WaterFire Providence Announces Schedule for its 30th Season
The lineup includes six full lightings, two partial and four "Starts at Sunset" lightings.
2023 lighting. Photo by Kaitlyn Murray
Yesterday evening marked a beautiful night for WaterFire Providence’s thirtieth season schedule announcement, complete with a partial lighting and appearances by local government officials. While more dates may be added later on in the season, the current 2025 lineup includes six full lightings, two partial lightings and four “Starts at Sunset” lightings on the Providence Pedestrian Bridge. The season will kick off in mid-May with a Starts at Sunset event, followed by first full lighting on Saturday, May 31st. Fan favorite themed-events will make a comeback as well, including the honoring of Rhode Island Educators, Breast Cancer Survivors and Rhode Island Veterans, plus a special full lighting on the Fourth of July.
“As we celebrate thirty years of WaterFire, we are grateful to the sponsors, community partners, and supporters who have helped sustain this tradition in Providence. Their continued generosity and belief in our mission have allowed WaterFire to evolve into a symbol of creativity and community,” says Ed Cabral, Director of Sponsorships and Corporate Relations at WaterFire Providence. “The 2025 season honors that legacy while looking ahead with renewed purpose and excitement for what’s to come.”
2023 lighting. Photo by Kaitlyn Murray
Keep scrolling for the full 2025 WaterFire schedule:
Full Lighting Dates
Saturday, May 31
Supported by RISD
Lighting starts at 8:14 p.m. and ends at midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 4 – Celebrating Independence Day
Supported by the Providence Tourism Council
Lighting starts at 8:24 p.m. and ends at midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 9 – Clear Currents Community Paddling Night
Supported by Amica and Providence Tourism Council
Lighting starts at 7:07 p.m. and ends at midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 27 – Celebrating Rhode Island Educators
Supported by the Rhode Island Department of Education and Cox Business
Lighting starts at 6:34 p.m. and ends at midnight
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 4
Supported by the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Lighting starts at 6:22 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.
Onshore programming and vendors open at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 – 13th Annual Salute to Veterans
Supported by Rhode Island Energy and Manchester Street Station
Lighting starts at 5:40 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 p.m.
Basin and Partial Lightings
Thursday, June 19 – RISD + Memorial Park Area
lighting starts at 8:22 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m.
Monday, August 18 – Basin Lighting
Supported by CSG East 64th Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum
Lighting starts at 7:41 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
Starts at Sunset Lightings
Located on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Presented by the Providence Tourism Council
Thursday, May 15 – Sunset (7:59 p.m.) to 10 p.m.
Thursday, July 17 – Sunset (8:17 p.m.) to 10 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 – Sunset (5:42 p.m.) to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31 – Sunset (4:25 p.m.) to 9 p.m.
