14 Classic Fall Events in Newport, Rhode Island

Note: This blog post was originally posted on September 18, 2017 and updated on September 12, 2023

For most people, Newport, Rhode Island is only thought of as one of the perfect New England summer destinations.

It’s not wrong to only think about Newport during the warmer months. There are fewer things more incredible than sailing in the bay, enjoying the sun and hidden harbor views, or watching the sunset overlooking the harbor while sipping cocktails and throwing back fresh, local oysters…

However, as much as everyone loves a Newport summer, the seaside city is highly underrated in the fall months. What I love most about being in Newport during the fall is feeling the strong sense of the local community. It can be difficult for businesses to survive the climate of a seasonal tourist city, so supporting each other is crucial.

With the exception of a few major events, most of the annual Newport fall events are held with locals in mind to enjoy with their family and friends.

Classic Fall Events in Newport, Rhode Island

Classic Fall Events in Newport, Rhode Island

September

Newport International Boat Show (mid-September)

One of the most well-known boat shows in the United States, check out hundreds of yachts in Newport Harbor. Fun fact: the yacht brokerage show held at the Newport Shipyard is open to the public and free.

Newport Wine & Food Festival (late September)

Did you know that the Gilded Age mansions on Bellevue Avenue host awesome events year-round? If you’re a foodie in New England, put the Newport Wine & Food Festival on your travel bucket list. There are classes, lectures, dinners, and after-parties hosted at the Elms, Rosecliff, Marble House, and throughout Newport.

Apple, raspberry, and pumpkin picking at Sweet Berry Farm (mid-to-late September)

Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown is one of Aquidneck Island’s local treasures. The 100-acre family farm, which started as a hobby in 1980 and blossomed into a busy, well-loved establishment, is a short drive from downtown Newport. When you’re not picking your own seasonal fruit, the market and café make it easy to enjoy being on the grounds from April through December.

Harvest Fair at Norman Bird Sanctuary (late September)

For over forty years, the Norman Bird Sanctuary has hosted the harvest fair on its property in Middletown near Third Beach. The nonprofit’s name shouldn’t need much explanation, but its mission is to support “the propagation, preservation, and protection of birds, and where birds and bird life may be observed, studied, taught, and enjoyed by lovers of nature and by the public generally so interested in” as envisioned by founder Mabel Norman Cerio.

The Finals at Newport International Polo Grounds (late September)

The polo grounds in Portsmouth have been around since 1876 as the home of the Westchester Polo Club, America’s first polo club. The matches are held throughout the summer with teams from all over the world, so the finals match is one of the nice ways to say goodbye to summer.

Fall Festival Weekend at Salve Regina University (late September/early October)

*insert shameless plug for my alma mater here* Technically it’s not public, but it’s one of the things I look forward to during the fall. Even though I’m in Newport more often than many former classmates, I always cherish all of the memories whenever I pass by Ochre Court, the Cliff Walk, and the rest of the Salve Regina campus. It’s great catching up with everyone visiting for the weekend!

October

The Pumpkin Patch at Trinity Church (throughout October)

Another option for pumpkin picking in Newport is in the heart of downtown at Trinity Church. It’s hard to miss the piles of pumpkins walking by Queen Anne Square or driving by America’s Cup Avenue.

Trinity Church Rhode Island Pumpkin Patch

Rogue Island Comedy Festival (early October/Columbus Day weekend)

It’s fitting that the only comedy festival in Rhode Island takes place in Newport. The comedians are no joke, either—most of them have been on Comedy Central, VH1, or the like. Get ready for a weekend of bar hopping and barrels of laughter. And more bar hopping.

Newport Marathon/Half-Marathon (early October)

If you think driving through Newport summer traffic is challenging, try running through it. I’m not a runner—I’ve decided that I’ll be more athletic in another life—but this course is an incredible way to see Newport.

Bowen’s Wharf Annual Seafood Festival (mid-October)

Head to the Newport waterfront at Bowen’s Wharf to enjoy fresh local seafood with live music and family fun without the summer crowds! The annual seafood festival was named one of the “10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast” by Coastal Living Magazine.

Pell Bridge Run (late October)

The Pell Bridge Run is one time when you can take in the incredible views of Narragansett Bay and the Newport harbor on a morning run. Another event I can’t personally speak to—see Newport Marathon—but it’s worth knowing that all proceeds benefit local nonprofits.

November

Parking Meters are Shut Off

Yes, this counts as an annual event to look forward to in Newport. No more ticketing and keeping quarters in your car! Note: the parking limit is still 3 hours and you will get ticketed if you exceed the time.

Race for Open Space, hosted by the Aquidneck Land Trust

What makes Newport County so incredible is the community’s dedication to the preservation of historic buildings and monuments, as well as the preservation of open, green spaces on Aquidneck Island. The Aquidneck Land Trust is an important organization dedicated to protecting the existing and future landscape of Newport and the other towns on the island from falling victim to overdevelopment.

Newport Restaurant Week (early November)

When I used to live in Newport, I found any excuse to go to lunch or dinner with friends to enjoy the menu specials. It’s the perfect time to try out places that you wouldn’t normally go to, but then there are always those favorite bars and restaurants during Newport Restaurant Week. Note: Newport Restaurant Week occurs twice a year—once in the fall and once in the spring. Follow Discover Newport to check out the latest information, participating restaurants, and additional offers.

Christmas at the Newport Mansions (late November through the New Year)

As fall fades away and winter comes enters the foreground, it’s time to bring out the Christmas cheer! The historic Bellevue mansions are decorated in beautiful holiday green garlands and ornaments. It’s well worth seeing the mansions in full holiday splendor, even if you’ve already seen them in the summer.

Newport Illuminated Boat Parade (the day after Thanksgiving)

Newport knows how to kick off the holidays their own way—think a sail around the harbor with yachts covered in Christmas lights all over! The photos from the 2016 parade don’t do it justice. This is one of those events that reminds locals and visitors why there’s no better place to be than the City by the Sea, no matter what time of year.