An assignment to Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, is a dream come true for many military families, and fall in New England is one of the biggest reasons why. The crisp days, cool nights, and stunning tree colors for miles and miles wow locals and tourists every year.
The autumn perfection moves fast, so take advantage of the region’s events, activities, and all-around fun. In no time, you’ll notice the sun go down faster and faster, and the first snowflakes will fly.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to summer and plan festive fall activities in September and October, use this guide to popular events near Naval Station Newport to help narrow your choices.
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1) Bowen’s Wharf Annual Seafood Festival
One of Newport’s favorite fall events, Bowen’s Wharf Annual Seafood Festival, arrives each October. So whether you’re looking for a lobster roll and a cold beer or a selection of local stuffies (stuffed clams), a seafood delight awaits you.
The festival officially celebrates the “Harvest of the Sea” and was recently named one of the 10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast by Coastal Living Magazine. Bowen’s Wharf is the perfect place to spend an autumn day in New England, especially if it's your first fall season in Rhode Island.
2) "Pick Your Own" Farms
If luck is on your side and glorious fall New England weather is in the forecast, head out to one of the many pick-your-own farms near Newport. Each farm has a distinct personality, is likely family-operated, and offers a variety of PYO apples, pumpkins, and fall vegetables.
You also can’t visit without trying homemade baked goods, so save some room for dessert. Check each location for fall-specific events like hayrides, corn mazes, and haunted barns.
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3) Simmons Farm
If you missed the "goats for entertainment" craze, now is your chance to discover what it's all about. Simmons Farm is definitely all about goat-centered fun, like goat cuddles and goat hikes, but you can also enjoy a fresh market, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and a petting zoo. Is there a better way to enjoy a warm fall day than by frolicking with a goat?
Speaking of yoga, get your daily Namaste here: 5 Top Yoga Studios Near Naval Station Newport.
4) Trinity Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch
Because sometimes you just need a quick photo op with a stack of pumpkins in a quaint New England town square.
Leave the dirt of a farm behind and head to church to pick the perfect pumpkin. While there, snag some community-made treats, pumpkin chili, and hot cider. You can also shop for decorative squash and gourds and peruse craft vendors’ tables.
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5) Frerichs Farm
Frerichs Farm is a family-owned retail nursery and farm located on the scenic Kickemuit River. In the fall, Frerichs Farm kicks off the season with a hearty influx of pumpkins in the patch and throws fall celebrations into high gear with their Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Grower’s Annual Weigh-off on Columbus Day weekend.
Make sure you head to The Barn Gift Shop on the property. It transforms into a winter holiday wonderland to get ready for the next celebration season.
6) Rogue Island Comedy Festival
There’s nothing like a comedy festival to make you appreciate the change of season and the merrymaking in the months ahead. The Rogue Island Comedy Festival will be your favorite Newport event if you love stand-up comedy. You’ll find performers on multiple stages: Jane Pickens Theater, Wayfinder Hotel, Reef Newport, and Top of Pelham.
7) Ghost Tours of Newport
A Newport fall without a ghost tour is like Christmas without Santa Claus. Newport’s long history, dating back to the colonial days, lends itself to plenty of spooky and downright scary ghost stories.
So, splurge on a tour to conjure a festive mood for Halloween. Your lantern-toting tour guide will show you iconic haunted locations like Jailhouse Inn, Washington Square, and the White Horse Inn.
8) Newport Harbor Cruise
There’s more than one way to catch the colorful sights of a New England fall, and a Newport Harbor Cruise might just be the ticket for a unique leaf-peeping experience. There are plenty of options, from ferry rides and sunset cruises to dinner and drinks afloat.
Sailing, boating, yachting, and fishing are all a way of life in Newport, so it's best to get a one-of-a-kind experience when the temperatures are cool and the skies are blue. New this year is the Children’s Halloween Party Cruise; check it out!
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9) Newport Oktoberfest
Fall festivities aren’t complete without an official Oktoberfest. The area near Newport Naval Station brings the tradition to town and celebrates on Fort Adams. This party, sponsored by Ragged Island Brewing Co., is officially a fundraiser for Fort Adam’s Trust, so come out and enjoy authentic German food, beer, and wine from multiple vendors. Your admission tickets include a festive stein glass for beer sampling and the chance to listen to local music all day long.
Newport is a fabulous place to try new things, so go ahead and take the goat yoga class, eat a few stuffies, and schedule a weekend to laugh until your face hurts. If you still want more, there are always apples and pumpkins to pick.
Planning a PCS move to Naval Station Newport? Our free guide can help make your transition smoother. Get your copy below.
