On the Calendar: Witches, Ghosts, Funnies and Fall Activities for Everyone
If you’ve been putting off a trip to Newport, now’s the time to visit- October marks the official first full month of fall and boasts a colorful array of activities and events for all ages. PLUS fall room rates are in full effect and our fall packages are available for a little extra savings! Read on to see what’s happening around town this month!
Audrain Concours and Motor Week has been one of the most talked about events in town, in part because John Legend is coming, but also because this 4 day extravaganza is sure to excite and awe anyone who takes part. Dining pop-ups, exhibitions of rare and exciting automobiles, seminars, exclusive concerts, galas and VIP parties are all part of the excitement, not to mention the Concours d’Elegance, which will feature a world-class collection of over a billion dollars worth of rare and vintage cars.The event will be held October 3rd – 6th 2019 and tickets are on sale here.
A more modest tradition on Aquidneck Island will take place October 5th and 6th. The Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair is an autumn ritual for generations and offers something for everyone. The “Mabel Express” Barrel Train, Monkey Bridge, Mud Pit, Midway games and Children’s crafts tent for the kids; Talented crafters and artisans sell their beautifully created items, enticing fair-goers to get a jump on holiday shopping. Local food and beer vendors offer an array of appetizing selections, while an impressive line-up of musicians round out the festive atmosphere.
Speaking of Fairs, this month brings back the Broadway Street Fair will take place along Broadway, just a 15 minute walk from the inn. Enjoy local music, food, arts, activities, and more. A great way to learn about the colorful people who live in Newport, and support local arts.
Looking for a spookier time? Fortress of Nightmares is back this month with haunted tours of Fort Adams 2019: October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 from 7PM-10PM. Click here to learn more…
Looking for something different to experience in Newport? Come for the Rogue Island Comedy Festival, Rhode Island’s only stand-up comedy festival- Thursday October 10 – Monday October 14, 2019. This annual event is boasting sixteen shows at multiple venues throughout Newport – including The Jane Pickens Theater, Top of Pelham, Gurney’s Resort, and the Firehouse Theater and sure to make an unforgettable night out. See the line up of top comedians on their website and get your tickets in advance to save yourself a seat.
Low key and lovely is Newport Vineyard, just a short drive from the inn. And no better time to experience Music Series and Flight Night every Wednesday of the month with live local bands and $10 beer or wine flights. If you haven’t visited before, Newport Vineyards has an onsite brewery- Taproot- a one stop shop for a “taste of Rhode Island.” They also have a huge gift shop so you can take your experience home with you.
Want to get off island? Tiverton Four Corners is hosting the “Four Corners Classic” an antique car show where you can experience a curated collection of exquisite vintage cars in the beautiful and historic shopping village of Tiverton Four Corners. Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 12-4pm, enjoy the shops, galleries and gourmet eateries as well as working artists while you visit our new exciting annual event.
The annual Columbus Day Parade will take place on the holiday, October 14th from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Celebrating 25 years of Italian Culture and Heritage, this year's parade will step off at St. Joseph Church on Broadway at Noon and make its way up Memorial Boulevard to the Columbus Statute for closing ceremonies.
Island Moving Company is hosting a performance at Newport Congregational church October 17 - 19. Set to live music, The Nature of Light will feature new work by Island Moving Company’s Artistic Director, Miki Ohlsen, and choreography by the iconic José Limon, Colin Connor and IMC’s Associate Artistic Director, Danielle Genest. The show’s title is inspired by the reflective light-play from the historic church venue’s notable La Farge stained glass windows. The entire show will be approximately 90 minutes in length.
Seafood Festival is serving up the best of Newport’s culinary scene at Bowen’s Wharf this month, October 19th and 20th. Honoring the “Harvest of the Sea,” the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival offers fresh, local seafood. Fish tacos, lobster rolls, fried calamari, oysters, signature cocktails and cold Whaler’s Brewing beer accompany continuous live music, and family fun, all beneath the Wharf’s colorful tents. Other neighboring restaurants and fisherman’s associations serve 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). Fresh smoothies, donuts and kettle corn for your sweet tooth. Cafe-style seating is set up throughout the Wharf and proceeds from festival bars benefit Oliver Hazard Perry, RI’s 200-foot official sailing education vessel.
Our own take on a spooky fall activity is our featured package this month: Dinner with a side of Ghost! Stay any midweek day for two nights and receive two tickets to the Newport Historic Ghost Tour- a walking tour of Newport sprinkled with real historic accounts of paranormal activity. You’ll also get $50 towards dinner, and a special trick or treat surprise! Our continental breakfast is included in the two night package.
