We knew we were going to be in the area around the time of WaterFire so we made sure to find a…read moreplace to stay and spend the night here. We had never been to anything like this or even really heard that much about it so we were interested to see what it was. WaterFire started about 30 years ago as an art installation that was meant to bring more people to the area and it definitely works. They light the braziers along the rivers, pipe beautiful music through the air and have volunteers on boats going from spot to spot, tending the flames and refilling the wood. There are tons of people there. Just walking and enjoying being outside and being together. The vibe is so relaxed and so peaceful but yet busy and exciting at the same time. It's kind of hard to describe unless you see it for yourself. We headed out around dusk when there was still light in the sky and it was a little chilly but I soon forgot about that. Words can't really express how you're just sort of drawn into the piece and beauty of this whole thing. I feel like this review can't even do it justice. We walked around for over an hour but our dog did start to get cold even though we had her in her jacket, so we headed back to where we were staying for a little while. Once it was dark and we were all warmed up, we headed out again because it was just so enjoyable to be there that we really wanted to come back. The second time we wandered through the street fair area and looked at some of the tables and street vendors. I got a really cool ring that was made out of a an old ornate spoon. There were also food vendors but everything was pretty busy so we ended up getting food on the way back to our hotel. There were families and groups of friends and couples, all just soaking in the magic and ambiance and ultimately we drifted back towards the water again because that is where the real magic is. We sat for a long time watching people float by in gondolas and watching the volunteers slowly push the boats through the canals, adding wood to the flames causing them to rise up. Everyone was friendly and in a good mood and strangers were chatting with each other. There was a real sense of community and peace. This was honestly one of the most romantic evenings I've had with my husband in a long time as well. We nuzzled noses and shared a few kisses to the music and the flame. If you are anywhere near Providence during WaterFire, don't even think about it just go. It's totally free! You don't need tickets or even to plan really. You can just enjoy the fire light and the music and being together in a beautiful place. It's absolutely unforgettable.

Last night, the Waterfire theme was Clear Currents. A yearly event that brings kayak enthusiasts…read moreto the river and basin with brightly lit paper fish figures. One of the Chinese dragon boats from the Pawtucket Dragon Races made an appearance as well. The event was very well attended, with many areas of the Riverwalk at capacity during peak times. Foot traffic jams made it difficult to navigate freely around the basin area. Lots of vendors and food trucks located around the RISD campus gave the event an even more festive flair. A great way to bring downtown Providence alive !

First of all, it's way overpriced. How how can a festival charge $15 for meatball sandwich the food…read moreis horrible. It's not even a huge selection of Italian food. No dessert??? This is more of a Block Party I'm not sure how they can call it an Italian feast!!! i'll go to Saint Rocco's way better prices and food

HORRIBLE!!!! Italian Festival??? Where was all the Italian…read morefood and music? What a joke. We went on Wednesday night, the first night. Only a few booths and the food was ridiculously high. We thought there would be more Italian food. Not even close to an Italian Festival! The food was terrible. Nothing but a BLOCK PARTY with a bunch of trouble makers walking around. Young teens looking to hook up. How can you call this an Italian Festival! By Saturday night it got even worse. Fighting and gun shots and several arrests. We will stick to the North End in Boston where they have authentic Italian food, desserts, cappuccino stations, oh.....and Italian music. Disgusted in Cranston

Definitely one of the most fun annual festivals in Providence, if you have the day free, come spend…read moreit at the block party of all block parties. Free entry, live music, fun vendors and awesome giveaways -- it's the perfect combination for a great time, especially with 'Gansett putting the entire thing together. You can score everything from cool threads to vintage vinyl while you sip your beer, and learn about awesome local businesses while you stroll the block. I've been to this event three years in a row now, and can honestly say it's one of my most favorite local events. Not to be missed, especially if you love 'Gansett!

A day sporting an expertly mixed cocktail of my favorite ingredients - good music, good food, good…read morefolks, and (of course) great brews. Beer trucks galore! No one knows how to typify RI locality like the dudes and dudettes from 'Gansett beer. I'm personally a fall beer addict, and the Fest autumn brew was in full flow this day. There was also a good surplus of the Del's Shandy being dished out for those who just couldn't get enough. I coupled the copious liquid lunch with a delicious caesar wrap from Z Food truck and quickly found myself in some damn fine bliss. A quick stroll down the street (beer in hand I might add - the perks of a block party) and we found party part 2 kickin' on at the E&O Tap - a great local dive. The music selection was an amazing local variety, culminating with the amazing antics of a street marching band that struck a nostalgic cord with my inner band geek. Events like these typify the amazing Providence community that is comprised of so many crosswinds in the cultural sphere. Kudos to all those involved - let's keep 'em comin'.

I went for the first time this past year and when I tell you, I was amazed, I mean it like I had a…read morelow expectations because it was Roger Williams zoo. I got there and I started walking, and I truly was mesmerized by all the pumpkins and the lighting and just the detail that was put into this. A great place to visit during the Halloween season!

Great fall/Halloween time experience if you're in the area. I happened to be walking through Roger…read moreWilliams when I remembered it was happening and decided to check it out. So glad I did, so many different themes. Posting more pictures would do it a disservice.

What a great venue to show off all of the local arts and crafts. The place was packed full of…read moreunique items and colorful folks. This was a great event sponsored in part by Yelp. I am really glad to have participated. I do have to agree with the other review on the prices. They were a little on the up side for some of the booths...but there were barges to be had. And, as I found out, some were willing to negotiate. But in the end, it is the free market. If they are not finding buyers, they will lower their pricing expectations. --Down side alert--- So I must make my other comments though. They do charge 3$/person to go in. Of course they tell you it is a donation, but you are not getting in with out paying. So it is going to a good cause I am sure I hear you saying. Maybe, but it is also money you can no longer spend inside with the people selling their wares and crafts. And when you have to pay for a family of 4 or 5, it eats into the out flow. Lastly, this is a great venue and a wonderful opportunity to gussy up that side of Garden City. Rumor had it though that they are about to tear down the building and put up a new Walmart. Say it isn't so....!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is bad enough that this state is not business friendly, but the businesses it is friendly to (or can afford to be friendly) are not really the ones we want.

Unfortunately I was working this event so I didn't get to look around too much. I heard about all…read morethe nice, quality things that were there. Can't wait for next year!

I go every year and the food is just amazon people are so super friendly and kids games are old…read moreschool but super fun for the kids will keep on going .

1st time visiting this Polish festival, won't ever go back. The food was so BAD! Food was cold and…read morelacked seasoning. I am not Polish but can make more flavorful golumpki and plotki. It was the worse plotki I have ever had freezing cold, no seasoning, and they ran out of sour cream. There was not a 1 polish dessert, instead there were ordinary brownies and smores cups. There was no pride and love in the food. Sad.