Savory specials calling on autumn harvests from statewide restaurants

Sweater Weather Eats

These hand-picked harvest dishes are perfect for cozy fall dining experiences

By Patty J

That chill in the air and the whiff of pumpkin spice permeating every cafe in town can only mean one thing: it’s cozy season. Even beyond beloved spiced lattes and sweets, fall signals hearty and substantial comfort foods taking advantage of local farm harvests. So button up your cardigan, pour some hot cider into a thermos, and pore over these picks for some of the most scrumptious autumnal food Rhode Island has to offer.

Celestial Cafe

This farm-to-table date night destination offers a multitude of delectable fall dishes, but their Sweet Potato Wonton appetizer is by and large a top pick. A creative and mouth-watering small plate that combines a superstar autumn veggie with a staple of Asian cuisine, it continues to garner rave reviews from frequent guests and first-timers. Exeter, CelestialCafeRI.com

The Coast Guard House

Gansett isn’t just for summertime shenanigans! The Coast Guard House is a terrific choice for lunch or dinner in the fall, too, with water views equally as picturesque when it’s chilly. Get your fill of hearty staples making the most of seafood and seasonal produce like their Greens and Grains Salad and Lobster Corn Tamales. Narragansett, TheCoastGuardHouse.com

Farmhouse Kitchen + Bar

You don’t have to be a guest at The Shelter Harbor Inn to tuck into a meal at this enchanting and aptly named restaurant, so there’s nothing standing in your way of savoring the luscious Honey Lavender Salmon with charred Brussels sprouts and mascarpone polenta: a 10 out of 10 on the fall food scale. Westerly, FarmhouseKitchenRI.com

La Forge Casino Restaurant

While the menu at La Forge (a stone’s throw from the International Tennis Hall of Fame) in the City By the Sea is chock full of stellar seafood dishes, one of their most popular items is actually a warming side not to be underestimated: a steaming hot bowl of onion soup topped with oodles of cheese bubbling over the sides. Newport, LaForgeNewport.com

Sweet Potato Wontons from Celestial Cafe

The Shanty

You can live off of this farm-forward American restaurant’s breakfast burritos year-round, but if you’re seeking more seasonal nibbles, I would be remiss not to mention their signature Yam Fries with poblano lime aioli. Pair with a burrito and make a brunch feast of it, and while you’re there, why not indulge in an Adult Chocolate Milk (with Irish cream)? Warwick, TheShantyRI.com

Tavern On Main

If you want to immerse yourself in autumn harvests steeped in Rhode Island history, then head on over to Putnam Pike and order the Old Fashioned Yankee Pot Roast. The wholly satisfying entree is served with mashed potatoes and brown gravy in their vintage dining room or at

Pure Gold

The buzz on local honey – where to find it, what to do with it, and why bees are so important to almost everything we eat

By Ann Martini

It’s a sunny Saturday morning and the Coastal Growers Market held at Casey Farm in Saunderstown is a treat for the senses. The aromas of manure and farm animals permeate the air. A red-faced eightyear-old with a fistful of wildflowers props himself on an old stone wall and lifts his head to catch a tiny ocean breeze wafting from the east. Canvas pop-up tents form a perimeter ripe with shopping opportunities: a redhaired teenager examines the ingredients on a bottle of lotion from Herbalicious Skincare; a coastal grandmother chooses flowers from Robin Hollow Farm; a man in a Yankees shirt tells another in a Red Sox hat that Pat’s Pastured eggs have “the most amazing yelloworange yolks you’ve eva, eva seen!” A stone’s throw away, the Casey Farm tent offers its own amazing yellow-orange-hued product: heavy jars of thick, golden honey, straight from its own apiary.

This 300 acres of land has been farmed since the mid 1700s, and you can bet that honey bees have played a role in shoring up Casey Farm all along, making it a prolific source for fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs, maple syrup, and more. But it’s the honey that might be its most precious crop, because the process involved in making it sustains everything that lives and grows here. Then, of course, there’s the sublime taste of it.

Whether a sweetener for tea or cocktails or a condiment for ricotta toast and chicken and waffles, honey has never been more popular, thanks in part to the sustainable food movement and consumers who love it. Chefs and baristas love it, too, and local establishments from Main Street Coffee in East Greenwich to The Salted Slate in Providence maintain their own hives and use the honey in their recipes. Over the course of a couple of hours here at Casey Farm, at least a dozen pounds will be taken home, according to farm manager Lindie Markovich, who has overseen this coastal ecosystem for nearly a decade.

To simplify things: “Honey is essentially bee vomit,” says Jim Murphy, resident beekeeper and director of sustainability at Rhode Island College (RIC). Murphy cares for four hives containing up to 60,000 honey bees in a garden on the Providence campus. Here, the bees collect nectar from vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes and herbs such as mint and basil, as well as the clover that grows on acres of grass on the RIC campus. They store the nectar in a sort of auxiliary stomach and then regurgitate it into the hive, using it for their own nutrition. To collect honey, he explains, some of the honey is extracted from the comb using a spinner and then filtered into jars.

“Honey bees pollinate 80 percent of all pollinated food,” says Murphy. “Or, to put it another way, one out of every three bites of food you take has been pollinated by a honey bee.” Honey contains mostly sugar, as well as a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. While its potential in recipes seems endless, the uses for honey in other applications is even moreso. Honey has been around for more than 8,000 years, and can be used to treat a variety of ailments, from cardiovascular disease to pollen allergies.

Whitney McGinnes, an amateur beekeeper on Block Island since middle school, has long suffered from seasonal allergies. When

Jim Murphy shown collecting a honey comb. Murphy cares for four hives containing up to 60,000 honey bees in a garden on the Providence campus

her father decided to start keeping bees on their property, she grew aware of the calming effect honey can have on allergies and began taking it to alleviate her symptoms. She now assists beekeeper Tracy Finn, an islander who manages about 20 hives. Together, they maintain an observation hive, where K-8 educators can bring students to learn more about the many benefits of beekeeping and honey. Just being around the hives, McGinnes began to notice, helped alleviate her allergies. “Beekeeping is like therapy for me,” she explains.

It was another young beekeeper who introduced local honey to her employers at Main Street Coffee in East Greenwich. Lexi Cole and her dad also began raising bees on their property in Coventry when she was in middle school. She is pleasantly addicted to the process of beekeeping. There are about 320 different varieties of honey, and as Cole explains, they vary in color, odor, and flavor, depending on what the honey bees are pollinating and when. Cole says that like wine, a very sophisticated palate might detect the presence of blueberries or asparagus in spring, strawberries and tomatoes in summer, squash and apples in the fall, in addition to whatever flowers are in bloom. The color is typically darker in the fall for example, according to Cole’s experience with her own honey. Bee suits are integral to keeping safe while collecting

HONEY LOCAL

September is National Honey Month to coincide with collection season, which typically finishes this month as bees get ready to secure their hives for winter. Lucky for us, bees make more honey than their colony needs. Most markets sell regional honey, but here are a handful of statewide smaller shops and farms for sourcing the sweet stuff:

Aquidneck Honey, Tiverton Block Island Farmers Market, Block Island Brown & Hopkins Country Store, Chepachet Confreda Greenhouses & Farm, Cranston Farmacy Herbs, Providence Frerichs Farm, Warren Goodwin Brothers Farm, North Smithfield The Honey Shop, Woonsocket Jaswell’s Farm, Smithfield Lavender Waves Farm, South Kingstown Milk & Honey, Portsmouth

Pleasant Acres

Florists & Greenhouses, Westerly Salisbury Farm, Johnston Sheridan Apiaries, Wickford

Wildwood Nursery

& Garden Center, East Greenwich Wicked Roots Microfarm, Charlestown Wild Salt Farm, Warwick William Wright & Co., Watch Hill Yucky Rivah Bee Fahm, Wakefield

If we missed your favorite, let us know at Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Megan Eddy, a manager and bartender at Main Street Coffee, quickly found uses for Cole’s honey. It’s in recipes such as an addictive honey-walnut-cinnamon cream cheese, as well as cocktails. The Bee’s Knees combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey shaken over ice and served neat. The Strawberry Stinger starts by muddling two strawberries with two lemon wedges, then adding vodka, bitters, honey, and a splash of ginger beer shaken and served over ice. The honey imparts a subtle sweetness, says Eddy, and creates a balance among the ingredients. “And people just seem to love that the drinks include our own honey,” she says. “It adds that unique local ingredient to what would otherwise be something generic.”

So what’s the buzz about bees being endangered? While it’s true that some bee populations are on the decline due to pesticides, disease, habitat loss, and climate change, there are, according to Scientific American magazine, more honey bees on Earth now than ever before. But in the business of conventional beekeeping – evergrowing to meet increasing demand for honey – honey bees are specifically bred to increase productivity. This selective breeding can narrow the gene pool and lead to large-scale die-offs.

As Jeff Mello, the beekeeper at Aquidneck Honey in Tiverton says, “No bees, no food.” It’s what compels Mello, nicknamed “Jeff the Bee Man,” to take to bee rescue. Mello started small-scale beekeeping 30 years ago and now maintains organic, chemical-free apiaries in four states that produce some of the most superior organic honey you can buy. Still, he’ll find out about a hive located in an inconvenient space – say, way up on a telephone pole on a main road in Middletown – and he’ll go to the rescue before the hive can be removed by a guy with a spray tank of pesticides. “We’ll shut down traffic and get up there in a bucket truck,” he says, explaining how he will remove the hive and relocate as many bees as he can. “I really love it,” relays Mello of both rescue and maintaining hives. Even though Mello is among the 1 percent of the population that has an allergic reaction to bee stings, he’ll never stop beekeeping. “It’s just the most amazing thing.” A bee smoker is used to calm honey bees

Rhody Beer, Wine

1

BRAVO BREWING COMPANY

“Veteran owned nano-brewery specializing in new American Craft styles as well as traditional European ales and lagers. Come join us on our outdoor patio or take a seat in our spacious tap room! Family and Dog friendly! Open daily, closed Tuesdays. BravoBrewingCompany.com

3

GREY SAIL BREWING OF RI & SOUTH COUNTY DISTILLERS

Enjoy the full lineup of artisan crafted beer, cocktails and spirits. Enjoy relaxing at our outdoor beer garden and tap room. Pizza made to order, family and dog friendly. 63 Canal Street, Westerly. 5964151. GreySailBrewing.com

5

THE GUILD PVD BEER GARDEN

Along the Providence River next to the new pedestrian bridge, the beer garden will o er a wide variety of Guild Brewing Company beers and hard seltzers with a view! The Beer Garden will be open Wed.–Sun. starting May 27. TheGuildRI.com

7

JONATHAN EDWARDS WINERY

At Jonathan Edwards Winery, enjoy award winning wine in a relaxed picturesque setting. Open daily, year round. Shop wine and event tickets online at JEdwardsWinery.com.

2

FOOLPROOF BREWING COMPANY

This Pawtucket staple brews on premise and is open 7 days a week o ering daytime hours, game nights, outdoor seating, cans to-go and more. 241 Grotto Ave #1, Pawtucket. (401) 721-5970. BreweryCollective.com

4

THE GUILD PAWTUCKET

RI’s largest craft brewery serves up small-batch beers and hard seltzers in its large beer hall and beer garden. Open to the public Tuesday through Sunday with private event space available. 461 Main St., Pawtucket. TheGuildRI.com

6

THE GUILD WARREN

Opening in June, The Guild Warren is a small-batch brewery and beer hall located on the waterfront in Warren. Offering a full food menu, it will be open Tuesday through Sunday. 99 Water Street, Warren, TheGuildRI.com

8

MULBERRY VINEYARDS

From Vine to Table. Tasting hours are Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm. Private tastings, and event rentals available. 95 Pound Road, Chepachet. 401-217-9288. MulberryVineyards.com

CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND

ALL AUTUMN LONG

Bring Your Own Improv: This interactive improv show happens every Friday at Warwick Center for the Arts and welcomes voluntary audience participation. Applaud for a scene you like, yell out suggestions, or if you feel you’re ready, join on stage. Warwick, BringYourOwnImprov.com

East Greenwich Odeum: Catch cover bands, comedy shows, dinner and movie screenings, and national tours happening at the Odeum all season. See the full lineup online. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com

The Gamm Theatre: An epic play by the author of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The Gamm presents Describe the Night, tracing the story of eight men and women connected by history, myth, and conspiracy. September 15 through October 9, GammTheatre.org

Historic Park Theatre Shows: Spend a night out at Cranston’s historical 1,015-seat theater in the bustling Rolfe Square, with local and nationally touring concerts and acts running throughout the season. TheParkRI.com

Warwick Food Truck Nights: Sip and savor from your favorite food vendors as they take over Crowne Plaza on select Thursdays through fall. September 15 and October 7, Facebook: PVD Food Truck Events

Stand Up Sunday: Most Sundays in October, The Comedy Park in Cranston invites both new and veteran comics to perform live. Have a laugh before the work week starts while the comedians compete for a spot in an end-of-season comedy show. Cranston, TheComedyPark.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 2-5

Labor Day Family Party: Bring the whole family and enjoy the long weekend outdoors with live entertainment, horseshoes, swimming, hiking, BINGO, and more at Oak Embers Campground. West Greenwich, Facebook: Labor Day Family Party by Oak Embers Campground

RI Land Trust Guided Walk

SEPTEMBER 6

Ohana Comedy Showcase: Ohana Backyard BBQ brings local up-and-coming comedians to the stage with headliner The Prince of Mystery, alongside Doug Ouimette, Shiv Patel, and Carolyn Comeau, hosted by Joanna Rapoza. Coventry, Facebook: Ohana September Comedy Showcase

SEPTEMBER 6 AND 13

Oakland Beach Cruise Nights: Motor down to Oakland Beach for a gathering of classic cars, plus Saugy hot dogs, lemonade, a raffle, and live music by DJ Johnny Nardo, all overlooking Narragansett and Greenwich Bays. Warwick, Facebook: Oakland Beach Cruise Night presented by Greater Warwick Lions Club

SEPTEMBER 10 Cool Cars for Cats & Canines Car Show:

Cruise over to show off or check out vintage wheels at this 11th annual car show. Bring a pet food donation and chow down on food vendors. Exeter, Facebook: Friends of the Exeter Animals

SEPTEMBER 24

Exeter Fall Festival: Celebrate the start of the season at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area by shopping the used ski sale, perusing arts and crafts vendors, snacking on food truck fare, and painting pumpkins, all to the beat of live tunes. The festival benefits the Exeter Public Library. Exeter, Yawgoo.com

SEPTEMBER 25

Drag Brunch: Kandi Dishe hosts Drag Brunch at Finn’s Harborside, where eggs are served sunnyside up with a side of sass. Tickets include a Bloody Mary or mimosa and brunch buffet to enjoy with a fabulous act. East Greenwich, FinnsHarborside.com

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1

Yankee Steam-Up: Sparks fly during the region’s oldest steam engine show for model makers, engineers, and history buffs at the New England Wireless & Steam Museum. East Greenwich, NEWSM.org

OCTOBER 3 12th Annual Fall Golf Tournament:

Sign up to tee off in this annual fundraiser for the East Greenwich Little League at the Cranston Country Club. Cranston, EastGreenwichChamber.com

OCTOBER 15-16

Reptile Expo: Bring the whole family to this expo for lizard and animal lovers at the West Warwick Civic Center to learn about and see reptiles, amphibians, and exotic mammals. West Warwick, Eventbrite: West Warwick Reptile Expo Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show

OCTOBER 22

Spooky Fall Festival: We Be Jammin and Ocean State Food Truck Festivals join forces for this family friendly fest featuring 17 food trucks plus vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and more at Rocky Point Park. Warwick, Facebook: OSFoodTruckFestivals

OCTOBER 22-23

West Bay Open Studios: Meander through North Kingstown, Warwick, and East Greenwich for a self-guided tour of artists and their maker spaces. Check back online for more details closer to the date. WestBayOpenStudios.com

OCTOBER 23 Kids Expo & Halloween Costume Contest:

This affordable and impactful event is not only a Photo courtesy of Rhode Island Land Trust

fun way to celebrate the Halloween holiday, but also a great way to get in touch with different programs and businesses that support children’s health and learning. West Warwick, Facebook: Rhody Kids Expo & Halloween Costume Contest

BeBold Halloween Trail Run: Suit up in your costume and outrun the ghouls and goblins on this creepy trail run spanning three, five, or eight miles. Exeter, BoldrDashRace.com ALL

EAST BAY & NEWPORT

ALL AUTUMN LONG

Becorns Come to the Mansion: Explore the grounds of Blithewold Mansion and peep images of photographer David Bird’s nature characters constructed of acorns, sticks, and other backyard finds, on display through mid-October. Bristol, Blithewold.org

The Bit Players: End the week with an evening of laughs at Firehouse Theater, hosting Newport’s hit improv comedy show every Friday and Saturday. FirehouseTheater.org

Free Family Fun Day: On the first Saturday of each month, visit the Audubon’s Nature Center and Aquarium for crafts, storytime, animal discoveries, hikes, and more. Bristol, ASRI.org

Jamestown Arts Center: The 2022 Biennial: Passages is an outdoor art experience with a host of events happening through October, along with anytime activities surrounding the installations. Jamestown, OutdoorArtsExperience.org

Music at Sunset Concert Series: Spread out a picnic blanket, grab a drink from RI Cruisin Cocktails, and hear local musicians perform as the sun sets over Narragansett Bay at Blithewold Mansion, select nights through September. Bristol, Blithewold.org

Newport Foodies Strolls: Approximately three-hour walking food tours through lower Thames Street run rain or shine every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday through October 15. NewportFoodiesStroll.com

FARMERS MARKETS

Barden Family Orchard at Farm Fresh RI

Newport History Tours: Learn the history behind burial grounds, legends and lore, and other local history with a variety of fascinating tours throughout September and October. NewportHistorytours.org

Newport Neighborhood Food Tours: From brasserie to bakery, enjoy this food tour of at least six restaurants covering 1.3 miles, held Thursdays through Sundays. RhodeIslandRedFoodTours.com

Pumpkin Palooza: Celebrate fall with special events every weekend, from a ride on a magic pumpkin coach and pumpkin painting to a DIY scarecrow workshop. Warren, FrerichsFarm.com

RI Land Trust Days: Get outside with guided walks, wildlife hikes, and other nature programming in our state’s protected open spaces with all kinds of events facilitated by expert naturalists through October 23. RILandTrusts.org Sunset Railbike Ride: Experience three miles of unique vistas over the Narragansett Bay as you ride to the Bayside Station for a sunset viewing. Upon arrival at the end of the trail, you will find adirondack chairs perfect to see the sun go down and enjoy a BYO-picnic. Portsmouth, RailExplorers.net

Enjoy buying fresh produce, flowers, and more from local farms and vendors across the state. Find details on times and locations at FarmFreshRI.org

Wednesday Food Trucks: Skip the cooking on hump day for a variety of food trucks and live music on the sprawling grounds of Colt State Park. Bristol, Facebook: PVDFoodTruckEvents

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 9 Newport Classical Chamber Series

Opening Night: American violist Matthew Lipman and pianist Henry Kramer perform Bach, Brahms, and more at this start to the series. NewportClassical.org

Audubon Society of RI hosts Raptor Weekend

SEPTEMBER 10

Full Moon Ride: A 15-mile bike ride is lit by the Harvest Moon, beginning in downtown Newport to Fort Adams and the Ocean Loop along the mansions of Bellevue Avenue, with an after-ride gathering at a local watering hole. Another ride takes place on October 9. BikeNewportRI.org

Hope & Main’s Schoolyard Twilight

Party: Hand-crafted small bites and beverages by local makers, plus a raw bar, are the centerpieces of this can’t-miss foodie evening under the stars. Warren, MakeFoodYourBusiness.org

SEPTEMBER 10-11

Fantasy Faire: Frerichs Farm reopens for its busy fall season with an fantasy-themed family event sure to delight with plans for all-ages entertainment, arts and craft vendors, food and drink, and a costume contest. Warren, FrerichsFarm.com Raptor Weekend: Bird enthusiasts of all ages won’t want to miss this Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium celebration of raptors featuring food trucks, sing-a-longs, and live presentations with eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. Bristol, ASRI.org

SEPTEMBER 11

Portsmouth Pig Roast: Ragged Island Brewing hosts an all-you-can-eat event complete with cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, and a complimentary beer, set on 37 acres of pristine farm. Portsmouth, Facebook: Ragged Island Brewing

SEPTEMBER 13

Salt Marsh Arboretum Tour: Get an upclose look at coastal gardening on this onehour tour of the arboretum. Sights include the paperbark maple grove, young giant sequoia trees, a collection of buckeyes, and a rare wheel tree. NewportTreeConservancy.org

SEPTEMBER 14

Wednesday Walks: Norman Bird Sanctuary opens their nature trails to the public for lateafternoon guided walks, free of charge. Learn about native species and even spot some animals. Middletown, NormanBirdSancturary.com

SEPTEMBER 15

A Tour of the Grounds and Garden: Linden Place invites guests on a docent-led tour highlighting the estate’s history and gardens, learning the stories behind statues along the way. Bristol, LindenPlace.org

SEPTEMBER 15-18

Newport International Boat Show: Take in the shiny new boats along the harbor, some making their US debut, and all the marine accessories and services you can imagine for boat show events all over downtown. NewportBoatShow.com

SEPTEMBER 16

Summer Concert: Norman Bird Sanctuary and Newport Live team up to host a performance by The Suitcase Junket playing their swamp-Yankee sounds. Refreshments are available for purchase. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

SEPTEMBER 16-18 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival:

Enjoy a weekend of seminars by day and restaurant and wine dinner events by night – all backdropped with exquisite ocean views. NewportMansions.org

SEPTEMBER 17

Book Launch: Attend the hometown launch of Barrington author Anika Denise’s latest, an illustrated biography of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. BarringtonBooks.com

Historic House Tour: The popular tour returns with visits to nine properties and a special brunch option at Dancing Oaks. LittleCompton.org

Paws In The Park Dog Walk: Marking the 20th year of this fundraiser for the RISPCA, enjoy a fun-filled day of pet activities at Rose Larisa Park, including local vendors, treats, and a canine costume contest. Riverside, RISPCA.com Photo courtesy of Audubon Society of Rhode Island

SEPTEMBER 17-18 Ocean State Bluegrass Festival and Pick-

nic: Head to Frerichs Farm for two days of performances, jam sessions and workshops, food, and camping. Warren, RIBluegrass.org

SEPTEMBER 18

Bristol PorchFest: Local bands and musicians take the “stage” on neighborhood porches, entertaining passersby and music-goers with acoustic sets all over town. Rain date: September 25. Facebook: Bristol PorchFest

Newport Oktoberfest: Bavaria meets the East Bay at this rolliking annual fundraiser for Fort Adams Trust where authentic beer flows and there’s plenty of food to go. Newport, FortAdams.org

Thrive Outside in the Mud: Get messy for a good cause! Thrive Outside in the Mud teams up with BoldrDash to raise funds for youth programming by inviting participants to compete in obstacles and challenges to get to the finish line. Warren, ThriveOutside.info

SEPTEMBER 23-25

Manhattan Short Film Festival: The Jamestown Arts Center is the screening venue for this annual film fest, with details to come. JamestownArtCenter.org

SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 10

Newport Festa Italiana: This annual appreciation of Italian culture through food, music, and the arts kicks off with the Ziti Night benefit. A series of lively events continues through October 10 with the Italian Heritage Parade. NewportFesta.org

SEPTEMBER 24

Roam Around Rough Point: Explore the house and grounds of heiress Doris Duke during this special after-hours event. Wander the house, stroll the gardens, take in the seascape outside, and, this month, join in a game of croquet. NewportRestoration.org

SEPTEMBER 24-25

Fall Anniversary Celebration: Just over the border in Swansea, Johnson’s Roadside Farm Market is hosting an autumn shindig to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Frerichs Farm’s Pumpkin Weigh-Off

Vendor samplings, raffles, face painting, and more are all part of the fun. Swansea, JohnsonsRoadsideMarket.com

SEPTEMBER 25

Greenvale Live Music: Bay Spring Gypsy Caravan performs their blend of gypsy and traditional jazz styles at an afternoon concert on the idyllic grounds of Greenvale Vineyards. Portsmouth, Greenvale.com

SEPTEMBER 29

Halloween Party with Ghost Mojo: Fans of funk, blues, rock, and Frank Zappa are sure to enjoy this adult event featuring a two-set show by local band Ghost Mojo at the venue known for their boozy milkshakes. Warren, GalacticTheatre.com

SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 2 Audrain Newport Concours and Motor

Week: Dining pop-ups, seminars, cocktail hours, and Gatsby-esque VIP parties are all part of this car enthusiast’s dream, building up to a showing of rare and vintage automobiles. AudrainConcours.com

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 2

Folk at the Farm: Enjoy a day of music with performances by Caribbean Soul Duo, The Whelks, Magnolia, and Atwater-Donnelly Band, plus food and drinks. Warren, FrerichsFarm

Tunnel to Towers Rhode Island: A scenic 5K run or walk around Fort Adams honors the sacrifices first responders and military members have made. Newport, Tunnel2Towers.org

OCTOBER 6-10

Rogue Island Comedy Festival: Some of the best nationally and locally acclaimed comedians perform stand-up for 13 shows at five venues around the island to get folks laughing the night away. Newport, RogueIslandComedyFest.org

OCTOBER 7

Newport Classical: Flutist Adam W. Sadberry, who’s committed to expanding the Black diaspora in classical music, brings his radiant, lyrical playing to Recital Hall at Emmanuel Church for the chamber series show. NewportClassical.org

OCTOBER 7-10

Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale: Enjoy breezy browsing at this lively annual event where participating shops put their wares outside and offer special discounts. Newport, BowensWharf.com

OCTOBER 8 SNE Giant Pumpkin Growers Weigh-Off:

Since 2000, Frerichs Farm has hosted this popular event. Rain date is October 9 or 10. Warren, FrerichsFarm.com

Portside Picnic: Celebrating Warren’s shellfishing heritage, this annual gala for the Warren Heritage Foundation is held at Blount Clam Shack on the river, with upscale picnic fare, classic sea shanty tunes, and more. WarrenHeritageFoundationRI.org

OCTOBER 9 Newport Marathon & Half Marathon:

Support local charities as you qualify for the Boston Marathon (or simply elevate your morning jog). NewportMarathon.com

Seasonal faves from the entrepreneur behind Kiel James Patrick who has turned reveling over autumn into an art form

BY ELYSE MAJOR

FAVORITE SCENIC DRIVE:

My favorite fall drives are usually the ones with no particular destination in mind, but every year I drive from my house to Pomfret [Connecticut] with a quick stop at Brown & Hopkins Country Store in Chepachet. Those old dirt roads light up with the resplendent reds and golden orange hues you long for in a New England autumn.

FAVORITE PLACE TO PICK PUMPKINS:

I really love heading to Barden Family Orchard for the first pumpkin picking of the season. [My son] Harry loves to find the absolute biggest pumpkin we can carry and it ends up riding in the back of our old red truck all autumn long.

FRIENDSGIVING OR THANKSGIVING:

I’m lucky to have my entire family really close to us. So, especially in the fall, we get together almost every weekend for a big family Sunday dinner that feels a lot like a traditional Thanksgiving. Since I’m spoiled with that, I’m gonna go with Friendsgiving. We usually get one or two trips up to Vermont each autumn with a group of friends and do a big outdoor dinner where everyone makes a course for everyone to share.

FAVORITE FALL BEVERAGE:

You’re really going to make me choose, huh? It would have to be between a pumpkin spiced latte and a good cup of apple cider. I’m gonna go with apple cider, and for me, you can’t beat Jaswell’s.

CIDER DONUTS OR APPLE PIE:

As much as I love cider donuts, one of my favorite fall traditions is coming home from the orchard after a day of apple picking and digging into one of [my wife] Sarah’s famous apple pies. The whole house smells amazing for days and Harry loves helping (and taste tasting) every step of the way.

BIKE OR CANOE:

I bring our canoe with us pretty much everywhere we go. It’s the best way to see the foliage from the water and there’s just something calming about an early morning autumn paddle. Plus the Goldens [Retrievers] get to come on every adventure with us that way.

BEST PLACES FOR MUMS:

Dame Orchard – their mums never disappoint when you’re looking for a full bloom of fall colors.

See for yourself just how much Kiel, wife Sarah, son Harry, and dogs Bennie and Maple enjoy fall on Instagram: @kjp; @sarahkjp; and @bennieandmaple

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES: CUTE OR SCARY?

Both! Harry was obsessed with Ghostbusters last Halloween and it was ridiculously cute, but I think he really got into the whole scary/spooky element.

WHEN DO YOU START DECORATING FOR FALL?

As soon as Sarah lets me! But seriously, Halloween is Harry’s favorite time of year and when we were in the attic just after the Fourth of July, we stumbled upon a bin of decorations. We may or may not have decorated most of his room for Halloween that day.

ARE YOU TEAM DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS?

I love the extra hour of sleep, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a long winter and I’m not wishing the sun goes down any sooner. I will say though, when it gets darker a little earlier and the fog rolls in, it’s pretty darn spooky around our house and I love that.

BEST PLACE TO GO CAMPING:

The backyard! We pretty much always have a tent set up in the woods behind our house. It’s a great excuse to go roast some marshmallows and sleep under the stars on a random Wednesday night.

Don’t miss a visit to the KJP FLAGSHIP STORE at 3 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport KielJamesPatrick.com

FAVORITE PIECE OF COZY CLOTHING:

I love my sweaters but throwing on the first flannel of the year is the quintessential “fall has arrived” moment for me.

NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND

ALL AUTUMN LONG

Classic Car Cruise Night: Held at various locations throughout the state, radio personality Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer holds classic car shows while DJing tunes. CruisinBruce.com

Seven Cedars Farm Haunted Hayride: Ride through a mile-long trail that twists and turns through the farm’s haunted woods for a Halloween experience you won’t soon forget, ever Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. Smithfield, SevenCedarsFarm.us Historic House Tours: On third Sundays, take a tour of the Smith-Appleby House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house dates back to 1702 and is situated on a rolling lawn by a stream. Smithfield, SmithApplebyHouse.org

Observatory Open Nights: On clear Saturday evenings, head to Peeptoad Road to view the sky at the Seagrave Memorial Observatory. Free and open to the public, weather permitting. Scituate, TheSkyScrapers.org

Stadium Theatre: Concerts, reptile experiences, drag shows, staged readings, and more are all part of the lineup at this former vaudeville house built in 1926. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com

Woodlawn Bingo: Get to know the Pawtucket neighborhood of Woodlawn with this fun playat-your-own-pace game. Download a BINGO card or pick one up at specific locations and off you go. Pawtucket, HeritagePawtucket.org

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 9-10

Lorraine Mills Fest: Shop art and crafts from

FARM MARKETS & STANDS

Adams Farm

495 Sumner Brown Road, Cumberland AdamsFarmRI.com

Appleland Orchard

135 Smith Avenue, Greenville Facebook: Appleland Orchard

Barden Family Orchard

56 Elmdale Road, North Scituate BardenFamilyOrchard.com

Carpenter’s Farm

520 Matunuck Beach Road, South Kingstown CarpentersFarmstand.com

Clark Farms

711 Kingstown Road, Wakefield 2984 Commodore Perry Hwy, Matunuck | ClarkFarms.com

Confreda Greenhouses & Farms

2150 Scituate Avenue, Hope ConfredaFarms.com

Cucumber Hill Farm

39 Cucumber Hill Road, Foster CucumberHillFarm.com

Dame Farm & Orchards

91B Brown Avenue, Johnston DameFarmAndOrchards.com

DeCastro Farms

1780 East Main Road, Portsmouth DeCastroFarms.com

Escobar’s Farm

133 Middle Road, Portsmouth EscobarFarm.com

Elwood Orchard

58 Snake Hill Road, North Scituate ElwoodOrchard.com

Festival Farm

2 Canonchet Road, Hope Valley FestivalFarmRI.com

Frerichs Farm

43 Kinnicutt Avenue, Warren FrerichsFarm.com

Goodwin Brothers Farm Stand

458 Greenville Road, North Smithfield Facebook: Goodwin Brothers Farm Stand

Healey Farm

1100 Lafayette Road, North Kingstown Facebook: Healey FARM

Highland Farm

4235 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield Facebook: Highland Farm

Jaswell’s Farm

50 Swan Road, Smithfield JaswellsFarm.com

Leach Farm & Orchard

147 Austin Ave, Greenville 862-5156

Manfredi Farms

77 Dunns Corner Road, Westerly Facebook: Manfredi Farms

Mapleville Farm

544 Victory Highway, Mapleville BensBakery.com/MaplevilleFarm

Morris Farm

2779 Warwick Avenue, Warwick Facebook: J Morris Farms

Narrow Lane Orchard

213 Narrow Lane, North Kingstown NarrowLaneOrchard.com

Old Stone Orchard

33 Colebrook Road, Little Compton Facebook: Old Stone Orchard 33

Pezza Farm

2279 Plainfield Pike, Johnston PezzaFarm.com

Pippin Apple Orchard

751 Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston Facebook: Pippin Apple Orchard

Quonset View Farm

895 Middle Road, Portsmouth Facebook: Quonset View Farm

Salisbury Farm

11 Peck Hill Road, Johnston SalisburyFarm.com

Spring Hill Sugar House

522 Gardner Road, Richmond Facebook: Spring Hill Sugar House

Stamp Farms

1 Stamp Place, Exeter StampFarms.com

Steere Orchard

150 Austin Avenue, Greenville SteereOrchard.com

Sunset Orchard Farm

244 Gleaner Chapel Road, North Scituate SunsetOrchardsRI.com

Sweet Berry Farm

915 Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown SweetBerryFarmRI.com

The Farmer’s Daughter

716 Mooresfield Road, South Kingstown TheFarmersDaughterRI.com

Young Family Farm

260 West Main Road, Little Compton YoungFamilyFarm.com

mill studios while sampling food truck fare and listening to live music to kick off the Pawtucket Arts Festival at Lorraine Mills. Pawtucket, Facebook: Lorraine Mills Fest

SEPTEMBER 9-18 Pawtucket & Central Falls Restaurant

Weeks: Flavor comes first during this celebration of all things food, featuring American, Asian, Cape Verdean, Irish, Italian, Latin American, and Indian cuisine; the PCF Empanada-Fest will also return this week on September 11. Various locations, Pawtucket and Central Falls, TourBlackstone.com

Pawtucket Arts Fest: This nine-day festival features a variety of programming, from arts in the park to live music and a block party put on by members of the Pawtucket community, all with an emphasis on education and public engagement. PawtucketArtsFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 10

Fall Festival: The annual celebration at Seven Cedars Farm features vendors and artists selling everything from honey to baked goods to jewelry. Rain date is September 11. Smithfield, SevenCedarsFarm.us

Rootstock: To celebrate environmental nonprofit Revive the Roots’ 10th anniversary at Mowry Commons, three days of music, art, food, and fun are planned at the scenic grounds, including a Garden Tasting Fundraiser. Smithfield, ReviveTheRoots.org

Harvest Full Moon Ritual: Maeva’s Cottage, an apothecary and metaphysical shop, hosts an 18+ evening of formal ritual with educational and activity-based spell crafting. Woonsocket, MaevasCottage.com

River Bend East Songwriters Festival:

Local singer-songwriters will perform outside at Slater Mill along the banks of the Blackstone River, with Mark Cutler, Rachel Sumner, Kala Farnham headlining. Pawtucket, Facebook: River Bend East Songwriters Festival

SEPTEMBER 10-11

Apple Festival: Nothing signals the start of fall quite like an apple festival. To celebrate, thousands flock to Johnston Memorial Park for apple pies, contests, and artisan row. Johnston, Members.NRIChamber.com

Rock n’ Rhode Fest: Enjoy the music of five top-rated local bands, DJ, vendors, and raffles to raise money and awareness for Make-A-Wish during the Rock n’ Rhode fest. The Last Resort provides food and drinks by local chefs alongside their swimming pool, tiki bar, and volleyball court. Smithfield, Facebook: Rock ‘n Rhode Fest IV

SEPTEMBER 17 Flower Bouquet Making Workshops:

Wander over to The Garden at Daggett Farm for workshops making floral bag arrangements while supplies last. There will also be a URI Master Gardener kiosk where people are encouraged to ask gardening questions and bring a soil sample to get tested. Pawtucket, PawtucketArtsFestival.org

Great Pumpkin Festival: Experience the start of autumn with this family-friendly fall fest. Celebrate everything pumpkin with contests, food vendors, live entertainment, and community organizations. North Smithfield, GreatPumpkinFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 17-18

Slater Park Fall Festival: Enjoy an openair market with 100+ crafters, artisans, and makers, food, and family entertainment. This Pawtucket Arts Festival event culminates with a special performance by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Pawtucket, PawtucketArtsFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 24

Apple Picking Bike Ride: The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council invites cyclists to get together for a pleasant 14-mile (round trip – roughly four hours) bike ride to Dame Farm for some classic autumn apple picking. Johnston, WRWC.org

Great Road Day: Every year, the public historic properties on quaint Great Road open their doors for visitors, each displaying special exhibits and free tours curated for this event. Lincoln, HearthsideHouse.org

Harvest Festival and Tractor Show: Find tractors, regional music, food trucks, scenic hayrides, historic barn tours, pony rides, and more at Franklin Farm’s annual Harvest Festival and Tractor Show. Perfect for family fun, this event is a fundraiser for the Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm. Cumberland, FranklinFarmRI.org

SEPTEMBER 24-25

Oktoberfest: The German American Cultural Society of RI invites guests to their biergarten, Bierhalle and Rathskeller bar for a cultural celebration of live music, dancing, Festbier, and traditional cuisine. Pawtucket, GACSRI.org

SEPTEMBER 30

Hocus Pocus 2 Event: Sanderson sister stans, head to Maeva’s Cottage with a non-perishable food item for a movie screening to benefit the RI Food Bank. Movie-themed products available. Woonsocket, MaevasCottage.com

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1

Bewitched and Bedazzled: If you have ever hoped to live in the world of a Disney movie, now is your chance. Chase Farm Park, the filming location of Hocus Pocus sequel, invites you to don a costume and enjoy entertainment, local vendors, psychics, contests, hayrides, live music, and more. Lincoln, GreatRoadHeritageCampus.org

OCTOBER 8-10

Woonsocket AutumnFest: Since 1979, this event that spans the entire long weekend has been a Northern RI favorite. The largest fest in the area’s long itinerary includes a parade, rides, food, live entertainment, fireworks, and more. Woonsocket, AutumnFest.org

Scituate Art Festival: Don’t miss this annual event that stretches across and beyond the town’s postcard-perfect village green. Shop arts, crafts, and antiques from regional makers. Live music and a food court, rain or shine. ScituateArtFestival.org

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

OCTOBER 15

Glocester Scarecrow Festival: Contest participants have been asked to include solar lights in this year’s entries for the Scarecrows in Illumination theme. Adding to the fun is live music, pony rides, face painting, a marketplace, and more. Chepachet, GlocesterScarecrowFestival.org

OCTOBER 15, 23, 29, & 30 Gone But Not Forgotten Mourning Exhibit

& Tour: Visit Hearthside House for a guided tour journeying from Simon Thornton’s wake with all the traditions and pageantry of death embraced by the Victorians on display. Lincoln, HearthsideHouse.org

OCTOBER 23

Halloween at the Acres Pop-Up: Bring the kiddies to Twelve Acres for a day of activities that include a costume contest with prizes, a pumpkin carving station, and a host of food vendors. Donate a pack of diapers for Project Undercover and receive a raffle ticket. Smithfield, ProjectUndercover.org

October Walkabout: Explore Snake Den State Park. The 1,000 acres of undeveloped property boasts self-guided walking trails, beautiful trees, flowers, plants, and a working farm. The foliage is something to behold in the fall. Johnston, Facebook: Snake Den State Park

PROVIDENCE

ALL AUTUMN LONG

Brown University Football: Watch the Brown Bears throw around the pigskin at their home games at Richard Gouse Field all fall long for their 2022 season. Varying dates, BrownBears.com

Food Truck Fridays: Craving handheld eats and an evening outdoors? Roger Williams Park Zoo hosts local food trucks doling out street fare at Carousel Village, every Friday through September 30. RWPZoo.org

Haunted Boat Tours: Take a spooky boat tour and learn about the many restless souls that haunt the streets and rivers of Providence. Tours run all season, with special Haunted Booo-zy Boat Rides October 31 and November 1. ProvidenceRiverBoat.com

Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular: Take a stroll through Rhody’s favorite pumpkin patch as Roger Williams Park Zoo is lined with thousands of masterfully carved, candlelit gourds. Sign up for a masterclass in jack-o-lantern carving on October 24, or visit September 29 through October 31. RWPZoo.org

PechaKucha: A traveling presentation series, this idea- and story-sharing phenomenon hosts members of the Providence community speaking on a different theme every month, Photo by Anne McDonough, courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo

accompanied by 20 images. Find upcoming dates online. PechaKuchaPVD.org

Providence Artisans Market: Artists from all over Southern New England convene at Lippitt Park to sell their fine crafts, jewelry, paintings, and more, Saturdays through October. Facebook: PVD Artisans Market

Providence Flea Market: Take a leisurely stroll down South Water Street through tents of vintage clothing and decor, with live music, food trucks, and local nonprofits also on hand for the market’s 10th anniversary, Sundays through September 25. ProvidenceFlea.com

Providence Performing Arts Center: National music and theater tours make appearances at this world-class venue throughout the season. Find their full schedule online. PPACRI.org

Roller Disco: Providence Rink transforms into the grooviest roller skating joint in town. Skate and groove to DJs under pulsing lights and spinning disco balls, with the Trinity Beer Garden slinging brews and snacks to keep the party rolling. TheProvidenceRink.com

See a Concert: Catch live music indoors or outdoors at venues like Askew, Bold Point Park, the Columbus Theatre, Fete Music Hall, The Strand, The VETS, and more all season, with schedules and ticket ordering online.

Stranger Stories: Local writers gather to share their true stories and personal essays for this intimate reading series taking place at Askew and other city venues. Watch for upcoming readings by checking their website. StrangerStoriesPVD.com

The Steel Yard: Along with a slew of workshops and community studio access on select nights to learn welding and other skills, a monthly outdoor art market showcases the wares of local makers the first Saturday of every month. TheSteelYard.org

Trinity Rep: Weaving together the story of three generations of gay men living in New York City, epic drama The Inheritance (presented in two parts), is inspired by E.M. Forster’s Howards End and runs all season. TrinityRep.com WaterFire: This iconic Providence tradition of seeing the river set ablaze while strolling Waterplace Park continues into the cooler months, with food trucks, live entertainment, and more on September 3 and 24 and November 5. WaterFire.org

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 4

Queer & Trans Zinefest: An annual small works festival celebrating the creations of queer, trans, and gender non-conforming artists, the zinefest welcomes 50 exhibitors to The Steel Yard for a free event open to the public. QTZFest.com

SEPTEMBER 10

Miriam Hospital Gala & Auction: This year’s mega party event is A Night of Giving and Getting Down, transforming the WaterFire Arts Center into a disco dancefloor. Bell bottoms or polyester jumpsuits are encouraged attire at this fundraiser for the hospital. WaterFire.org

SEPTEMBER 10-11

Rhode Island Seafood Festival: Pack a picnic blanket and soak up the last rays of summer while dining on lobster rolls and clam chowder at this popular fest, now in its 12th year, at India Point Park. RISeafoodFest.com

SEPTEMBER 10 & OCTOBER 22 LGBTQQIA+ Resource Fair & ART

Marketplace: Haus of Codec hosts a monthly outdoor market and clothing swap featuring a variety of local vendors at Dexter Park. HausOfCodec.org

SEPTEMBER 12 & 26

Architectural River Tour: Departing from 101 Dyer Street, these sell-out 75-minute boat tours take guests through 300 years of architectural history along the city’s waterways, from landmarks to hidden gems, led by the Providence Preservation Society. PPSRI.org

SEPTEMBER 14

Music in the Garden: Mile of History Association sponsors this concert series presented by Providence Preservation Society at historic garden Shakespeare’s Head. This month bassist Dave Zinno and his jazz trio are featured. PPSRI.org

SEPTEMBER 15 & 29

WBNA Concert in the Park: West Broadway Neighborhood Association presents free concerts at Dexter Park coinciding with the Farm Fresh Armory Market, where visitors can also enjoy a beer garden, fresh bites, and plenty of dancing. WBNA.org

SEPTEMBER 16

The Enchanted Equinox Market: The Providence Flea and Witches’ Night Out Market team up to bring the magic of autumn to the well-ventilated Farm Fresh RI venue, featuring vendors, psychic readings, mini lectures, local food, and some surprises! ProvidenceFlea.com

SEPTEMBER 17

Downtown Paddle: Join the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council for a relaxing paddle on the river through Downtown Providence, launching on South Water Street, to observe the city’s diverse wildlife and historic sights. WRWC.org

Heritage Day: Bring the family to the WaterFire Arts Center to explore world cultures represented in Rhode Island through exhibits, visual art, demonstrations, diverse cuisine, and a multicultural fashion show. Preservation.RI.gov

India Point Park transforms for the RI Seafood Festival

RI Herb Festival: This annual gathering invites enthusiasts and expert herbalists alike to experience a day packed with workshops, plant walks, community circles, family-friendly fun, food trucks, and more. RIHerbFestival.com

VegtoberFest: Oktoberfest goes plant-based with a vegan foodie extravaganza at Trinity Beer Garden, showcasing samples from local restaurants and breweries, plus a marketplace of artists and makers. RIVegFest.com

Yoga With Elephants: Bring a mat and water bottle to the zoo and settle in for a relaxing hourlong yoga session moving through poses alongside African elephants. All fitness levels are welcome, and an all-day zoo pass comes with admission. RWPZoo.org

SEPTEMBER 18

Supply Community Art Mart: A collaboration by Anti-Robot Club and the WaterFire Arts Center, this free outdoor market features 5 vendors, food from Ja Patty, drinks from Trinity Brewhouse, music, and more. WaterFire.org

SEPTEMBER 23-30

DESIGN WEEK RI: Rhode Island designers and entrepreneurs gather for an annual celebration of local talent featuring talks, tours, panel discussions, and parties, all showcasing the innovation and economic impact of the design sector – and Hey Rhody is a sponsor! DesignXRI.com

SEPTEMBER 24

Summer of Fresh Catch Series: All summer long Narragansett Brewery in Fox Point is pairing craft brews with local seafood. This month Walrus and Carpenter Oysters pops up on the scene dishing fresh catches. Facebook: Narragansett Beer

Tails and Tales Gala: Celebrate Roger Williams Park Zoo’s birthday by donning your fanciest attire for the 150th gala, featuring a three-course dinner, live music, and animal meet-and-greets in support of animal care and conservation. RWPZoo.org

Makers Market: Stroll Wickenden Street for this family- and pet-friendly fest, where the street will be closed to traffic so vendors and artists can showcase their wares among local food trucks. ShopWickenden.com

SEPTEMBER 29

FirstWorks Daniel Bernard Roumain: HaitianAmerican composer, violinist, and activist Daniel Bernard Roumain performs “The Telling,” a story told through music, dancing, and singing. Providence, FirstWorks.org

The Harlem Quartet: Showcasing diversity in classical music, this string quartet engages new audiences with genre-defying pieces incorporating elements of jazz, Latin, and contemporary repertoires. RICMC.org

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 2

Narragansett Beer Oktoberfest: The Fox Point brewery brings a taste of Munich to Providence for one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the state, with their very own Festbier, authentic German food, and lots of fun in store. Facebook: Narragansett Beer

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1

Open Air Saturday: The final one of the season, this Downcity marketplace takes over several streets with music performances, food trucks, beer gardens, outdoor games, and more. InDowncity.com

StoryFest 22: Not just for kids, this American Story Theater production brings tall tales, folk tales, musical stories, and more to the Providence Innovation District Park. Bring a blanket and picnic and cozy up for a day of family-friendly stories. MarkBinderBooks.com

OCTOBER 1-2

Little City Thrifty: Shop vintage and pre-loved clothing, books, records, art, home goods, furniture, and more at this curated experience of rummaged regalia taking over the WaterFire Arts Center with more than 85 vendors. LittleCityThrifty.com

OCTOBER 7-10

Columbus Day Festival: An annual tradition put on by the Federal Hill Commerce Association, Atwells hosts entertainment stages, live chef demonstrations, a parade, and a taste of the Hill’s many restaurants throughout the weekend. FederalHillProv.com

OCTOBER 8

RISD Craft: Stroll Benefit Street to peruse handmade fine art and design work by 130+ student and alumni artists, exemplifying mastery of craftsmanship and attention to detail in a wide variety of media. Facebook: RISD Craft

Apple Cider Donuts from Dame Farm

CORN MAZES

Adam’s Farm

495 Sumner Brown Road Cumberland | AdamsFarmRI.com

Clark Farms

2984 Commodore Perry Highway, South Kingstown ClarkFarms.com

Confreda Greenhouses & Farms

2150 Scituate Avenue, Hope ConfredaFarms.com

Cucumber Hill Farm

39 Cucumber Hill Road, Foster | CucumberHillFarm.com

Dame Farm & Orchard

91B Brown Avenue, Johnston DameFarmAndOrchards.com

Escobar Farm

255 Middle Road, Portsmouth EscobarFarm.com

Highland Farm

4235 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield HighlandFarmRI.com

Manfredi Farms

59 Dunns Corner Bradford Road, Westerly Facebook: Manfredi Farms

Morris Farm

2779 Warwick Avenue, Warwick | Facebook: J Morris Farms

Salisbury Farm

11 Peck Hill Road, Johnston | SalisburgFarm.com

Spring Hill Sugar House

522 Gardner Road, Richmond Facebook: Spring Hill Sugar House Photo by Elyse Major

OCTOBER 15

Rain Harvest Arts Festival: Taking place at Roger Williams Park’s Stormwater Innovation Center, this community event engages the public in stormwater runoff cleaning projects and water quality through visual and performing arts, presentations by environmental scientists, and more. StormWaterInnovation.org

OCTOBER 20-21

FireBall: This annual WaterFire fundraiser is back after taking a pandemic pause in 2021. This year, partnering with Stay Silent PVD, it returns with a twist, to be revealed. WaterFire.org

OCTOBER 21 Halloween Friday Flea & Witches’ Night Out

Market: This spooky spin on your favorite flea market takes over Farm Fresh RI with Halloweenthemed goods from artisans and vendors, psychic readings, a community altar, craft cocktails, scary good eats, and more. ProvidenceFlea.com

OCTOBER 30

Halloween Monster Dash 5K: Dash through the RIPTA bus tunnels in your costume of choice dodging spooky zombies – and bring the little ones along for a fun dash of their own. MonsterDashRace.com

Roger Williams Park 150th Birthday

Party: Celebrate the milestone birthday of “The People’s Park” at the RWP Casino with an afternoon of guided walks and tours, costumed performers, and of course, cake! RWPConservancy.org

OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 6

PVD Vegan Restaurant Week: Celebrate little Rhody’s big vegan scene with plantbased cuisine prepared by chefs and restaurants across the city and beyond. Find specials from participating eateries online. VegRestaurantWeek.com

The Farmer’s Daughter hosts the Fall Harvest Fest all season

SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND + BLOCK ISLAND

ALL AUTUMN LONG

Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly:

Exhibits abound throughout fall at this gallery of local and regional artists, including Local Color featuring artist Donna Mazzone and Jessica Turgoose (through October 6) and the annual All Members exhibit (October). Westerly, WesterlyArts.com

Body/Image: Hera Gallery presents two solo exhibitions from artists Tracy Weisman and Sonja Czekalski running concurrently that examine women’s bodies, from societal expectations to politicization (September 10-October 8). Wakefield, HeraGallery.org

Community Yoga: Every Saturday morning through mid-October, Ananda Meditation & Yoga Center hosts a donations-based yoga class open to the entire community. Grab your yoga mat and water bottle and get ready to stretch. North Kingstown, AnandaRhodeIsland.org

Contemporary Theater Company: CTC’s lively lineup of shows continue into fall with the RI premiere of Men on Boats (through September 10); the return of the Ocean State Black and Funny Improv Festival (October 6-8); and the hilarious satire The Thanksgiving Play (October 21-November12). Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com

Courthouse Center for the Arts: Fall means live music galore at this West Kingstown mainstay, including performances from Cash ‘n Carter: The Music of Johnny Cash and June Carter (September 2); soft-rockers The Pousette-Dart Band (September 23); and acoustic folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step (October 7). West Kingstown, CourthouseArts.org

Downtown Ghost Tours: Do you believe in ghosts? Hear stories of deadly shipwrecks, cursed pirate treasure, and witches while exploring the historic architecture of this small seaside town. Westerly, SeaSideShadows.com

Fall Harvest Festival: It’s fun on the farm at The Farmer’s Daughter. Enjoy hayrides, a pumpkin dunk tank, corn maze, scavenger hunt, barrel train, and more every weekend from September 24-October 30. South Kingstown, TheFarmersDaughterRI.com

The General’s Market: This new incarnation of the oldest, continually operating flea market in Rhode Island features an array of handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and more, curated by Field of Artisans, weekends through October 2. Charlestown, FieldOfArtisans.com

Granite Theater: The venue continues its season with a lively production of The Importance of Being Earnest (September 9-24) followed by the haunting The Diary of Anne Frank (October 14-29). Don’t miss the onenight only performance of Buddy: One Last Night by local writer/performer Nick Albanese (October 1). Westerly, GraniteTheater.com

Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn: Whether it’s a culinary course, author or artist chat, a night of wine tasting, or a croquet match, the planners at these two famed destinations offer a variety of activities all season long. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com

Paranormal Tour: The Paranormal Legend Society takes visitors through an investigation of supernatural encounters at this spooky tour of Smith’s Castle. Reservations are required, and guests must be 18 years or older (September 21 & October 22). North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

Stargazing Nights at Frosty Drew

Observatory: On clear Friday evenings head to what Yankee Magazine called the “Best Stargazing in New England.” See the rings of Saturn, Milky Way, and more, conditions permitting, and don’t miss a Spooky Views Halloween stargazing event October 28. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org

United Theatre: First run and indie film screenings, live music, book signings, and more happen at this arts hub including folk artist M. Ward (September 18), and folk-punk pioneer Billy Bragg (October 7), and Jeff Coffin & Friends, featuring Dave Matthews Band saxophonist Jeff Coffin (October 28). Westerly, UnitedTheatre.org

URI Rhody Rams Football: Bring your Rhode Island pride to the Ryan Center for the URI college football team’s home games. Arrive early for the tailgate, which requires a separate ticket, or just hit the stadium at gametime to cheer the team on to victory. Kingston, GoRhody.com

Westerly Sound: Bring a blanket and picnic basket for the free Explorations in Atmospheric Sound all-ages concert series held at Wilcox Park the first Sunday of the month, plus nationally touring acts on select dates all season. WesterlySound.org

SEPTEMBER

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10

The Great Art Heist: Purchase a ticket to claim one of the member-donated works of art on display for South County Art Association’s lively fundraiser. South Kingstown, SouthCountyArt.org

SEPTEMBER 2-4

Rhythm & Roots: Camp out and jam into the night or snag a day pass for this annual concert series showcasing musical styles ranging from Cajun to bluegrass, plus food and craft vendors, at Ninigret Park. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com

SEPTEMBER 7-10

Block Island Film Festival: This four-day movie marathon features film screenings, Q&As, and filmmaker panel discussions, plus a closing gala event. This year, the fest hosts a special screening of the documentary Nurse Mary, about Mary Donnelly, the official nurse of Block Island for 55 years. Block Island, BlockIslandInfo.com

SEPTEMBER 8

Wickford Harbor Lights: The village’s natural beauty is illuminated by glowing lanterns on the water for a night of food trucks, restaurant specials, shopping, and music. Wickford, NorthKingstown.com

SEPTEMBER 9

Harvest Full Moon Hike: Celebrate RI Land Trust Days with a guided night walk with South Kingstown Land Trust. The Weeden Farm hike lets guests listen to nocturnal wildlife and gather around a campfire for s’mores. South Kingstown, SKLT.org

SEPTEMBER 9-11

Folk Art Quilt Show: The South County Museum celebrates the history of quilting and contemporary forms for its 36th annual show, featuring quilts from local makers and a raffle. Narragansett, SouthCountyMuseum.org

SEPTEMBER 10

Calamari Festival: Dig into the Ocean State’s official appetizer at this tented rain-or-shine event featuring calamari tastings, live music, cash bar, vendor marketplace, and food trucks. Narragansett, NarragansettCOC.com

Winery Comedy Tour: A nationwide tour of topnotch stand-up performers makes an

Misquamicut Fall Fest appearance at Tapped Apple this month with laughter flowing from the taps. Westerly, Facebook: Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery

Colonial Harvest Festival: Family fun at Smith’s Castle includes live performances, vendors, docent tours, a book fair, apple crisps, music, pumpkin painting, and more. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

45th Annual Run Around the Block: Enjoy stunning vistas of rolling meadows, sparkling water, and towering cliffs on this 9.3-mile run around Block Island. Block Island, BlockIslandInfo.com

SEPTEMBER 15-18

Block Island Pride: All are welcome at this 2nd annual event where drag brunches, dance parties, and more are part of the “rainbow island goodness.” Block Island, QueerBlockIsland.com

SEPTEMBER 16-18

Misquamicut Fall Fest: Take in the view of the Block Island Sound from atop a ferris wheel, snack on food truck fare, admire classic cars, and enjoy other fall festivities on the beach. MisquamicutFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 16-17

Endless Summer Festival: Jam to Steve Smith & The Nakeds and other local bands for two days of the season’s last hurrah marked by food and craft vendors, kids’ activities, and beach fun. Narragansett, NarragansettRI.gov

SEPTEMBER 17

Harvest Festival: Celebrate fall with Fayerweather Craft Guild’s harvest festival featuring crafts from local artisans, live music, food trucks, and other seasonal treats. Kingston, FayreweatherCraftGuild.com

SEPTEMBER 18

Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Bring purpose to your daily beach walks by joining this fundraising on Fred Benson Beach. In a beautiful display of strength, participants carry flowers to symbolize the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Block Island, ALZ.org or BlockIslandInfo.com

Adam Vinatieri’s First Annual Clays 4

Charity: The Preserve Sporting Club invites pro and amateur clay shooters to compete to raise funds. Stick around for golf, fly fishing, ATV riding, and more. Richmond, PreserveASpot.com

SEPTEMBER 22

Lecture on the Lawn: Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a lecture by historian and author Brian Wallin on the history of Rhode Island’s famous lighthouse keeper, Ida Lewis. Water provided, $5 donation requested. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

SEPTEMBER 23-25

Extreme Airsoft Block Party: Enjoy a weekend chock full of games, tournaments, raffles, food trucks, and more to celebrate Extreme Airsoft’s 13th anniversary. South Kingstown, ExtremeAirsoftRI.com

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2

Block Island Birding Weekend: Autumn on the island is flock-full of migratory birds on their way to their winter homes. Audubon naturalists lead birders on field trips to spot all kinds of species. Block Island, ASRI.org

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 23

10th Annual Poetry & Art: Wickford

Enjoy the sights running the Narragansett Rhode Race

Art Association showcases the reciprocal relationship between poetry and art with this year’s exhibit of writers and artists responding to the theme of “hope.” WickfordArt.org

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1

Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night: The Misquamicut Players reenact Monty Python’s parody of Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605. A bonfire will set the stage for this comedic night at The Windjammer. Misquamicut, GuyFawkesUSA.com

Wakefield Oktoberfest: Brews flow all day from the biergarten along with live music, street performers, traditional dancing, art vendors, and entertainment at this autumn celebration of German culture for the whole family. WakefieldVillageAssociation.com

OCTOBER 2

Bark on the Beach: Leash up your pup and head to Narragansett Town Beach for an invigorating mile-long walk on the beach to raise money for Animal Rescue Rhode Island. Narragansett, AnimalRescueRhodeIsland.org

OCTOBER 9

Block Island Half Marathon: There are no views quite like this half marathon, which takes you past beach dunes, the North Lighthouse, and rolling pastures. Block Island, RunningInTheUSA.com

OCTOBER 15-16

HopArts Studio Trail: Hopkinton and Richmond artists and artisans open their studios to the public for the weekend, offering demonstrations, details of their craft, and work for sale. Hopkinton and Richmond, HopArts.org

OCTOBER 22

Spooktacular & Kid’s Craft Day: Head over to Fayerweather Craft Guild for a craft fair and a variety of hands-on family-friendly Halloween art projects, demonstrations, and activities along with delicious treats. Kingston, FayreweatherCraftGuild.com

OCTOBER 23

Narragansett Rhode Race: Lace up those sneakers and enjoy iconic RI scenery while you run a marathon, half marathon, or 5K at the 8th annual Ocean State Rhode Races. A festival at Narragansett Town Beach follows. Narragansett, RhodeRaces.com

OCTOBER 28

Lecture on the Lawn: Bring a lawn chair and enjoy author and local historian Robert Geake’s spooktacular lecture “Ghostly Sightings: Tales Both Tall and True from Early New England.” A donation of $5 is requested. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

OCTOBER 29

Horribles Parade: Get in the spirit of the spooky season and join in the Witches Dance with the Witches of Wickford at this familyfriendly parade through historic Wickford Village. Wickford, RIWitchesGuild.com Photo by Scott Mason Phtoo, courtesy of Rhode Races & Events