Category: Ignite Providence

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.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular 

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!

RISD Alumni Art Sale

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.

WaterFire Full Lighting

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)

Get inspired by Providence and the greater-Providence region by touring the many 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.

Thursday, October 3

Festival Ballet Providence presents: Together We Dance 3

Dance fans, don’t miss this great event to kick off Festival Ballet Providence’s 36th season. Internationally renowned ballet stars – along with Festival Ballet Providence (FBP) company and school dancers – take the Vets stage for a one-night-only gala performance.

 

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular 

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 4

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 historian Thom Bassett as he explores some of President Abraham Lincoln’s contradictions, inconsistencies, and even failures regarding race during the Civil War and in his truncated plans for reconstruction in his discussion, “The Flawed Emancipator: Lincoln, Race, and Narratives of Freedom.”

 

 

Trinity Repertory Company presents: The Grapes of Wrath

 

Check out Providence’s regional theater, now in its 50th season, located at the historic Lederer Theater Center in downtown Providence. Running nightly through October 6, John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath at Trinity Rep is a great idea for a night out.

 

 

Saturday, October 5

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!

 

WaterFire Full Lighting

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: Webster Bank

 

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 6

Providence Performing Arts Center: Once

Winner of 8 2012 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. The travelling cast comes through Providence and the beautiful Providence Performing Arts Center in downtown Providence.

 

Other Events Around Town:

• Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair
• Hope Street Farmers Market
• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Get inspired by Providence and the greater-Providence region by touring the many museums, historic walking tours (or how about a ghost tour), local stores, and culinary delights. We’re happy to share with you a few suggestions for events and adventures that you can  explore this weekend.

Thursday, September 26

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, brings together composer Kareem Roustom, Community MusicWorks (CMW) Artistic Director Sebastian Ruth, and FirstWorks Executive Artistic Director Kathleen Pletcher  to discuss their upcoming collaborative concert with the Kronos Quartet.

Trinity Repertory Company presents: The Grapes of Wrath

Check out Providence’s regional theater, now in its 50th season, located at the historic Lederer Theater Center in downtown Providence. Running nightly through October 6, John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath at Trinity Rep is a great idea for a night out.

Friday, September 27

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.

A Better World by Design 2013 Conference

Now in its 6th year, A Better World by Design is an internationally-acclaimed conference held annually at Brown & RISD campuses in Providence. This conference aims to connect students, professionals, and individuals from a myriad of disciplines and strives to build a global community of socially-conscious innovators.

Saturday, September 28

You have a lot of options and could certainly be out all day. We think the Street Painting Festival, IonaFest, and WaterFire offer you a full day of activity downtown, but 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!

14th Annual Providence Rotary Street Paining Festival

Check out the annual chalk art festival held inside the skating center in the heart of downtown Providence. Free!

IonaFest: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Iona Dobbins

The First Annual “IonaFest,” hosted by the Art League of Rhode Island, will celebrate the life and legacy of Iona Dobbins, arts advocate and former executive director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, and her contributions to the arts in Rhode Island. Beginning with a parade procession commencing from Providence Performing Arts Center, InoaFest includes live performances at Grants Block (outside stage near Tazza on Westminster Street), and a fundraiser with performances at Roots Cultural Center. This is sure to a great event celebrating the life and legacy of a prominent arts advocate in our community.

WaterFire Full Lighting

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 rememberance of a loved one and light a Luminaria Candle Lantern.  This WaterFire lighting is made possible by our Sponsor: Roger Williams University & Roger Williams School of Law Celebrating 20 Years

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, September 29

Aerplaye Dance Presents: Return

Rhode Island’s newest modern dance company, Aerplaye, presents its premiere performance, Return, at the Rhode Island School of Design Auditorium.

Other Events Around Town:

• A Better World by Design 2013 Conference 
• Hope Street Farmers Market
• 4th Annual Drum Powwow
• Free Museum Day
• Providence Rock n’ Roll 1/2 Marathon

There’s no time like the present to get outside and enjoy all that Providence has to offer as we count down the days of our dwindling summer.

Thursday, September 5th

Summer’s not over yet!

Burnside Park Beer Garden Concert Series

This weekly concert is a great family-friendly event in the heart of downtown at Kennedy Plaza at Burnside Park.  September 5 marks the final show of this series as we user in the beginnings of Fall.  Smack dab in the middle of our quaint city, Burnside Park is the perfect setting to enjoy a view of some of Providence’s historic landmarks such as City Hall, The Biltmore Hotel, and the Industrial National Trust Building (aka The Superman Building).  This week’s series features Mark Cutler and Men of Great Courage & Sara Azriel.

Movies on the Block

Join Movies on the Block in Downcity Providence and enjoy great movies under the stars for free. Movie begins at sunset. This week: Mission Impossible.

Friday, September 6th

Go Greek!

Celebrate Rhode Island’s Greek Heritage at the 28th Annual Cranston Greek Festival. The festival begins Friday night and continues through Sunday.

Pawtucket’s Taste of the Valley 

Music and Food! Come enjoy the Blackstone River Party:Taste of the Valley, where you can enjoy food and dessert samplings from some of  the finest restaurants in Pawtucket and the surrounding communities. $10 admission fee, children under 12-free admission.

Saturday, September 7th

Have you ever seen a dragon?

Dragon Boat Races

Celebrate Asian heritage and culture with this annual event featuring unique and colorful Chinese Dragon Boats in a day long rowing competition on the Pawtucket River.  Enjoy Asian arts, music, dance, crafts, and kite flying on the pier and watch as teams from around the region compete in a spirited race on the Pawtucket River at the RI Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Heritage Festival.

3rd Annual Neighbor Days Block Party

Head over to the West Side of Providence where Narragansett Beer and the West Broadway Neighborhood Association are throwing the 3rd Annual Neighbor Days Block Party on Saturday, September 7 from noon to 6pm in Luongo Square between The Avery and E&O bars. A day of food, music, beer, record sales, raffles, games, fun and more with your neighbors.

Rare Appearance of Abraham Lincoln in Providence

Providence Actor Robb Dimmick makes a rare appearance as Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, September 7^th at 7:00pm at the First Baptist Church in America, 75 North Main Street, Providence. In recognition of the 150th anniversary of his enduring Gettysburg Address, Lincoln will recount his military life, ordeals as Commander in Chief, and the days leading up to his delivery of the address. Sponsored by the Roger Williams National Memorial, the performance will end with a stirring recitation of The Gettysburg Address. The event is free and open to the public.

WaterFire Full Lighting

With events starting at 6pm, we have a lot in store for you this evening 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.

We’re thrilled to feature a full night of jazz featuring some of the best jazz musicians in the region.  Enjoy a lively jazz performance by Planet Safety at the WaterFire Providence Music Stage on Steeple Street. Kicking off the evening will be special guests The Clay Nordhill Trio with Alex Tremblay and Paul Di Martino at 7:00pm, Dave Zinno Trio featuring Paul Nagel, Dave Zinno, and Steve Langone at 8:30pm, followed by Planet Safety, featuring Dave Zinno (upright bass), Leo Genovese (piano), and Bob Gullotti (drums).   at 10:00pm.

Additional music can be heard at the RISD Landing (near the four flagpoles outside of the RISD Illustration building) by resident Conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Francisco Noya, and his brother Miguel Noya.  This program, Electroshamanic Ceremonial Music with a Classical Touch, is a composition of original music with themes deeply connected to the sounds of WaterFire Providence. There will two performances, the first a 9:30pm and an encore peformance at 10:30pm.

Also, be sure to stop by Old Stone Bank on South Main Street where you’ll have the opportunity to check out the SteamPunk exhibition at Old Stone Bank in downtown Providence that has been produced by WaterFire as a creative placemaking project, and curated in partnership with Red Fork Empire and Steapunk United.  This unique gallery show  is free and open to the public from 2-11pm. In addition to fascinating artwork, performances from various performance artists, circus acts, and musicians are scheduled throughout the day, starting with Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band at 7pm on the steps of Old Stone Bank, as well as a special concert and awards ceremony will be held at 10pm. This historic Providence landmark, built in 1854, is rarely open to the public so be sure to visit!

This WaterFire lighting is made possible by our Sponsors: Rhode Island Hospital Celebrating 150 Years of Caring, the Rhode Island Hospital Guild & The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University & National Grid.

Get around Providence easier!

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. Park for free at the State Offices parking lot immediately off of exit 23 (from I-95N), and hop on the Shuttle, or pick up the Shuttle at many other locations along the route (including: RI Convention Center, at WaterFire on Washington St, more). Once on board you will be taken to the most popular attractions around the city, including WaterFire, Providence Performing Arts Center, Trinity Repertory Theater, Federal Hill, Thayer Street, and much more! You will also receive discounts at scores of fantastic restaurants. In addition, while traveling from place to place, friendly drivers will tell you about the city.

 

Sunday, September 8th

Slater Mill’s Labor & Ethnic Heritage Festival

Enjoy one of Rhode Island’s longest-running folk music and heritage arts festivals. Now in it’s 26th year, this partnership between the Rhode Island Labor community and affiliated unions, and the Pawtucket Arts Festival, this event shines its spotlight on folk and ethnic music, historic Salter Mill, the artists of the Community Guild Studios, and gifted regional artists and artisans. This event is free and open to the public.

Free Seafood Festival at India Point Park in Providence

Where can you get the best seafood around? Check out the RI Seafood Fest at one of Providence’s most beautiful bay-side parks at historic India Point Park, located on the East Side near Wickenden Street.  Free and family-friendly, enjoy some of the best seafood in all of Rhode Island and southern New England.  The festival opens on Sunday at 11AM.

Other Events Throughout the City

• Block Island 15K “Run Around the Block”
• Savoring Rhode Island Walking Tour
• Hope Street Farmers Market
• One Day University 
• The Providence Flea

Like Poe is to Baltimore, H.P. Lovecraft is to Providence.  After a thirteen-year hiatus, this week the HP Lovecraft Convention returns to the authors hometown of Providence.  NecronomiCon Providence inundates the city with Lovecraftian scholars and fans perusing the many historic landmarks referenced throughout the historic writer’s short stories.  From lectures to film screenings, art exhibitions and musical performances, this is one week where you want to be sure to know everything that is happening! In addition to all of the great events that NecronomiCon has organized at The Biltmore for the convention, WaterFire and has coordinated and produced several events themed around Lovecraft throughout the city.

Wednesday, August 21

WaterFire’s HP Lovecraft Talk with Henry Beckwith at Providence Art Club

Join us for an informal talk at the historic Providence Art Club, led by renowned Lovecraftian scholar Henry Beckwith.

Although Henry L. P. Beckwith was a child when Lovecraft died and never knew him,  Beckwith shares much of the same ancestry and, like Lovecraft, grew up in Providence.  In his mid-teens he became aware of HP Lovecraft, eventually writing a book of RI Lovecraft tours and teaching a course on Lovecraft at RISD.  Because Beckwith knew a number of people who had been friends of, or directly knew, HP Lovecraft, his writings and lectures capture a distinctive perspective into the life and times of Lovecraft.

A creative placemaking project by WaterFire, this event is free and open to the public, featuring a special evening  lecture at Providence Art Club in which Mr. Beckwith will share his unique insights gained from his half-century of casual study of HP Lovecraft as well as his personal interviews with those who actually knew Lovecraft.  There will be plenty of time for questions and answers, the format will be informal yet informative.

Thursday, August 22nd

“I AM PROVIDENCE”

Providence NecronomiCon 

Finally, Providence brings the HP Lovecraft convention back to Providence!  A multifaceted convention to explore the works of long-time Providence resident and famed horror/sci-fi author, HP Lovecraft, as well as other writers of “weird tales” both past and present. This multi-day convention features a multitude of special events, lectures, and exhibitions in various locations throughout Providence.

Convention Keynote Address  at the historic First Baptist Church 5-6:30

Lovecraft scholar S.T. Joshi, church historian Stanley Lemons, and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras welcome all to Lovecraft’s city, and to NecronomiCon Providence 2013. In partnership with WaterFire, this very special public event will be held in one of Lovecraft’s favorite buildings in Providence (“…the finest Georgian steeple in America”). The hour will feature music by internationally-famed classical singer and organist, Gigi Velasco. In particular, Ms. Velasco will play Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, sing a unique Norwegian folk piece, and close with Boellman’s Toccata from The Gothic Suite. You might also hear a little something humorous for the occasion (can you guess what?).   ALL are welcome! This keynote address is free and open to the public.  Don’t miss the opportunity to check out one of Providence’s most distinctive and historic buildings.

 

Ars Necronomica exhibition opening reception—A Three-Gallery Survey of Lovecraft in the Visual Arts

Representing the myriad influences Lovecraft’s work has had on artists around the world, come and feast on the singular collection of art the convention organizers have amassed.  The official convention openings for two of the three exhibitions are located at Brown’s Cohen Gallery and the Providence Art Club’s Dodge House, the third is located at Julian’s, a hip restaurant located on the West Side of Providence.

Not into all things Lovecraft?

Burnside Park Beer Garden Music Series

If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly outdoor concert featuring great local music, check out the Burnside Park Beer Garden Music Series in the heart of downtown in the park at Kennedy Plaza.  The series continues its weekly programming, this week featuring with the american folk/blues duo of Tyler-James Kelly + Jess Powers, as well as the experimental pop of  Roz Raskin & the Rice Cakes.

Friday, August 23rd

NecronomiCon

Register online to participate in the convention for a full day of lectures, fascinating panel discussions, film screenings and more. Tickets can be purchased for the evening Ball which will be held in the grand ballroom at The Biltmore hotel from 9 to midnight. The ball is a fancy-dress, costume, masquerade, cosplay, semi-formal affair of Cyclopean scale.  Attire representative of the period of Lovecraft’s life, 1890 – 1937, or costumes inspired by his works, is strongly suggested.  This is sure to be “the most eldritch soiree that hoary Providence has ever seen.”

Still not into all things Lovecraft?

Providence Ghost Tours

Check out some of the historic landmarks and history of the East Side of Providence. This tour is likely to peak your interest in the quirky and often bizarre history of Providence’s historic district. Perhaps you’ll be more inclined to check out Lovecraft after this tour.

Friends of Pawtuxet present: 2nd Annual Theatre in the Park

Theatre in the park! Free and family-friendly, The Players present a selection of skits and songs under the sky. Located about fifteen minutes South of Providence, this lovely park in Warwick is a great spot to bring a picnic blanket, snacks and your favorite beverage to enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Saturday the 24th

WaterFire

Lighting of the bonfires will happen at 7:30pm but head downtown early and check out the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza beginning at 6pm, featuring over a dozen local artists offering fine art for sale with a wide variety of vendors: from paintings and photography, to handcrafted jewelry and ceramics, to glassware and more. Also, make sure you stop by Old Stone Bank on South Main Street where you’ll have the opportunity to check out the SteamPunk exhibition at Old Stone Bank in downtown Providence that has been produced by WaterFire as a creative placemaking project, and curated in partnership with Red Fork Empire and Steapunk United.  This unique gallery show  is free and open to the public from 2-11pm. In addition to fascinating artwork, performances from various performance artists, circus acts, and musicians are scheduled throughout the day with a special concert and awards ceremony will be held at 8pm. This historic Providence landmark, built in 1854, is rarely open to the public so be sure to visit (exhibition also open Sunday from 11am to 10pm with additional performances throughout).

The streets are alive with music, dancing, and Lovecraftian-inspired monsters and creatures at Steeple Street Music Stage! Produced by WaterFire and curated by NecronomiCon Providence, don’t miss hometown favorites, Big Nazo Band, as well as Darkest of the Hillside Thickets (from Vancouver, BC) & Difference Engine (Boston).

Thanks to our August 24th WaterFire sponsor, Cox Business

Sunday the 25th

NecronomiCon

Pack up your books, Lovcraftian memorabelia, and convention trinkets as the HP Lovecraft convention comes to a close.  A final event is planned for an afternoon lunch at Julian’s where you can experience Love Craft Beer and more Lovecraft-inspired artwork.

Providence Flea

Held every Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm on the Providence River Greenway at South Water Street (across from Bacaro), this Flea Market continues to grow in popularity as new vendors are added weekly.  A mish-mash of vintage finds, handmade wares, upcycled clothing and goods, this newest addition to Providence’s urban scene is a nice way to spend your morning walking off whatever culinary delights you sought out for brunch.  Of course if you’re still hungry there are food trucks by the plenty on site.

SteamPunk exhibition at Old Stone Bank

The exhibition continues on Sunday from noon to 10pm! Music, amazing art, and more!

 

Providence is known as the Creative Capital and we want to let you know about some of the events happening around town that you may want to check out.  With Summertime in full swing the weather is perfect for outdoor events and opportunities abound to be inspired under the setting sun.

Thursday August 8th

Get out and enjoy the weather and our unique Providence charm!  There are two great outdoor concerts that are free and open to all ages:

Burnside Park Beer Garden Concert Series hosts a weekly concert from 4:30-7Pm in the heart of downtown at Kennedy Plaza.  This historic park is located in the heart of Providence and is the perfect setting to enjoy a view of some of Providence’s historic landmarks such as City Hall, The Biltmore Hotel, and the Industrial National Trust Building (aka The Superman Building).  This week’s series features local favorites Boo City, and band known for a mix of R&B/Soul and Country Blues.  Bring a blanket, enjoy food from one of the food trucks on site, and enjoy a locally crafted beer!

Another great weekly concert series is held on historic Benefit Street on the lawn of the John Brown House under the shade of beautiful Elm trees.  This week’s music features the Celtic stylings of Pendragon at the John Brown House’s Concerts Under the Elms.

Friday August 9th

It’s film festival time so go see a movie! Ranked as one of the top 12 Festivals in the United States, the Rhode Island International Film Festival continues its 6-day festival with film screenings at Providence’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium and several other venues around town. Visit the Film Fest website for a more detailed schedule.

Saturday August 10th

We know you’re excited to check out all of the activity happening during WaterFire but there are events happening throughout the day that will keep you on your feet.

AS220’s Annual Foo Fest

Our friends at AS220 have been putting on the mother of all block parties each year called Foo Fest since 1995. This annual party takes over Empire Street in downtown Providence from 1pm to 1am and features a genre-spanning bill of nearly two-dozen musical acts and a nationally known headliner act on indoor and outdoor stages. The festival also features over a dozen artist installations and participatory creative activities, including family-friendly offerings throughout the afternoon.

A local institution, AS220’s vision for a local unjuried and uncensored forum for the arts was launched in a one-room rental above the Providence Performing Arts Center with a budget of just $800. Today, the non-profit owns – and enlivens – three mixed-use buildings, totaling over 100,000 square feet, in the heart of Providence’s downtown. AS220′s facilities and services are available to any artist who needs a place to exhibit, perform, or create original work and its classes and public-access studios are among the most affordable in the nation.

WaterFire

Of course WaterFire will be happening on Saturday with events beginning at 6pm. Check out the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza which features over a dozen local artists offering fine art for sale with a wide variety of vendors from paintings and photography, to handcrafted jewelry and ceramics, to glassware and more.

Bring your dancing shoes because we’re sure you’ll enjoy the music featured on our Ignite Providence Music Stage on Steeple Street, featuring Latin Jazz Trio Los Amigos (6:30-7:15), blues guitarist Kim Trusty (7:30-8:30), followed by master percussionist Jesus Andujar’s Latin band, Grupo Sazon (9-midnight).  Dance demonstrations by the salsa dance company, Mambo Pa Ti, which is led by Carols Gonzales, will also be able to be viewed at Steeple Street at 9:45 and 10:45.

At Waterplace Park in the Basin, you’ll be amazed by Grupo Ondas, a local  Capoeira group who, in collaboration with the Cultural Center of Cape Verde and Brazil and WaterFire, will culminate a week of cultural events by hosting the Capoeira Encounter and Presentation beginning at 4pm until the lighting ceremony.  Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines self-defense, dance, acrobatics, and music into a “game” that is as breath-taking to watch as it is to play. This graduation ceremony, known in Portuguese as Batizado, is a traditional capoeira event in which new students are inducted into the world of capoeira, while senior students and instructors have the opportunity to demonstrate their immense skill. Such events draw capoeiristas of all ages from across the nation.

As part of the Rhode Island International Film Festival there will be several screenings of the documentary WaterFire: Art & Soul of a City at the Providence Public Library, a documentary that was released December 2012 that features behind-the-scenes footage of what it takes to make the WaterFire season happen.

WaterFire is sponsored by Fidelity Investments, Amica Insurance & National Grid.  Click here for more ideas to plan your trip.

Sunday August 11

Providence Flea

Held every Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm on the Providence River Greenway at South Water Street (across from Bacaro), this Flea Market continues to grow in popularity as new vendors are added weekly.  A mish-mash of vintage finds, handmade wares, upcycled clothing and goods, this newest addition to Providence’s urban scene is a nice way to spend your morning walking off whatever culinary delights you sought out for brunch.  Of course if you’re still hungry there are food trucks by the plenty on site.

Other Events Throughout the City:

• 24th Urkupina Festival 2013
  
• Riverwalk: Before the Fires are Lit
• Downtown Sundown Series
• Hope Street Farmers Market
• Savouring Rhode Island Walking Tour