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 23–October 27 (best estimate October 25). Color starts around October 9 and is mostly bare by November 16.

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.

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.

Best for: Fire-lit evening on the rivers

Don’t miss

80+ bonfires on the downtown rivers
Running since 1994
Fall lightings extend into late October

Plan your visit

2026 season: May 30 – Dec 11.

Select evenings; see schedule

Website ↗

Dates from the official announcement, checked August 20, 2026. Always confirm before you go.

2026 Forecast

Color nearby peaks: October 23–October 27

Color builds from October 9 · mostly bare by November 16

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. How the forecast works

When to go to WaterFire Providence

You get about 25 days of color here, from the first turn through to roughly November 3. That runs roughly 1 day earlier than the rest of Rhode Island.

It is in Providence, close enough to reach without planning a drive around it.