Bowen’s Wharf will host their 26th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival on October 15th and 16th on the Downtown Newport waterfront.
Honoring the “Harvest of the Sea,” this ever-expanding event features lobster dinners, clam chowder, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, shrimp, scallops, raw oysters and clams as well as a few dishes for landlubbers and kids in a festival atmosphere along the waterfront. Check out the list below and keep these little things in mind to make sure your Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival experience is the best it can be!
Bowen’s Wharf 26th Annual Seafood Festival
Hours: Saturday, October 17th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Sunday October 18th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Admission is free, food and beverages can be purchased at vendor booths.
The Do’s:
Do – Go! Named one of the “10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast,” by Coastal Living Magazine, this event is an open invitation to come back to the Newport waterfront after the rush of the summer season!
Honoring the “Harvest of the Sea,” the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival offers fresh, local seafood. Fish tacos from Diego’s Restaurant, signature cocktails and cold New England beer accompany continuous live music, and family fun, all beneath the Wharf’s colorful tents.
Do – Bring the kids! The event will feature face-painting, interactive water and art activities, touch tanks and plenty more alongside Oliver Hazard Perry, RI’s brand new 200-foot official sailing education vessel.
Do – Drink yummy craft beer, wine and creative cocktails from Bully Boys and Elevated Spirits. Definitely indulge, responsibly.
Do – Give yourself enough time to taste, see and listen to everything, this really is an all-day/all-weekend affair! Also bring your patience and politeness, use it often around the 8,000 – 10,000 other seafood lovers who will be on hand.
Do – Bring cash, it just always seems to make everything easier and faster for all involved.
Do – Shop! Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival is all about the food, music, beverages and fun but don’t forget to spend some time visiting the wonderful shops in, around and near historic Bowen’s Wharf, after all Christmas and the holiday’s are coming!
The Don’ts:
Don’t- Eat beforehand. Bowen’s Wharf restaurants, neighboring restaurants and fisherman’s associations will be serving up their most celebrated seafood dishes (lobster dinners, clam chowder, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, shrimp, scallops, raw oysters and clams, as well as a few dishes for landlubbers and kids). Desserts will include tempting pies, ciders, and other baked goods. Cafe-style seating is set up throughout the Wharf.
Don’t – Dress like you’re visiting Bowen’s Wharf in August. The event is held rain, snow, cold weather or shine. Be prepared for the possibility of a cool breeze off of the water.
Don’t – Forget that parking meters and public parking lots run in Newport until November 1st. Pick a place you can park for multiple hours without having to worry about a time limit. Better yet, walk or bike down to Bowen’s Wharf!
Don’t – Feel like after having a few adult beverages and a fun afternoon that you have to drive home. Make a weekend out of it and stay at one of Newport’s great downtown hotels or bed & breakfasts!
Don’t – Smoke under the tents or near the food booths. Use your cigarettes, vapes or e-cigs to somewhere away from the crowds.
Don’t – Miss the live music and entertainment. As you savor fresh dishes, sit back and enjoy the beats from area bands. Under the music tent, live folk, Celtic, and blues music are just a taste of what you’ll hear. Bring your dancing shoes, because these bands promise to get your feet moving!
Here’s the live music schedule;
Saturday, October 15th, 2016
11am – 1pm: Atwater-Donnelly Duo Traditional American Folk
1pm – 3pm: Abbey Rhode Best of the Beatles
3pm – 6pm: Chelley, Bill & Dyl Cool Jazz, Soulful R&B, with a Touch of Country!
Sunday, October 16th, 2016
11am – 1pm: Panoramic View Caribbean Energy
1pm – 3pm: The Copacetics Reggae & Ska
3pm – 5pm: Big Cat Blues West Coast and Chicago Blues, Soulful, Powerful, Solid Rhythm
NOTE: There will also be great live music at The Landing, Lobster Bar, Saltwater Clarke Cooke House and The Wharf Pub throughout the weekend.
For more information, visit www.bowenswharf.com