Who knew, so much to do at WaterFire
I have been to the Providence WaterFires a bunch of times. But I really didn’t realize what they have to offer until I recently went on their website. You could really set up a great night out if you just check out their calendar ahead of time. They work with visitors who want to have a special evening with the gondola rides and will set up a romantic dinner for you on the river overlooking the WaterFire. So I’m going back with a plan! I will post my experience, but for now here is information in case you beat me to it.
BASIN STAGE
Here is a great place to start! This is where the WaterFire ceremonies are and you can catch a performance by the Festival Ballet, Gendo Taiko Drummers, Trinity Rep, and more. Check out the calendar to assure you catch a good night for it.
BRIDGE OF STARS & DREAM ORBS
The Bridge of Stars has 22 blue stars that arch over the bridge. The stars are similar to the stars found at the Starry Starry Night location. At this bridge you can send a dream floating down the river for a $5 donation or for a $10 donation send a dream orb down the river. Sounds interesting enough to check it out anyhow! And kinda fun to do with someone just to add interest to your night.
STARRY STARRY NIGHT
Located in Memorial Park, 100 luminous blue stars are hung in a grove of Trees. Below are hundreds of luminaria candle lanterns. This is another spot to make a wish for a donation $10. But even better Hemingways in across the street!
THE CONFLUENCE
This is a romantic little spot put aside for special candle lit dinners. You have to reserve ahead of time and you can even add a special touch by adding a performer to the experience. The performers can be a fire dancer, gargoyle, or live music. Check out the options. This is something I would really like to do. You can even include the Gondola ride! Look into “Celebrate at Waterfire” for details. I couldn’t find any pictures of this, so this is on my to-do list! I doubt I could afford it, but wouldn’t it be awesome to include a fire dancer!!!
GONDOLA TOUR
I always see the gondolas going around in the river while we are walking the edge of the fire. I was never really interested until I looked into it. Sometimes we have to force ourselves to step it up. They actually have several different tours you can take. Depending on what tour you take, it can include glasses and ice bucket, live music, homemade wine biscuits and more. Not to mention when was the last time you got a tour of the river? I never did. I love boats! Why have I not done this! I’ll let you know if it’s worth it, because I’m doing it! It is pricey. The tours start at $89 and go up to $139. And it lasts between 30 – 40 minutes. There are other boat tours on their website as well.
https://www.gondolari.com/trip-packages
FESTIVAL PLAZA ON WASHINGTON STREET
Here are all the food vendors and artists with arts & crafts. If you don’t feel like a sit down dinner it’s a great way to grab and go so you can site see.
TEN31 LIVING STATUES
I have seen the artist that look like statues a few times. They are definitely cool. Check out on the map where they are hanging out!
WATERFIRE WEBSITE
I got all this information off of their website. You should check it out and make sure to make reservations where needed! They also work with you if you have a special occasion. You fill out an inquiry form and I assume they work with you to create the perfect special moment in a unique personal way. Here is the link for the form and the email if you prefer to contact them that way.
UPDATE
Here is a nice article about the Gondola ride during COVID from Rhode Island Monthly.
Check it out: Rhode Island Monthly/ Covid
