September in Rhode Island is when the summer bustle gives way to a more relaxed rhythm, yet the state’s calendar remains full of energy. Tourists may begin to thin out, but locals and savvy travelers know that this is one of the best months to experience the Ocean State. The weather is still warm enough for outdoor festivities, the sunsets are golden, and the air carries just the faintest hint of autumn. From culinary celebrations to artistic showcases, September offers a variety of festivals that embody Rhode Island’s charm, creativity, and love of good food.
Here’s your guide to the most anticipated events happening this September — a blend of flavor, tradition, and pure New England fun.
Rhode Island Seafood Festival – Providence
Dates: September 6–7, 2025
Location: India Point Park, Providence, RI
Website: riseafoodfest.com
The Rhode Island Seafood Festival is a feast for the senses and a true tribute to the state’s coastal heritage. Set against the backdrop of Providence’s India Point Park, the event offers stunning waterfront views while you indulge in some of the freshest seafood imaginable.
More than 30 local vendors will be serving their specialties — expect everything from the ever-popular lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder to creative dishes that combine local catches with global flavors. Alongside the food, you’ll find local breweries pouring craft beers, vineyards offering wine tastings, and a main stage featuring live music throughout the weekend.
Insider tip: Arrive early to beat the midday crowds, and bring a picnic blanket so you can enjoy your seafood haul while watching the boats drift by on the Providence River.
Slater Park Fall Festival – Pawtucket
Dates: September 14–15, 2025
Location: Slater Memorial Park, Pawtucket, RI
Website: pawtucketartsfestival.org
Held within Pawtucket’s historic Slater Memorial Park, the Fall Festival is a celebration of creativity, music, and community pride. As part of the month-long Pawtucket Arts Festival, this event draws artisans and crafters from across New England. You’ll find booths selling hand-knit scarves, custom jewelry, pottery, paintings, and all manner of one-of-a-kind goods.
Families will appreciate the kid-friendly activities — face painting, pony rides, and interactive craft stations — while music lovers can enjoy performances ranging from folk and jazz to a highlight concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. The park’s walking trails and historic carousel make this more than just a marketplace; it’s an experience that blends art and leisure in a picturesque setting.
Insider tip: After exploring the festival, take a ride on the Looff Carousel, a National Historic Landmark that’s been delighting visitors since 1895.
Calamari Festival – Narragansett
Dates: September 14, 2025
Location: Narragansett Gazebo, Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI
Website: ricalamarifest.com
It’s official — calamari is Rhode Island’s state appetizer, and the town of Narragansett celebrates it in style. The Calamari Festival is a one-day, flavor-packed event that runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., attracting both locals and visitors with a shared love of this tender, crispy delicacy.
Dozens of local restaurants compete for the coveted title of “Best Calamari in Rhode Island,” serving up their own spins on the classic dish. You’ll find everything from traditional fried calamari with marinara to inventive takes featuring Asian spices, Mediterranean herbs, or even sweet-and-savory glazes. Guests can sip craft cocktails, listen to live music, browse local vendor stalls, and — most importantly — vote for their favorite.
Insider tip: Start your tasting rounds with the lighter, grilled options before moving on to the fried varieties. Your taste buds (and your appetite) will thank you.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Location: Various historic mansions in Newport, RI
Website: newportmansions.org
Imagine sipping a rare vintage Chardonnay, while standing on the terrace of a Gilded Age mansion, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. That’s the experience the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival delivers.
This prestigious event offers a series of tastings, seminars, and gourmet dinners set inside and on the grounds of Newport’s most famous estates, such as The Breakers and Rosecliff. The festival draws world-renowned chefs, sommeliers, and vintners, giving attendees a chance to learn about wine pairings, culinary techniques, and the latest trends in fine dining.
Insider tip: Tickets for the smaller, chef-led dinners tend to sell out first. If you want an intimate dining experience in a historic setting, book as soon as tickets go on sale.
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival – Newport
Dates: October 18–19, 2025
Location: Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI
Website: bowenswharf.com
While technically in October, the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival is worth noting for seafood lovers mapping out their fall travel. This lively event takes place right on Newport’s bustling waterfront, where vendors serve a mix of local favorites — think lobster dinners, stuffed quahogs, and clam cakes — alongside live bands that keep the energy high all weekend.
Cooking demonstrations from local chefs add an educational twist, while the salty sea air and view of sailboats make this a quintessential coastal experience. It’s free to attend, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Insider tip: Grab a cup of Rhode Island’s unique “clear broth” chowder for a lighter, equally delicious alternative to the creamy version.
Planning Your Festival Experience
With so many events to choose from, a little planning can make your September festival-hopping smooth and enjoyable.
Purchase Tickets Early: Many of the most popular events — especially the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival and the Calamari Festival — sell out quickly. Look for early bird discounts.
Check Official Websites: Schedules, vendor lists, and live music lineups often change. Bookmark event websites and check them before you go.
Consider Transportation: Parking in coastal towns can be tricky, especially in Newport and Narragansett. Public transit, rideshares, or shuttles are smart options.
Dress in Layers: September weather in Rhode Island can swing from warm sunshine to cool ocean breezes in a single afternoon.
Bring Essentials: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are must-haves. A small folding chair or picnic blanket can also come in handy.
September In Rhode Island Holds Many Hidden Secrets
For many locals, September is the state’s best-kept secret. The ocean is still warm from summer, the days are long enough for evening strolls, and the festivals offer a concentrated dose of everything Rhode Island does best: food, history, art, and music.
Unlike the peak summer months, there’s more breathing room — shorter lines, easier restaurant reservations, and a more relaxed pace. Yet the energy is far from sleepy. The events happening this month are thoughtfully curated and deeply tied to the state’s identity, whether through its fishing heritage, artistic traditions, or historic preservation.
September in Rhode Island isn’t just the bridge between summer and fall — it’s a celebration in its own right. You can savor calamari on the Narragansett shore, listen to symphonies in a Pawtucket park, sample wines in the grandeur of Newport’s mansions, or watch the sun set over Providence after a day of seafood and music.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Rhode Islander, these festivals are invitations to slow down, enjoy the moment, and connect with the flavors, stories, and people that make the Ocean State unique.
So, mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and get ready to celebrate Rhode Island in its golden month.
