Let the artistic burning begin.

This weekend marks the start of the WaterFire season, with the first of 11 full lightings on Saturday, beginning at sunset, 8:09 p.m., and ending at midnight. The downtown Providence rivers will have 100 braziers ablaze. And along the banks of the rivers, you’ll find lots of supplemental entertainment.

The Sovereign Plaza Ballroom, located at the intersection of Westminster and Weybosset streets, will be open and featuring foxtrot, waltz and swing. At 7 p.m. there will be a free dance class by Russell Monk, coach of Brown University’s ballroom dance team. At 8 p.m. the Compaq Big Band takes the stage, followed at 9 p.m. with dance demonstrations by members of Brown’s dance team and swing club.

The Brown connection isn’t coincidental. The university, which conducts graduation ceremonies this weekend, is one of this weekend’s sponsors, along with Bank of America.

There will also be theatrical performers, Tableaux Vivant, at the Sovereign stage, 8 to 11 p.m.

Historian Ned Connors will narrate a 3D projection presentation about Providence’s 19th-century waterfront and downtown in RISD Auditorium, with shows at 7:30, 9, 10 and 11 p.m. Special 3D glasses will be provided.

And on the walkways around the rivers, there will be street performers: Michael Grando, a mime, presenting quotes on flowers; the Gargoyles and Oracles in Memorial Park; and Andrew Anselmo, “The Origami Guy,” in Market Square.

WaterFire, created by installation artist Barnaby Evans, is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, visit www.waterfire.org.