are welcome to help it continue.

• Fire marshal regulations do not permit folding chairs to be set up on any of the river walks to assure safe passage for all visitors.

• There is a reserved section of the riverwalk, on the Memorial Boulevard side of the river, for visitors with mobility di culties or other disabilities. The ADA-friendly viewing area is located on Memorial Boulevard near the intersection with Crawford Street.

• WaterFire by foot means traversing some uneven walkways and crowds so wear/bring supportive shoes.

• Rivers are closed to public boat tra c during lightings.