Newport is a definite go-to destination during summer in Rhode Island. I have never been disappointed after gathering with family and friends, and spending days on its beautiful, scenic beaches.
As a coastal city, Newport is defined by its superb seafood, superior sailing, as well as its satisfying, seasonal attractions. All in all, it’s a town with an emphasis on oceanfront activities, outdoor entertainment, and is ideal for a summer getaway.
Newport, in the fall, however, offers just as many options for visitors of all ages. As September approaches, its oceanside weather is still warm, and the tourists have dispersed. Therefore, fall is when you can truly immerse yourself in events that exude Newport’s rich culture and history, without the huge crowds.
Below are just some of Newport’s upcoming annual fall events, that are favorites and traditions for many thousands of visitors each year.
NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Newport Yachting Center Marina
SEPTEMBER 12 – 15
Visit https://newportboatshow.com/ for full event details.
September 12, 2024 10am-6pm
September 13, 2024 10am-6pm
September 14, 2024 10am-6pm
September 15, 2024 10am-5pm
If you harbor a passion for boating,
there’s only one place to be…
The Newport International Boat Show (NIBS), one of the largest and most prestigious boat shows in the country, spans over fifteen acres, with 6 connecting show sites, within historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Walk the docks and view a spectacular display of shiny new sailboats and powerboats, some making their first-ever debut in the United States. On the land side, you’ll find hundreds of marine products, services, and accessories to enhance the boating lifestyle. Also on deck are educational seminars, in-water boating courses, and daily giveaways.
The Boat Show’s September dates are from 12-15th, and stunning locations are added benefits to your visit. Set amongst grand coastal scenery, national historic sites, trendy boutiques, and world-class restaurants, it’s easy to pair your passion for boating with the experience of Newport and the beauty of fall in New England.
One of the largest in-water boat shows in the country, and the premier show in New England, the Newport International Boat Show encompasses hundreds of exhibitors from around the world, with new powerboats and sailboats, ranging from 15 to 90 feet, plus accessories, equipment, electronics, gear, and services, for boaters. Meander an expansive collection of boats and accessories, alongside a wealth of events.
BRISTOL PORCHFEST
Bristol PorchFest is back, bigger and better than ever. Returning September 15, PorchFest 2024, will feature more music and more variety, in celebration of music and community. This free, fun, family-friendly event will be located on lower High Street, Bristol RI.
PorchFest will feature returning performers such as Catnip Junkies, Turas, Dred Buffalo, Manel the Island Man and more. And look for new-to-PorchFest acts–How We Burn, Lady Anemoia, Southcoast Brass Band, and others.
Rain date September 22.
Picture this: 20 bands, 10 porches, and 3 hours of live music stretching across historic High Street in Bristol, Rhode Island. From Jazz and Swing to modern bluegrass and folk, there is something for everyone at Porchfest.
19TH ANNUAL NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 19 – 22, 2024
Rosecliff
548 Bellevue Ave
Newport, RI 02840
The 2024 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival returns to the spectacular Newport Mansions, with special events, celebrity appearances, along with wine and food from around the world.
The Festival will include a series of tasty seminars, a well-stocked Tasting Tent each day, Connoisseur’s Dinner, Vintner Dinner, Sunday Jazz Buffet Brunch, and a special guest appearance by celebrated Chef Jacques Pépin and his daughter and co-star, Claudine Pépin!
AUDRAIN’S NEWPORT CONCOURS & MOTOR WEEK
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 – SUNDAY 7, 2024
Visit https://www.audrainconcours.com/2024-week-at-a-glance to view details about the entire week.
“Preserving Newport’s History One Car At A Time”
The history of Newport is synonymous with sporting firsts, from the first US Open golf championship, to the first New York Yacht Club annual regatta, to the first American car circuit race. Newport’s extensive automotive history dates back as early as the Gilded Age, with the first Vanderbilt Cup trophy given in a race on September 6, 1900, after Willie K. Vanderbilt, and some of his closest friends, traveled to the nearby horse track to race their newly-imported automobiles. Little did they realize the impact their racing exploits would have on American racing culture.
With such a rich motoring history, Newport is a natural destination for a premier Concours & Motor Week, with beautiful, historic mansions, landmark commercial buildings, and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean, providing the most elegant of backdrops. Established in 2019, the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week is a multi-day celebration of the automobile, uniting enthusiasts from around the world.
Audrain Automobile Museum
Founded in 2014, the Audrain Automobile Museum has grown exponentially, since its inception, with over thirty acclaimed exhibitions, popular YouTube and podcast channels, and charitable outreaches throughout New England.
“More of an Art Museum than a Car Museum,” the Audrain celebrates the Machine Age, when art and automobiles came together, the people who created the vehicles, those who owned them, and the society they impacted. With access to more than 500 of the most remarkable and rare vehicles ever made, the Museum takes pride in its ability to display automobiles from 1899, to the modern day. Vehicles are chosen, specifically, and showcased, based on ever-changing exhibition themes. Curated, themed exhibitions, four per year, give their guests of all ages a completely unique experience with each visit.
Newport’s extensive automotive history dates back as early as the Gilded Age. The first American car race, the Vanderbilt Cup, took place in this historic area. Given its rich motoring history, Newport is the premiere destination for a Concours & Motor Week. Beautiful, historic mansions and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean provide the most elegant of backdrops. Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week will be a celebration of the automobile, uniting enthusiasts from around the world.
