One of the most shimmering large-scale art installations in the world, WaterFire, in Providence, R.I., draws countless visitors (and residents) to the shores of the city’s three rivers each year to marvel at the mesmerizing flickering lights and tranquil reflections on the river’s surface. Created by artist Barnaby Evans, WaterFire began as an urban revitalization project, and is one of several site-specific sculptural installations in his oeuvre. The initial part of the larger work was created in 1994 as First Fire, commissioned to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the First Night Providence festival.

The work was extended to Second Fire in 1996, with WaterFire becoming an ongoing series the following year. Now, the flickering sculpture encompasses 80 separate fires, overseen by official fire tenders. Visitors can stroll the waterfront, pause in riverside cafes, enjoy the scent of wood fire wafting through the air and listen to the sound of live music on select nights. Check the official website for a full list of lighting events (which include partial and full lightings of all 80 braziers) and locations, continuing through early November.