05/27/2026
🔥 Join us for WaterFire's 500th lighting — Saturday, May 30, 7 PM to Midnight (fires lit at sunset, 8:12 PM) — made possible thanks to our sponsor, Rhode Island School of Design !
This milestone evening marks 500 lightings since WaterFire's first spark on the Providence River in 1994. We're Turning the Tide, honoring how small actions create lasting change, and celebrating the artists and designers RISD nurtures each year. The lighting coincides with ✨ RISD's Commencement Weekend, welcoming families and friends from around the world to honor the Class of 2026.
Leading up to Saturday:
🎨 Explore the RISD Grad Show — a stunning 43,000-square-foot exhibition of master’s work across 19 departments — on view through May 30. 📍
✨ Don’t miss the Apparel Design Runway Show, debuting bold new collections this Wednesday, May 27 at 4 & 7 PM!
🛍️ Shop RISD Craft — over 100 alumni artists + designers — on Benefit Street, 11 AM–5 PM, May 30
We're proud to partner with RISD to illuminate this powerful moment for our community and for emerging artists everywhere.
Want to be part of history? 500 Milestone Torchbearers will walk into the basin this season and help bring the fires to life. Reserve your spot at the link in bio!
📸 Andrew Hsieh
RISDCraft RISDFashionShow Art4Impact
