For a bunch of Saturday’s in July, August, September, and October, you can experience a touch of Europe on the waterfront in Providence, while enjoying what has become one of the major summer and fall attractions in southern New England.

WaterFire Providence is materially 100 fire sculptures ablaze over half-mile of the three rivers river running through downtown Providence. But at its core it’s so much more. The atmosphere it creates on a warm summer’s evening is reminiscent of southern European cities with emphasis on the enjoyment of just being outside and mingling around with friends, enjoying a meal overlooking the river, or sipping coffee in a café.

Artist Barnaby Evans created First Fire in 1994, and thanks to the support of the city of Providence and hundreds of volunteers each year, it’s grown into a multi-media event that captures the imagination and senses, and has put Providence on the world map of culture.

Centered on Waterplace Park spectators can stroll the river bank relishing the fire sculptures while basking in the musical delights of classical and world music, and enjoying the fragrant scent of cedar and pine burning in each fire.

The fires are tended from sunset to midnight by back-clad performers in boats as they quietly pass by the torches.

Admission to WaterFire is free. For schedules and more information visit the official web site at: www.waterfire.org

Directions: WaterFire takes place in downtown Providence. From Interstate 95 North or South, take exit 22 to downtown. The off-ramp brings you onto Memorial Boulevard which runs along the river. WaterFire is on your left after the first set of lights, and the installation extends down past the Crawford Street Bridge.

From Route 195, follow the signs for Route 95 north (towards Boston). Stay to the right, take exit 22, and follow the directions above.

Parking: There are numerous private parking facilities convenient to WaterFire. There is also on-street parking. Parking meters may be in effect during the earlier hours of some WaterFire events

Free parking is available at Bowen and Hope Street in the Brown University Lot (until September) or on Smith Street across from the State House in the D.O.T. parking lot. The Providence LINK service runs from these lots to stops at WaterFire until midnight on event days. For more information on bus service call 1(800)-244-0444.

And for more ideas and suggestions for destinations and activities in the area, check out my Rhode Island vacations section by clicking here.

Talk to you here next week.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacation Online Guide