10 fall events across Newport to celebrate the shoulder season

Scott Barrett, Newport Daily News
·4 min read

There is no mistaking that summer is the peak season in the City-by-the-Sea, but the fall is no slouch.

There are a number of major events slated in the area over the next few months, giving you plenty to do. We’ve highlighted some of the top choices happening.

Audrain Concours + Motor Week

Sept. 29-Oct. 2

The Audrain Concours + Motor Week is scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 2.
The Audrain Concours + Motor Week is scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 2.

After two highly successful years, Audrain Concours + Motor Week is back again. The four-day event has various ticketed and free things to do. Among the highlights are The Gathering at Rough Point, Coffee at the Concours, the Concours Village and the Concours d’ Elegance. There will also be seminars and VIP gatherings.

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Find full details at audrainconcours.com.

Festa Italiana

Sept. 23-Oct. 10

Now in its 28th year, Newport Festa Italiana is a series of events culminating in the annual parade — this year to be held Monday, Oct. 10 — that ends at the statue of Christopher Columbus on Memorial Boulevard. The festival in the park is scheduled for Oct. 1 at Tour Park, and the eighth annual Meatball Challenge will be held Sept. 29.

Get a full schedule of events at newportfesta.org.

Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair

Oct. 1-2

From sack races to mud pits to home and garden competitions, the Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Festival provides plenty of activities for the whole family. There is live music, prizes, food trucks and a beer tent.

Purchase tickets — $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12 — and learn more at normanbirdsanctuary.org/harvest-fair.

Rogue Island Comedy Festival

Oct. 6-9

After a successful spring edition, the Rogue Island Comedy Festival, the brainchild of Aquidneck Island native Doug Key, is back for a fall session. It will include up-and-coming comics at various locations, including the Jane Pickens Theater, Ragged Island Brewing Company and Diego’s Barrio Cantina.

Find the schedule and the comics set to perform at rogueislandcomedyfest.com.

Broadway Street Fair

Oct. 8

Broadway once again will be filled on Oct. 8 for the return of the Broadway Street Fair.
Broadway once again will be filled on Oct. 8 for the return of the Broadway Street Fair.

Canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic the past two years, the Broadway Street Fair is set to make its return. There will be some slight changes this time around, but attendees can still expect to see live music and vendors along the corridor from Equality Park to Fastnet Pub.

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Learn what you need to know at broadwaystreetfair.com.

Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Oct. 15

Food trucks populate the grounds of Fort Adams State Park during the inaugural Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in May 2019.
Food trucks populate the grounds of Fort Adams State Park during the inaugural Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in May 2019.

Food trucks and craft beers are a match made in heaven and you’ll get to experience both during the Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival at Fort Adams State Park. The food trucks will include barbeque, seafood and more, while the craft beer will arrive from around the region. There will also be artisans, cornhole and music, all along the waterfront.

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A list of vendors and ticket information can be found at foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/newport-october.

Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival

Oct. 15-16

Josy Piacente of Brazil gets ready to dig into some shrimp fritters during the 2014 Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival in Newport.
Josy Piacente of Brazil gets ready to dig into some shrimp fritters during the 2014 Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival in Newport.

The 31st edition of the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival is free to attend, and food and beverages can be purchased from various vendors. It will be held rain or shine in the heart of downtown Newport. Live music from some of the area’s most favorite bands will be played throughout.

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Get the scoop on this year's festival at bowenswharf.com/events/31st-annual-seafood-festival.

Newport Vineyards harvest festival

Oct. 29 and 30

After a two-year hiatus, the Harvest Festival is set to return with "two days full of grape stomping, wine and beer tasting, and eating tasty festive treats."

The 5th annual event includes two sessions held on both days that along with food and drink will also have  live music and a costume contest.

Details on tickets and a full schedule of events can be found at newportvineyards.com/event/5th-annual-harvest-festival

Spooky Roam Around Rough Point

Oct. 29

Traverse the historic grounds of Doris Duke’s estate the days leading up to Halloween. The event, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m., is free for Newport County residents and free transportation is available, though advanced registration for the shuttle are required.

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Learn more at newportrestoration.org/event/spooky-roam-around-rough-point-2.

Newport Restaurant Week

Nov. 4-13

Local eateries again will be offering up an assortment of crave-worthy discounts and deals for you to choose from. Think: BOGO deals, prix-fixe offerings, gift card promotions and more.

Find a list of participating restaurants at discovernewport.org/newport-restaurant-week.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Events in Newport fall 2022: Audrain Concours, Festa Italiana