After the buzz of the holiday season, it can be tempting to hunker down and hibernate at home for the next few months. But this year, the Downtown Providence Park Network is giving you a reason to get out and explore downtown with Lumina, a month-long light festival from Jan. 19 to Feb. 20.
Lumina features the Quartier des Spectacles International's (QDSI) Prismatica, a modern ice palace comprised of 25 pivoting prisms at 195 District Park. The prisms are covered with a dichronic film that reflects a variety of colors, depending on the light source and viewing angle. The base of each prism contains a projector that adds a new dimension after sunset. The rotation of the prisms also triggers bell music, resulting in a kaleidoscopic combination of light, color and sound.
Additional month-long events will include installations from The Avenue Concept and Illuminate PVD, signature cocktails from Aloft and Providence G Pub, and a Storywalk at the BankNewport City Center rink. The festival kicks off on Friday, Jan 19, with a VIP Party at Aloft, featuring the Leland Baker Trio and guests including QDSI's Director of Development & Touring and Quebec's cultural attaché.
A weekend of activations on Jan. 26 & 27 will include food trucks and The Guild at 195 District Park, along with performances by Rhode Island Black Storytellers, Circus Dynamics, the Providence Drum Troupe and Big Nazo. Make a lantern or check out some balloon art! You can even warm up in a sauna on wheels throughout the day. A shuttle will run between the park and the BankNewport City Center, which will be open for free skating and a Glow Party after dark. A light parade featuring several of the day's performers will travel down Dorrance Street from 195 District Park to the rink. Keep an eye out for drink specials, hot chocolate and more along the route!
Lumina is a collaboration between The Downtown Providence Park Network, Illuminate PVD, Providence Parks Department, 195 District Park, Providence Arts Culture and Tourism, the Downtown Improvement District, Frog & Toad, FirstWorks, The Avenue Concept and the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.
