If you want to see this magnificient redone city and see it in all its glamour, make sure to see Waterfire! This is a time when the city makes all th stops to let you see that this truly is a different place. The event starts around dusk and crowds gather along the river back and boats full of people dressed in black (you can volunteer to be one) fill small baskets stationed in the center of the river with firewood. There is opera music playing through large speakers in the water and surrounding and there are gondolas boats carting people around the river as well. The river is long so you can walk along it and see vendors and depending what night you see it (check the website for the special events) ther emay be performers, a market place set up, dancers, bands etc. The whole night is well worth coming out and once they light the fires, some by spinning fire in the air, the river lights up ad looks very cool! It is one of the better events I have seen and I highly recommend it!

I was down in Providence for parent's weekend, and my daughter and I went down to the last WaterFire of the season. I had been down to see it last year, but we just had time to take a brief look and come back. This year my daughter and I walked from campus down to the river, and then along to the central plaza by the mall. It was truly beautiful to see the gondoliers going down the river, as well as the people in the refueling boats - all in black outfits - putting more wood on the fires. Allo the time soothing instrumental and italian music being played. Just one of those times that makes you feel relaxed and cumfy. If it's on while you're there - go see it!

This is one of those must see before you die events.

We really did not know what to expect as the experience changes from your location on the river. We went July 22, 2007 and loved it
We met some wonderful people, watched street performers and strolled along the river. That's hard to do when the fires actually start because of the crowds.I suggest being at Union Place where the circle of fires are. The lighting of the fires by the Gondola riders is a pagaent in itself. The music was beautiful. Wonderful experience.