While summer is an easy favorite here in coastal Newport County, fall has much to offer for families, couples, or individuals looking to make the most of the season. When you think of fall, things like pumpkin picking, everything apple-related, and festive hayrides likely come to mind.
And while we have them in abundance (and some of the best around, we might add — find them here), there are plenty of opportunities to discover something new and unexpected to make a fall tradition out of. Here are some of our favorite local spots, stops, and autumn events to add to your list of fall favorites. Click on the title of each event for dates and details.
Foodies’ Favorite Fall Event
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
October 14th and 15th
Where: Bowen’s Wharf, Newport
Coastal Living magazine names this among the “10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast,” and they couldn’t be more right. This marks the rain-or-shine waterfront event’s 30th year, and all are welcome, free of charge. Everything from chowder and lobster rolls to oysters, calamari, and cold beer and cocktails is available for purchase and there’s live local music to boot. It’s a true representation of all the area has to offer, so bring your whole crew!
Broadway Street Fair
Saturday, October 14, 12-4 PM
Where: Broadway in Newport, RI
The Broadway Street Fair is a celebration of Newport’s diversity filled with music, food, exhibiting artists, makers, and local non-profits. The Street Fair takes place between Equality Park and Farewell Street. Take a leisurely stroll or bicycle ride down Broadway and enjoy the sights and sounds that will fill the crisp October air! Broadway will be open to pedestrian traffic only and will be closed to all motor vehicles, so plan to park elsewhere. For more information, please visit the Street Fair’s website.
From the Family-Friendly to Spooky and Downright Glamorous Fall Activities
Bowen’s Wharf Sidewalk Sale
Friday, October 6 through Monday, October 9
Where: Bowen’s Wharf Newport
Sponsored by the Bowen’s Wharf Merchants Association, the annual sidewalk sale helps you shop local while scoring great deals on gorgeous end-of-season items. Stroll along the beautiful, historic Bowen’s Wharf and shop then stop for lunch at one of many incredible restaurants. Admission is free. For more information and a list of participating shops, check out Bowen’s Wharf Facebook page.
Fall Harbor Cruises
Dates and times vary
Where: 2 Bowen’s Landing, Newport
Checking out the foliage by water is the way to do it! Gansett Cruises offers three different types of harbor tours that will allow you to take in the scenery from the water while enjoying only-in-Rhode Island food and beverages (Del’s, anyway?). Aside from seeing a Newport County fall in full swing, our favorite part is the little-seen water views of its most famous mansions. A great autumn outing for the whole family.
Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island Fall Fest 2023
Join the Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI) for a night aboard Rhode Island’s Flagship, the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. Enjoy a night of music, oysters, wine, and gin while raising money for OHPRI. Oliver Hazard Perry delivers cutting-edge and empowering educational initiatives both at sea and on land for students. Proceeds from this event go towards OHPRI’s mission, so visit eventbrite.com to grab a ticket and we will see you at the Fall Fest! To learn more about the fascinating story of the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry, visit their website, ohpri.org.
Newport Ghost Tours
(Dates and times vary; 25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport)
Up for something spooky? Join a lantern-led, guided walking tour of the City-by-the-Sea’s oldest spots and the ones said to be the most haunted, from the Jailhouse Inn to the White Horse Tavern and more. It’s a festive and informative way to uncover a different part of Newport’s past while getting in the Halloween spirit.
Fall Farmers Markets
(Dates, times, and locations vary per market)
Whether you’re putting together a seasonal meal, hunting for that just-right local gift or just looking to bop around and enjoy, one of the area’s many fall farmers markets are the spot to make it happen. Our favorites are the Aquidneck Growers’ Market, Jamestown Farmers’ Market, and Tiverton Farmers’ Market, each with different offerings but a welcoming, family-friendly vibe and seasonal, grown or made-with-love items galore.
Rogue Island Comedy Festival
Thursday, October 5 through Sunday, October 8
Where: Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center, Newport; Ragged Island Brewhouse, Portsmouth; Diego’s Cantina, Middletown
The Ocean State’s only comedy festival returns this year with nine shows in venues all over Aquidneck Island. Featuring local and nationally touring comedians from across the country. For a full schedule and more information, visit: www.rogueislandcomedyfest.com. Tickets are on sale now!
ABOUT HOGAN ASSOCIATES
Hogan Associates is an independent Rhode Island brokerage founded by Leslie Hogan and Matt Hadfield, two of Rhode Island’s most experienced agents, each with a strong track record of success in the Greater Newport real estate market. Hogan Associates’ 36 sales agents work on behalf of buyers and sellers of fine properties in the coastal communities of southern RI. The firm has offices in Newport and Middletown and is a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, an elite broker network with more than 130,000 sales professionals located in approximately 880 offices in 70 countries and territories. In 2020 & 2021 Hogan Associates received Newport Life Magazine’s Best of Newport County award. For more information, visit HoganRI.com.
