Events big – Broadway Street Fair, Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival – and small fill the weekend
Clear the calendar, because there is something for everyone this weekend in Newport County.
Whether you're a seafood lover or garlic fanatic, looking for fall fun or want to enjoy the arts, or ready to support a local fire department or children in Ukraine there's an event lined up ready to bring some fun to your weekend plans.
It all starts with two of Newport's tent pole fall events, the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival and Broadway Street Fair, but if that's a little too much or you don't feel like traveling downtown, don't worry, as we've got events happening in five of the six Newport County towns to highlight.
Check out what's happening and start making your plans.
Broadway Street Fair
Broadway will be closed on Saturday to host the annual Broadway Street Fair from noon to 4 p.m.
Multiple stages will be set up from Equality Park to the Colony House to provide live music, while vendors, activities and concessions will line Broadway for an afternoon of fun for kids and adults.
The free fair is rain or shine.
For more information visit broadwaystreetfairnpt.com.
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
Historic Bowen’s Wharf will host the 32nd annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.
The Festival offers fresh, local seafood. Fish tacos, lobster rolls, stuffies, chowder, fried calamari, clams, oysters, signature cocktails and cold beer accompany continuous live music, and family fun, all beneath the Wharf’s colorful tents. Other neighboring restaurants and fisherman’s associations serve up their most celebrated seafood dishes as well as a few dishes for landlubbers and kids. Frozen lemonade, donuts, and kettle corn for your sweet tooth. Cafe-style seating is set up throughout the Wharf and proceeds from festival bars benefit Oliver Hazard Perry, RI’s 200-foot official sailing education vessel.
As you savor some delectable dishes, relax and enjoy the beats from area musicians. Live folk, surf rock, Caribbean and blues music are just a taste of what you’ll hear. Bring your dancing shoes because these bands promise to get your feet moving.
For more information visit bowenswharf.com/events/annual-seafood-festival.
Glen Park Harvest Festival
Head out to Glen Park on Sunday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. for an afternoon of live music, bounce houses, face painting, concessions and more hosted by the Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department.
Admission is free.
There's a rain date of Oct. 22.
Middletown Fire Department Open House
The Middletown Fire Department is hosting an open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Wyatt Road fire station.
Visit the station for truck tours, demonstrations, food, fun and more. The 10-11 a.m. hour will be the sensory-free portion of the event.
Artists for Ukraine fundraiser
Artists for Ukraine, a silent benefit auction, will be held on Saturday from 3-6 p.m. at the Newport Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham St. More than 25 artists, many of them local, have donated works to the event with many forms of art available including paintings, pastels, wood sculpture, a Ukrainian-made quilt, a Pysanky egg, glass, pottery and photography.
In addition to art, the afternoon will feature a Ukrainian-American musician. Hors d'oeuvres and one drink will be provided with your $20 ticket, which can be purchased at the door or by visiting the website at https://ukrainereliefproject-aquidneck.org.
Proceeds from Artists for Ukraine will provide camperships and iPads for remote learning to children in Ukraine through the US-based Ukraine Children's Action Program.
Jamestown Arts Center Open House
The Jamestown Arts Center will hold its annual Autumn Arts Open House on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. All ages are welcome for a free, fun-filled afternoon with drop-in workshops, a gallery hunt, and cider and donuts from Hard Pressed Cider Company.
All activities are free and open to all ages. Drop-in participants are welcome at the JAC, 18 Valley St.
For more information visit jamestownartcenter.org/events/autumn-arts-2023
Garlic Roast
Join the Tiverton Farmers Market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday for the inaugural Garlic Roast at Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area. Free parking is located at the north end and south end of the area.
Enjoy all things garlic and celebrate the season's harvest with everything from fresh garlic bulbs for eating and planting to garlic infused specialty items. Specials include handmade sausage and pepper marmalade sandwiches, empanadas, pizzas, garlic focaccia breads, garlic honey, sauces, jerky, prepared meals highlighting garlic and more. Vendors will be Infusing garlic into unique foods and sharing them with you. Get out, socialize and try something new and delicious.
A number of vendors will be on hand to offer garlic specialities and all day happenings include garlic information/questions with The Neighborhood Farm, a Garlic Giveaway Basket from the Tiverton Farmers Market (sign up at the market table) and a Kids Art & Crafts Table offered by Tiverton Celebrates Volunteers.
Visitors can also enjoy live and local music with Virginia James Music. Event is free and open to the public.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Broadway Street Fair, Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival highlight weekend
