8 great fall Newport events to keep you busy all season long
There is no mistaking that summer is the peak season in the City by the Sea, but Newport's shoulder season 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.
Newport Oktoberfest
Sept. 28
The Fort Adams Trust and Ragged Island host the 2024 Newport Oktoberfest – an authentic Oktoberfest celebration where Bavaria meets The Ocean State inside the walls of historic Fort Adams. Attendees will be able to enjoy authentic German beer, food, and live music.
This 21+ event is an annual tradition serving as the largest annual fundraising event for the Fort Adams Trust, the non-profit organization tasked with maintaining the structure.
Tickets are $20-$25 with food available for purchase.
Visit, newportoktoberfest.com/ for more information.
Audrain Concours + Motor Week
Oct. 3-Oct. 6
The 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.
Find full details at audrainconcours.com.
Festa Italiana
Sept. 27-Oct. 17
Now in its 30th year, Newport Festa Italiana is a series of events highlighed by the Italian Heritage Parade on Oct. 14 at the statue of Christopher Columbus on Memorial Boulevard honoring the original Columbus Monument Committee and their present-day descendants with a brief history of the statue, acknowledgment of descendants, presentation of wreaths, burial of a time capsule and more. The festival in the park is scheduled for Oct. 5 the Grounds of Vasco da Gama, 15 Fenner Ave, Newport.
Get a full schedule of events at newportfesta.org.
Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair
Oct. 5-6
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 – $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12 – and learn more at normanbirdsanctuary.org/harvest-fair.
Rogue Island Comedy Festival
Oct. 10-14
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 the Top of Pelham.
Find the schedule and the comics set to perform at rogueislandcomedyfest.com.
Broadway Street Fair
Oct. 12
The Broadway Street Fair returns to take over the local thoroughfare through Newport with live music and vendors along the corridor from Equality Park to Fastnet Pub.
Learn what you need to know at broadwaystreetfairnpt.com.
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
Oct. 19-20
The 33rd 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.
Get the scoop on this year's festival at bowenswharf.com.
Newport Restaurant Week
Nov. 1-10
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 The Providence Journal: Events in Newport fall 2024: Audrain Concours, Festa Italiana