WaterFire Providence
Fall festival · Providence · Rhode Island
More than 80 bonfires burn just above the surface of the three rivers through downtown Providence during scheduled lightings, accompanied by music and torch-lit boats, a public art installation running since 1994, with fall dates stretching toward Halloween.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Select evenings; see schedule
Dates from the official announcement, checked August 20, 2026. Always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: October 22–October 26
Color builds from October 11 · mostly bare by November 15
Sampled at WaterFire Providence’s own coordinates and elevation (13 m) rather than a regional average.
This window comes from 4 weather points across Rhode Island, nudged 3 days later to match 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. Rhode Island is running 2 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works
When to go to WaterFire Providence
You get about 22 days of color here, from the first turn through to roughly November 2.
It is in Providence, close enough to reach without planning a drive around it.
WaterFire Providence on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Rhode Island, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in Rhode Island
Farms & harvest
Cider & donuts
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When is WaterFire Providence open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs May 30 – Dec 11. Select evenings; see schedule. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does WaterFire Providence peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 22–October 26 (best estimate October 24). Color starts around October 11 and is mostly bare by November 15.
- How do I get to WaterFire Providence?
- WaterFire Providence is in Providence. The closest city is Providence, about 0 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of Rhode Island's fall lineup.
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