Spooky Nights & Pumpkin Bites šŸŽƒ

Discover spooky fun in PVD, pumpkin treats across Rhode Island, global beats in Cranston, + more!

You know what’s been all over the place lately? The weather. One minute it’s crisp and cozy, the next you’re sweating through your hoodie wondering why you ordered a hot latte. But hey, you know what isn’t flip-flopping? Your weekly fix of Rhody magic, showing up right on time in your inbox. While Mother Nature sorts out her mood swings, we’ve got you covered with a steady stream of local gems. So whether you're bundled up or blasting the AC, kick back and soak up this week’s lineup – from spooky-good fun around PVD to history-making moves by Rhode Island’s finest, and all the unforgettable moments in between.

Providence’s North Burial Ground Comes Alive for Spooky Season

The historic North Burial Ground is once again the heartbeat of Halloween in Providence, offering a month of eerie fun that blends history, art, and the supernatural. From ghost tours hosted by Sarah Helen Whitman’s spirit to live music and local brews at the Mausoleum Hill Sessions, the city’s most atmospheric spot is ready to thrill and chill all October long. Read more online.

• By Jenna Kaplan, photo by Amy Armentes

Eight Ways to Get Your Pumpkin Fix in Rhode Island

From pumpkin pancakes at T’s to maple-infused ale at Crooked Current, Rhode Island’s cafes, bakeries, and breweries are already dishing out autumn’s favorite flavor. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or spiked, these eight local spots prove it’s never too early to embrace pumpkin season. Read more online.

• By Patty J, photo courtesy of T’s Restaurant

Gather RI Opens as Rhode Island’s First Feminist Cultural Center

History gets a major glow-up with Gather RI, the state’s first feminist cultural center opening January 10, 2026, at 189 Broadway. Designed as both a public space and a members’ haven, the center celebrates women and gender expansive voices through art, community, and a growing biographical library that rewrites history to include every story. Read more online.

•By Jenna Kaplan, photo by Cat Laine courtesy of Gather RI

ā€œLong Waveā€ Public Art Installation Mesmerizes Visitors at Roger Williams Park

A captivating new sight is drawing visitors to Roger Williams Park. After sunset, Long Wave – an immersive, illuminated public art installation – transforms the lawn near the Rose Garden into a vibrant, otherworldly landscape. Commissioned by the Roger Williams Park Conservancy, Long Wave is the work of Pneuhaus in collaboration with Smooth Technology, with funding from the RI Commerce Corporation’s RI Rebounds Placemaking Initiative and support from the Providence Parks Department.

Designed and fabricated by Pneuhaus, a Rhode Island-based art and design studio known for its innovative inflatable architecture, Long Wave is built from modular segments tailored to standard fabric roll widths. The lighting and animation elements were developed in partnership with Smooth Technology, a Brooklyn- and Providence-based studio known for integrating responsive lighting into public art and performances.

Spanning nearly 200 feet in length and rising over 20 feet high, the spiraling structure evokes a sense of motion and scale. After dark, dynamic pulses of light move along the structure’s path. ā€œThe title, ā€˜Long Wave,’ refers not only to the sine-like geometry of the structure, but also to broader cycles – of time, energy, and perception – that unfold slowly and steadily across space," says August Lehrecke, co-founder of Pneuhaus.

ā€œLong Wave is a perfect example of how public art can transform familiar spaces into something truly magical,ā€ said Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director of the Roger Williams Park Conservancy. ā€œWe’re thrilled to bring this installation to the park to invite visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with art in a direct and memorable way. It’s a celebration of creativity and community.ā€

Experience the installation during Sunset at Long Wave this Friday, October 10 at 6pm, a relaxed gathering with live music. Visit RWPConservancy.org and follow @rogerwilliamspark to for more events at the Park this autumn!  

Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of what’s happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.

Date

Event

Wednesday 10/8

Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch Opening Day
The Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch is back in downtown Newport, October 8-31, with pick-your-own pumpkins, gourds, mums, baked goods, cider, and weekend live music to make your fall stroll even sweeter. Learn more online

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Genevieve Wheeler presents Beyond Blue & White Book Talk
Join Charter Books and the Newport Art Museum at the Griswold House from 5-6:15pm for a talk and signing with Genevieve Wheeler Brown, author of Beyond Blue and White: The Hidden History of Delftware and the Women Behind the Iconic Ceramic. Learn more online

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Halloween Horror Trivia

Enjoy a horror-themed trivia night with a spooky mixed-media twist and a special menu from Screaming Unicorn at Halloween Horror Trivia, hosted by Sean Fitts and PVD Horror, at 6:30pm at Buttonwoods Brewery in PVD. Learn more online

Thursday 10/9

Pints with Purpose Kick-Off
Raise a glass for a good cause at Pints with Purpose Kick-Off event from 6-9pm at The Guild in Pawtucket, where every pint supports the Rhode Island Community Food Bank with brews, raffles, and local cheer! Learn more online

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UNA LUNA

Get ready for Providence’s ultimate art throwdown at UNA LUNA from 5-11pm at WaterFire Arts Center, where muralists battle live, DJs keep the beats bumping, and food, drinks, and local vendors turn the night into a full-on cultural celebration. Learn more online

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11th Annual Rogue Island Comedy Fall Fest

Get ready to laugh out loud as the Rogue Island Comedy Festival 2025 takes over Newport and Providence from October 9-13, featuring top comedians, rising stars, and nonstop stand-up all weekend long. Learn more online

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Jill Pearlman Book Event

Discover poetry, stories, and conversation at Symposium Books in PVD from 6-7pm, as Jill Pearlman shares her new work Diaspora of Things in a lively discussion moderated by Christina Bevilacqua. Learn more online

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Sweetgum Planting at Morton Park

Join the Newport Tree Conservancy at 2pm in Morton Park for a tree planting celebrating Newport’s historic landscape and the replacement of a 150-year-old heritage sweetgum lost last year. Learn more online

Friday 10/10

Annual Pumpkin Regatta

Paddle if you dare at the Annual Pumpkin Regatta at Newport Shipyard, where teams race giant ā€œpumpkinsā€ across the basin for charity, costumes win prizes, and food, drinks, and raffles keep the fun afloat. Learn more online.

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40th Annual Galbani Columbus Weekend Festival

Beginning October 10 and running through October 13, the 40th Annual Columbus Weekend Festival on Federal Hill will feature food, rides, games, live entertainment, and a dazzling parade on Sunday, October 12 at 11am. Learn more online

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All That Matters Yoga’s Restorative Retreat Night

Welcome autumn with ease during a 3-hour journey of gentle movement, deep rest, and mindful relaxation designed to calm the body, quiet the mind, and nourish the spirit at All That Matters Yoga in Wakefield. Learn more online

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Autumnfest

Celebrate Northern Rhode Island’s largest festival at Woonsocket’s World War II Veterans Memorial State Park, October 10–13, with local vendors, food, live music, and plenty of family fun. Learn more online

Saturday 10/11

Smoketober Fest

Fire up your fall at Smoketober Fest on from 12-5pm at The Last Resort in Smithfield, where $30 gets you all-you-can-eat BBQ, live music, raffles, games, and a finger-lickin’ competition judged by both the pros and the crowd. Learn more online 

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Rhode Island Country Music Festival

Saddle up for the Annual Rhode Island Country Music Festival at Heroes Field in West Greenwich, beginning October 11 and running through October 12, featuring big-name acts, tributes, local favorites, and a weekend full of food, fun, and country tunes. Learn more online

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59th Annual Scituate Art Festival

Celebrate fall at the 59th Annual Scituate Art Festival on the Village Green, running from October 11 to 13, with fine art, handmade crafts, antiques, live music, and plenty of tasty treats to enjoy along the way! Learn more online

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Sakonnet Vineyard’s 50th Anniversary Harvest Festival

Raise a glass to Sakonnet Vineyard’s 50th Anniversary Harvest Festival, happening October 11-12, with two days of family fun, live music, local wine and food, and plenty of autumn cheer among the vines. Learn more online

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Broadway Street Fair

Celebrate community at Newport’s Broadway Street Fair from 12-6pm, with local food, live music, art, kids’ activities, cool cars, mini golf, and more along Broadway from Equality Park to Washington Square. Learn more online

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Hope Street Farmers Market at Lippitt Park

Shop local and fresh at the Hope Street Farmers Market from 9am-1pm at Lippitt Park, where Hope Street meets Blackstone Boulevard, and stock up on Rhode Island–grown produce, flowers, cheeses, baked goods, meats, and more. Learn more online

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Rhode Island Reading Festival

Join the first annual Rhode Island Reading Festivalfrom 10am-5pm at the Providence Public Library for a full day of author panels, book signings, storytimes, literacy activities, and community book swaps – all free and open to the public. Learn more online

Sunday 10/12

Tiverton Farmers Market’s Annual Harvest Market

Enjoy Tiverton Farmers Market’s Annual Harvest Market from 10am-4pm at Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton, with 75+ vendors, food trucks, live music, local wine, and family fun amid stunning vineyard views. Learn more online

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Warren’s Walkabout

Explore the charm of coastal Rhode Island during the annual Warren Walkabout from 12-5pm, a free community event featuring 75+ local businesses, live music, art demos, tastings, and family fun that showcase the creativity and spirit of this coastal gem. Learn more online

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Fall Clothing Swap

Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at the Fall Clothing Swap on from 12–3pm at Red Ink in PVD. Bring your gently used items to exchange, find new favorites, and enjoy a cozy afternoon of community and reuse. Learn more online

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Tea Time with Mary Poppins

Join Mary Poppins at the Fairy Tea Room in Warren from 2:30-4pm for songs, games, photo ops, and a delightful tea service with sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, and a spoonful of sugar. Learn more online

Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!

Pink Martini Brings a Global Groove to Cranston

Portland’s genre-mixing ā€œlittle orchestra,ā€ Pink Martini, is headed to Cranston’s Park Theatre on October 11 for a night of multilingual melodies, jazzy vibes, and global rhythms. With powerhouse vocalist Storm Large in tow, the band promises an upbeat, all-ages show that blends international flair with feel-good fun. Read more online.

• By Ken Abrams, photo courtesy of The Park Theatre

Master Marketing Measurement with Incrementality

Still guessing which campaigns actually work? Discover how leading brands cut waste and scale smarter with incrementality. This free guide breaks down how to measure true impact, optimize spend, and move beyond outdated attribution. Download now and start making smarter, data-backed marketing decisions.

⭐Have you voted yet? Support West Place Animal Sanctuary in the 2025 Defender Service Awards and help them continue providing daily care and rescue for animals in need. Visit West Place online to cast your vote and make a difference today!

⭐Think you can outsmart the pumpkins? The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular runs nightly through November 2 at Roger Williams Park Zoo, with thousands of glowing gourds and trivia twists for all ages. Don’t miss New England’s must-see fall tradition, open from 6-10:30pm nightly.

⭐Think you can handle the heat? Chef Cara Mourning of Blu Violet Rooftop Bar is competing on this season’s Hell’s Kitchen: Battle of the States, impressing Chef Gordon Ramsay with her bold ā€œwatermelon fake tunaā€ dish. Celebrate her success at Blu Violet, where guests can taste the featured dish, meet Chef Daddy, and enjoy her signature cocktail, ā€œDaddy is in Hell,ā€ before the rooftop closes October 25 for a stunning redesign debuting at the New Year’s Eve Roaring ’20s party.

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When the moon plays peekaboo through the fall leaves, you stop and take the photo. (Obviously.) šŸŒ•šŸ‚

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