New Providence Lumina winter festival to feature lights, displays, art, food, sauna and more

A local park will be transformed into a magical display for the senses.

Lumina is Providence’s newest winter event. It will transform the heart of the city with light, art, and community spirit, from January 19th to February 20th. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting winter displays of iconic cities like NYC and Montreal, it will connect the Providence Rink BankNewport City Center to the 195 District Park via a light-adorned Dorrance Street and encompass several activities throughout the month.

The festival will contain grand spectacles and warming trifles alike, produced by the Downtown Providence Park Network and generously funded by Commerce RI and sponsored by the Providence Tourism Council.

Making its RI debut at 195 District Park, Prismatica transforms the park and entrance of Dorrance Street into a kaleidoscope of color and sound. These 25 prisms beg visitors to engage with the rotating forms while soft bell tones blanket the serene riverfront park, all month long until Feb. 20.

Prismatica is a light installation by RAW Design, and a production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, distributed by QDSinternational.

Schedule of Events

January 19th 4:30pm – 7:00pm

Celebrate the opening of Lumina! Gather at the ALOFT Hotel to gaze upon the transcendent light sculpture, Prismatica, installed at 195 District Park. A short speaking program will feature Quebec’s cultural attaché, Marie-Josée Duquette as well as QDSI’s Director of Development & Touring, Josée Guérette.

Complimentary light refreshments and a cash bar will be rounded out by musical entertainment provided by the Leland Baker Trio.

January 26th

– Light installations
– Guild Beer Garden and Food Trucks 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
– Mobile Sauna: Sponsored by Bodhi Spa from 2pm – 6pm, or book a private experience from 6pm-10pm
– Rhode Island Black Storytellers at District Park
– Free facing painting 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

January 27th

– Free skating at Bank Newport City Center 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
– Light installations
– Guild Beer Garden and Food Trucks 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
– Mobile Sauna: Sponsored by Bodhi Spa free from 2pm – 7pm, or book a private experience from 8pm-10pm
– Light Box Art
– Free temporary tattoos and ballons from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
– Sample hot chocolate

February 5th

– Photography workshop

February 8th

– Downtown illumination: Strategies for economic prosperity discussion 4:30-6:30 Venture Cafe- CIC

February 17th

Le Patin Performance and Dance Party: Utilizing ice and glide as means for self-expression. Founded in 2005 by figure skater Alexandre Hamel in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the group created what is regarded as a new genre of performing art, called ‘contemporary skating’.

Organized as an artistic collective, Le Patin Libre is currently composed of five dedicated members: Samory Ba, Jasmin Boivin, Taylor Dilley, Alexandre Hamel, Pascale Jodoin.

Apart from performing, the group is also politically involved in an effort to re-organize public skating sessions and improve general access to and freedom of motion on public ice surfaces in Montreal, QC, CA.

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