Weekend Fêtes & Finds 🤩

Ready to sip cider and navigate corn mazes like a true Rhody pro? We’ve packed today’s newsletter with your weekend playbook, filled with all the autumn happenings, plus a dash of kindness, a sprinkle of sweet treats, and just the right amount of spooky to keep things fun!

Weekend Must-Do’s: Fall Fests & Feasts 🍂

From oyster shucking to Oktoberfest cheers, this weekend is packed with autumn adventures for all ages. Don’t miss out on harvest fairs, comedy festivals, and spooky happenings – you'll want to mark your calendars for these must-attend events! Read the full list online at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo by Janet Moscarello, courtesy of The Collaborative}

8 Rhody-Inspired Ways to Celebrate National Do Something Nice Day

Looking to spread kindness without spending a fortune? From buying a local coffee to planting trees, celebrate National Do Something Nice Day on October 5 with simple, heartfelt gestures that make a big impact. Read more on our latest blog at HeyRhody.com.

^{•By Jenna Kaplan}

Experts’ Insights on Foraging Local Plants and Mushrooms

On Fungal Forays with the Rhode Island Mycological Society, members uncover a vibrant array of mushrooms hidden in plain sight, while the East Bay-based herbalist behind Maggie’s Healing Path shares tips for using plants as medicine. Whether foraging for food or appreciating the vital role fungi play in conservation efforts, experts encourage all ages to get to know the outdoor spaces around us. Read more online at HeyRhody.com.

_{• Written and photographed by Abbie Lahmers}

Presented by Ocean State Oyster Festival

The Ocean State Oyster Festival Celebrates Harvests of the Sea

Now in its 10th year of celebrating Rhode Island’s aquaculture economy, the Ocean State Oyster Festival takes place at a new venue this year: 195 District Park along the Providence River. On October 5, guests are invited to dine on the region’s favorite bivalves to their heart’s content, while gleaning insight about the industry and ecosystem.

“Every fall, we get together to celebrate and recognize the oyster as a treasured natural resource in Rhode Island,” shares co-founder Frank Mullin. He and Dave Roebuck curate the state’s largest gathering of oyster farms serving up their fresh harvests in one place for attendees to foster an appreciation for local growers. Mullin and Roebuck also uplift environmental causes, explaining, “We partner with the Nature Conservancy of RI to rebuild natural habitat reefs, and help support the Ocean State Aquaculture Association as well.”

The Ocean State Oyster Festival not only serves as a platform to raise awareness about and expand the state’s aquaculture industry, but also uplifts educational programs about environmental sustainability of Narragansett Bay, engaging the public in a meaningful, immersive way. And not least of all, it’s a lively and delicious day of tasting oysters, patronizing food trucks, and sipping local craft beer and wine, all backdropped by live music and the beauty of Providence. Make it a doubleheader by catching the WaterFire lighting after!

Mullin and Roebuck emphasize that there’s something for all levels of enthusiasts. “Guests can meet like-minded fans of RI's seafood, sample an array of oysters from different parts of the state, and maybe meet the oyster grower in the process.”

The Ocean State Oyster Festival takes place Saturday, October 5 from 1-8pm at 195 District Park, with tickets and a full lineup of vendors and entertainment available online at OysterFestRI.com.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy of Ocean State Oyster Festival}

Food Trends: South County Halloween Hankerings

From spooky cupcakes to autumnal ice cream, these seasonal specials are all treats, no tricks! Get a taste of fall with limited-time flavors and festive treats from your favorite local spots in South County. Read more online at SoRhodeIsland.com.

^{• By Ken Abrams, photo courtesy of Celebrated}

New Episode Alert: Jojo Loves You’s Success Story on Hey Rhody Podcast!

Chris Revill and Jenna Kaplan chat with Missy Pagios and Kristen Cassisi, the sisters behind Jojo Loves You, a Rhode Island-based handmade jewelry brand. From startup struggles to pandemic pivots, they share how their support system and community helped them grow a thriving business while balancing life as new moms.