There’s an undeniable comfort that comes as the buzz of summer gently fades into autumn on the coast. Crisp air and the sense of renewal; the aromas of a meal crafted with the colors of harvest among good company; the cozy feeling you get as soft light wanes over annual harvest fairs on historic wharves.

Truthfully, you’ll just have to come see for yourself. We recommend you start with these perfectly autumn fairs, festivals and events.

COVID-19 NOTE:

When you're ready, we can't wait to welcome you back to The Classic Coast. Rest assured, the safety and well-being of both visitors and locals remains our top priority. The mask mandate requiring face coverings in Rhode Island has been lifted, however local businesses may ask you to wear a mask when visiting their establishments. Please be prepared for individual business mask policies. Additionally, shops, attractions and tours are monitoring the number of guests at any given time and may ask you to socially distance to enter.

All we ask when you land on these shores is that you play your part in keeping everyone safe. Please be kind, adhere to guidelines and maintain social distancing.

fairs + festivals

1 Audrain Newport Concours + Motor Week

Where:: Throughout Newport
When:: September 30 - October 3
Cost:: Prices Vary

The second annual Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week welcomes the world’s most exclusive auto brands and car collections back to Aquidneck Island for four days of special events, seminars, gatherings and more. This year's events include a VIP reception, symposiums and seminars, “The Gathering” at Rough Point, Wine by the Water winetasting event at Forty 1 North, “Hilltop Hangouts,” the Bonhams Auction, the Audrain Auto Museum Annual Fundraising Gala and, of course—the centerpiece of the event—the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance. Once the sun goes down, experience exclusive cocktail hours, dinners, and various VIP parties hosted in some of Newport's most impressive venues.

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2 Pumpkin Palooza

Where:: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses, 43 Kinnicutt Avenue, Warren
When:: September 25 - October 31

Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses is hosting Pumpkin Palooza every weekend through October 31 filled with family fun. Stroll through the holiday house, enjoy make your own scarecrows (bring your own clothes, $9), paint a pumpkin ($3.50), play in the Western Town or Pirate Ship (free), or take a pumpkin coach ride for $1.50!

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3 Festa Italiana in the Park

Where:: Touro Park, Mill Street & Bellevue Avenue
When:: October 2, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Celebrating its 27th Anniversary, Newport Festa Italiana has grown from its original weekend slate of events to a month-long calendar of opportunities for everyone to connect to their Italian roots. Events include John Panaggio Original Ziti Night, the 7th annual meatball challenge, the Italian heritage parade, and of course, the highlight of the event: Festival in the Park.

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4 Rogue Island Comedy Festival

Where:: Throughout Aquidneck Island
When:: October 7 - 11

Celebrating its 27th Anniversary, Newport Festa Italiana has grown from its original weekend slate of events to a month-long calendar of opportunities for everyone to connect to their Italian roots. Events include John Panaggio Original Ziti Night, the 7th annual meatball challenge, Italian heritage parade, and of course, the highlight of the event: Festival in the Park.

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5 Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival

Where:: Bowen's Wharf
When:: October 16 - 17
Cost:: Free

Honoring the “Harvest of the Sea,” the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival offers fresh, local seafood. Fish tacos, lobster rolls, stuffies, chowder, fried calamari, clams, oysters, signature cocktails and cold beer accompany continuous live music, and family fun, all beneath the Wharf’s colorful tents. As you savor some delectable dishes, relax and enjoy the beats from area musicians. Live folk, surf rock, Caribbean and blues music are just a taste of what you’ll hear.

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Seafood Festival 2017

6 Newport Food Truck + Craft Beer Festival

Where:: Fort Adams State Park, 80 Fort Adams Drive
When:: October 16 - 17
Cost:: $5 - $80

The Newport Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival arrives at Fort Adams State Park with the area's most popular food trucks dishing out fan favorites. Trucks include Binge BBQ, A Mano Pizza + Gelato, Friskie Fries, Haven Brothers Mobile, La Costa, Mom on the Go, Moyzilla, Lobsta Love and more. Enjoy outdoor games like cornhole, giant jenga, giant checkers and more alongside craft brews from 15+ breweries.

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Events

1 Plein Air Paint Out

Where:: Tiverton Four Corners, Tiverton
When:: Saturday, September 25, 9am - 5pm

Painters may venture throughout the village to find their chosen angle of interest among the historic shops, gardens, paths, streams, fences, flowers and other inspirations. Paint all day then gather together for a viewing and awards. Three prizes will be awarded by the distinguished guest judge, Nancy Whipple Grinnell.

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2 2021 Amica Newport Marathon + Half Marathon

Where:: Starts at Easton's Beach, Newport
When:: Sunday, October 10, 7:30am

The 2021 Amica Newport Marathon & Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 10 and feature all of the beauty and grandeur the City By The Sea has to offer. The Amica Newport Marathon was recently voted as having the "Best Half Marathon" and "Best Race Swag" in the Northeast by Competitor Magazine. The course winds through ocean-side roads, miles of waterfront views, and sweeping vistas of the grand mansions along Bellevue Avenue.

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3 Harvest Market

Where:: Pardon Grey Preserve, Tiverton
When:: Sunday, October 17
Cost:: Free

Join the Tiverton Land Trust and The Tiverton Farmers Market for the inaugural Harvest Market pop-up at Pardon Gray Preserve in Tiverton. Sample great food, shop from more than 50 vendors, visit the pumpkin patch, meet and greet live alpacas, listen to local bands and enjoy a day outside. You'll have the chance to experience guided walks through the Weetamoo Woods and Gray cemetery.

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4 Fall Farm Frolic

Where:: Watson Farm, 455 North Road, Jamestown
When:: Saturday, October 16, 1 - 5pm
Cost:: $15

Celebrate autumn on the farm with an afternoon visiting animals, hiking scenic paths, and enjoying local live music. Farm demonstrations, a treasure hunt, and crafts are on offer.

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5 Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off

Where:: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses, 43 Kinnicutt Avenue
When:: Saturday, October 9
Cost:: Free

Since 2000 Frerichs Farm has hosted the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Grower’s Annual Weigh-off on Columbus Day Weekend. Visit the farm and enjoy pumpkin palooza happening weekends through October, and catch the giant pumpkin drop-off and weighing.

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6 Heart + Sole Walk For Animals

Where:: Fort Adams State Park, 80 Fort Adams Drive
When:: October 16 - 17
Cost:: $5 - $80

Join the excitement on Sunday, October 24, when animal lovers from across Rhode Island walk to save lives. Enjoy a fun-filled dog walk, music, a sponsor & vendor marketplace, food trucks, special activities for dogs and kids, and a festive atmosphere celebrating the special bond between animals and people. The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is a beloved tradition and in addition to raising essential funds to support our lifesaving work, it’s an opportunity for animal lovers to join together in creating a more humane Rhode Island for people and pets alike.

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7 Cars + Coffee: Trunk or Treat

Where:: Fort Adams State Park, 80 Fort Adams Drive
When:: Sunday, October 31, 8 - 10am

Make your way to Fort Adams State Park for this special Halloween edition of cars + coffee.

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Audrain Motor Week

8 Colt State Park Half Marathon

Where:: Colt State Park, Route 114, Bristol
When:: Sunday, October 31

13.1 miles of New England Coastline. A traditional-style road race on the shores of Narragansett Bay, with coastal views and a fast, flat course. An Ocean State Running Tradition. Join us for a beautiful, ocean-side race in our little seaside community. Strictly limited to just 400 runners. Presented by the fine folks at Foundation Performance Sports Medicine.

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