Upon autumn’s arrival, Newport traditionally welcome a substantial increase in international visitors, meetings and conferences, motorcoach and cruise ship passengers. There’s no doubt New England’s legendary cacophony of color lures those from near and far to celebrate nature’s bounty which is fêted at special events throughout our destination.
Some of these autumnal experiences include:
Newport Festa Italiana: Ready to celebrate their 21st year of promoting the appreciation of Italian culture through food, music, and the arts; Newport Festa Italiana is set to take place throughout Newport from September 24th through October 12th. More Info
Beer, Wine & Food Pairings, Tastings & Dinners: There are all sorts of delicious food, wine and beer dinners and events planned throughout Newport in September, October and November. Enjoy a Foolproof Brewing new beer launch, Newport Storm Beer Dinner, Wine Dinner, the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival and many other great events. See The Full List Here
Newport Vineyards 20th Anniversary Bash: Newport Vineyards is turning 20 and you’re invited to celebrate on Sunday, September 27th with a Great Grape Stomp-Off, wine tastings and wine by the glass, live music from the Little Compton Band, photo opportunities with live statues and samples from Brix Restaurant, Fatullis Bakery & Deli and Rhody Fresh Cheese. 2pm. $22 per person. newportvineyards.com
Norman Bird Sanctuary Annual Harvest Fair: Marking its 41st anniversary October 3-4, this family friendly, old fashioned-style country fair features a “monkey bridge,” greased climbing pole, the Mabel Express barrel train, tug-o-war, the “famous” (or infamous) mud pit, plus a home and garden competition, field games, crafters, a country store, music and more. normanbirdsanctuary.org
Newport Road Races: There are at least a half-dozen road races scheduled for this fall in Newport including The Summer’s End 5k, 14th Annual 5k Mansion Run/Walk, Newport Marathon/Half Marathon, Pell Bridge Run, Race For Open Space 5k Run & Walk and The Pie Run. Read More About These Here
Runners can choose from a marathon or half marathon on October 11 in the City by the Sea. Each course highlights our local history and breathtaking oceanside scenery, providing some of the most spectacular runs in the country. www.newportmarathon.com
Perhaps the most unique road race experience in the Northeast, the annual Pell Bridge Run is the once-a-year opportunity for pedestrians to run or walk across the Claiborne Pell Bridge on October 25 from Jamestown to Newport raises funds for local not-for-profit organizations. pellbridgerun.com
Fortress Of Nightmares: Newport’s premier haunted attraction will return to Fort Adams State Park on October 16th, 17th, 18th, 23th and 25th. The event is scheduled to take place nightly from 6pm-10pm.
The 2015 event will feature Tunnels Of Terror, Haunted Officers Quarters, Fort Adams Zombie Hunter Challenge (Laser Tag), Beer Graveyard & Frightful Food Trucks, Killer Film Festival & Horror Art Gallery and a Kids Area.
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival: It’s a “Harvest of the Sea” on historic Bowen’s Wharf to toast autumn’s bounty October 17-18. Local restaurants and fishermen prepare their best dishes under tents around the wharf accompanied by live music all weekend long. Spirits, soft drinks and desserts are all available, as well as seating throughout the wharf. Chefs dish up their prized lobster dinners, clam chowders, “stuffies,” clam cakes, shrimp, scallops, raw oysters and a few dishes even a landlubber can love. Named one of the “10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast,” by Coastal LivingMagazine. bowenswharf.com
Ballard Park Halloween Movie Night: The 2nd Annual People’s Credit Union’s Halloween Movie Night will be held on Saturday, October 17th atBallard Park. The event will feature two movies. One for children and a second scary movie for the older crowd plus a Halloween costume parade and contest, free daffodils given away by Newport Daffodillion and a meet and greet with members of the Newport Fire Department. More Info
Newport Restaurant Week: More than 45 restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol Counties will offer seasonal three-course dishes at prix-fixe prices: $16 for lunch, $35 for dinner, November 6-15. Enjoy a new (or new-to-you) restaurant or an old favorite during this 10-day culinary extravaganza. discovernewportrestaurantweek.
Pick You Own: It’s the perfect time of year to taste fall’s bounty at local farms. Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown (sweetberryfarmri.com ) offers pick your own apples, peaches and pumpkins through the end of October while Rocky Brook Orchard, Aquidneck Island’s original pick-your-own orchard (rockybrookorchard.com), offers more than 60 apple varieties for picking on weekends through Columbus Day.
Corn Mazes, Pumpkins & Hayrides: As the season for costumes and candy creeps in, we Newporter’s are savoring the last bits of seaside sun, planning our favorite fall adventures, and picking out our favorite pumpkins for pumpkin carving contests. The What’sUpNewp Crew has harvested a list of the best pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides in Newport County. Now all you have to worry about is what you’re going to be for Halloween… READ THE STORY
Bonus & A Reason To Head To Providence
International Oktoberfest: Seasonal brews and savory Bavarian cuisine will complement the lively and spirited sounds of German music spilling from the Biergartens at the International Oktoberfest (formerly held in Newport) at India Point Park in Providence on October 17-18. Traditional fare includes brats, schnitzel, sauerbraten, potato pancakes and more. newportwaterfrontevents.com
Check Back Daily & Weekly For More Fun Things To Do In Newport, RI This Fall
Photo by Morgan Macia – www.maciaphotography.com