This weekends WaterFire is sponsored by Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. Our annual Flames of Hope event draws thousands of people and we welcome you to Providence. Whether it’s your first time visiting the Creative Capitol or you’re returning for this inspiring event, we hope that you will get out and explore all that Providence and our surrounding communities have to offer!
Thursday, October 10
RISD Museum’s Making it in America opening exhibition celebration
Be among the first to view Making It in America, an exciting exhibition of works from the RISD Museum’s collection of American painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. Free, all welcome.
One of our favorite annual events at Roger Williams Park Zoo, check out Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, a fundraiser which supports the zoo’s environmental education programs, conservation efforts, & zoo improvements. 5,000 pumpkins on display.
Friday, October 11
Benefit Street: Walk a Mile of History It’s the perfect time of year for an afternoon stroll down Benefit Street to admire the rich history of colonial Providence. The East Side of Providence, particularly Benefit Street, is renowned for its quintessential New England historic architecture. Join the Rhode Island Historical Society for a Fall walk down Benefit Street and discover the past that makes this community so vibrant in the present. Created “for the benefit of all,” this colonial thoroughfare boasts one of the most extensive collections of 18th and 19th century urban architecture in the country. Weekly Salon at Providence Athenaeum The Providence Athenaeum is a unique library and cultural center located on historic Benefit Street that was founded as “The Athenaeum” in 1836. It is an independent, member-supported library open to the public that welcomes and enriches the educational and cultural pursuits of its members and the community and encourages a diverse public to engage in spirited conversation such as their weekly salons on Friday evenings. This weeks salon, which is free and open to the public, features RISD Assistant Professor of History of Art + Visual Culture Daniel Harkett on “Learning to Talk in Nineteenth-Century French Salons,” part 1 of “The Cosmology of Conversation,” a series on the history of the salon.
Saturday, October 12
Click on the calendar for even more options. Be sure to check out our Dining out in Providence page for a list of suggested restaurants to visit throughout the day!
Head over to historic Benefit Street to check out the RISD Alumni Art Sales where a length of the street will be lined with artists showcasing and selling their wares along with food trucks and various entertainers.
There’s so much to do at WaterFire! Stop by the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza on Washington Street where you can view and purchase locally made glassware, jewelry, paintings, photography, clothing and more. Inca Son, the internationally acclaimed, award winning music and dance group, will be performing at Union Plaza, performing enchanting melodies on their Andean pan-flutes. Be mesmerized The Gargoyles and the Oracles from Ten31 Productions at the World War Memorial in Memorial Park. Share a dedication with the world in honor or remembrance of a loved one and light a Luminaria Candle Lantern.
This WaterFire lighting is made possible by our Sponsor: Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation: Flames of Hope
Hop on/Hop Off Shuttle helps you get around Providence easier! No need to worry about finding a parking spot on a busy night! The folks over at Experience RI have introduced a “hop on, hop off” shuttle that travels throughout Providence from 5pm to 1am every Saturday night. Tickets will entitle you to unlimited hop on/hop off service all night long from 5pm – 1am at locations throughout the city. This is a great way to get around Providence and experience all that our charming city has to offer plus a portion of the proceeds benefit WaterFire.
Sunday, October 13
Federal Hill’s Annual Columbus Day Festival Parade
Starting on Saturday and extending through Monday, this annual event draws thousands of people to Atwells Avenue to enjoy delicious food and great entertainment. A parade is scheduled for Sunday at 11am!
Annual Scituate Art Festival Head out of Providence on Route 6 to the Northwest corner of the state to Scituate, a quintessential New England village. Enjoy over 300 exhibitors, music, good food, and the picturesque surroundings of this lovely Rhode Island town.
Providence is packed with exciting things to do that will inspire you. Check out the museums, historic walking tours (or how about a ghost tour), local stores, and culinary delights. This is also the best time of the year to enjoy the changing of the season and the explosion of colors as the leaves turn. Check out a list of state beaches, state parks, and bike paths for an exciting adventure. Below are a few of our recommendations for events and adventures that you can explore this weekend. Other Events Around Town:
- Haunted River Boat Tours
- Hope Street Farmers Market
- Newport Festa Italiana
- Newport International Oktoberfest
- Columbus Day Parade (Westerly)
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