Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend
Join the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation to celebrate life on Oct. 3–4 at the Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend and help them light the way to hope for anyone touched by breast cancer. The weekend includes a partial lighting of WaterFire on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Passport to Survivorship Expo
The weekend begins with the free Passport to Survivorship Expo, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., at the RI Convention Center. Start your journey to wellness at this FREE experiential event, featuring interactive exhibits, health screenings, vendors, giveaways and more. This event is open to the public and the first 500 people to arrive at Passport will receive a swag bag.
Celebration of Life Festival
At 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, the party moves outside to 195 District Park with the Celebration of Life Festival. This free event has lots to do and see, including family-fun activities, as well as food vendors, live music and dancing. Stay for the Illuminations of Life Ceremony at sundown (6:30 p.m.) on the State House steps. The Torch Procession, along with a performance by The State Ballet of Rhode Island, will be accompanied by the lighting of the State House in pink.
From 7–10 p.m., the Taste of Hope Pavilion features exquisite tasting stations, a diverse selection of wine and a seasonal sampling of beers. Tickets are $60. The Pink Party, which runs from 7:30–11 p.m., will make you feel like a VIP as you enjoy food, drinks and fun! The regular ticket price is $50 and includes an open buffet, dessert and dancing. Both ticketed events help provide additional support to the Foundation. A combo ticket for both the Taste of Hope and the Pink Party is also available for $95.
Gloria Gemma Run-Walk Series
The weekend concludes with the Gloria Gemma Run-Walk Series at Station Park on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. This is the Foundation's largest fundraiser and helps support the free programs and support services the Foundation offers to people touched by cancer. The forecast is for a cool morning — perfect for a walk (or run) along the river as the 2026 Gloria Gemma 5K turns the streets of Providence pink!
If running in heels is your superpower, you'll want to get there a little early and bring your favorite pink pair of stilettos or kitten heels. The Pink Pump Palooza, a 50-yard dash in heels, kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and costs only $30 to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Gloria Gemma's Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend?
Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend is October 3–4, 2026, in downtown Providence. It's hosted by the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.
- What is the Passport to Survivorship Expo at Flames of Hope?
The Passport to Survivorship Expo is a free wellness event on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rhode Island Convention Center. It has interactive exhibits, health screenings, vendors and giveaways, and the first 500 attendees receive a swag bag.
- Is the Flames of Hope Celebration of Life Festival free?
Yes. The Celebration of Life Festival at 195 District Park is free and begins at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 3. It has family activities, food vendors, live music and dancing.
- What time is the Illuminations of Life Ceremony at Flames of Hope?
The Illuminations of Life Ceremony begins at sundown, around 6:30 p.m., on the Rhode Island State House steps on Saturday, October 3. It includes a Torch Procession, a performance by the State Ballet of Rhode Island and the lighting of the State House in pink.
- What is the Taste of Hope at Flames of Hope?
The Taste of Hope Pavilion runs from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, with food tasting stations from local restaurants, wine and seasonal beers. Tickets are $60, and the event is 21+.
- What is the Pink Party at Flames of Hope?
The Pink Party is a VIP-style ticketed event from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, with an open buffet, dessert and dancing. A combo ticket for both the Pink Party and the Taste of Hope is $95.
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