Your October To Do List in Rhode Island

Photography courtesy of Heartspot Art Center and Gallery

ART EXHIBIT

Tenth Annual Art of Darkness

OCT. 1–NOV. 11

Get into the spooky season spirit at this popular art exhibit. Artists throughout New England will showcase their work, with subject matter ranging from traditional Halloween imagery to the darker side of the human psyche. Opening reception Oct. 22, 6–9 p.m. Heartspot Art Center and Gallery, 1970 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence, heartspotart.com

Photography courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo

GOURD GALA

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

OCT. 1–NOV. 1

Find your way through Roger Williams Park Zoo by the glow of more than 5,000 jack-o’-lanterns this fall. The rain-or-shine event, dedicated this year to the art of the pun, welcomes visitors to view thousands of hand-carved pumpkins with themes ranging from pop culture, playful characters and punny references. Enjoy other activities the park and zoo have to offer at night by taking a zip ride on the Soaring Eagle or gliding on an illuminated swan paddleboat. Tickets must be purchased in advance online; visit website for pricing. 6–10:30 p.m. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, rwpzoo.org

Photography courtesy of Mills Entertainment

COMEDY

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

OCT. 2

Leave the script at home — these two don’t need it! Watch “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” stars Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood perform a witty and unpredictable comedy show powered by audience suggestions, participation and favorite games. The legendary comedy duo will improv their way through the night, taking the audience on a roller-coaster ride of hilarity. $58.99–$78.99. 8 p.m. Uptown Theater, 270 Broadway, Providence, uptownpvd.com

Photography courtesy of Sakonnet Vineyard

FALL FEST

Sakonnet Vineyard Harvest Festival

OCT. 3–4

Kick off October at the oldest vineyard in New England, Sakonnet Vineyard, at its Harvest Festival. The free event features vineyard tours, live music by artists like Stefan Couture and Take It to the Bridge, and wine and food tastings. Juicy Market PVD will host a curated market featuring locally made goods from artisan vendors. Make it a family affair by bringing the kids for outdoor activities including face painting, pumpkin decorating, balloon animals and more. Free. Noon–5 p.m. Sakonnet Vineyard, 162 West Main Rd., Little Compton, sakonnetwine.com

Photography courtesy of Norman Bird Sanctuary

NATURE

Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair

OCT. 3–4

Old-fashioned country fun meets fall at the Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair. Get a little dirty during the mud pit battles, dance the weekend away while listening to live music and fuel up at one of the food trucks on site. Pony rides, a crafters’ tent and children’s games offer fun for the whole family. $15; $10 ages three–eighteen; free ages two and younger. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, normanbirdsanctuary.org

THEATER

The Crucible

OCT. 9–25

To hide their own misbehavior, a group of young girls accuse townsfolk of witchcraft during the height of the Salem witch trials. As the hysteria spreads through the town, personal grudges come to light leading to tragic executions. Arthur Miller’s classic play explores the themes of morality, integrity and the human spirit under pressure. $30–$35. Check website for dates and times. Granite Theatre, 1 Granite St., Westerly, granitetheatre.org

PUMPKINS

Southern New England Pumpkin Growers Weigh-Off

OCT. 10

Watch giant pumpkins get weighed while enjoying thrilling rides, live music, food trucks and kid-friendly activities. Last year’s champion pumpkin weighed a whopping 2,000 pounds, and a green squash set a world record after tipping the scales at 2,200 pounds! A free day for lovers of all things fall. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Frerichs Farm, 43 Kinnicutt Ave., Warren, frerichsfarm.com

ART FEST

Scituate Art Festival

OCT. 10–12

Support makers and artists while browsing original works at the Scituate Art Festival. Fine art, handmade crafts and antiques will be available for purchase at the open-air market. Live music will get you dancing while raffles will get you in the bidding mood. Support local nonprofit organizations by visiting the food court to fuel up. Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Village Green, 554 West Greenville Rd., North Scituate, scituateartfestival.org

FOOD

Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival

OCT. 17–18

Celebrate the best of Ocean State seafood at this year’s thirty-fifth annual festival. Enjoy local favorites like fish tacos, calamari, lobster rolls and oysters while sipping on signature cocktails and cold beer under tents. Seafood-free dishes and sweet treats like fresh doughnuts and chocolate-dipped fruit will be on the menu as well. Whether you love seafood or not, come hungry! Free admission. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, bowenswharf.com 

Photography courtesy of Ebru Yildiz

MUSIC

Suzanne Vega

OCT. 25

Watch the Grammy-Award-winning musician take the stage during her latest tour. Known for songs like “Luka” and “Tom’s Diner,” Vega will perform songs from her newest album, Flying With Angels, which has received critical acclaim. She’ll be joined on stage by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, and cellist Stephanie Winters, creating an intimate performance. $54–$65. 6:30 p.m. The United, 5 Canal St., Westerly, unitedtheatre.org