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

 

Veterans Day 2018 in RI

Veterans Day is Sunday, November 11th. Here are some special events happening in Providence and around RI honoring veterans:

WaterFire Providence Salute to Veterans 

Join WaterFire for our sixth annual Salute to Veterans on Saturday, November 10th. Lighting will commence at 5:30 p.m.

The Moving Wall Vietnam Memorial

The Moving Wall is a half-size replica

Patriot Battalion Veterans Day Ceremony

A ceremony honoring veterans will be held at the Providence College War Memorial Grotto on Wednesday, November 7th.

Continue reading “Veterans Day 2018 in RI”

Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 6/15 – 6/18

Events going on in and around Providence this weekend.

Art & Culture
Gallery Night Providence

A fun to explore Providence’s Creative Scene. Art Bus Tours are FREE and leave every 20 minutes, 5:30–7:00 PM on every Gallery Night. No pre-registration is required. Tours meet inside the Regency (One Regency Plaza in Downtown Providence).

For details on which tours are happening this weekend, visit the Gallery Night website.

Spring Awakening

Extended by popular demand – now through June 17th!
The winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical – told by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater through “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade” (Entertainment Weekly) – Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that since its premiere has been exhilarating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years. Based on the 1892 Frank Wedekind play Spring Awakening: A Children’s Tragedy—banned in Germany for two decades after its publication–Spring Awakening challenges and thrills with a “shivery, sensual allure unmatched by anything in the theater right now” (the New York Times). Presented by the Wilbury Group. Click here for reviews, photos and more!

Continue reading “Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 6/15 – 6/18”

Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 4/20 to 4/23

Events going on in and around Providence this weekend.

Family Fun

 The New England Family Fun Festival

New England Families will be able to see a wide range and assortment of family oriented performers including: magicians, story tellers, artists, family bands, gymnastic and dance performers all in one place. The New England Family Fun Festival will bring together a rich cultural tapestry of Rhode Island’s cultures in live performance featuring singing and dance that is sure to leave families wanting more.

Children’s Films

The Providence Athenaeum

Each Saturday morning, the Children’s Library will show short films based on children’s picture books. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a morning activity and select your books for the week ahead! Free and all are welcome! Drop in, no RSVP needed.

Museums/Galleries

The Split

Hosted by GRIN

What unites the works in The Split is more “how” the artists arrived to them than “what” they purport to represent —this exhibition hence rejects the thematic or the illustrational while still aspiring to address our contemporary condition. Amanda Schmitt is a curator based in New York City, and the director of programming of UNTITLED, Miami Beach and San Francisco.

Naomi Campbell – Edacity

Presented by Yellow Peril Gallery

Edacity features an installation comprising sculptures, wall pieces, metal, glass, and video, where Campbell’s use of light projection on sculptural elements creates an immersive spatial setting. The mobile sculpture Damocles’ Sword hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier or centerpiece alluding to concerns about modern day food experimentation technology and its effect on the individual. Fragments of mirrors and glass alter the viewer’s perception of reality furthering the biological/technological immersive experience.

Providence Art Club Opening Reception

Join the Providence Art Club on Sunday for opening receptions to celebrate two exciting new exhibitions. Refreshments will be served and the artists will be on hand to discuss their work. On view in the Maxwell Mays and Mary Castelnovo Galleries: collage artist Priscilla Foley Blackman, jewelry artist Nina Briggs, and encaustic artists Angel Dean and Nancy Whitcombwill exhibit together in the show Four Explore. On view in the Dodge House Gallery: mixed media artists Nancy Gaucher-Thomasand Mimo Gordon-Riley will exhibit together in the show Opposing Marks.

Theatre/Performance/Music

The Ballroom Thieves and Avi Jacob

The Columbus Theatre

Enjoy the music from the band Ballroom Thieves and Avi Jacob, both from folksinger from Boston.

Miscellaneous

Last Providence Spring Flea Market

Providence Winter and Spring Flea Markets are open on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Local vintage and artisan/maker market with food trucks and live music.

New York Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof to Speak at RWU

Community invited to hear two-time Pulitzer Prize winner talk about “Moral Obligations and National Interest: Refugees in the 21st Century”. As the nation grapples with proposed travel bans and refugee restrictions, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof will visit Roger Williams University, urging us to remember the times when fear drove Americans to revile newcomers and reject those seeking refuge.

Friends of India Point Park 17th Annual Spring Clean Up

Meet on the parkside of the tunnel where the bike path goes under India St (in the middle of the Park near the shore) to help pick up litter, weeds, prune, mulch, and replant pedestrian bridge ramps with native, drought-resistant plants.

Free eats: coffee, snacks, and hard-earned pizza at noon!

Earth Day 2017 Spring Cleaning on Valley Street

WaterFire Providence is participating in the 2017 Providence Earth Day Spring Cleaning. We are going to be working on cleaning Valley Street (between Hemlock Street and Eagle Street).

Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 4/6 to 4/9

Events going on in and around Providence this weekend.

WaterFire

April 8th Basin Lighting

7:15 p.m.
The fires will remain lit until 11:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Hemophilia Federation of America. (HFA) is a national non-profit dedicated to assisting and advocating for the bleeding disorders community. HFA is pleased to sponsor the first WaterFire of the season on Saturday, April 8, 2017, in conjunction with the annual HFA Symposium, being held for the first time, this year at the Rhode Island Convention Center, April 6–9, 2017.

Continue reading “Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 4/6 to 4/9”

Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 3/30 to 4/2

Events going on in and around Providence this weekend.

 Family Fun

PRINCESS & THE PEA TEA TIME: FOR KIDS

The State Ballet of Rhode Island welcomes spring as they present Phantomgreen Ballet Suite – based on the Hans Christian Anderson story The Princess & the Pea. Ballet dancers will visit tea time, followed by on stage photo. Light fare, tea, coffee and special sweets.

Continue reading “Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 3/30 to 4/2”

Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 2/23 to 2/26

Events going on in and around Providence this weekend.

Family Fun

Terrarium Night at The Empowerment Factory

Looking for a fun family event for school vacation week? Gather your family for a special night out creating your very own personalized terrarium!No worries if you don’t have a green thumb – Blooming Artisan’s party instructor will lead you through, step-by-step.All tools and materials will be provided for you.

Museums

Intermission Exhibition – RISD Museum

A temporary pause in a performance, a break from business as usual.

During the renovation of the Museum’s European Galleries, select works from the 1100s through the 1800s are on view in this open-storage presentation, offering opportunities for chance encounters and unintentional juxtapositions.

Continue reading “Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 2/23 to 2/26”

Sweets for Your Sweetheart

Thinking about what treats to buy your sweetheart this Valentines Day?

Ignite Providence has put together a round-up of sweet stops around Providence for you!

PVDonuts – Providence

Providence’s first gourmet donut shop creates fun donuts daily, all house made and covered in delicious toppings! This valentines day stop in for one of thir coffee drinks and pick up some donuts. PVDonuts also offers vegan and gluten free options, along with delivery service.

Our recommendation for a sweet gift? The strawberry or raspberry glazed donuts!

pvd

Ellie’s Bakery – Providence

This bakery doubles as a café, serving breakfawst and lunch aside their sweet treats. They have partnered with Flowers by Semia to make a one stop Valentines Day shop! Stop by to pick up Valentines Day essentials. Ellie’s also offeres year-round baking classes to teach others their baking secrets!

Our recommendation for a sweet gift? The Mon Amour cake, a mini treat with raspberry and lots of chocolate!

Continue reading “Sweets for Your Sweetheart”

Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 6/23-6/26

Events going on in and around Providence this weekend.

Continue reading “Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 6/23-6/26”

Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 6/2-6/5

PVD Fest is this weekend!

June 2, 2016 – June 5th, 2016

PVD Fest is a festival that allows visitors to truly experience the creative, art-oriented city of Providence, Rhode Island. This multi-art, four-day festival completely transforms the city, taking place at historical and unique venues. Participating art installations, musicians/bands, restaurants, museums, libraries, etc. work together to create an event showcasing the best of the Creative Capital. For more information and a complete list of events and locations, please visit the PVD Fest website here.

Parking information for the event can be found here. Help with accommodations for the weekend here.

Continue reading “Our Recommendations for the Weekend of 6/2-6/5”

Our Recommendations – Newport Attractions

The City of Newport is one of Rhode Island’s largest visitors destinations. From the note worthy mansions, to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, there is never a dull moment in this sea-side city. Check out our list of fun activities for you to do while you’re in Newport.

Newport Mansions

The Newport Mansions are one of the most famous attractions you can find while you’re in Newport. Whether you want to take a guided tour, or participate in one of the many events held at these venues throughout the year, you definitely don’t want to miss out on these large spectacles while you are in town

the breakers
The Breakers, photo via newportweddingglam.com

The Breakers

The Breakers is one of the largest and most famous Newport Mansions. Known for being the summer home to the prominent Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, inventor of the New York Central Railroad, the Breakers is now open for tours throughout the week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Marble House

The Marble House was built as a summer home for the grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. Built in 1892, this home transitioned Newport from its small summer town to the extravagant reputation that it now possesses. The Marble House is open at 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekly.

The Elms 

The Elms was the summer home for Mr. and Mrs. Edward Berwind. The construction of this mansion was completed in 1901. The Elms are open for tours beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the last tour leaving at 5:00 p.m.

rosecliff
Rosecliff, photo via winterantiquesshow.com

Rosecliff

Rosecliff was established by heiress Theresa Oelrich of Nevada. The home was built to resemble the garden retreat in Versaille. Rosecliff is open beginning at 9:00 a.m. for tours with the last tour leaving at 4:00 p.m.

For a full list of the Newport Mansions, their tour schedules and upcoming events please visit their website.

Historic Sites

Interested in seeing more of the history Newport has to offer? There are plenty of historic monuments for you to explore while your visiting this port-side city.

International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum

international tennis hall of fame
International Tennis Hall of Fame, photo via arhturmonizgallery.com

This historic landmark didn’t begin as a tennis hall or museum, in fact it was a lavish club entitled the Newport Casino. Built in 1880, this structure offered all sorts of activities. From shopping to horse shows to tea parties, the Newport Casino had it all back in the day! In 1986, the owners of the Newport Casino decided that tennis needed an establishment to honor the sport and decided to create what is now the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Today, the museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

fort adams
Fort Adams, photo via familyzip.com

Fort Adams

Built in 1799 and named after President John Adams, this historic landmark overlooks Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. In 1965, the Fort was taken on by the State of Rhode Island to become a part of Fort Adams State Park. Today, the park is known for many summer activities including, swimming, picnicking, and boating. Most famously, the park is known for its two annual events, the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival, which bring thousands of people to the city every year.

Art Galleries

Newport Art Museum
Newport Art Museum, photo via kirbyperkins.com

The Newport Art Museum

The Newport Art Museum is home to many different historic and contemporary exhibits. A unique aspect of this museum is that it focuses on artists from Rhode Island and art produced in Rhode Island. Come to see different pieces of art regularly at the Newport Art Museum. The Newport Art Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. & Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The National Museum of American Illustration

The National Museum of American Illustration was opened in 1998 and houses illustrations from many different time periods and styles. The Museum is open Thursday-Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with guided tours at 3:00 p.m. on Friday’s.

Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center

jane pickens theater
Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center, photo via janepickens.com

As one of the oldest theaters still standing in the United States, the Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center presents a variety of movies from historically based, documentaries, and classics. The historic atmosphere of the theater creates an experience you will never forget! You will always be able to find the right movie for you and your family at the Jane Pickens Theater.

Tours

Whether by boat, bus, or on foot, there are plenty of ways you can tour the city of Newport and all the scenic views it has to offer.

The Cliff Walk 

cliff walk
Cliff Walk, photo via laurencecchi.com

The Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile scenic walk that travels alongside the eastern boarder of Newport. Beginning on Memorial Boulevard and ending on Narragansett Avenue, the famous trail illustrates the beautiful seaside views of Newport while also experiencing the history of this city as you walk by the Newport Mansions. This is one of the most popular tours and tourist attractions the city has to offer.

Viking Guided Tours

The best way to see all the sites in Newport is to hop on one of the famous Viking Trolley Buses! Enjoy everything Newport has to offer with a guided tour that will give you ample information about the city’s history. For more information about specific tours and rates please visit their website.

Adirondack II Tour

Tour Newport Harbor on the Adirondack II, an elegant 80 foot sail boat! Experience Newport from the water! Buy tickets online or when you’re in person. The Adirondack II departs from Bowen’s Wharf several times throughout the day.

adirondack ii
Adirondack II Tours, photo via admiralfitzroyinn.com

 

This selection is only a glimpse of the fun attractions there are in Newport. Between all of the wharfs, there are plenty of shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. In search of a relaxing beach day? Newport has got you covered. Check out our beach recommendations for the best spots in Newport County. Looking for a family friendly activity? Check out the local baseball team, The Newport Gulls, in one of their home games at Cardienes Field! There is one thing that is certain, you definitely won’t run out of things to do on your trip to Newport.

 

Upcoming Events for August 25th-31st

There are a lot a great activities and live music happening around Providence this week. From musical theatre by the sea to Columbus Theatre performances and gospel choirs, there’s a lot to choose from.

Monday, August 25th

Theatre by the Sea Presents: Monty Python’s Spamalot -8:00pm

The funniest show on earth is coming to spread laughter and merriment throughout the kingdom of Matunuck! Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the outrageous musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail, tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences are eating up SPAMALOT.

Wednesday, August 27th

Columbus Theatre Presents Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang -8:00pm

The Columbus Theatre proudly presents Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang with special guests Reformed Whores. The concert will be on Wednesday, August 27th at The Columbus Theatre. Doors will open at 8pm, show will start at 9pm. General Admission $25 advance tickets on sale Friday, May 2nd at http://duodetwang.brownpapertickets.com

Friday, August 29th

The Greatness of Gospel: Our Roots Runs Deep -7:30pm

This year music director Kim Morrison Pitts-Wiley has chosen a variety of songs that cover the full spectrum of gospel music as well as several contemporary songs with a spiritual flare. And as usual, the show will feature several special guest gospel singers from Rhode Island. Donald Gerola is a renown sculptor whose work has appeared in museums and public places around the world. He has created an outdoor sculpture garden featuring colorful and elegant metal sculptures, some of them more than twenty feet tall. The sculptor garden will be a backdrop for an exciting evening of beautiful and powerful music.

Saturday, August 30th

Audible Spaces: Tristan Perich, Zarouhie Abdalian, [The User] -1:00pm

Audible Spaces presents three sound installations that encourage participants to explore the subtleties of listening. Tristan Perich, Zarouhie Abdalian, and [The User] have each created immersive environments using seemingly uniform sounds that dissolve into tonal, tactile, and temporal variations as participants engage with them.

Sunday, August 31st

The Providence Flea -10:00am

The Providence Flea is back for the summer, and the team wants you to be a part of it! Join us on the Greenway every Sunday through September 14th from 10 am – 4 pm on South Water Street.The Flea has a vintage theme. Antiques, collectibles, vintage wares, vintage jewelry or clothing, upcycled or recycled items can be found at The Flea. A small and carefully selected group of local artists’ and artisans’ wares, and local, independent service providers can also be found at The Flea.