Waterfire returns to Providence for a full lighting this Saturday, Oct. 22. There will be food fairs, artists’ market vendors, and other onshore activities, all beginning at 5 p.m. This week's event is co-sponsored by Brown University and billed as: Celebating Brown's Commitment and Partnership to the City of Providence.

Before the lighting ceremony, Brown will kick-off the night with a short speaking program on the Waterplace Park Stage with remarks from President Christina Paxson and Warren Alpert Medical School Dean Mukesh K. Jain, with a performance by Chance Emerson. After the speaking program the WaterFire Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6:20 p.m. 

The Steeple Street Music Stage begins at 5 p.m, with a lineup that includes acapella performances by Shades of Brown, Ursa Minors, Beauty and the Beats, paired with musical performances by  Elijah Golden, the Brown Salsa club, Daebak Kpop Dance Association, and Em’s Femmes funk and jazz band. 

Food fairs will be open on Washington Street. Enjoy local food from festival favorites: Saugy’s, Sweet Smokin’ Pits, Kettle Korn Express, Red’s Street Kitchen, Caribbean Delights Ja’ Patty and One2Taconmore. Additional vendors will be located on College Street including Madonna Rosario Society, Pams Grill on the Go, Spanglish, and Vegan Suga. 

Arts Festival on Steeple Street and Washington Street includes local artists and makers Roses N Dragons Designs, Joseph Mushipi Visual Art, Into The Woods, Uncouth Creations, Ecuador to your door, Taft Street Studios and more.

WaterFire will have four pop-up tents for sponsors, including International Gaming Technology (IGT), Dassault Systems, and General Dynamics Electric Boat on Canal Street and Celebrity Cruises in Waterplace basin below the IGT building’s terrace.