The buzz of summer is gently fading into crisp, cozy nights and cool amber days filled with festive autumnal happenings here on our Classic Coast. Come the end of September, our coastal enclave transforms into an enchanting New England escape. From a robust roster of festivals like the free Bowen's Wharf Seafood Food Festival and plenty of can't-miss harvest fairs (five of them, in fact!), to pick-your-own orchards brimming with fresh, local harvest treats and rolling vineyards serving up locally crafted, seasonal vino, the City by the Sea is the perfect place to check off all your autumn bucket list must-do's. Whether you prefer to toast to the season indoors, or get outside to feel that ocean breeze with an Autumn twist on your face, we've got just the thing for you.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
From the highly anticipated Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival (Pro tip: it's free!) to a bounty of harvest fairs and festivals, there's no shortage of chances to sip and savor your way through the season.
When: October 13 - 14
Where: Bowen's Wharf, Newport, Rhode Island
Admission: Free
Honoring the harvest of the sea, this Festival offers fresh local seafood, continuous live music and family fun. Cafe-style seating is set up throughout the Wharf and proceeds from festival bars benefit Oliver Hazard Perry, RI's 200-foot official sailing education vessel which will be at Bowen's Wharf Marina and available for ship visits.
When: October 27 - 28
Where: Newport Vineyards
Admission: $25 per person, includes wine or beer tasting
Sip, savor and toast to the season's’ crush at Newport Vineyard's second annual Harvest Festival. A day full of grape stomping, pie eating, wine tasting goodness. Enjoy live music while sipping cocktails and noshing on food from the vineyard's culinary team and local vendors.
HARVEST CRAFT FAIR
When: September 29
Where: Knights of Columbus, 7 Valley Road, Middletown
Admission: Free
Join the Knights of Columbus for Autumn fun during the Annual Harvest Craft Fair featuring unique creations from crafters and vendors. Hosted by Cherish the Moments, LLC.
When: September 29 - 30
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary
Admission: Adults: $6, Children: $3 (age 3-12); under 3 are free
An autumn ritual for generations of families, this beloved old-fashioned fair offers something for everyone. The “Mabel Express” Barrel Train, Monkey Bridge, mud pit, Midway games and children’s crafts tent invites kids of all ages to join in the fun. Talented crafters and artisans sell their beautifully created items, enticing fair-goers to get a jump on holiday shopping.
Local food and beer vendors offer an array of appetizing selections, while an impressive line-up of musicians round out the festive atmosphere.
When: November 10
Where: Greenvale Vineyards
Admission: General Admission ($3)
Harvest Festival is held to celebrate the completion of the annual grape harvest. General Admission is $3 per person. In addition, guests are welcome to taste at $12, buy wine by the glass $7-$9 or simply enjoy the day's activities.
OUTDOOR ENCHANTMENT
When: Through October
Where: Newport Harbor
Admission: Prices vary
Autumn breeze gets kicked up a notch on these 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.
When: Through Sunday, November 4
Where: Escobar's Highland Farm
Admission: $8 ages 12 and up, $6 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.
When: October 7, 7:30 AM
Where: 175 Memorial Boulevard, Newport, Rhode Island
Enjoy 13.1 or 26.2 miles of scenic, oceanfront splendor at the Newport Marathon and Half Marathon. Long stretches of gorgeous views, challenging hills, and Newport's unique beauty make this a bucket-list experience for any runner.
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 lantern-led evening stroll down historic Newport's shadowy lanes and discover the ghosts, ghouls and legends of our haunted city by the sea.
When: October 28, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Admission: Member $7, Non-Member $10.
Gather around the bonfire at beautiful Blithewold Mansion to hear how your favorite constellations got their names. Enjoy some hot cider and a star program with naturalist Fred Orwiler.
When: October 21, 7:00 AM
Where: Jamestown, Rhode Island
Entry Cost: $50 before September 30, $55 October 1-18
The Citizens Bank Pell Bridge run is a 4 mile run/walk that serves as a major fundraiser for dozens of local charities each year. This race is hosted by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and managed by Gray Matter Marketing.
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. Savor hot cider and s'mores every Friday through October during Friday Fireside tours.
PUMPKIN PARTIES
When: October 27, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Audubon Environmental Education Center
Admission: Free with center admission: Members, free; Non-Member Adults $6; Non-Member Senior $5; Non-Member Child (4-12) $4; Children 3 and under free.
Search for hidden pumpkins throughout the wildlife refuge, try your hand at pumpkin games, then collect stickers for your own “patch.” Visit the silly photo booth for a fall family picture and purchase a pumpkin to decorate.
Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses is hosting Pumpkin Palooza every weekend through October 21 filled with family fun. Play in the hay, take a magic pumpkin coach ride, make your own scarecrow, paint a pumpkin and more.
When: Saturday and Sunday through October 21, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses
Frerichs Farm has been known for its giant pumpkins. In fact, Ron Wallace from Greene, Rhode Island not only won the day in 2015 with his 2,230 lb. pumpkin, but he set a national record and had the second largest pumpkin in the world. Head to the farm for farm activities, live music and food trucks throughout the day and pumpkin weighing at 12:00 PM.
When: Saturday, October 6, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses
Admission: Free, $5 parking fee
TRINITY CHURCH'S ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH
Opening Date: Saturday, October 13
Where: Queen Anne Square
Admission: Free
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 cider. Enjoy hot lunch, live music and vendors on the weekends.
When: September 29, 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Escobar's Highland Farm
Admission: Free
Pick your own pumpkins at the official opening of Lou's Pumpkin Patch. Enjoy pumpkin games, crafts, face painting and scarecrow making.
MORE AUTUMN EXPERIENCES
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