39 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this October

FEATURED

10/5–6: Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair  

WHAT: Challenge friends to a sack race, peruse the crafter’s tent, compete in the home and garden competition and more at the fiftieth annual Harvest Fair. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $12; children three to eighteen $8. WHERE: 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown. MORE INFO: 846-2577, normanbirdsanctuary.org

 

10/6: Leyden Farm Vineyard and Winery Chili Cook-Off    

WHAT: Do you have an amazing chili recipe? Put it to the test at this good old-fashioned cook-off! If you’re the first-place winner, you could get the $100 prize. Chili is divided by spice level: mild, hot or flame-thrower hot. Can you take the heat? See the website to enter. Chili will be served from 1–4 p.m.; winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. WHERE: 160 Plain Meeting House Rd., West Greenwich. MORE INFO: 392-1133, leydenfarm.com

 

10/18: Play ON!   

WHAT: Head to the Providence Children’s Museum for an adults-only night of nostalgia, food, games, entertainment, a Halloween costume contest, arts and crafts and more. $25–$35. 6–10 p.m. Twenty-one-plus event. WHERE: Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence. MORE INFO: 273-5437, providencechildrensmuseum.org

 

THEATER

The Vets

OCT. 10: Being a teacher is tough. But the Bored Teachers turn their frustrations into laughs with their “Bored Teachers: The Struggle is Real!” show. The Bored Teachers have more than ten million social media followers and are ranked sixth in comedy podcasts on Apple Podcasts. 7:30 p.m. $39–$69. 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 421-2787, thevetsri.com

Granite Theatre

OCT. 11–27: Catch Sleuth and witness the cat-and-mouse game between Andrew Wyke and his guest, Milo Tindle, in the cozy countryside of England. Both men love to play games, and when Tindle declares his intent to run away with Wyke’s wife, the ultimate game ensues. Thievery, mysteries, set-ups, and a love affair — you’ll be on the edge of your seat until the very end! $30 adults; $27 seniors; $25 youth. 1 Granite St., Westerly, 596-2341, granitetheatre.org

Providence Performing Arts Center

OCT. 20–27: The new comedy musical, Shucked, launches its national tour at PPAC this month. This corn-fed comedy features a book written by Tony Award-winner Robert Horn and music by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. Corn and conmen come together in perfect matrimony in this corny comedy. $45–$85. 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 421-2787, ppacri.org

Trinity Rep

ONGOING: Catch one of the two plays happening this month. Starting on Oct. 3 until Nov. 17, see Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, where Sherlock Holmes and her roommate, Joan Watson, solve mysteries in post-pandemic London. Are you stressed about the upcoming election? Then laugh about it with POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, playing from Oct. 10–27. When a PR nightmare turns into global catastrophe, it’s up to the seven women in the commander-in-chief’s inner circle to save the day. Visit website for times and prices. 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

 

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Clark Farms’ Fall Festival

THROUGH OCT. 27: Get lost (on purpose) with the family in the giant corn maze, go on a hayride through the Matunuck countryside for some leaf-peeping, fire ears of corn out of a corn cannon, pet the donkeys and goats at the petting zoo, show off your go-karting skills while riding the pedal-powered karts and much more. 2984 Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry Memorial Hwy., Wakefield, 783-8844, clarkfarms.com

Little City Thrifty Vintage Market

OCT. 5–6: Bring home nostalgic and preloved clothes, home decor, records and more from this 15,000-square-foot vintage market that features more than ninety vendors for your thrifty and antique finds. Tickets include a complimentary drink ticket that can be
redeemed on-site for a small beer or alcohol pour or a nonalcoholic drink or coffee from local vendors. Noon–6 p.m.; early entry 11 a.m. General admission $8; early buying hour $15. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, 273-1155, littlecitythrifty.com

Spooktacular Marketplace

OCT. 6: Enjoy trick-or-treating, a petting zoo, food trucks, dessert vendors and more at this spooky marketplace. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free admission and parking. The Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, 527-0414, webejamminevents.com

Rogue Island Comedy Festival

OCT. 9–14: Get ready to laugh at the Rogue Island Comedy Festival, with shows across different venues in Newport and Providence. Some will be family-friendly, and others will be twenty-one plus; whatever type of comedy makes you chuckle, you’ll find it in this laugh-out-loud fest. See website for dates, times and locations. rogueislandcomedyfest.com

Autumnfest

OCT. 11–14: Celebrate fall with rides, food, music and a parade. The largest fall festival in northern Rhode Island is sure to bring in thousands of attendees and tons of fun! Fri. 6–10 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Monday noon–6 p.m. Woonsocket, autumnfest.org

Bristol Vintage Market 

OCT. 12–13: Find a wide variety of treats and trinkets at the Bristol Vintage Market, a two-day event filled with vintage finds, handmade goods and local artisans. Plus, you can enjoy fun activities like tarot card readings, pumpkin painting and more. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $4–$8. Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 254-1745, mounthopefarm.org

Scituate Art Festival

OCT. 12–14: From antiques to handmade crafts and fine art, the fifty-eighth annual Scituate Art Festival will showcase the most intriguing works. Stick around for the local food and drinks (think items like doughboys, steak sandwiches, apple cider and pumpkin pie) and live music. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Mon. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. 554 West Greenville Rd., Scituate, scituateartfestival.org

Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival

OCT. 19–20: Fill your weekend with fresh local seafood at the thirty-third annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival. Dig into calamari, oysters, lobster rolls, fish tacos, clams and more along with refreshing beer and signature cocktails. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission. Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, 849-2243, bowenswharf.com

The Providence Flea

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products from more than seventy-five vendors including indie makers, bakers, clothing vendors and more. Plus, on Oct. 18 from 5:30–9:30 p.m., a special Halloween-themed market will offer community rituals, witch-focused goods, psychic readings, a lighted labyrinth, prizes and more. Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh RI Market Hall, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Tiverton Farmers Market

ONGOING: Browse a selection of vendors offering fresh, local produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and more. Support local musicians, artists, food entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations as they gather to connect with community members. Every Sunday. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free. Summer location (Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Road, RI-77, Tiverton) through Oct. 13; winter location (Tiverton Middle School Cafeteria, 10 Quintal Dr., Tiverton) starts Oct. 27, 474-1064, tivertonfarmersmarket.com

 

TRIPS AND TOURS

Newport Foodies Stroll

THROUGH OCT. 16: Rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals during this nearly two-mile walking food tour. Wander the neighborhood with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants and pubs. Reserve your spot online. Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m. and noon. Visit the website for more information. Meet in front of the wave statue, 337 Thames St., Newport, 508-505-5299, newportfoodiesstroll.com

Crime and Cuisine Tour

ONGOING: Follow your (under)belly through the many culinary delights of Providence’s Federal Hill, the city’s hub of all things Italian, while sampling Italian delicacies and learning about the city’s colorful characters who sometimes strayed to the other side of the law. Meet at Garibaldi Park at the base of the La Pigna gateway arch. Visit website for dates and times. $75. 99 Atwells Ave., Providence, 408-6608, pvdtourco.com 

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite Rhody neighborhoods with a food stroll featuring delicious food samplings plus alcohol (and nonalcoholic) pairings at five to six independent restaurants and eateries. Tours take place in Providence and Newport. Reservations are required. Visit website for dates, times and prices. 684-1110, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Providence River Boat Company

ONGOING: Get in the Halloween mood and brave the dark waters of the Providence Marina during a haunted boat ride. If you’d prefer a less spooky ride, take one of the daily tours to learn more about Rhode Island. Visit the website for dates, times, prices and other information. 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com

Rail Explorers Tours

ONGOING: Discover nature and picturesque views with themed, pedal-powered tours from the Southern Circuit to Bayside Station. See website for tour times and ticket prices. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net

Newport Black History Walking Tour

ONGOING: Learn about the local history of Colonial Black Americans, enslaved and freed, on this one-mile-long tour along Historic Hill in Newport. Each tour starts at 10 a.m. on Bowen’s Wharf, near the Pilot House. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10–11:15 a.m. Adults $20; students and veterans $15; children younger than twelve $10. 45 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, rishm.org

 

MUSIC

The African Children’s Choir

OCT. 2: Comprised of African children ages seven to ten years old, all of whom have faced hardships and have vulnerable backgrounds, this performance consists of the melodious sounds of traditional spiritual songs, African cultural pieces and popular children’s music. 7 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. Christian Hill Community Church, 56 Tiogue Ave., West Warwick, 823-0285, africanchildrenschoir.com 

United Theatre

OCT. 4, 6 AND 18: The Salt Ville Opera presents The Barber of Seville Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. This Italian classic follows the antics of Figaro, a local barber. Feel more like singing? Then join in with the Speakeasy Choir to sing “Bohemian Rhapsody” Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. A cocktail is included to get your pipes ready. See website for prices. United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly, 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org 

University of Rhode Island Guitar and Mandolin Festival

OCT. 13 AND 16–20: Returning for its ninth year, talented international musicians will join local music groups to create one-of-a-kind music. Enjoy sets from the URI Wind Ensemble; Eliot Fisk, a world-renowned guitarist; Hamilton de Holanda, a Brazilian mandolin prodigy and many more. Visit the website for dates and prices. uriguitarfestival.org

Rhode Island Philharmonic

OCT. 18–19: Pinchas Zukerman will both conduct and play Beethoven and Haydn. He will be playing Haydn’s Violin Concerto in C Major and Symphony No. 49 (La Passione), as well as Beethoven’s Romance No. 1 and Symphony No. 2. Amica Rush Hour Fri. 6:30 p.m. TACO Classical Sat. 7:30 p.m. $20–$165. The VETS, 1 Ave. of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, riphil.org

Mausoleum Hill Sessions at North Burial Ground

OCT. 20: Spend a Sunday afternoon and evening immersed in nature and the delightful sounds of music. Start the day with an art market and then gather for a spooky time at the North Burial Ground in Providence (complete with a candlelit path!) and enjoy musical performances by Vudu Sister, Allysen Callery, Thee Phibbs, Brian Shovelton, Dave Alves and more. Sit among the graves and bring your own picnic while you take in the music. Plus, enjoy alcoholic beverages from Long Live Beerworks and mocktails or drinks for the kiddos from Sippin Pretty. Art market starts at 2 p.m.; Music from 4–9 p.m. Art market is free; $20 tickets for music. Entrance at the Rochambeau Gate at North Burial Ground, 5 Branch Ave., Providence, providenceri.gov

 

WELLNESS

Still Together Mindfulness Meditation

ONGOING: Find your peace and wellbeing during meditation sessions, held for free in-person and online at the Warwick Center for the Arts. Reduce your stress, improve your health and strengthen your focus while engaging in guided meditation practice. In-person sessions are held on the first and third Monday of the month. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Virtual sessions are held every second, fourth and fifth Monday of the month. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Thurs. mornings 7:30–7:50 a.m. Free. Warwick Center for the Arts, 3259 Post Rd., Warwick, 737-0010, warwickcfa.org

Free Wednesday Nature Walks 

ONGOING: Every Wednesday afternoon, join Norman Bird Sanctuary naturalists for a nature walk. Connect with the outdoors and breathe in the fresh air when you stroll among the wildlife at this nature preserve. Wed. 3:30–4:15 p.m. Meet outside the Welcome Center. Free. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, 846-2577, normanbirdsanctuary.org

 

BENEFITS

The Crate Escape 5K

OCT. 13: Help raise funds for homeless dogs at Save One Soul’s Animal Rescue League’s Crate Escape 5K. Run or walk with friends, pets or family. 9 a.m. $35. Slater Memorial Park, 401 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, 206-0727, sosarl.org

NAMIWalks Rhode Island

OCT. 26: Fight stigma and help raise awareness around mental illness during the annual NAMIWalks event. Choose between completing your walk solo, in a team full of family and friends, or join one of the NAMIWalks teams. 10 a.m.–noon. Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 331-3060, namirhodeisland.org

 

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Museum of Work and Culture

ONGOING: The Welcome Blanket project makes the concept of immigration tangible through handmade blankets and the makers’ own stories of immigration. The blankets are gifted to new immigrants after being on display. Adults $10; seniors, veterans and students $8; children ten and younger free. 42 South Main St., Woonsocket, 769-9675, rihs.org

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibitions on view including “Sensory Silhouettes: Experiencing South Asian Garments” and “Brighten Up!: Contemporary Enamels.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Adults $20; seniors $15; students $10 with ID; youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thurs. 5–8 p.m. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View exquisite exhibits such as “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Ocean Front, 50 Years Later.” Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. noon–5 p.m. Adults $15; seniors $10; college students $8; military, museum members and children seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

 

ETCETERA

Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week 

OCT. 3–6: It all started back in the Gilded Age, when Willie K. Vanderbilt went down to the horse track with some friends to race their new automobiles and he won the first Vanderbilt Cup trophy. Today, Audrain Newport holds a concours, as well as a display and festival to show off the antique cars. Join car enthusiasts from around the world for this celebration that includes cocktails, shows, seminars and much more. See the website for a detailed schedule, including times and locations. audrainconcours.com

WaterFire Providence

OCT. 5: Feel the warmth of a full lighting during a chilly fall evening. Admire flaming braziers that start at Waterplace Park and travel down to South Main Street Park. The lighting starts at sunset and ends at 10 p.m. Free. Waterplace Park, Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org

Amica Newport Marathon

OCT. 13: There’s nothing like a good run by the ocean on a crisp autumn morning. With a half-marathon option (13.1 miles) and a full marathon (26.2 miles), this event is USATF-certified and will qualify participants for major marathons. A portion of each entry is donated to nonprofits. $40–$130. 7:30 a.m. Easton’s Beach (First Beach), 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport, newportmarathon.com 

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular — Trivia Edition

ONGOING: Get into the Halloween spirit by taking in this iconic fall tradition at Roger Williams Park Zoo. This year, there’s a trivia twist — you can solve puzzles as you walk through creatively carved pumpkins. 6–10:30 p.m. Tickets are sold online only; visit the website for times and prices. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

 

LOOKING AHEAD: NOVEMBER

NOV. 1–3: Rhode Island Comic Con, Providence, ricomiccon.com

NOV. 1–10: Newport Restaurant Week, Newport, discovernewport.org/newport-restaurant-week

NOV. 1–30: Lord of the Pies, Providence, rifoodfights.com

NOV. 8–10: Fine Furnishings Show, Providence, finefurnishingsshows.com

NOV. 23–24: The Good Trade Makers Market, Providence, goodtrademakersmarket.com