Looking for an unforgettable night filled with art, music, and mesmerizing fire displays?
WaterFire is an electrifying experience in downtown Providence where three rivers meet.
Courtesy of WaterFire Providence
Thursday, May 15 {STARTS AT SUNSET}
Location: Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Sunset (7:59 PM) – 10:00 PM
Saturday, May 31 {FULL LIGHTINGS}
Supported by: Rhode Island School of Design
Sunset (8:14 PM) – Midnight | Programming starts at 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 19 {Partial Lighting}
Partial Lighting (RISD + Memorial Park)
Sunset (8:22 PM) – 10:30 PM
Friday, July 4 {FULL LIGHTINGS}
Celebrate July 4th WaterFire with a patriotic flair 🎵🇺🇸🌟
Over 80 bonfires will illuminate the rivers starting at 8:40 PM, burning accompanied by enchanting music and a display of 100 American flags along Memorial Boulevard.
Sunset (8:24 PM) – Midnight | Programming starts at 6:30 PM
Thursday, July 17 {STARTS AT SUNSET}
Location: Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Sunset (8:17 PM) – 10:00 PM
Saturday, August 9 {FULL LIGHTINGS}
Clear Currents Community Paddling Night
Sunset (7:07 PM) – Midnight | Programming starts at 6:00 PM
Monday, August 18 {Basin Lighting}
Basin Lighting
Sunset (7:41 PM) – 10:00 PM
Saturday, September 27 {FULL LIGHTINGS}
Celebrating Rhode Island Educators
Sunset (6:34 PM) – Midnight | Programming starts at 5:30 PM
Saturday, October 4 {FULL LIGHTINGS}
Supported by: Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Sunset (6:22 PM) – 11:00 PM | Programming starts at 5:30 PM
Thursday, October 30 {STARTS AT SUNSET}
Location: Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Sunset (5:42 PM) – 8:00 PM
Saturday, November 1 {FULL LIGHTINGS}
13th Annual Salute to Veterans
Sunset (5:40 PM) – 10:00 PM | Programming starts at 4:30 PM
Wednesday, December 31 {STARTS AT SUNSET}
Location: Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Sunset (4:25 PM) – 9:00 PM
{FULL LIGHTINGS} Over 80 braziers from Waterplace Park to South Main Street Park.
{STARTS AT SUNSET} The Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge will be illuminating with the glow of five braziers.
{Partial Lighting} include braziers in any section of the river and typically encompasses only one section of the river
✔️Best spots to watch WaterFire
- Waterplace Basin: Highlighted as the central hub where the lighting ceremony begins, offering dramatic views of multiple braziers. Depending on the season you can see performances from Festival Ballet, Gendo Taiko Drummers, Trinity Rep, and more. Basin is a great point to start your WaterFire experience.
- Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge: Noted for its open, elevated perspective, ideal for capturing the full scope of the event.
- Memorial Park: Recommended for its unique wall-mounted braziers and quieter atmosphere, great for a more intimate experience.
- Riverwalk near Cafe Nuovo: Suggested for combining scenic views with dining, as it’s close to the river and offers a vibrant ambiance.
✔️ Hidden gems and local favorites
- WaterFire Artist & Maker Vendors: Located on Steeple Street in the heart of the WaterFire installation, our Artist and Maker Vendors are a showcase for local artists and crafts-people. From photography and sculpture, paintings and hand-crafted ceramics, to jewelry and specialty textiles, the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza features a wide range of locally crafted artisan wares to exhibit for sale to WaterFire’s visitors.
- Canal Street Greeter Station: WaterFire Greeter + Merchandise Stations are located throughout the park; Shop + support with a purchase of locally designed WaterFire-inspired apparel and gifts.
- The Bridge of Stars: The Bridge of Stars frames the skyline on the downstream edge of Waterplace Basin. This installation consist of 22 bright blue stars in a double arch the mirrors the arch on the bridge. This is also the location where visitors can add their light to night with Dream Orbs.
- The Confluence: The Confluence is located at the convergence of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers. The Confluence is available for dining firelight as the Celebrate at WaterFire program.
✔️ Where to eat
Providence is one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations. Some of our guests favorites are listed at our dining page
✔️ Best Time to Watch
For summer lightings arrive around 9pm when the crowds thin out
✔️ Best Place to park
Providence Place garage is nearby and inexpensive.
You can also book parking in advance via Parkwhiz at: https://www.parkwhiz.com/downtown-providence-parking/
✔️ Walking Tours:East Side & Downtown
Check out the self-guided walking tours in our Local Tips page (courtesy of goprovidence.com).
✔️ Rhode Island=Eden of America
Providence is an ideal vacation spot for exploring the attractions of
southern New England. You can reach Newport, Cape Cod, Boston, Westerly, Block Island, and many other attractions within an hour’s drive. See
our post: Vacation Gateway
Rhode Island, the Ocean State, is known for its natural beauty and
historic charm.See our post:Eden of America:Rhode Island Landscapes
✔️ Best place to stay: Cole Farmhouse Vacation Rental
Cole Farm Ct. is nestled in a serene cul-de-sac in the most desirable neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island. Perfect location near coffee shops, artisan stores and restaurants — less than 2 miles from Brown University, RISD and downtown Providence.
American history within your reach: Cole Farmhouse was built in 1731 (some say 1732) — almost half a century before the American Revolution 🇺🇸. The farmhouse features majestic chimneys, wide plank floors, exposed hand-hewn beams of American Chestnut, high ceilings and striking period details.
While the original farm has retired its operations, we strive to preserving its essence. Our guests enjoy fresh eggs from our small flock of Rhode Island Red chickens. We grow vegetable in the summer for our guests to enjoy. The expansive yard is shaded by majestic walnut trees — the oldest tree towers over the farm’s historic well.
Soak into the historic atmosphere while enjoying luxurious amenities.
We invite you to stay with us and partake in the experience! The warm and relaxed atmosphere that defines us will make you feel right at home.
Providence, RI — voted as the BEST UP-AND-COMING CITY — is a fantastic vacation destination for unforgettable adventures in southern New England. You can easily access with an hour’s drive: Newport, Cape Cod, Boston, Mystic CT, Westerly, and Block Island.
Our story begins in 1731…we invite you for a ride back in history – read more
“The name of Cole has been identified with the history of Rhode Island since the early years of the struggle of the little colony for existence. Washington Leverett Cole.. devoted his entire life to bringing this farm to a high standard of efficiency and excellence, purely for the love of the work, and for his deep interest in agriculture and dairying.”
source: American Biography: A New Cyclopedia, Volume 6 (pp.238-240)
Our Philosophy
Our high standards for hosting come from the many places we’ve visited and enjoyed.
+ Cole Farmhouse is first and foremost a guest accommodation.
+ We want you to feel at home.
+ Soak into the historic atmosphere while enjoying luxurious amenities.
+ Cleanliness and safety are our golden rule.
+ We strive for a beautiful and clean establishment.
+ We respect our guests’ privacy.
+ We are happy to help planning your trip, and share tips on best places to visit.
+ Your host lives in a separate home adjacent to the Farmhouse. We’re available if you need any assistance.
+ We make every effort to delight our guests.
Awards & Recognition
Cole Farmhouse is ranked at the top 1% of Airbnb listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability. Overall rating: 4.99
Our love for hosting is reflected in our guests’ testimonials.
find out what makes us so awesome
The historic Cole Farmhouse 
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