Your October To Do List in Rhode Island

From Oktoberfest to the Witches Parade and Festival, we've compiled this month's top ten local happenings and activities.
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Photo courtesy of The Gamm Theatre/Cat Laine

Theater: Angels in America

Through Oct. 19

Set in New York City during the height of the AIDS pandemic, Angels in America Part Two: Perestroika explores sex, religion, politics and family during the Reagan era. Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play is sure to leave audience members in awe while pulling at their heartstrings. $68–$83. The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, gammtheatre.org

 

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Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo

Good Gourds: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Through Nov. 1

Follow a trail of 20,000 intricately carved jack-o-lanterns through the Roger Williams Park Zoo at this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This year’s show is packed with trivia so all ages can test their knowledge of everything from history to pop culture. Tickets are only sold online; visit the website for times and prices. 6–10:30 p.m. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, rwpzoo.org

 

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Photo courtesy of Audrain Newport Concours/Francesca Dolnier.

Start Me Up: Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week

Oct. 2–5

Bond with fellow vehicle lovers at the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week with four days of automotive and social events in the City by the Sea. Seminars, classic and modern car displays, wine mixers and more are all part of the celebration, which culminates in the weekend’s finale, the Concours d’Elegance. Visit the website for event information and ticket prices. Various locations throughout Newport, audrainconcours.com 

 

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Photo courtesy of Darrel Perkins

Gallery Show: ‘In Bannister’s Footsteps’

Oct. 2–24

Rhode Island College’s Bannister Gallery hosts a new exhibition honoring Edward Mitchell Bannister, the gallery’s namesake. Five contemporary artists will contribute artwork to the exhibit that carries on Bannister’s spirit through new interpretations of his work. The show kicks off Oct. 2 with an opening reception from 4–7 p.m. and ends with an artist panel on Oct. 23 from 5–6 p.m. Bannister Gallery, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence, ric.edu 

 

Get Crafty: Collage Book Workshop

Oct. 4

Don’t let leftover paper go to waste! Learn to repurpose scraps by turning them into a book. Students can choose from a hinged accordion book or a folded book. No leftover paper? No problem. Instructor Elisa Lanzi will bring handmade scraps for those without. The class aims to show students how to create art with upcycled materials, proving that you don’t need much to be creative. $97.88. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets. The Art Annex, 999 Main St., #109, Pawtucket

 

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Photo courtesy of Phantom Farms Brewery

Prost!: Oktoberfest 

Oct. 5

Can’t make it to Germany? Celebrate Oktoberfest in Rhode Island at Phantom Farm Brewing with stein-hoisting contests, oompah bands, sing-alongs and more. Food and drinks — including Phantom Farm Brewing’s seasonal pumpkin brew — will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome but bring a valid ID to enjoy some of the brews available. Noon–8 p.m. $12–$81. Phantom Farms Brewing, 30 Martin St., Cumberland, phantomfarmsbrewing.com 

 

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Photo by Anne Fishbein

Witty Humor: An Evening with David Sedaris

Oct. 10

With titles like humorist, author and radio contributor, it’s easy to see that David Sedaris wears many hats. Watch him wear his humorist one on stage at The Vets, where he’ll read from new unpublished stories and commentaries. Fans can have their books signed both before and after the show. 8 p.m. $59–$81. Visit website for more information and tickets. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, thevetsri.com

 

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Photo courtesy of Autumnfest/Tim Forcier

It’s Fall, Y’all!: AutumnFest

Oct. 10–13 

’Tis the season to welcome fall, and Woonsocket’s AutumnFest is a great place to start. Enjoy the weather turning chillier, the return of pumpkin-flavored everything and the leaves transforming into vibrant orange with amusement park rides, midway games, music and plenty of food and refreshments. Visit website for times and ticket prices. 84 Social St., Woonsocket, autumnfest.org 

 

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Photo courtesy of the New England Witches Guild

Spellbinding Fun: Witches Parade and Festival

Oct. 18

Get spooky at this family-friendly event where witches bring the fun. Join members of the New England Witches Guild for a parade to kick off the day, face painting, bounce houses, vendors, a beer garden and more, along with live music and food trucks. The parade starts at 11 a.m. in Riverside Square and travels down Bullocks Point Avenue to the Crescent Park Carousel. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Crescent Park Carousel, 700 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside, newenglandwitchesguild.com

 

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Photo courtesy of URI G.M. Fest

Music Lovers: URI Guitar & Mandolin Festival

Oct. 19–26

Now in its tenth year, the URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival invites music lovers to attend a series of concerts, programs, competitions and even lessons throughout the University of Rhode Island campus and South County. Featured artists include Grammy-nominated guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, classical guitarist Meng Su, Mathias Duplessy and other talented musicians. Visit website for ticket information and to register for lessons. URI Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Rd., Kingston, urigmfest.org