There is nothing like October on The Coast. This month brings so much to do, from a festive round up of fairs and festivals (see: the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival, Rogue Island Comedy Festival) to a lengthy list of things you need to check off your epic autumn bucket list, like ghost tours, pick-your-own apples + pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes and so much more.

Our picks for the month below. 

the classics

Fall Fairs + Festivals

Audrain Newport Concours + Motor Week

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Where:
Throughout Newport
When:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1st
Cost:
Prices Vary

The fourth 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 on September 28th - October 1st, 2023. 

Spend your days enjoying fine dining pop-ups, exhibitions of rare and exciting automobiles, seminars, and car displays along the Newport coast. Then, once the sun goes down, experience exclusive cocktail hours, dinners, our annual gala and various VIP parties hosted in the Gatsby-esque mansions that populate America’s original luxury capital. 

The Gathering at Rough Point

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Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair

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Where:
Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
When:
September 30 - October 1

The annual Norman Bird Sanctuary's old-fashioned Harvest Fair will once again usher in Autumn September 30th - October 1st, 2023. The fair offers something for everyone, including sack races, hay rides, mud pit, tug-of-war and fair games with prizes.

Norman Bird Harvest Fair

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Rejects Oktoberfest

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Where:
Rejects Beer Co.
When:
September 30 & October 1
Cost:
Free Admission

Oktoberfest—Rejects Beer Co. edition. We are talkin' two days of Festbier, German brats, live music, kid friendly games, food trucks and so much more. Need we continue?

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Rogue Island Comedy Festival

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Where:
Ragged Island Brewing Co., Jane Pickens Theater, and Diego's Barrio Cantina
When:
October 5th - 8th
Cost:
$30 + $2 processing fee (online only)

Laugh your way through Columbus Day weekend at Rogue Island Comedy Festival, the area's bi-annual comedy festival featuring four days of comedy shows on Thursday, October 5th - Sunday, October 8th.

Shows will take place at three locations this season: Ragged Island Brewing Co.Jane Pickens Theater, and Diego's Barrio Cantina.

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Young Family Farm Apple Fest

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Where:
Young Family Farm
When:
October 8th & 9th

Apple picking, fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, pick-your-own pumpkins and all things fall at the annual Young Family Farm Apple Fest. Happening the weekend of October 8th & 9th, from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

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Broadway Street Fair

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Where:
Broadway, Newport (from Equality Park to Farewell Street)
When:
October 14th

In its sixth season the Broadway Street Fair is back, October 14th from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

This year's event will span across Broadway from Equality Park through Farewell Street, filled with local artists, live music, food, and more. 

Broadway Street Fair

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Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival

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Where:
Bowen's Wharf
When:
October 14 - 15, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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.

Bowens Wharf Seafood Festival

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Harvest Festival at Newport Vineyards

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Where:
Newport Vineyards
When:
October 28th & 29th
Cost:
$35 per person, $30 for Club Members*

A day full of grape stomping, pie eating, and wine tasting goodness. Enjoy live music while sipping cocktails and noshing on food from the vineyard's culinary team and local vendors. Sip, savor and toast to the season's’ crush at Newport Vineyard's 6th annual Harvest Festival.

Grape Stomping Newport Vineyards

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Halloween Happenings

Here’s a few of the best things to do for Halloween in Newport.

Halloween Movies at Jane Pickens Theater

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Where:
Jane Pickens Theater
When:
Various dates and times

Halloween is synonymous for horror films, scary thrills—and what better place to watch than in a 188-year-old theater? Make your way to Jane Pickens Theater in Newport for a series of Halloween themed movies perfect for spooky season. 

Schedule
  • Hocus Pocus, Tuesday, October 17th at 7:30 PM
  • Scream (Halloween Party), Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30 PM
  • Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, Wednesday, October 25th at 6:00 PM
  • John Carpenter's The Thing, Wednesday, October 25th at 8:30 PM
  • Young Frankenstein, Saturday, October 28th at 4:30 PM
  • The Exorcist 50th Anniversary, Tuesday, October 31st at 7:30 PM

 

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Related:

Can't make a showing in Newport? Stream Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+, which was filmed partially in Newport! More info and filming locations here

 

Ghost Tours

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Where:
Downtown Newport, Tour departs from the Mainsail Restaurant at the Newport Marriott
When:
Various dates throughout the spooky season
Cost:
Adults $20, Children $12, Seniors & Miliary $18. Private tours also available.

There’s no better way to walk through the ghostly history of Newport than with a 90-min lantern-led stroll Olde Town Ghost Walk. Discover the ghosts, ghouls and legends of the haunted city by the sea.

Ghost Tour

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Shipyard Pumpkin Regatta

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Where:
Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard
When:
October 13th
Cost:
$25 to race or spectate

Picture this: Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard famous "pumpkins" racing across the basin to raise money for charity, Friends of Newport Skatepark. Name a better, more wholesome, activity for fall.

Laugh, cheer, and support your favorite team—or gather some friends and compete yourself at this annual Halloween themed regatta. 

Pumpkin Regatta

Photo Credit: Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard

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Aquidneck Island Halloween Family Festival

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Where:
Knights of Columbus, 7 Valley Rd, Middletown
When:
Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost:
Free Admission & Parking

All things Halloween—trick-or-treating, craft and food vendors, costume contests, and more fall family fun. Plus, enjoy free admission and parking on Sunday, October 22nd from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

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Haunted Hull-O-Ween Scavenger Hunt

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Where:
The Sailing Museum
When:
Saturday, October 21st & 28th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Sailing Museum has a lot of tricks up their hulls. Enjoy a haunted hull-o-ween scavenger hunt on the last two Saturdays in October, filled with treats, storytelling, and so much more. Costumes encouraged and kids under 10 are free. 

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A Coggeshall Halloween

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Where:
Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol
When:
October 21 + 22, 28 + 29
Cost:
Adult $20, Youth (4-17) $15 // Member Adult $17, Member Youth (4-17) $12

Perfect for little ghouls the festive celebrations at the Coggeshall Farm in Bristol, all fun with no fright. Kids will experience the farm in the evening with a whole new look, all decorated for Halloween, complete with trick-or-treat stations at each spot.

Carve a spooky apple head, try some of kid’s games, and go on a night hike while visiting the farm. Guests are welcome to come in their own costumes to join in on the fun (this is a family event, so nothing too scary, please).

Coggeshall Halloween
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Halloween with NewportOUT

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Halloween Youth Celebration by L.E.A.D

WHEN: Wednesday, October 25th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Newport Pride Center, 42 Spring St, Newport

Head to the Newport Pride Center on Wednesday, October 25th for an afternoon of games, costume contests and cosplay celebrations, food, tarot and art, music and so much more! 

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Halloween Last Friday Social 

WHEN: Friday, October 27th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Newport Pride Center, 42 Spring St, Newport

Think: A classic last Friday social, meeting new friends and having a blast, with a halloween twist! 

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Halloween Family Storytime & Craft

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Where:
Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St, Newport
When:
Wednesday, October 25th from 10:00 - 10:45 AM

Make your way to the Newport Public Library for a halloween themed story time and craft fit for the whole family. 

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In Search of Tzotz Film Screening with Jason Jaacks

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Where:
Mount Hope Farm, Bristol
When:
October 26th

Picture this: starting Halloween weekend off with a film focused on bats. Complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided.

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The Candlelight Walk with Ghosts Tour

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Where:
Belcourt of Newport
When:
October 20, 21, 27, 28, 29

Ready to get your spook on? Experience a truly unique candle lit (don't worry, the candles are fake) tour with paranormal stories and tales of Belcourt's spirited past. Are you in?

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Halloween at Rejects Beer Co.

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Art Pop Up 

WHEN: Thursday, October 26th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Art-pop ups are back—but make them Halloween themed!

Make your way to Rejects Beer Co. in Middletown for a night of spooks. Wear your best costume, listen to tunes by King Sickabilly and enjoy a night of art, fun, and more.

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Doggy Halloween Costume Party

WHEN: Friday, October 27th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Dogs in halloween costumes, spooky music, and B-Side food truck—need we go on? Winner and runner up for best costumes, and $1 per 4-pack to-go beer sold, is donated to the Potter League to complete one epic night. 

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Rejects Beer Co

 

Halloween Trick or Treat at The Breakers

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Where:
The Breakers
When:
October 27th, 2023
Cost:
Adults and children ages 2-18: $10, Children under 2 and Preservation Society Family-Level members are free

Grab your favorite costume and head to The Breakers for a special spooky night of trick-or-treating. Available in two sessions, at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Bring your treat bag and a non-perishable good to donate to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center food pantry.

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A Newport Craft Halloween

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Where:
Newport Craft
When:
October 28th, 2023

Here for the booze? Head to the newly renovated Newport Craft, for a day of trunk-or-treating, doggie (and human) costume contests, family fun, music, and of course, beer! Trunk-or-treat from 1:00 - 3:00 PM, and costume party from 3:00 - 7:00 PM.

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Night at the Mansion Halloween Haunt

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Where:
Linden Place
When:
Saturday, October 28th from 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Cost:
$70 per person, $65 for Linden Place members

“Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore,” -Susan Battle, Executive Director.

With rumored tales of hauntings—hint hint: vampires may or may not be involved—it makes sense Linden Place hosts an annual event to share its lore.

Make your way to Bristol for Linden Place’s annual “Night at the Mansion Halloween Haunt”, returning on Saturday, October 28th for an evening of spooky fun. Enjoy ghostly candlelit tours of the storied manse and grounds, a cash bar serving fabulous adult beverages, live music and dancing in the ballroom and so much more. 

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Cabinet of Curiosities: A Night at The Mansion

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Where:
The Vanderbilt
When:
Saturday, October 28
Cost:
Pricing Varies

Step inside Newport’s most iconic mansion for an evening of mystery and intrigue this Halloween. Celebrate Fall’s most convivial holiday at The Vanderbilt with The Cabinet of Curiosities and experience the seductive, unconventional and fabulous world of Alfred Vanderbilt. Partake in a dinner theater experience featuring captivating performances from No Ring Circus, a New York-based theatrical production company specializing in the fusion of circus sideshow, performance art and theater, accompanied by an indulgent multi-course menu and unlimited champagne.

  • Cocktail Hour: $175 per guest | 5:30 - 8:30 PM
  • Dinner Theater Experience: $275 per person, including dinner and open bar | Seating One: 6:00 - 7:30 PM | Seating Two: 8:30 - 10:00 PM
  • $1000 per couple, including a one-night stay and breakfast

The Vanderbilt

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Midnight in the Garden ACT II

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Where:
Stoneacre Garden
When:
October 28th at 9:00 PM
Cost:
First 50 tickets are $10, $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Spooky season is upon us, and Stoneacre Garden is ready. Think: A killer halloween party with costume contests, themed boos and cocktails, and music to dance your head off to. Classic. 

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A-mazing Halloween Party

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Where:
Escobar Farm Corn Maze
When:
October 28th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What is more Halloween than a corn maze? Escobar Farm Corn Maze is throwing a classic, old school, Halloween party for the entire family. Come in costume for $1 off admission. 

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Darkside Hallow - A Dockside Halloween

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Where:
Dockside, 1 Waites Wharf, Newport
When:
Saturday, October 28th, Doors Open at 9:00 PM
Cost:
$10

A Newport classic—Halloween at Dockside. Grab your favorite ghouls and head to Waites Wharf for a 21+ Newport Nightlife party on Saturday, October 28th. Doors open at 9:00 PM, come in costume, winners get a cash prize. Max capacity of 1000 people, buy your tickets today. 

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Treats Along the Trails

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Where:
Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
When:
Saturday, October 28th, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Cost:
Members: $15, Non-Members: $20, Children under 3: Free

Hit the trails for a spooky afternoon with the family at Norman Bird Sanctuary. Meander past graveyards, spot wildlife, and gather treats along the trail at different trick-or-treating stations. 

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Cars + Coffee: Trunk or Treat

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park, 80 Fort Adams Drive
When:
Sunday, October 29, 10:00 AM

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

Audrain Motor Week

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Local Road Races + Walks

More October Events

Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale

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Where:
Bowen's Wharf
When:
Starting October 6th
Cost:
Free

Walk around Bowen's Wharf for great deals on end-of-summer items and additions to your fall wardrobe from the shops along the waterfront, from October 6th - 9th, 2023.

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Bowen's Wharf

 

Garlic Roast

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Where:
Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Maine Road, Rt. 77, Tiverton
When:
Sunday, October 15, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost:
Free

Come and celebrate everything garlic from fresh garlic bulbs for eating and planting to garlic specialty pizzas, breads and empanadas and more. 

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Ghost of Chance

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Where:
The Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant
When:
Select Dates in October

Dinner, theater, and cabaret—a recipe for your perfect fall night. Catch Ghost of A Chance for a matinee or evening performance, throughout the month of October.

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Weekend Outdoor Yoga with Meredith Ewenson

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Where:
The Brenton Hotel & Newport Marriott
When:
October 1, 7 & 8
Cost:
$15; $30 for 3-class pass

Outdoor Yoga every weekend with Meredith Ewenson! Find Meredith at the Newport Marriott Outdoor Pool Deck on Saturday mornings from 7:00 - 8:00 AM, and the Brenton Hotel Rooftop on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8:30 - 9:30 AM. 

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Meredith Yoga

 

Warren Walkabout

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Where:
Downtown Warren
When:
October 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th

Meander the eclectic and picturesque downtown Warren on Sundays in October. Explore galleries, artist studios, shops and boutiques, restaurants, historic spots, and incredible water views. Free trolley service will be available on October 22nd and 29th.

Warren Walkabout Themese:

  • October 8th: History
  • October 15th: Shopping/Small business
  • October 22nd: Artists in the Wild!
  • October 29th: Halloween Family Fun
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Where:
Firehouse Theater
When:
October 2nd & 16th
Cost:
Free

A free jam sesh with local musicians in the North End of Newport, the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.

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The Spirits of Island Cemetery: A Living History Walking Tour

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Where:
Island Cemetery Newport
When:
October 7th
Cost:
$30 for adults, $25 for NHS members, and $15 for children ages 5-12

Island Cemetery is the final resting place of important and intriguing people, many from Newport’s Gilded Age. During this guided walking tour across the cemetery’s scenic grounds, participants will meet costumed living historians representing figures such as a civil rights leader, a Civil War nurse, an explorer, and a member of Teddy Roosevelt’s’ Rough Riders.

The tour will last approximately 90 minutes and is presented by the Newport Historical Society in partnership with Island Cemetery.

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Island Cemetery

Cars & Coffee

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CARS & COFFEE AT SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY

WHEN: October 8th, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM
WHERE: Salve Regina University, Newport

Join Audrain Auto Museum for a morning of cars and coffee at Salve Regina University in Newport.

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CARS & COFFEE AT SECOND BEACH

WHEN: October 15th, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM
WHERE: Second Beach, Middletown

Join Audrain Auto Museum for a morning of cars and coffee at Second Beach in Middletown.

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CARS & COFFEE AT SECOND BEACH

WHEN: October 22nd, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM
WHERE: Second Beach, Middletown

Join Audrain Auto Museum for a morning of cars and coffee at Second Beach in Middletown.

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live music events

ONGOING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Fireside Tours at Rail Explorers

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When: Through Early November
WhereRail Explorers USA

Enjoy pedal-powered ride along the Southern Circuit featuring small campfires to spread out around with Rail Explorers. Bring your own marshmallows to enjoy while you savor twilight across the Narragansett Bay.

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Paradigm Escape Rooms

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Where: 94 William Street, Newport, RI
Admission: $49.50 per person

Demure, mysterious, and cloaked secrecy, the moment you step into Paradigm Escape Rooms the autumn harborside streets become a distant memory as you are transformed into another world. "Locked" in a dark room, with friends or family, that’s scary enough right? Then add in the pressure of having to work together to crack a code to get out. Located in the historic district in Newport, Paradigm Escape Rooms are the unique culmination of theater, engineering and art. Offering two immersive experiences, groups between 2-6 guests can choose between two rooms, The King's Tomb or da Vinci’s Test, each a 1-hour experience. Dare to play?

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Harbor Cruises

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When: Through mid-October
Where: Newport Harbor
Admission: Prices vary

There's something intoxicating about a fall harbor cruise—when the water remains warm but the air is newly crisp. Help raise the sails on a legendary America's Cup yachtspot seals lounging off the coast on an education vessel, or sip a mimosa on an 80-foot, turn-of-the-century-style pilot schooner

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Escobar's Highland Farm Corn Maze

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When: Now - November 5th, Fridays - Sundays
WhereEscobar's Highland Farm
Admission: $10 ages 12 and up, $8 children 5-11, free for children under 3 (cash only)

Get lost in the 8-acre corn maze at Escobar's Highland Farm. Not to worry, they'll rescue you if you get lost. 

Escobars Corn Maze

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Pick-your-own Experiences

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These fall months harvest the perfect opportunity for some of our favorite cozy-weather activities: pumpkin & apple picking, hayrides & corn mazes, and more. 

When you find your hands itching for some pick-your-own experiences, find all the spots you can head to, here.

Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch

 

Farmaesthetics Pop-up at Sweet Berry Farm

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When: Thursday - Saturdays
Where: Sweet Berry Farm, Middletown, RI

The natural and sustainable beauty brand, Farmaesthetics, will be hosting a pop-up shop at Sweet Berry Farm through the fall. Shop and swoon over the assortment of sustainable products and accessories, open weekly on Thursday - Saturdays through December. 

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Goat Hikes At Simmons Farm

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When: Dates vary
WhereSimmons Farm
Admission: $10 - $40

When nature calls (literally), head over to Simmons Farm in Middletown for a two-hour goat hike around the historic family-owned farm. Led by farmer Karla and her crew of adventurous, spirited goats, you'll get your own goat to walk on a leash along the designated trail. Stop along the way to feed your goat a treat and to take in stunning views of the preserved farmland, and conclude your journey with a cup of hot chocolate.

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Simmons Farm Goat Hike

 

Apple Cider Bar at The Chanler

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When: Saturday + Sundays (Closed for private event on 10/15)
Where: The Chanler at Cliff Walk 

Spend your Saturdays and Sundays throughout the fall at The Chanler at Cliff Walk's new Apple Cider Bar. Visit the outdoor bar and enjoy a mulled cider from Rose Hill Heirlooms, and if you are looking for a boozy cider, choose from a selection of liqueurs for an elevated cider experience. 

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When: Weekends through October
WherePachet Brook Tree Farm + Escobar's Highland Farm

Head to Pachet Brook Tree Farm, a 90-acre family-run farm in Tiverton, for 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.

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