- by Nora Fairman
RHODE ISLAND FOOD FESTIVALS TO
CHECK OUT THIS FALL
There’s no shortage of great food in Rhode Island, and fall is one of the best times of year to get out and enjoy it. As the weather starts to cool down, communities across the state are gearing up for seafood festivals, food and wine events, and other local celebrations centered around some of Rhode Island’s favorite flavors.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this fall, these Rhode Island food festivals and culinary events are worth adding to your calendar.
Rhode Island Seafood Festival
September 12th-13th at India Point Park, in Providence, RI
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss the Rhode Island Seafood Festival in Providence. The two-day festival takes place at India Point Park, giving visitors the chance to enjoy local food while taking in views of the Providence waterfront.
Local restaurants will be serving up seafood and other favorites, while the festival will also feature locally produced beer, wine, and cocktails. There will be live music, craft vendors, games, and activities throughout the weekend, making it a good option whether you’re going with friends or the whole family.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
September 18th-20th in Rosecliff, Newport, RI
For a food festival with a little more of an upscale feel, head to Newport for the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.
Held at the historic Rosecliff, this annual event brings together chefs, local restaurants, culinary vendors, and wineries and spirits producers from around the world. The weekend includes tastings, special events, and opportunities to try food and drinks while surrounded by some of Newport’s famous scenery. It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys trying new restaurants, discovering new wines, or simply looking for a unique Newport, RI event this fall.
Rhode Island Calamari Festival
September 19th at Veterans Park, Narragansett, RI
Rhode Island has a pretty serious love for calamari, so it only makes sense that there’s an entire festival dedicated to it.
The Rhode Island Calamari Festival and Cook-Off returns to Narragansett on September 19th. Local restaurants will serve their own calamari creations as they compete for the Calamari Trophy. Visitors can sample the different dishes and decide which one is their favorite.
The festival will also feature local oysters, restaurant pop-ups, desserts, a beer tent, and activities for kids.
Pawtucket Oktoberfest
September 26th-27th, 2026 in Pawtucket, RI
If seafood isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to eat your way through Rhode Island this fall. Pawtucket Oktoberfest brings a taste of Bavaria to the Ocean State with German food, beer, music, and a two-day celebration.
The event takes place at the German American Cultural Society and is inspired by the traditional Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich. Along with plenty of food and drinks, visitors can enjoy live music and a festive atmosphere.
Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival
October 17th-18th, 2026 at Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI
One of the most popular fall food festivals in Rhode Island is returning to Newport in October. The Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival celebrates the state’s coastal roots with two days of fresh seafood, live music, and waterfront fun.
You’ll find plenty of Rhode Island favorites, including lobster rolls, fish tacos, stuffies, chowder, fried calamari, clams, and oysters. There are also sweet treats and other options for anyone who isn’t in the mood for seafood.
With the colorful tents along the waterfront and plenty of local food to try, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic Newport fall event.
Food Truck Events Around Rhode Island
Food festivals aren’t the only way to find great local eats this fall. Food truck events are also happening in communities throughout Rhode Island.
Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park continues through September 25th, bringing more than 15 food trucks to Carousel Village each Friday evening. Visitors can grab dinner from a rotating lineup of trucks, listen to live music, and enjoy the park. Admission is free, so you can simply stop by and pay for whatever you want to eat.
There are also food truck events scheduled in other Rhode Island communities throughout the fall.
Enjoy the Rhode Island Food Scene This Fall
From fresh seafood on the Providence waterfront to calamari in Narragansett and lobster rolls in Newport, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Rhode Island food this fall.
These Rhode Island food festivals are also a great excuse to explore different towns, support local restaurants and businesses, and spend time with friends and family. Whether you’re a lifelong Rhode Islander or new to the area, there’s always another local favorite to discover.
So grab your appetite and start planning your next weekend outing. You might just find your new favorite Rhode Island food along the way. If you find yourself interested in making The Ocean State your home, contact one of our Lamacchia Realty East Providence office agents today!
