04 Oct 2013
The Creative Capital Shows True Colors in autumn with themed WaterFire lightings and Halloween events such as acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
PROVIDENCE, RI – September 24, 2013– Fall is taking center stage in Providence, where a compelling variety of seasonal happenings showcase this quintessential New England city at its best. Autumn in Providence puts the destination's reputation as the epicenter of creative fun on full display with spooky Halloween festivities and fun family activities. More information is available below on some of the season's can't-miss events:
- Roger Williams Park Zoo – Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
October 3 – November 3: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Contact: Log onto www.pwpzoo.org or call 401-785-3510.
Details: The acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular presented by Citizens Bank will return to Roger Williams Park Zoo with shows running nightly from October 3rd through November 3rd. This highly-anticipated annual Halloween happening features 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns, many of which are artistically carved, displayed in scenes to play out on this year's theme, Pumpkinville, USA. Situated on the Zoo's picturesque wetlands trail, the event has won national praise for its amazing artistry and appeal as family-friendly autumn destination. Over 100,000 people have come in each of the past three years to enjoy the night time show, and last year's Spectacular set an all-time record of over 110,000 visitors.
- WaterFire – Themed Fall Lightings
Contact: Log onto www.waterfire.org or call 401-273-1155.
Details: Providence's world-renowned WaterFire, a free art installation located in the heart of the downtown area at Waterplace Park, consists of 80 bonfires that light up the night. Sculpture lightings take place from sundown until midnight, and each WaterFire in October and November will be accompanied by performances from the acclaimed Gargoyles of Ten31 Studios and award-winning music and dance of Inca Son.
Two notable themed WaterFire lightings this fall include:
Saturday, October 12 - The Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life
This lighting is designed to promote Breast Cancer Awareness month in Providence as well as honor people who are living with the disease.
Saturday, November 9 – WaterFire Salute to Veterans
Alex and Ani's Charity By Design sponsors the WaterFire Salute to Veterans, which celebrates America's Veterans and aims to spread support for their service.
Thursday, October 17 – Saturday, October 20
Contact: Log onto www.film-festival.org or call 401-861-4445.
Details: The FLICKERS: RI International Horror Film Festival is an “eerie-sistable” salute to the oft-overlooked genre of independent horror films that will include numerous world premieres of shorts and features as well as the best of films submitted in competition from all over the globe. Much like a witch's brew, the film festival will consist of various ingredients such as an H.P. Lovecraft Walking Tour, special free screenings, and awards for Best Feature and Best Short. For a full listing of events, log onto http://www.film-festival.org/HorrorCALENDAR13.php.
Throughout the fall
Contact: Visit www.providenceghosttour.com or call 401-484-8687.
Details: Based solely off of research and historical documentation, the Providence Ghost Tours offer exclusive visits into some of the most paranormally-active sites in the city's East Side. Tracing the roots of the neighborhood back to the 1630s, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about some of the city's most haunted hot spots and learn about the historical figures that lived there.
- The Steel Yard – 8th Annual Halloween Iron Pour
Saturday, October 26: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and event begins at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Visit www.thesteelyard.org or call 401-273-7101.
Details: The Steel Yard teams up with the Iron Guild, a New England based group of foundry artists, for the annual Halloween Iron Pour. This family-friendly industrial art performance brings sculptors from across the region together to transform the Steel Yard into a fantasy-land of molten metal. Large format sculptures and kinetic art pieces are cast before the crowd's eyes, complete with theatrics and accompanied by the music of The Empty House Cooperative. There will also be a ceramic sale hosted by the Ceramics Cooperative as well as food vendors on site.
- Museum of Natural History and Planetarium – Creepy, Crawly Family Fun Weekend
Saturday, October 26 - Sunday, October 27, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Log onto www.providenceri.com/museum or call 401-421-7740.
Details: Visitors can enjoy spooky stories, creature features, mystery guests and a trick-or-treat bag full of Halloween fun at the Creepy, Crawly Family Fun Weekend. The festivities kick off with arts and crafts for the whole family, and guests will receive a complimentary treat bag filled with in exhibit halls. At 2:00 p.m., visitors can head to the planetarium for Fall Sky Views to discover the stars and constellation that can be seen from Providence. At 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., explore the museum's underworld on Tales from the Haunted Vaults! Museum Vault tours for a nominal $5 admission charge. Museum and planetarium admission is just $3. Children under four can enter the museum for free but are not admitted into the planetarium.
~ The Creative Capital ~
Providence is a vibrant and energetic destination boasting some of the country's finest educational institutions paired with a pulsating artistic landscape. The city's history of innovation, dating back to its founding father Roger Williams, drives a strong sense of place and encourages residents and visitors alike to view Providence as a leading arts and cultural destination. Providence seamlessly blends the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town replete with internationally-acclaimed restaurants and a thriving arts scene. For more information, log onto www.goprovidence.com.