Rhode Island's Top Fall Festivals

Autumnfest, Woonsocket, RI

As they say at Autumnfest: who doesn’t love a parade? Autumnfest kicks off with a march around Woonsocket, starting at Diamond Hill and heading down to the World War II memorial, with plenty of bands and entertainers along the way. There will be amusement rides, great food, and a beer garden for adults, too!

Slater Park Fall Festival, Pawtucket, RI

In early September, head to Slater Park for live music, art, and other exciting events. There will be plenty of public art on display, activities for the kids, and an open-air market so you can bring the best of the fall harvest back home with you. Each year, the festival attracts over 10,000 attendees from around the Northeast. You’ll want to be one of them! 

Smith's Castle Harvest Festival, North Kingstown, RI

Celebrate the bounty of the harvest with children’s activities, live music, and delicious fall food. All these activities take place at the historical Smith’s Castle, which has seen Rhode Island’s history from when Native Americans lived on the land to early colonial days to the plantation era. It’s a significant spot that will be sure to interest groups of all sizes. 

Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair, Middletown, RI

This fall tradition has been around for five decades, and when you finally make it out, you’ll understand why families keep coming back! Enjoy the Barrel train, pony rides, games, and a craft tent for the kids. Local food trucks will also stop by to offer their artisanal selections, and live bands will set a jovial tone to the entire festival!

Beervana Fest, Cranston, RI

This October, take a trip to Cranston for Beervana Fest. If you're a lover of good beer, you won't want to miss it. Beervana Fest will have more than 250 different kinds of beer as well as educational seminars. Buy your tickets in advance! 

Steere Orchard Applefest, Greenville, RI

Pick your own apples and more at this annual fall festival! Crowds a-plenty gather in early October at the orchard for delicious food and activities for the entire family occuring. The event kicks off a full season full of apple-picking, so if you can’t come to the fall fest, stop by later in the fall for more fun. 

Misquamicut Fall Fest, Westerly, RI

The beach might seem too summery for fall, but the Misquamicut Fall Fest sure knows how to greet the new season! In the middle of September, grab a beach blanket and head out to Misquamicut State Beach for cover bands, fantastic carnival rides, and a classic car show on Saturday. For food, you’ll love sampling from the dozens of vendors at their Food Truck Rodeo.

Johnston's Annual Apple Festival, Johnston, RI

Johnston Memorial Park always hosts the apple festival, attracting more than 5,000 people some years. Enjoy the sweet smell of apple pies and apple crisps wafting throughout the festival all day long. Take part in an apple pie baking competition with local judges, or enjoy some rocking tunes supplied by local Northeast musicians.

Scituate Art Festival, Scituate, RI

Around for over five decades, the Scituate Art Festival features a huge number of regional vendors all packed into a small stretch of land. The even was started to fundraise for the restoration of the Congregational Church back in the 1960s, but it continues to this day as a beloved event among community members. Still, the proceeds do go to various nonprofits throughout the community. 

Key Insights at a Glance

• Autumnfest in Woonsocket features a parade, amusement rides, food, and a beer garden.
• Slater Park Fall Festival in Pawtucket offers live music, art, and an open-air market.
• Smith's Castle Harvest Festival in North Kingstown celebrates the harvest with activities for all ages.
• Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair in Middletown offers family-friendly activities, food trucks, and live music.
• Beervana Fest in Cranston is a beer lover's paradise with over 250 types of beer and educational seminars.
• Steere Orchard Applefest in Greenville allows visitors to pick their own apples and enjoy family-friendly activities.
• Misquamicut Fall Fest in Westerly features cover bands, carnival rides, a classic car show, and a Food Truck Rodeo.
• Johnston's Annual Apple Festival in Johnston includes apple pie baking competitions, live music, and delicious apple treats.
• Scituate Art Festival in Scituate features regional vendors and raises funds for local nonprofits.