As temperatures cool and leaves begin to turn, Newport’s fall season is heating up with a packed calendar of festivals, milestone celebrations and seasonal experiences that showcase why autumn might just be the best time to visit The Classic Coast.
“It’s no secret that Newport’s autumn charm and crisp weather make it the perfect backdrop for our growing annual festivals and fall activities,” said Victoria Cimino, president and CEO of Discover Newport. “Visitors can enjoy seasonal fun and an abundance of experiences that capture the very best of The Classic Coast.”
Major Milestone Celebrations
This fall brings significant anniversaries for several local institutions. Sakonnet Vineyards kicks off the season this weekend with its 50th Anniversary Harvest Celebration on Oct. 11-12, featuring two days of family-friendly festivities including pumpkin painting, face painting, a hay maze, live music and a special Harvest Market with local vendors and sustainability “Tent Talks” in partnership with Tiverton Farmers Market.
Later in the month, Newport Vineyards will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Harvest Festival on Oct. 19, complete with the annual Grape Stomp Competition and Stein Hoisting Contest, live music and fall favorites from Executive Chef Andy Teixeira paired with in-house wine, beer and cider.
Beloved Annual Events Return
The 34th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival returns Oct. 18-19, offering Rhode Island’s freshest seafood including stuffed quahogs, lobster rolls, fish tacos, signature clam chowder, clam cakes and freshly shucked oysters.
For those seeking something spooky, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection will host its annual Ghosts of the American Revolution Halloween Soirée on Oct. 31, transforming the Gilded Age mansion into a haunted experience complete with candlelit hallways and ghostly portraits. Belcourt Castle is also offering ongoing ghost tours throughout the fall, including “An Evening With Harle Tinney” and the “Candlelight Walk With Ghosts.”
Newport Restaurant Week returns Nov. 7-16, giving diners the chance to experience the flavors of all nine coastal communities through 10 days of prix-fixe menus ranging from $20-$60 across Newport’s diverse dining scene.
Seasonal Experiences and New Openings
Several sauna experiences are opening or reopening for the season, including Altaer Sauna in Little Compton (which reopened Sept. 5), Newport Sauna at Third Beach in Middletown and Small Wave Sauna on Sachuest Beach, all inspired by Finnish traditions and perfect for fall beach visits.
The Newport Art Museum debuts a new installation, “The Court: Art in Play,” running from Sept. 24 through April 26, exploring the cultural history of court tennis through contemporary art.
Amy’s Place, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is making its Newport debut this fall at 104 Broadway St., bringing the Providence hot spot’s smoothies, hamburgers and local favorites to the coastal city.
For those seeking traditional fall activities, several u-pick farms are in full swing. Escobar’s Highland Farm offers hayrides, pumpkin picking, over two miles of trails and classic apple cider donuts through Nov. 9. Rocky Brook Orchard features more than 100 apple varieties, while Sweet Berry Farm highlights apple picking, a pumpkin patch and fresh farmstand offerings.
Rail Explorers is hosting specialty tours throughout autumn, including sunset tours, fireside tours with s’mores and evening lantern rides alongside Narragansett Bay.
For more information on fall events and seasonal experiences, visit DiscoverNewport.org.
