Waterfire and Riverfire!

Legal Beagle wants to set the scene: people stroll the streets of Providence, almost 2/3 a mile of rivers are aglow with fire, gondolas glide along, music and the crackle of the fire fill the air.  In other parts of downtown more surprises await: street performers to starry, starry night, stages with performances, and food and wine. Each time is unique with something new to entertain. Created by Barnaby Evans in 1994, the event has continued to grow and weave itself into the fabric of Rhode Island.

Since the Legal Beagle cannot do justice to this event, read The Place Where Water and Fire Meet. Now that the Legal Beagle has you excited, there is some bad news, due to funding there are no set lightings for summer.  WaterFire is fundraising to try to return for a fall season. If you can, consider a donation and keep checking for the announcement.

In the meantime, go visit the Waterfire Arts Center! This converted 37,000 square foot former home of the U.S. Rubber Company serves as WaterFire HQ, exhibition hall, and exhibition space. Check out this Calendar for current art exhibitions, performances, and social events.

While you wait for, grab a sneak peek by checking out Riverfire - Wakefield, RI’s version of Waterfire. On summer Thursdays, from June 24 to August 19, the Wakefield Village Association sponsors Riverfire. Fire lights up the Saugatucket River, while local bands perform on stage at the river’s edge. Find more music and performances at the nearby Contemporary Theater Company’s outdoor stage or walk down Main Street to get ice cream at Brickle’s and check out the shops, restaurants and street vendors. Riverfire is free, but non-perishable food donations to the Johnnycake Center of Hope are encouraged.