There's visions of candied apples and carved pumpkins dancing in our heads as we make our way into October. This month brings so much to do, from a festive round up of fairs and festivals (hint hint: the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival, a comedy festival and the Broadway Street Fair) to a lengthy list of things you need to check off your epic autumn bucket list, like haunted trails in the underground tunnels of a historic military fort, ghost tours, paranormal activity hunts, pumpkin parties and more.
We'll just be right here swooning over all things Autumn in New England. Our picks for the month below.
AUDRAIN NEWPORT CONCOURS + MOTOR WEEK
When: Thursday, October 3 - Sunday, October 6
Where: Throughout Newport
Admission: Varies per event
Given it’s rich motoring history, Newport is the premiere destination for a Concours & Motor Week. Beautiful, historic mansions and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean provide the most elegant of backdrops. Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week will be a celebration of the automobile, uniting enthusiasts from around the world. Experience exclusive concerts, galas and VIP parties hosted in the Gatsby-esque mansions that populate America’s original luxury capital. The four-day program concludes with a centerpiece event, the Concours d’Elegance, which will feature a world-class collection of over a billion dollars worth of rare and vintage cars.
BUSKING AT BOWEN'S WHARF
When: Through October 31, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Admission: Free
The Busking @ Bowen's Fall Series presents its fifth year of live music at Bowen's Wharf to welcome visitors and entertain local residents during the Fall season.
BOWEN'S WHARF SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, October 19 - Sunday, October 20
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.
ISLAND MOVING COMPANY PRESENTS: THE NATURE OF LIGHT
When: Thursday, October 17 - Saturday, October 19; 7:30 PM
Where: 3 Charles Street, Newport
This collaborative show will feature new work by IMC's Artistic Director, Miki Ohlsen, as well as choreography by the iconic José Limon, Colin Connor and IMC’s Associate Artistic Director, Danielle Genest. The entire show will be performed to live music by an ensemble of highly accomplished musicians under the direction of Adrienne Taylor. The show's title is inspired by the reflective light-play from the historic Newport Congregational Church's notable La Farge stained glass windows.
NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY HARVEST FAIR
When: Saturday, October 5 - Sunday, October 6
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.
BROADWAY STREET FAIR
When: Saturday, October 12
Where: Broadway Newport
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.
FORTRESS OF NIGHTMARES
When: Fridays + Saturdays, October 11 - 25
Where: Fort Adams State Park
Admission: $15
Fortress of Nightmares at Fort Adams includes Tunnels of Terror, Mayhem 3D, Paranormal 360 Virtual Reality, and the Spirits Rising haunted house.
JOHN LEGEND CONCERT IN THE VILLAGE
When: Friday, October 4; 7:30 PM
Where: International Tennis Hall of Fame
Admission: $150 - $1,500
EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Legend will take the stage on Friday, October 4th, 2019 to perform at the International Tennis Hall of Fame for Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week. The night will begin with a private VIP reception prior to the 4,500-seat stadium filling up with fans and enthusiasts alike.
NEWPORT SHIPYARD PUMPKIN REGATTA
When: Friday, October 4, 4:30 - 7:30 PM
Where: Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington Street
Admission: $20 per person
Race across the basin in famous "pumpkins" to assist with Bahamas hurricane relief. Enjoy tacos, burritos, beer, wine, raffles and more.
ROGUE ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL
When: Thursday, October 10 - Monday, October 14
Where: Various Locations throughout Newport
Rhode Island’s only stand-up comedy festival, The Rogue Island Comedy Festival, returns with a brand-new lineup of comics from around the country. This year's festival has expanded to sixteen shows at multiple venues throughout Newport including Jane Pickens Theater, Top of Pelham, Gurney’s Newport Resort, and the Firehouse Theater.
NEWPORT VINEYARD'S HARVEST FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, October 26 - Sunday, October 27
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.
HARVEST-TO-TABLE FAIR
When: Sunday, October 13
Where: Coggeshall Farm
Celebrate everything that makes Harvest Fair special with local food, hay rides, pony rides, crafts, 18th century games, music and more.
COLUMBUS DAY SIDEWALK SALE
When: Friday, October 11, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Admission: Free
Shopping addicts make your way to the waterfront for specials. Walk around Bowen's Wharf for great deals on end of summer items and additions to your fall wardrobe.
