A Year of Achievements
Building a Vibrant, Connected Downtown Providence
Over 300,000 Visitors to LUMINA Festival
This year, LUMINA lit up the heart of downtown Providence with a dazzling celebration of light and art. Attracting over 300,000 visitors and garnering millions of online views, the festival transformed the city into a winter wonderland, bringing the community together and showcasing Providence as a thriving hub of creativity and culture.
$130,000 Memorial Tunnel Lighting Project
Funded by a $130,000 CommerceRI grant and in partnership with Mayor Brett Smiley, the Memorial Tunnel Lighting Project turned a previously dark tunnel in Waterplace Park into a vibrant, color-changing display. This transformative project not only enhances pedestrian safety but also celebrates cultural festivals year-round, making the space more welcoming and beautiful for all.
$50,000 Endowment Fund Launched
We are excited to announce the launch of our $50,000 endowment fund, made possible by generous contributions from Brown University and the Rhode Island Foundation. This critical investment will help ensure the long-term sustainability of our public spaces, securing their vitality for future generations.
Revived Burnside Park Concert Series
After a hiatus due to COVID, we successfully revived the Burnside Park Concert Series, bringing live music, social connection, and joy back to downtown Providence. With hundreds of attendees enjoying a beer garden, food, and family activities at each event, the series reenergized our community and created a space for shared experiences and lasting memories.
50+ Partners in Downtown Projects
This year, we worked alongside more than 50 local organizations, businesses, and cultural institutions to keep downtown vibrant and thriving. These partnerships have been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward, creating shared experiences, and fostering a connected, dynamic community.
Strategic Action Plan in Progress
To continue driving our mission forward, we are developing a short-term strategic action plan that will shape our future priorities in governance, park development, and community engagement. This plan will ensure we meet the evolving needs of our City and continue to serve downtown Providence in impactful ways.
Sott' Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Under Water (November 8-17, 2024)
Sott' Acqua tells the compelling story of two cities—Florence and Providence—both transformed by devastating floods. Through interactive tours, art exhibitions, musical performances, food, and engaging educational activities, participants will learn about the importance of climate resilience and environmental stewardship. This city-wide event will also highlight the 25th anniversary of the Florence-Providence Friendship Pact, connecting communities through shared experiences in climate change adaptation and cultural exchange.
Lumina Festival 2025 (February 1-19, 2025)
Save the date for Lumina 2025, as downtown Providence once again lights up with stunning illuminated art installations from local and international artists. This free public festival will bring light, art, and wonder to our city, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience downtown in a whole new way.
New Website Launched
Our new, user-friendly website is now live! Visit to stay updated on all the exciting events, projects, and opportunities happening across downtown Providence.
Wayfinding Project 2025
Our Wayfinding Project, set to launch in Spring 2025, will enhance signage and navigation throughout downtown Providence. This multi-phase initiative will feature lamppost banners, wayfinding signage, and traffic mitigation to help visitors explore and appreciate our green spaces, cultural landmarks, and local attractions.
