While summer is an easy favorite here in coastal Newport County, fall has much to offer 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
Newport Festa Italiana
Friday, September 27 through Thursday, October 17
Where: Various locations throughout Newport
Newport Festa Italiana, now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, has evolved from a weekend-long event into a month-long celebration of Italian heritage. The community spirit that has always been a cornerstone of Festa remains as strong as ever, welcoming everyone as part of the famiglia.
Newport Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, September 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Adams, Newport
Celebrate the second annual Newport Oktoberfest at Fort Adams. Enjoy a day of Bavarian fun featuring authentic German beer, wine, food, and live music. This 21+ event is a fundraiser for the Fort Adams Trust and is co-sponsored by Ragged Island Brewing Company. Your ticket includes festival entry, a commemorative stein, and your first beer or wine. Additional drinks and food can be purchased onsite.
Rejects Beer Co. Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, October 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: 124 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown
If you didn’t get enough Oktoberfest at Fort Adams, join Rejects Beer Company for two days of family-friendly fun. Free admission, live music, delicious food from BSide Food Truck, and refreshing drinks from Rejects Beer Co. and Diego’s Margaritas await. Bring the whole family, including your furry friends, for a fun-filled fall weekend filled with games and festivities.
Broadway Street Fair
Saturday, October 12
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. This rain-or-shine street fair winds from Farewell Street to Washington Square. Take a 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.
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
33rd Annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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 33rd 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!
From the Family-Friendly to Spooky and Downright Glamorous Fall Activities
Rogue Island Comedy Festival
Wednesday, October 9 through Monday, October 14
Where: Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center, Newport; Ragged Island Brewhouse, Portsmouth; Firehouse Theater, Newport; Top of Pelham, Newport; and The Wayfinder Hotel, Newport
The Ocean State’s only comedy festival returns this year with thirteen 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!
Bowen’s Wharf Sidewalk Sale
Friday, October 11th through Monday, October 14
Where: Bowen’s Wharf Newport
Sponsored by the Bowen’s Wharf Merchants Association, the annual Columbus Day weekend 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
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, anyone?). Aside from seeing Newport County fall in full swing, our favorite part is the little-seen water views of its most famous mansions.
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 and Tiverton Farmers’ Market, each with different offerings but a welcoming, family-friendly vibe and seasonal, grown or made-with-love items galore.
Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch
Where: Queen Anne Square, Newport
When: Thursday, October 10 through Thursday, October 31
Weekdays: Noon – 6:00 p.m. Weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The return of the Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch to downtown Newport signals the official start of fall. Overnight, as if by magic, Queen Anne Square is transformed into a sea of over 1,000 pumpkins. From mid-October until Halloween, visitors can purchase pumpkins, gourds, mums, and a delightful selection of homemade baked goods, and cold and warm cider. Live music and special events add to the festive atmosphere on weekends.
