Providence is dessert heaven, with fine pastry shops such as Pastiche on Federal Hill. In summer, Providence celebrates its history and the arts. One of the most popular public events in Providence is a visual spectacle called Waterfire, staged on selected nights throughout the year along the Providence River. During Waterfire, firewood is placed in iron braziers that jut above the river's surface. The wood is set on fire.
Rhythmic music is played on loudspeakers as the wood crackles and burns.
People watch from the riverbanks or from boats moving among the bonfires. During the summer, Providence is warm, and occasionally hot. The Weather Channel's Web site reports average high temperatures in the low 80s in June, July and August, mid to high 70s in May and September, mid to high 60s in October and April, low to high 40s in November, December, February and March, and a chilly 37 in January. Overall, summer is balmy and fall is cool and comfortable. Winters range from mild to very cold, and snowfall varies from year to year.