You’re Invited to the 8th Annual Providence Fringe Festival!

Artists, take advantage! Meet the current artists and get a sneak peak of some of the upcoming performances.

On Monday, July 18 at 7pm, join us at the WaterFire Arts Center for the 2022 FRINGE PVD Opening Night Party!

FRINGE PVD is a presentation of fun, fearless and affordable theater to the local community. Take this as a rare opportunity to view a unique set of both inspiring and entertaining performances.

photo by The Wilbury Theatre Group

The Providence Fringe Festival is presented by The Wilbury Theatre Group in collaboration with WaterFire Providence, The Steel Yard and local partners throughout Providence. Fringe PVD has worked for almost a decade now to bring together over 300 performing artists from across the country to express their work through visual arts, dance, theater and everything in between.

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This Weekend: PVD Fest, Day of Portugal Festival & Partial WaterFire Lighting

The annual PVD Fest is happening this weekend from Friday, June 10th to Sunday, June 12th. Friday evening from 8:20 to 10:00pm, WaterFire Providence will also be hosting a partial lighting ceremony, partially supported by Brown University.

Photo by The Herald News

Providence is hosting its 45th Annual Day of Portugal Festival this weekend as well, with events from June 10th to 12th, including a special WaterFire Torch Procession at 8:30pm on Sunday, located at the BankNewport City Center. Celebrate Providence this weekend by taking in all of its talent, culture, small businesses and local artists at these free events!

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Shop Small in The Valley!

Shop Small at Markets in the Main Hall at the WaterFire Arts Center

See our event calendar!

As the holiday season approaches there are several unique markets that will be hosted at the WaterFire Arts Center. Small businesses, local artists and makers will gather together to showcase and sell their work to you! Come, shop + support.

Also check out all the other Shop Small opportunities on the other side of the river. The Providence Daily Dose has the write up – Shop Locally In The Valley.

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TroopTop Deck Brings Hoppy Vibes to the WaterFire Arts Center

NEW! #ArtonTap at the Troop-Top Deck on Thursday Nights at the WaterFire Arts Center.

Starting Thursday, April 1, 2021, visitors are invited to join us on the Troop-Top Deck for beer and wine from our neighbors at Troop PVD.

Each Thursday night the WaterFire Arts Center is open late until 8:00 p.m. Experience the current exhibit as the sun sets and head to the Troop-Top Deck starting at 5:00 p.m. (rain-or-shine, we’ll move inside if it rains) for beer and wine. Non-alcoholic beverages and an assortment of candy bars are also available in The Store at the WaterFire Arts Center.

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2019 Holiday Art & Crafts Festivals

2019 Holiday WaterFire Arts & Craft Festival

Join us for an indoor Holiday Art & Craft Festival at the WaterFire Arts Center! Explore what our community has to offer with handmade works by local artists, live music, and local food. An event for families and friends of all ages!

When & Where: Saturday Nov 30 @ the WaterFire Arts Center from 12:00pm-6:00pm

Admission: Free

Craftland Holiday Extravaganza

This event goes on from November 23-December 31! You have plenty of time to make a date and discover fresh and funky gifts for the home, your family, the wardrobe, the kids, and even yourself!

When & Where: Every Sun‑Wed 10am‑6pm, Thu‑Sat 10am‑8pm @ the Craftland Shop

Admission: Free

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Summer of Science TechFire – August 17th

Our Summer of Science series continues this Saturday, August 17th. WaterFire Providence is proud to present this years TechFire Job Fair and Technology Showcase. We are bringing together multiple up and coming tech companies in search of high tech job seekers.

This is the 2nd annual event featuring:

Enjoy guest speakers and a chance to network with professionals from established tech companies as well as startups. Be sure to bring an updated resume if you’re looking to be a part of one of these amazing teams.

Event Times:
  • Job Fair: 6 pm
  • Sunset: 7:43 pm
  • Lighting: 8:03 pm

Join the community and support local food vendors, artists, and donate to keep the fires burning! Enjoy a night in the city as we light over 80 braziers from WaterPlace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park.

Sponsored in part by Virgin PulseTufts Health Plan, and Bryant University

 

Apollo 11 50th Anniversary WaterFire Celebration

July 20th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and man’s first steps on the moon. Throughout the month of July, the WaterFire Arts Center has been home to science, art, and exploration.

English artist Luke Jerram has created the “Museum of the Moon” exhibit which now sits in the main hall of the WaterFire Arts Center. Alongside the moon installation stands an 85′ Milky Way display created by John Sabraw; and Jeremy Schilling’s current series of paintings entitled “The Overview Effect”. Nearly every night, the exhibit has hosted speakers of diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspective. Each lecture has shed light on the importance of past, present, and future space explorations.

The city of Providence has also played its part in celebrating this monumental moment in history. Exhibitions held throughout the city have displayed artwork, film, photography, and immersive hands-on experiences to visitors.

As part of WaterFire Providence’s month long celebration, there will be a full lighting on July 20th in honor of the moon landing. All full WaterFire installations light up over 80 braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street. Sunset begins at 8:16 pm and lighting will start at 8:36 pm. The fires will remain lit until midnight.

All on-shore activities will begin around 6:00 pm

4:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Envisioning Space Exhibition at The RISD Illustration Studies Building Gallery

poster 11 X 17_NASA Retrospective 04 (2)The ISB Gallery and Michael Kolondowicz have worked together to display incredible artwork, illustrations, NASA photographs and other projects, free to the public.

5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: The “Apollo Legacy: Rhode Island and Space Exploration” at Market Square.
  • This area will be a family friendly exhibition, science fair and demonstration area presented by the NASA RI Grant Consortium, and students and faculty from Rhode Island colleges and universities.
6:00 pm: Space Chats at the RISD Museum (Metcalf Auditorium)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Washington Street Bridge
  • “Dr. Samuel Wagstaff’s Eminent Emporium of Photography” – Have your portrait taken sitting on a classic Crescent Moon.
  • Dassault education pods on the visualization of scientific data
  • First Robotics Showcase of robots designed and built by students from 5th grade through high school.
  • RI Museum of Science and Art science learning demonstration.
8:20 pm: Waterplace Basin Stage
Sidewalk Astronomy at the Riverwalk near College Street

Sidewalk Astronomy will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the stars and planets in the sky.

 

 

 

 Sponsored by the NASA RI Space Grant Program as our Co-Lead sponsor along with Brown UniversityProvidence CollegeThe University of Rhode Island, the NASA/RI EPSCoR Program, and the generous support of Textron Charitable Trust.

Museum of the Moon at the WaterFire Arts Center

You look back at Earth from the Moon, and you can put your thumb up to the window and hide the Earth behind your thumb. Everything you’ve ever known is behind your thumb, and that blue-and-white ball is orbiting a rather normal star, tucked away on the outer edge of a galaxy.

Jim Lovell

For centuries, the moon has been a piece of human inspiration. It has driven explorations, discovery, art, and science. From border to border, each corner of the world has a vision, a history, and a story for the Moon. It evokes passion, vibrancy, and mystery. An intricate and complex combination.

English artist Luke Jerram, has sculpted a highly-detailed 23′ diameter Moon that will travel to 25 countries; Collecting the stories, mythologies, and emotional responses of its audience. “Museum of the Moon” will soon land in the main hall of The WaterFire Arts Center. This sculpture will play a part of a larger series of NASA-related events and exhibitions throughout the city.

The internally lit spherical sculpture is created with detailed NASA images of the lunar surface from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter that you can explore up close. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimeter represents 5 kilometers of the Moon’s surface.

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PVDFest Weekend: June 6th – 9th

PVD FEST IS COMING BACK TO PROVIDENCE FOR ITS FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW.  

Festival Dates & Hours
    • Thursday June 6th, 5 Pm – 10 Pm
    • Friday June 7th, 5 Pm – 11 Pm
    • Saturday June 8th, 12 Pm – 12 Am
    • Sunday June 9th, 12 Pm – 6 Pm

Admission Free

About PVDFest

PVDFest is a non-profit production with over 60 businesses and organizations supporting its cause. Artists of all walks are at the center of this event, bringing the city to life. This years festival will showcase over 1000 artists on over a dozen platforms. PVDFest offers both acclaimed and emerging talent showcasing their diversity.

Food Village

Kennedy Plaza will host the weekends culinary scene. Over 50 food trucks and booths are set up on Saturday and Sunday for all festival goers. Select vendors include:

For a full vendor list click here

2019 Artists

With over 1000 artists being showcased, be ready to experience something new and unique on every corner. Artists range from singer/songwriters to mimes. With public art being a significant part of the weekend, be sure to keep an eye out for murals and art installations around the city. Check out the Civic Center GarageCity Hall apron, and Empire Plaza for three of PVDFest’s awarded installations. Some performing artists include:

For a full list of artist bios go to pvdfest.com/artists

A full lineup schedule has also been posted to the PVDFest site.

Weekend Recommendations: 5/31-6/2

Enjoy a weekend with family or friends inside and outside of the city this weekend!

Fun for the Family

Head over to Salter’s Grove for a Fireworks Extravaganza this Saturday night. Between 9:00 Pm and 10:00 Pm, The Gaspee Days Committee  will hold a fireworks display set above Narragansett Bay and just off the coast of Salter’s Grove in Warwick.

  • Rain date: Sunday, June 2nd
  • Admission: Free

All summer long enjoy Friday night hangouts at the Alex and Ani Center. From 4:00 PM – 10:00 Pm there will be lawn games, volleyball, bumper cars, music and more. For a full summer programming schedule visit the Alex and Ani Center homepage.

  • Admission: Free

Health & Wellness

Register for the 2019 Aids Run/Walk for Life on Saturday, June 1st and support those affected by HIV/Aids. Come in your most colorful creations as you raise awareness and offer support to neighbors in our local community.

Arts & Culture

Trinity Rep will hold its 23rd annual Pell Awards Gala on Monday, June 3rd at the The WaterFire Arts Center. Founded in 1997, the Pell Awards recognize artists whose work exemplifies the values of Senator Claiborne Pell.

Event Info:
      • VIP Reception: 6:00
      • Dinner: 7:15
      • Ceremony: 8:15

All proceeds from the gala benefit artistic programming at the Trinity Repertory Company.

Purchase event tickets here

 

 

Memorial Day Weekend ’19

Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner, and we’re all anticipating how to kick-off summer 2019 in the Ocean State. Whether it’s your first beach trip of the season, or you’re looking to enjoy a weekend of food and art, Rhode Island offers some of the most unique experiences to dive head first into summer.

Be sure to attend the first WaterFire Lighting of the season on May 23rd as we begin to celebrate 25 years of transforming place and building community. 

Parade & Celebration:

On Monday, May 27th the town of North Providence will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade and inaugural Ahlborg Memorial Day 5k.

 

The town of Lincoln will also hold its annual Memorial Day Parade on the 27th, beginning at 11 Am on the corner of Higginson Avenue and Smithfield Avenue .

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Holiday Pop-Ups Happening This Weekend: Dec 5-Dec 9

Pop-up shops and markets can be a great opportunity to shop small and find locally-made gifts for the holiday season. Here are some pop-ups happening in and around Providence this weekend – including our very own WFAC Store:

WaterFire Arts Center Store Holiday Pop-Up

Saturday December 8th WaterFire will host the first Holiday Pop-Up at our WFAC Store featuring WaterFire merchandise and handmade gifts from local artists. Join us from 10am-6pm

Holiday Stroll Craft Fair and Bake Sale – December 5th 5-8pm hosted by Westerly Land Trust

Hope Artist Village Open Studios – December 5th from 5-8pm

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