I can't even explain how much I am in love with waterfire. It never. ever. gets old. ever. This is one of the most beautiful traditions. Yes it fire ON water but the music is captivating + it brings the whole rhode island community out of their houses, off of their couches + sometimes swing dancing in the streets of providence. There are tons of vendors selling everything from art to doughboys. There are paper lanterns, bands, street performers + best of all the most beautiful site down the river. I don't really understand how you can go wrong with waterfire--come early, put out a picnic or come late and take a stroll by the water. Bring a friend, a group, your love or by yourself. Come for a minute or 3 hours. Come once, go every weekend. One year I saw a guy propose on one of the gondolas. It was just precious. The evening can be romantic, reflective--or just stress relief . It is what Providence is all about. If you want a magical night filled with hypnotizing music , delicious food + all for FREE this is your kind of evening. read more

I have been going to Waterfire for a few years now and I think it is great, but not meant for some people. I think the trick to it is not to think there is anything to "get". I think that is where people are getting caught up. It is just meant to be nothing more than an experience. The experience of the diverse crowds, the New Age/electronic/opera/funk music amalgamation, the smell of a woodfire burning, etc. For the people who noted that there isn't much to do beyond just sitting and looking at the fire, I am willing to bet they didn't do any exploring. Besides the fire you could have seen the various music and dancing displays. Some nights you can catch Spogga doing some firedancing, Inca Son playing or the gargoyles etc. The music is sometimes hit or miss - sometimes it is well composed other times it isn't great. Regardless, I think the Watefire warrents multiple visits to truly appreciate it. read more

It's a bunch of oversized tiki torches stuck in the water & lit at night. Big deal. There's lots of vendors selling everything you'd expect at a fair/festival. Some entertainment before & after the lighting of the fires. Nothing worth mentioning though. It took forever to actually get to the 'lighting the fires' part of the night. There was at least an hour of random music & ceremonial shows beforehand that you could only see if you were close enough. Once the fires are actually lit, you look at it for about 5 minuets before it gets old. It's free, so maybe check it out if you live in the area & want to do something different. If you'll be making a trip longer than 15 minuets to come here though, I say skip it. read more

Amazing experience that I can't get enough of. With the changing of the music and opening ceremony, every Water Fire is unique and different from the last. It's free and always crowded. Key is to arrive early (at least 90 mins prior to lighting). Secure a spot on the hill next to clock overlooking the basin. That's the "stage" for opening ceremony so you'll be able to take in all the happenings. Once lit, get up & walk the loop around it. As you stroll, you'll appreciate the art of it with the bonfires w musical backdrop. You can purchase a luminary for $5 donation. It's a moving tribute. We usually do an early or late dinner on Federal Hill or at one of the area dining places around Water Fire. You can park at Providence Place Mall and walk across to Basin. Top your night off w a dessert from Cheesecake Factory. This is a perfect, inexpensive family outing. read more

I agree with other Yelpers that WaterFire is commendable cuz it is f-r-e-e, brings the Providence community and visitors together, and the act of just staring into fire can be mesmerizing. BUT... only for a few minutes. You arrive, think "this is it?" and wonder why so many people are just standing still. Waterfire (or Firewater as I kept calling it by accident) falls short of its potential, and so it's only worth a stop if you live nearby or you happen to be visiting Rhode Island that day (say, to do the Cliff Walk and mansions in Newport, as I was, or to see Brown or something). It could honestly be so much cooler if a) the people in boats with torches dressed up in costumes, rather than in all black as if they were trying to remain unseen like the stage crew of a play changing the set or b) there were performances near the water (maybe on the bridges?)while people stood/milled around...the tribal/nonlyrical music just begs for some ribbon twirling or RiverDancing (badumcha)! read more

Great unique artistic night out on the town to people watch, kick back and relax. The 80 or so fires cast a comforting spectacle on the river and the music is not intrusive; but helps mark the event and maintain the peaceful ambiance. There are vendors towards RISD/Superior Court area. DO NOT FORGET TO throw some money in the donation bins. Even though it is a free event, corporate donations have been cut back. a tip for Parking, Park at the Mall or up by state buildings on Smith St & walk down from the north or in the College Hill/Brown area to come in by the west. For your sanity, do not drive downtown. read more

We tried to get to Waterfire last night. We sat in gridlock traffic for almost an hour. I want to share, the police had a mess on their hands and I can't say I could have done better but seriously, it was a traffic %$#@ show. We could not find a place to park and left seriously disappointed. I have never experienced this level of traffic in my entire life. Traffic pattern and planning on the part of organizers, was an epic fail IMHO. read more

After living in Boston area for nearly 8 years, I was finally able to see the much talked about water fire this summer. Was it something mind blowing? No. Would I bother seeing it again? No. So why did I rate it "Very Good- 4stars"? Its the entire package- the music, the performances, the ambiance. Something that should be seen and experienced at least once! read more

I've be coming WaterFire in Providence since I was 18. My first WaterFire was the same summer I graduated high school which was in the year 2000 so as to give a reference. WaterFire is a cultural, social, visual, and musical experience. We usually spend the day seeing the sights of Providence, shopping, and enjoying a little fine cuisine. We live in the city but we make a day out of it. WaterFire offers live music, street performers, food and entertainment abounds, and at dusk, a boat with people all in black go up and down the canal in Providence lighting "piles" of wood that are neatly stacked on floating buoys on the water. The fires burned brightly and were being "refueled" just as we entered the basin area. All along the route it was packed but somehow it didn't seem too crowded. The fires crackled, and sparks flew into the cool crisp nighttime air. You can even take a gondola ride on the canal while the fires are burning. Its something you need to experience to fully be able to appreciate. They do full lighting's and partial lighting's. Full lighting's are much better. Check the schedules online. Providence is a wonderful city by day, but even better at night by WaterFire. By far, Providence's WaterFire is one of the best kept secrets in New England. Although word has spread since its inception, every year it improves-significantly. read more

Who knew that lighting fire in your river could bring 1,000s of people downtown to spend money even after 15 years, I mean, places like Detroit and Ohio have had rivers on fire for decades and they aren't exactly drawing in the people. Waterfire is great on a nice summer night, probably a little better if it were a cooler night, but nice just the same. read more

This is one of those experiences you have to do at least once. It's perfect for out-of-towners. Check the website for their schedule. Grab some good food from the Federal Hill area, walk along the riverbanks, and bring a good camera for some beautiful shots of the river lit up by mini bonfires. Wear comfy shoes. Wish we could roast marshmallows via fishing pole, but that might ruin the mystique. :) read more

They hold this event every Thursday evening, it is super family friendly... lots of food and local vendors. Live music from a half dozen bands throughout the evening... it was fun & relaxing read more

Not really a fan, we were in Newport and decided to stop by Providence bc this event was going on, it was literally just water in fire not really much of a show. Make sure to go early bc it gets pretty packed initially but then it seems like everyone just slowly leave. However they have a pretty decent market before the show with vendors which was nice to check out. read more

Waterfire was one of my first introductions to the city of Providence and what an intro it was. There's nothing like immersing yourself with the culture and people of a city in order to get to know a place. Sure, there were plenty of tourists, intense crowds, and lots of noise, but it was fun, free, and beautiful. The event itself is simple: take loads of wood, put them in the metal baskets that are set in the river running through the downtown area of the city and then light them on fire. it makes for a pretty spectacle and a great setting for live music and entertainment. What is most important is that it creates a tradition that just about anybody can enjoy and makes the city of Providence unique. Maybe there are plenty of traditions similar in other cities across the nation,but it is the first festival of this sort that I've attended. Now I can see why people from all over come in order to join in. There is food, festivities, music, dancing, and the act of the lighting of the fires themselves is magical! I have to say that the experience for me is an even better one because I now live close enough to walk, therefor I don't have to fight the masses in order to attain a parking spot. For most, this can prove to be tricky and probably downright infuriating (especially if you come when the crowds arrive and leave when the crowds disperse). My recommendation would be to plan to arrive early and leave late (or early if you must). They run mostly on every other Saturday throughout the Summer and early Autumn months. More so if they have extra funding. Each one usually has a different theme, so you can pick and choose which ones interest you the most. I've seen a free showing of the Providence Philharmonic, traditional Chinese music and dancers, opera and ballet, fire dancers and much more. There is so much to see and do in downtown Providence that I'm sure that no matter what your trip will be worth it, but if there is one event that you attend in Providence all year you really should attend a Waterfire. read more

I always perceived Providence as a shithole of a city but now I see it as a shithole of a city with a cool Summer festival. I was pretty excited to drive there for WaterFire and might do so every year from now on. The concept is very simple. There's these floating, metallic-look buckets of some sort, filled with dry timber and light on fire once dusk falls upon the city. Accompanied by a few street performers and some Enya-like music, that's pretty much all that there is to it. We arrived a tad late, after struggling to park nearby and walked along the banks of the river, admiring the fires and enjoying the beautiful summer evening. It was fun and was a nice excuse to take a simple road trip out of Boston. A nice change of scenery. There were gondolas going up and down the river as well and a few food stands along the way, including Del's frozen lemonades which hit the spot. Twice (I was thirsty. Shut up.) PROS: - It's free - It's fun - It's creative/original CONS: - It's in Providence - Gets very crowded - See first item in the CONS list. - Parking can be difficult I'll see you next year. read more

It's sad that this is the best entertainment Providence has to offer, watching a fire burn, how long you need to see it, it was like watching grass grow. It may mean something here, but it's in contrast to the events in Boston, where there is always a new festival, musicians and street performers at Faneuil Hall and city hall plaza, Shakespeare at the Boston Common, London Calling at Harvard. Artists like Chris Daughtry playing at the Common & Bell Biv DeVoe at City Hall plaza playing for free are common events. Pizza festivals, ice cream festivals, bars are hopping with performers at 8PM. Drive 50 min north and go to a real city. You're better off putting floating candles in your bathtub and turning the lights off. read more

LOVE waterfire

" Why can't Boston be this cool? " Oh Jeff...if boston tried to do waterfires, the entire length of the charles would soon engulf in flames from the pollution streaming in from those oil tankers that soar across our seaboard. anyway. the waterfires are fun! Jeff and Allison have painted a great picture of what the waterfire experience is. i went with a friend of mine and we enjoyed the community atmosphere of the whole day, the quiet riverside meandering, the small town feel of the city and yet it's capacity to feel so young and contemporary. don't tell my friend this, but i wished i'd been there with a fella (matt damon...), because once the sun sets, the fires are lit and the music pipes in, the mood transforms to intensely romantic and tranquil. we got great seats and watched the fire sparkle and smelled the crackling cedar wood. there was also a small town fair aspect, with street vendors and even a special restaurant booth area with some yummy indian food and other options. it was so charming! i can't believe i'd never been before! read more

Going to Waterfire was once on my long list of things to do before I died. Maybe that's kind of silly but it just sounded pretty and romantic and peaceful. I finally went this year for the first time and it is all those things. Waterfire is fire pits floating in the water with music playing in the background. It sounds simple and underwhelming perhaps, but it works. Plus, it's free and you really can't beat free. So even if this does completely bore you, you can continue on walking around Providence. I had fun walking around and looking at it, though. There are all sorts of food stands and vendors nearby as well. I would recommend making an evening of it - park, eat at one of the nearby restaurants and then go to Waterfire. read more

I have been to this loverly spectacle about 3 or 4 times this summer and it doesn't get old. It is a beautiful display and an enjoyable way to spend a summer or fall night. It doesn't cost anything to attend and there are several food vendors to enjoy a nibble while you take in the scene. Alternatively, one may arrange to have dinner at one of the many PVD institutions as another option. Driving into/parking in Providence for the festivities may prove torturous, however. As a local, I have been able to navigate, but I can only imagine what it's like with those less-familiar with the city. It is outdoors, so bring something or someone cozy; it is also dog-friendly. read more

Happening every other Saturday of the summer, Waterfire is such a nice way to spend an summer evening outside. From the simple elegance of the fire on the water, to the ambient music, Waterfire sets the stage for a romantic night. My favorite part is the forest of light - my name for the beautiful blue stars and memorable lanterns. Walking just a few feet in makes you feel like you're in a completely different place. Over the years, Waterfire has blown up, in terms of commercialism and people, but at the heart it is the same and it never disappoints. read more

When you arrive at Providence, you'll realize that everyone is talking about this seemingly oxymoronic tradition and you can't make heads or tails of what this is. Situated right outside the Providence Place Mall and just a couple miles from Brown University, the Waterfire event is started along a body of water (can't remember what river that is) that runs through down town. I believe the idea came form a sculptor or an artist in the late 90s to place fire pits along the river and light them in a summer long extravaganza where people from all over the place would witness this event. The event starts at sunset (so it gets progressively earlier as the summer progresses). I believe the first one is usually the end of May and the last one is either late september or the first week of October on a Saturday. There is plenty of parking around but I find that most people like to park at Providence Place and then take the short walk over (there's a set of stairs on the first floor that gives you access to the street right across the way). If you want good seats, you should probably get there about 30 min before the event. They usually have local performing artists doing shows right before up until the torches come out. The entire event lasts about an hour. I think what is particularly impressive is that the entire event is completely run by volunteers and donations. They really do count on your giving to sustain this event so there are always places where you can drop a few bills in to continue this Providence event. Many people also come to this event for the art booths just about 1/2 a mile away. I have been looking for the exact address/street that this takes place on but to no avail until this past weekend. It's located mainly by North Main Street/Washington Street by the Roger Williams National Historic Site park and you can just walk over and enjoy the food/art/performances. I think that if the art vendors were more substantial and looped all the way towards where Waterfire takes place, then you got yourself a huge event bringing in money and foot traffic downtown. It still has a ways to go before it gets to that point. read more

Awesome experience, especially if you drop some acid prior (just kidding!), very cool music to go along with the fires/gondolas and other perfomance art. Only draw back is the crowds which become too heavy (shoulder to shoulder in spots). I'd go again but on a bad weather daty to thin the herd a bit. read more

Wow, how did I live in Boston all these years and not hear of such an amazing event just 1 hour south? Good thing I decided not to bail on my friends and went out to Providence Place on a beautiful night for the last of the series this year. The smell of the fire was so warm and amazing (although not so much after you get home and can't get rid of the smoky smell off your clothes/hair). The river, the bonfires, the bridges, the street musicians, the people, the couples, the gondolas. I felt like I was lost somewhere in Europe. It was surreal that this was so close to home. It was a perfect brisk night to be by and just stare at the fire. I loved being there. It was festive, it was romantic, and it was beautiful. I will make sure to be back next year. Maybe then I'll catch the firedancers. P.S. Just beware of the traffic. It took us forever just to get into the parking garage (almost an hour from the exit). Inch by inch. read more

Maybe it's because I've always lived so close to the area or have been enough times, but I just don't have the same amount of reverie as everyone else always seems to have. Don't get me wrong-- it's a nice idea, great event, way to spend a night out... all of those. The only thing is...it's usually very crowded and people pack themselves into the waterfront area like sardines. Once you find a place to park and walk over there, it's reminiscent of mulling through crowded hallways in high school- people all around, everyone slowly moving forward but at a halting pace, coming across random people just standing in the middle of the walk who aren't moving, and walking into vendors who are anxious to sell you a rose ("for the lady") or random food stalls. Personally, I hate the rose gimmick, because I'm already stuck in a crowd barely able to move, but now I have to carry this thing around?? Great! I might be too pragmatic at the core because the creative side of me can definitely appreciate the spectacle-- the gondolas, fire playing off of the water, and that weird new-agey music they play in the back to provide a soundtrack. There's also the bridge that is decorated in a mosaic of hand-painted tiles, that's always fun to look at....but it gets crowded and people tend to be relatively oblivious to what's happening around them, which can make for plenty of opportunities to get annoyed or have an awkward social exchange. If you haven't ever been, then you should definitely go and check it out...but if you're a local, like me, and have been too often...I think you'll understand my POV just as well (haha) read more

Went to this for the first time last year and I enjoyed myself. I liked theme and I liked watching the different gondolas with ""creatures" roaming about. I also enjoyed the the musical entertainment but I will admit have after about 5 minutes into the chatting routines, I started to make fun it. Another thing I enjoyed was the exhibits and the vendors. I really, really liked the starry, starry night project, has a very surreal feel to it. read more

It sounded really cool but in fact the show dragged on for hours without anything really going on. You just stand and watch a bunch of fires get lit on the river, which is cool, but I wouldn't make an evening out of it. Head around to the pop up tents and take a stroll down by the river to see parts of the show and you'll have a pleasant evening. We had a better time at the flea market the next day! read more

Nice to see once, this event is supported by a good infrastructure - ample low cost parking, lots of food and drink vendors, and public restrooms or portable toilets in numerous locations. Arrive an hour early to get a seat or bring your own - the rules against folding chairs were not enforced consistently. Public drinking was also allowed. Much like many fireworks shows this did not start on time because it was not dark enough. To try to build excitement hokey, tinny music was played. Once the fires were lit the selections improved, but live music, which was only available on one side street, would have been better. Unlike Boston this this does not feel like a college town. Many in the crowd were older and despite the proximity to both RISD and Brown there were not many art vendors compared to similar events in other Northeastern cities or even to the number of food vendors here. The gondolas were expensive and sold out, but pontoon boats were available. This wasn't spectacular, but was low cost for a big city experience, and good to do when the weather is nice out. It is also fun to explore some of the surrounding area, which is pedestrian friendly. Bicycles and Zip cars are also available to rent. read more

Went to WaterFire last night for the best first time. Hmmm...I'm not sure how to explain such a sighting. It definitely was super crowded with tons of people thats for sure! We had the best seat in the whole place on the bridge where you could see the whole thing being lit up on both sides. It was fun watching the wood being lit slowly by the boats. Sure, it was great watching the Gondolas going by. Gee, I was even a bit jealous wishing I was in one. But, GOD HELP ME! The music was just all around bad. I was ready to go in a coma. I was falling aslelep on the railing. It was so boring. They really need to kick it up a notch -(Sorry Emeril)-For sure! When they were lighting the wood and it was crackling away and it looked so amazingly awesome on the water..I blocked out the "throat moaners" in the background. and I kept singing to myself.. YEAHHHH..."HEAVENS ON FIIIIIIREE" by KISS.. and I was so happy! They should really get some motivated music..it was a bit boring after the first 20 minutes. Once it was lit and the fire reached its peak..I was ready to hit the pavement. The music was enough to send me running for the hills..sorry.. It's definitely worth seeing one time. That's plenty enough for me..If I want to hear throat singing I'll gargle in the morning.. read more

I have a love/hate relationship with Waterfire. I kind of never know what to think of it, but I tend to also get caught up in the frenzy every now and then. In the end, it's an interesting thing, and I am glad that it exists. Love: I love the way it smells--when I'm at home and the window is open. When I'm up close for two long, my eyes start to burn a little. That's mostly in the downtown/right by the mall area, as you move further down S. Water street, it gets less crowded and less smoky. Love: The exciting, carnival atmosphere. I get excited if I drive by the setup in the afternoon, even if I'm not going to the actual event that night. The people watching is great, and it's just fun. Hate: Getting stuck in traffic. Just avoid downtown on Waterfire nights, and your life will be better. Love: The theme nights. Last year, I went to symphony night, and it was really cool. I think the usual canned electronica is fine, but it was nice to hear live, symphonic music piped in all over the river. Hate: Explaining it to people. I ran into a guy from out of town when I was out walking with a friend a couple years ago. He asked if where he was parked was a good place for the Waterfire (it was), then he asked if he needed to bring his own chickens or if they would be provided. So, he thought is was a giant cookout--not sure where that idea came from. Love: The fact that it's free. It is so refreshing to be able to do something interesting and not have to pay for it. Hate: The fact that Providence seems inordinately smug about this thing. I get it, it's cool, but it's also just a bunch of baskets in a river with logs. Maybe I'm a philistine, but I feel like the level of pride that comes with Waterfire is not balanced out by the amazingness of it. Overall, I have more love than hate for Waterfire. I try to make it out for at least one a year, or if I'm headed downtown on a Waterfire night, I take an extended walk through the area (note: this takes extra time--plan accordingly). When you're in a crowd of happy, excited people, it's impossible to not pick up on the vibe. read more

This is a must for anyone to go to once. The ambiance and city vibe are great and the fire is impressive. Stroll the whole route and contend with crowds. Anymore than that and your excuse should be for taking other people to see it for the first time. Other exemptions include going to ride on the water or participating in special events like fundraisers, company-sponsored events, or accidentally getting stuck in traffic and having to foot it across Water street to get to downtown. read more

This review is more like 2 3/4 stars. Maybe I would have liked it more had it not been so cold and rainy - but I cannot say for sure. I'll say this, it is definitely unique. I've never seen cauldrons filled with wood, set in the middle of the water, and listened to opera/classical music that reminded me of Druids at some points (haha). ***Side note: Seriously... druids... before the cauldrons were lit they were playing this spooky sounding music that just made me think of old time Celtic society, night with a nearly full moon (like tonight), and druids having a secret meeting in the woods, walking in their long black robes with hoods and having torches to light their way. Back to present day Providence - the people in the boats who came around to light all of the cauldrons were dressed in all black, and used the torches to light them - I had a silent chuckle to myself that they were just present day druids.*** Back to review: If you're already in Providence, or you're going there for other reasons and this event happens to be going on, by all means it is most definitely worth the stop over to see. I, however, went with my roommate from Boston purely to see this event. It's fun to watch - but after about 5 minutes there really isn't anything else to do. There really weren't street vendors and such out (I think due to the rain, so again it could be way better than my perception). If you like just staring into a fire, you're going to like this because you'll have about 100 to choose from on three different rivers. The smell of the wood burning, the sound of it crackling, and looking into the fires, it was very relaxing - but I need to either be with a few people out camping, or have more things going on around me to truly enjoy this with 100s of other people around me. read more

So I went to Providence for the first time today on other business, and ended up sticking around for Waterfire. Its kind of boring after a little bit, but still worth catching a peek of anyway. It is bonfires in little holders all up and down the river, accompanied by music and live opera singers. Pretty impressive. Some food is available via vendors that set up for the event. Worth hanging around to see the lighting, but much after that you can head out. read more

I could not image how they would make this better. Perhaps having signs about where you could sit or not sit because that was a little murky... This was wonderful, a harken to our primal instincts when we cowered around fire at night. It honestly feels like a carnival, with the art tents, popcorn makers, cart food, and other great aspects! We attended during the Lovecraftean themed night, which was awesome. We love the macabre and the fact that the steam punk gallery was open at the same time was great as well. Providence is a small city. We walked most of it in the hours as we waited for the sun to set. I'd love to be back before the end of the year for another theme. read more

Water fire is something we have enjoyed for many years!!! Sometime we eat out first or sometimes we will eat there. Love the street performers & the music! Early spring & the last water fires of the season are the best!!! Nice cool air & the fires keep u warm! Great place to go and sit, talk, and relax! Pack a few cocktails in your bag & it makes for an even better night!! Been loving water fires for 10+ years now We LOVE a water fire!!!!!! read more

I like Annette A.'s assessment. If you are going to Providence and plan to go on a Waterfire night, fine. Definately check it out. Do not plan to go to Providence just for Waterfire. It was nice, but definately overrated. Parking was easy, there was traffic leaving. read more

the event was pretty cool w/spectacular views (great for photo shooting) and all, but when something is said to happen at, what, 7:45pm?, we shouldn't have to wait till close to 9pm. a little anticipation is nice, but waiting that long w/o knowing when or if something's gonna happen, is just not fun no matter how one wants to define it. and if there are that many people floating around and music was in the background the whole time, a little announcement on the updates would have been much appreciated. something that's nice to do for once (esp. when you're from out of town), but not again. only perk: it's free. but to guarantee a better view, you can spend some molah and book a table in one of the nearby restaurants, rent a gondola (you may even be able to light a fire or what not), or, better yet, buy an apartment unit in the building that's right by the river! p.s. the spectacle is actually happening by the river next to providence place mall; not at the address listed. check their website for specifics. read more

The water comes alive with live wood burning fire pits along the river. Walk along and take in the view as they initially light or maintain the flame either by shoreline or a on a chartered boat. One of a kind sight! read more

We came to Providence partly to see WaterFire, and wow, were we glad we did. My pithiest description: First Night in Boston crossed with Amsterdam (or Venice, but I've never been to Venice). In other words, a mellow cross-section of humanity wandering canalside, with no particular urgency except enjoying themselves. It's romantic, non-commercial, and peaceful--a brilliant choice for a date. Yes, the music is somewhat dippy, but it suits this large-scale venue perfectly. read more

Went to my first WaterFire this month. I thought it was just going to be fire on the river, which it is, but the music and the people and the festival going on made it really cool. They play like opera type music at each site so that everyone can hear, and it gives it a cool European vibe. There were lots of people just sitting in one spot for a while with some snacks or a bottle of wine and enjoying the night. There were a number of viewing spots along the river. We watched from a bridge and from the big one at the beginning. It was pretty crowded, but not too crowded to not be able to get right up and get a good picture. Also, we parked at the mall b/c it was the cheapest and the most convenient and the had most spaces. If you're thinking of going to Providence definitely pick one of these weekends! read more