There’s an undeniable comfort that comes as the buzz of summer gently fades into autumn on the coast. The sense of renewal as crisp air settles in; the aroma of a meal crafted with the colors of harvest next to an amber fireside and good company; the cozy feeling you get as soft light wanes over the annual harvest fair on one of our historic wharves. Truthfully, you’ll just have to come see for yourself. We recommend you start with these perfectly-autumn festivals.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
When: Thursday, September 20 - Sunday, September 23
Where: Marble House
The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, one of the East Coast’s most sophisticated and anticipated events, returns September 20 - 23. Signature events include the Burgundy Dinner, Wine & Rosecliff Gala, Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday, the Vintner Dinner, Newport After Dark, the Sunday Jazz Brunch and seminars throughout the weekend.
NEWPORT FESTA ITALIANA FESTIVAL IN THE PARK
When: Saturday, September 29
Where: Touro Park
Enjoy Italian food, novelties and raffles. Music by Calabria Bella and featured products from area vendors.
Harvest Craft Fair
When: Saturday, September 29
Where: Knights of Columbus, 7 Valley Road, Middletown
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.
Annual Harvest Fair at Norman Bird Sanctuary
When: Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary
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.
ROGUE ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL
When: Thursday, October 4 - Monday, October 8
Where: Various Locations throughout Newport
Enjoy 15 stacked shows across five nights, featuring more than 50 stand-up comics from Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, The Late Show, HBO, Netflix, SNL, CONAN and more.
Broadway Street Fair
When: Saturday, October 6
Where: Broadway District
Admission: Free
The Broadway Street Fair begins at Equality Park and extends all along the street offering live music, food, family activities and exhibiting artists. Outdoor stages will feature local musicians, comedy, and dance. More than a dozen restaurants will show off their culinary talents, and local artisans will showcase their creativity, too.
BRISTOL STATE STREET FAIR & ARTS FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, October 6
Where: Downtown Bristol
Admission: Free
Artists, crafters, vendors and music will fill State Street in downtown Bristol between Hope Street and Thames Street.
ANNUAL WOOD STREET FAIR
When: Sunday, October 7
Where: Wood Street, Bristol
Admission: Free
The Annual Wood Street Fair returns with live music, a vendor market, kids games and crafts including face painting and pumpkin decorating, food, sweet treats and more. New this year, enjoy a Chili Cook-off, a Car & Motorcycle Show, and a Beer & Wine Garden.
Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival
When: Saturday, October 13 - Sunday, October 14
Where: Bowen's Wharf, Newport
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.
HARVEST-TO-TABLE FAIR
When: Sunday, October 14
Where: Coggeshall Farm
Coggeshall Farm Museum is pleased to announce a new take on a time-honored tradition! The newly-branded Harvest-to-Table Fair celebrates what makes Coggeshall's 45th annual Harvest Fair special while bringing awareness to local food producers.
Newport Vineyard's Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, October 27 - Sunday, October 28
Where: Newport Vineyards
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. Below are some of the fun activities that are being offered:
- 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM: Grape Stomping
- 2:00 PM: Pie Eating Contest
*Grape stomping and pie eating contestants will be selected at random the day of the event. Please be present and dressed accordingly.
FARMFEST AT MOUNT HOPE FARM
When: Saturday, October 27
Where: Mount Hope Farm
Enjoy hay rides, a farmers market, animal fun, games, food, house and garden tours, Native American presentations, face painting, music, and more.
ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL AT GREENVALE VINEYARDS
When: November 10
Where: Greenvale Vineyards
Harvest Festival is held to celebrate the completion of the annual grape harvest. Admission is $5 per person. In addition, guests are welcome to tastings at $15, buy wine by the glass $10 or simply enjoy the day's activities including face painting and tractor rides.
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