WaterFire Providence

WaterFire History WaterFire Providence Vacation WaterFire Music

WaterFire Providence is one of the most acclaimed attractions in Providence, Rhode Island. Actually an art installation, WaterFire Providence is an impressive series of 100 bonfires that are lit in unison atop the three rivers in Providence. The spectacle is choreographed to music and runs seasonally from May through October. It’s common for WaterFire Providence shows to begin around sunset and burn through midnight. Admission is free for WaterFire Providence.

WaterFire History. WaterFire Providence was created by artist Barnaby Evans and was first installed in 1994 as First Fire to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Providence, Rhode Island New Year’s Eve celebration First Night. With the encouragement of community support, Evans began adding fires to the art installation. WaterFire finally reached its 100th bonfire on New Year’s Eve 1999 to celebrate the coming of the new millennium. Today, WaterFire Providence is seen by tens of thousands of people each year during the WaterFire season.  [Top]

WaterFire Music. In addition to a brilliant display of live fire, WaterFire Providence is distinguished by its unique choreography. The WaterFire Providence spectacle is complemented by music selected by creator Barnaby Evans that combines sounds of nature with music that represents the symbolic sources of the fire sculpture. The WaterFire Providence musical score often comprises the works of four primary composers: Arvo Part, Djivan Gasparyan, David Hyke, and Nicholas Lens.  [Top]