Fun Fall Food and Drink Events in Rhode Island

It's an action-packed autumn weekend with plenty to eat, see and do.

10 hours ago

Jamie Coelho,

Pumpkins at Sakonnet Vineyard. Photo courtesy of Sakonnet Vineyard.

Just like summer, fall is fleeting, while winter seems to linger. This weekend, try to maximize your outdoor time by hitting up several of the seasonal autumn events that are happening all weekend.

Head to Little Compton on Sat. and Sun., Oct. 3 and 4 for the annual Harvest Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Sakonnet Vineyard. The festival is family-friendly and open to the public, and includes live music, games, face painting, pumpkin painting, balloon animals, vineyard tours and kid-friendly outdoor activities, along with wine tastings and food for purchase. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Juicy Market PVD will also be onsite both days with artisan vendors and locally made goods for purchase. Saturday at noon will feature a book signing and discussion in the barn featuring Jamie Coelho, editor-in-chief of Rhode Island Monthly magazine and author of Rhode Island Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite & Libation at a Time, in partnership with Yellow House.

Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week is here.

Down in Newport, head to the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week. There are several food- and drink-related and car-themed events to attend, including today’s Wine by the Water from 2-5 p.m. at Forty 1° North. Kick off Motor Week in style overlooking Newport’s breathtaking waterfront views while sampling wine brands hand-selected by wine expert Brian Ward of WineAdvise, joined with delicious food pairings from the chefs at Forty 1° North. Guests can sample the curated beverages and delicious treats while taking in luxury yachts, custom automobiles and Newport sunset views. On Friday, Oct. 2 from 7-11 p.m., head to Whisky by the Water at The Reef in Newport to join The Macallan for an elevated waterfront evening. This exclusive experience brings together Macallan specialty cocktails, select whisky tastings, heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a Fine & Rare whisky auction display in one of Newport’s most distinctive coastal settings. On Sat., Oct. 3, head to the Hilltop Hangout from 2-6 p.m. at Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. for cocktails and a cigar.

In Providence, thousands of people will gather for Gloria Gemma’s Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life. This event, complete with the Passport to Survivorship Expo at the Rhode Island Convention Center, and the free Celebration of Life Festival, featuring the Illuminations of Life Ceremony and Torch Procession at 195 District Park, was created to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This weekend-long celebration embraces everyone who has been impacted by cancer. On Sat., Oct. 3 from 4:30-11:30 p.m. at the 195 District Park, there will be food, a free concert, dancing and family-fun activities.

For families closer to North Smithfield, ride on over to fifth-generation dairy farm Wright’s Dairy Farm, where kids can enjoy special activities, including a farm scavenger hunt, eat tasty treats and learn about milking cows. Sign up to be a Wright’s Rewards member and you can take advantage of “Spooky Spotlights” throughout the bakery and creamery. Offers will include 4X points on Royal Icing Cookies, Buy One Get One Free Spider Web Cupcakes, Buy One Kids Pack and Get One 50% Off, 5X points on Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, and more.