What's RI's favorite summer event? Here's what came out on top

The votes are in and Rhode Islanders have chosen their favorite summer event – WaterFire .

The display of more than 80 bonfires lighting up downtown Providence's rivers took top honors in the The Providence Journal's bracket-style competition to determine Rhode Island's favorite summer event by besting the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals in the finals with 55% of the vote.

Waterfire beat out the Rhythm and Roots Festival, Federal Hill Summer Festival and the Washington County Fair in earlier rounds to reach the finals, while the popular Newport music festivals defeated Aquapalooza, Gaspee Days and the Bristol Fourth of July Parade.

WaterFire organizers were excited to learn the event came out on top.

"All of us at WaterFire Providence are thrilled at this accolade by The Providence Journal readers," Barnaby Evans, co-CEO and artistic director of WaterFire Providence, said in a statement. "This recognition highlights the passion and engagement our community has for WaterFire. It is a wonderful reward for our superb staff and volunteers who work hard all year long to create a unique and memorable experience for everyone. Thank you to Rhode Island for three decades of support.”

What is WaterFire Providence?

More than 80 bonfires are lit in the middle of Rhode Island's three rivers, while fire-tenders on torch-lit vessels tend to the flames. Music from all over the world is played from the speakers for a sensory event that combines sight, sound and the smell of the fires.

Remaining 2024 lightings

As of Aug. 14, the remaining lightings scheduled for the year are:

Saturday, Aug. 17 Full LightingSunset (7:42 p.m.)–11 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 31 Full LightingSunset (7:19 p.m.)–11 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 21 Full LightingSunset (6:43 p.m.)–11 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5 Full Lighting – Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™ Sunset (6:19 p.m.)-10 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 2 Full Lighting – WaterFire’s Salute to VeteransSunset (5:38 p.m.)–10 p.m.

What's the best way to see WaterFire?

Rather than standing in one spot, organizers recommend walking along the rivers to take in how varied the different views are. There is no one best spot.

And note, folding chairs are not permitted on the walkways along the rivers.

Where should you park during WaterFire?

There is street parking in the area, both free and paid, for those who want to go that route.

There are also several parking garages that are close to the event, including at Providence Place, 11 Providence Place; Atwells Lot, 55 Broadway Ave.; Empire Lot, 209 Fountain St.; and South Street Landing Garage, 330 Eddy St., according to WaterFire's parking page.

Material from Providence Journal archives was included in this report.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What's RI's favorite summer event? Here's what came out on top