Fall on The Coast looks different this year; but, in some ways it's abundantly the same. Cozy nights and cool amber days are still filling the calendar, and vibrant colors are still showing off along the area's cobblestone paths and tree-lined streets. Not to mention, some of those classic fall happenings are still taking place, just with additional elements of safety in place. Think: corn mazes, apple picking at pick-your-own orchards, craft vino and beer at local vineyards and breweries, and live music throughout Newport's historic wharfs.
Fall on The Coast is still on. Are you in?
COVID-19 NOTE:
When you're ready, we can't wait to welcome you back to The Classic Coast! In order for everyone to enjoy the beauty that is Newport and its surrounding coastal communities this season, local restaurants, shops and business are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of all. This includes wearing mandatory face coverings, following guidelines put in place by health and government officials, and implementing stringent cleaning practices.
All we ask when you land on these shores is that you play your part in keeping everyone safe. Please be kind, wear a mask, wash your hands and maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
HARBOR CRUISES
When: Through mid-October
Where: Newport Harbor
Admission: Prices vary
Autumn breeze gets kicked up a notch on harbor cruises through the bay. Help raise the sails on a legendary America's Cup yacht, climb aboard an authentic lobster boat, spot seals lounging off the coast on an education vessel, sip a mimosa on an 80-foot, turn-of-the-century-style pilot schooner.
GHOST TOURS
When: Nightly through October, 8:00 PM, Saturdays in November, 5:00 PM
Where: Tour departs from Mainsail Restaurant at Newport Marriott
Admission: $17 adults, $16 seniors, $10 children
Take a 90-minute lantern-led evening stroll down historic Newport's shadowy lanes and discover the ghosts, ghouls and legends of our haunted city by the sea.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Masks/face coverings are required throughout the entirety of the tour.
HAYRIDES
When: Weekends through October
Where: Pachet Brook Tree Farm + Escobar's Highland Farm
Head to Pachet Brook Tree Farm, a 90-acre family-run farm in Tiverton, for a a 30-minute hayride through the fields and woods decorated for the season, ending at the pumpkin patch. Hayrides are also offered at Escobar's Highland Farm in Middletown.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Masks/face coverings are required throughout the entirety of the ride.
Pachet Brook Tree Farm: Hayrides are limited to groups of 8-15 people. One group per ride. Reservations required, call 401-624-4872
FIRESIDE TOURS AT RAIL EXPLORERS
When: Through October
Where: Rail Explorers USA
Climb aboard pedal-powered rail bikes that travel along abandoned railroad tracks alongside the bay when you join Rail Explorers on a fall ride.
Pro Tip: Bring your own marshmallows to enjoy by the bonfire at the end of your ride.
COVID-19 NOTE:
All tours now operate with a ‘rolling’ departure: Rail bikes depart the station in 3-5 minute intervals. Rail bikes are socially-distanced for loading and unloading, and are thoroughly disinfected and cleaned between tours. Masks/face coverings are required. Please maintain at least six feet of social distancing when possible.
When: Friday - Sunday, through November 8
Where: Escobar's Highland Farm
Admission: $10 ages 12 and up, $8 children 5-11, free for children under 4
Get lost in the 8-acre corn maze at Escobar's Highland Farm. Not to worry, they'll rescue you if you get lost.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Masks/ face coverings are required for adults and youth 2 years of age and older. Please maintain six feet of social distancing.
When: October 2 - 4, 3:00 PM; October 10 - 12, 11:00 AM
Where: Departs 5 Bowen's Landing, Bowen's Wharf
Admission: $35
Revel in autumn breeze aboard a 90-minute fall foliage cruise. You'll sail through Newport Harbor while enjoying a glass of apple cider and head north in the East Passage for unobstructed views of the coast's foliage.
CLASSIC AUTUMN-IN-NEW-ENGLAND
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
From the highly anticipated Rogue Island Comedy Festival (it's still on!) to two Oktoberfests and live music, these festive happenings offer the perfect dose of autumn on the coast.
RAGGED ISLAND OKTOBERFEST
When: Thursday - Sunday through October
Where: Ragged Island Farm, 54 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth
Ragged Island Brewing Company has teamed up with McGrath Clambakes & Catering to host a series of outdoor beer and food events on their farm during October. Each event offers a choice between two sections: the Beer Garden and the Lawn Area. n both sections, a wide variety of Ragged Island brews and pre-ordered food service provided by McGrath Clambakes & Catering are available at additional cost.
SCHEDULE:
- Thursday: 4:00 - 8:00 PM, first come first serve - no tickets required
- Friday: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 - 6:00 PM
COVID-19 NOTES:
Party sizes are limited to a maximum of 6 adults (21+) in the Beer Garden Tent and a maximum of 8 people (adults and children) in the Lawn Area. Masks/face coverings are required at all times except when at your seat. All attendees are required to check-in at the Ragged Island pop up tent for a COVID-19 screening prior to entering the Beer Garden or Lawn Area.
ROGUE ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL
When: Friday, October 9 - Sunday, October 11
Where: Greenvale Vineyards
2020 looks a lot different, but the 6th Annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival will go on. Enjoy five festival shows at Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth. There will be a wine bar and food truck on-site.
COVID-19 NOTES:
All seating will be generously spaced per distance protocols. Masks/ face coverings are required. Tickets are extremely limited to adhere to state and local capacity guidelines.
AUTUMN LEAVES MUSIC SERIES
When: Thursdays, Fridays, Mondays, October 1 - 30
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Enjoy live performances on the waterfront throughout October. Local shops and restaurants at Bowen’s Wharf welcome you to join the tradition of local live music, waterfront dining, shopping, and crisp autumn air in Newport this Fall.
Note: All events are weather permitting and the schedule is subject to change.
NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL LIVE
When: Monday, October 12 - Wednesday, October 14
Where: The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Nearly six months after making the difficult decision to cancel its summer festival for the first time in its 52-year history, the Newport Music Festival will present live concerts again October 12-14 at The Chanler at Cliff Walk. The concerts, featuring Charlie Albright (10/12), Neave Trio (10/13), and Boyd Meets Girl (10/14), will take place in a heated tent on the lawn of the Chanler.
COVID-19 NOTES:
This event will adhere to city and state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Masks/ face coverings are required for adults and youth 2 years of age and older.
PHANTOMS AND FIRE
When: Sunday, October 25 - Sunday, November 1
Where: Coggeshall Farm
Explore the museum after hours where you'll find spooky delights from bats and bonfires to cauldrons and candy; from ghosts and guitars to horror and maybe even a headless horseman.! Take your entire family, as this Halloween, there is something for every age around every corner.
COVID-19 NOTES:
This event will adhere to city and state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Masks/ face coverings are required for adults and youth 2 years of age and older. Tickets must be purchased in advance for specific time slots. Please maintain six feet of social distancing.
WINE & CHEESE SAIL
When: Monday, October 5; Monday, October 12
Where: Schooner Aurora
Bring your favorite bottle of wine and board the Aurora departing from Goat Island for a sail around the bay. Enjoy gourmet cheeses, crackers, and fruit on board.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Reservations are required as space is limited. This event will adhere to city and state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Please maintain six feet of social distancing. Masks/face coverings are required while boarding the boat and anytime you are not in your seat.
OKTOBERFEST BEER TASTING & SUNSET CRUISE
When: Tuesday, October 6; 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Where: Coastal Queen Cruises
Enjoy a flight of Oktoberfest Brewhouse beer and a sunset cruise aboard the Coastal Queen. Cruise tickets are $35 plus an additional $10 for the beer tasting.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Masks/face coverings are required while boarding the boat and anytime you are not in your seat. Surfaces will be sanitized and seating is limited to allow for social-distancing.
PUMPKIN PARTIES
THE PERFECT PUMPKIN PARTY
When: October 24, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Where: Audubon Environmental Education Center
Admission: Free with center admission: Adults $6; Children (4-12) $4; Children 3 and under free
Enjoy all your favorite Perfect Pumpkin Party activities designed with social distancing in mind. Families, complete the pumpkin-themed scavenger hunt together through the center's trails and exhibit hall. Prizes given to all that take part. Guess the weight of the super pumpkin and enter to win a special grand prize. Take home crafts will be provided to all guests. Also enjoy pumpkin painting and puff paint activities (space limited). And as always, if you come in costume, you’ll get an additional prize! No registration needed. Masks are required.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Masks/face coverings are required throughout the center's trails and exhibits. Advance registration is required for pumpkin painting and the puff paint activity, both of which will have two different time slots.
PUMPKIN PALOOZA
Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses is hosting Pumpkin Palooza every weekend through October 31 (closed on October 10) filled with family fun. Stroll through the holiday house, enjoy make your own scarecrows, paint a pumpkin and more.
When: Saturday and Sunday through October 31, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses
COVID-19 NOTE:
Masks/face coverings are required while at the farm. Please maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
TRINITY CHURCH ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH
When: Friday, October 16 - Saturday, October 31
Where: Queen Anne Square
Trinity Church's Annual Pumpkin Patch offers a wide selection of pumpkins, mums, decorative cabbages, gourds and more. Once you've picked all your favorites, enjoy home-made goods, freshly popped popcorn and hot cider. Enjoy hot lunch, live music and vendors on the weekends.
COVID-19 NOTE:
This event will adhere to city and state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Masks/face coverings are required for entrance and sanitation stations will be provided. Please maintain six feet of social distancing and follow the directional arrows for entering and exiting.
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