Have you purchased your mums, gourds, and pumpkins yet? Fun fact: More than half the United States population buys at least a pumpkin this month. Bowen’s Wharf in downtown Newport has the most beautiful autumn display set up where you can sit on a haybale and snap the most colorful seasonal photo. Other displays throughout town are abundant and worth dodging the crowds to get in the spooky spirit of fall.
October Events
Oct 3-6 – Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week
Oct 5-6 – 50th Anniversary Harvest Fair at Norman Bird
Oct 5-6 – Rejects Oktoberfest
Oct 12 – Broadway Street Fair
Oct 13 – Amica Newport Marathon
Oct 9-14 – Rogue Island Comedy Festival
Oct 19-20 – Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
Oct 26-27 – Harvest Festival at Newport Vineyards
Halloween Happenings: For a full list of some fun things to do around Newport with a Halloween Focus, check out Discover Newport’s Guide to Spooky Season.
Fenders
From Thursday, October 3rd to Sunday, October 6th the streets of Newport, the Historic Mansion properties, and the National Parks will be filled with cars during the multi-day celebration of the automobile during the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week. The week is comprised of both ticketed events and events that are free and open to the public. The events range from competitions, coffee and wine gatherings to yoga and youth focused enthusiasts. A personal favorite of ours if the Bellevue Car Display where they shut down the Avenue for a few hours and the public is invited to walk amongst the collection of cars, some new and some old, and speak with the owners and ask questions. To learn more about the event, buy tickets, or see what it takes to be “Best in Show” visit their website.
Festivals
October is host to multiple festivals; Harvest Fair, Broadway Street Fair, Rogue Island Comedy Festival, Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, Harvest Festival at Newport Vineyards and, of course, the Roger Williams Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular which is back with an added Trivia Twist! It is time to dust off the lightweight coats and embrace fall to make the most of the season. If you are adventurous, even roll up your pants and stomp on some grapes. Plus, if you come on Sunday the 6th to the Harvest Fair you will find Candice running the Midway Games.
Fruit
Strawberry season may be behind us but it’s ok because we have moved on to pumpkin & apple picking with a side of cider doughnuts, hayrides, and corn mazes. Here is a list of places that offer fall picking as well as a few other season surprises.Sweet Berry Farm – MiddletownRocky Brook Orchard – MiddletownYoung Family Farm – Little ComptonPachet Brook Tree Farm – TivertonTrinity Church’s Annual Pumpkin Patch – NewportIf you want to skip the picking and go straight for the doughnuts, head over to Windmist Farm in Jamestown Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM to grab some of the now-famous cider doughnuts that are served warm and toasty straight off the truck and dusted with a ‘healthy’ coating of cinnamon and sugar. What a great excuse to drop by for a couple (or a dozen)!
Fireplaces
Fall is the time to get your fireplace ready for the cozy season. Here is a maintenance guide for both wood-burning and gas fireplaces to help you get ready for fall and winter from This Old House.If you need your fireplace serviced by a local professional, send us a quick text or email and we will connect you with local vendors.
