Event listings are free. They are put here in the hope you will find
there are many things to see and do on Aquidneck Island. The information
is submitted or compiled from promotional material distributed
for the events. Information is deemed reliable but you would be
wise to call or check the event website for the latest information.
Don't forget to say, you found them - "OnAquidneck.com"
If you need directions to get to an event try using Mapquest for
a map or go directly to driving directions here.
Through Nov. 6 - Portsmouth: Get Lost in Escobar's Corn Maze! Through Labor Day Hours are Mon through Sat. 10am till dusk, Sundays 11 - dusk. After Labor Day, Fridays 3:30pm till dusk, Saturdays 10am till dusk, and 11am -dusk on Sundays. (After Labor Day open midweek for large groups and school field trips by reservation only.) Open Columbus Day 10:00 - dusk. The maze this year celebrates Fun at the Escobar Farm. The Maze covers 8 Acres and was designed by Brett Herbst of The Maize. We love dogs, but for their safety they must be kept on a leash at all times. If your doggie wants to run the maze with you we'll be happy to give you a bag so that you can bring out anything he might wish to leave behind to "trip up" other Maizies.
Admission- 12 and over, $7; 5 - 11 years old, $5; children 4 and under are free. There is also a hay play area for smaller children, a concession stand, and porta potties. See their web site for more info and special events -
After Labor Day Open Midweek for Groups; Open Columbus Day 10:00 until Dusk. See also this page for a coupon. Other information call 683-1444.
Tuesday evenings, through Sept 27 - Newport: Yoga in the Park at Ballard Park 6:00-7:30 pm in Ballard Park. Tuesday EveningsYoga class covering breathing, warm-up, basic postures and relaxation for all levels. Those interested should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. Class is in the quarry meadow. Use Hazard Road entrance. $10 per person. Friends of Ballard Park.Ballard Park is located at the corner of Hazard Rd & Wickham Rd, Newport (Entrance Across from Rogers High School)
Saturdays, through Sept. - Portsmouth: Newport International Polo Series Generally a 5pm start Saturdays. Glen Farm is on Rt 138 in Portsmouth. See the web site for more information.
Through Columbus Day - Newport: Fort Adams Guided Tours Open for the Season from 10 am-4pm. Tours depart from the Fort Adams Gift Shop daily, weather permitting, every hour on the hour from May 21st through Columbus Day (Oct. 10, 2011). View the officer's quarters, explore the underground listening tunnels and climb the rampart walls to breathtaking views of Newport Harbor. For more information visit www.fortadams.org or call 841-0707
Saturdays and Wednesdays, June through Oct. - Middletown & Newport: The Aquidneck Grower's Market Saturdays (June 4- October 29) 9am to 1pm, 909 East Main Rd (Rte 138) in Middletown (at Newport Vineyards & Winery). 401-848-0099 AND Wednesdays (June 8 - October 26) 2pm to 6pm, Memorial Boulevard between Thames & Bellevue, Newport. For more information on RI's Farmer's Markets check the RI Division of Agriculture/DEM website.
Thursdays, June through Oct. 27 - Middletown: The Island Farmers Market 2pm to 6pm at Aquidneck Grange Hall, 499 East Main Road Middletown. The market will include, Aquidneck Honey, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, flowers, lobsters and more. Also new this year - Bravo Wood FIred Pizza and Reynolds Barn Goat Cheese. For more information call 441-4317 or email,
Through Labor Day Sept. 5 - Newport: The Save The Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium Open open daily 10-4 through Labor Day. The Save The Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium located at Easton's Beach in Newport is an interactive marine science learning center offering educational programs and activities for school groups, families and children interested in learning more about Narragansett Bay. General admission is $6 / FREE for Save The Bay members and children under 4.
Sept. 1 - Newport: newportFILM OUTDOORS Summer Line-Up - FREE Cinema Under the Stars Experience independent cinema under the stars during the short-lived but warm and wonderful nights of summer in new england. We will bring fresh narratives and documentaries to be experienced amongst Aquidneck Island's bounty of beautiful outdoor spaces: thriving nature preserves, sprawling ocean-front lawns, elegant mansion gardens, public parks and working farms are just a sampling of our special outdoor screening venues. • "doors" open at 6:15 for September outdoor screenings. Sundown occurs approx. 7:20 in September. • the rain venue for all screenings will be the Casino Theater, 9 freebody street, Newport. Rain contingency plan will be called on newportfilm.com by 4pm, day of screening. SEPTEMBER: Thursday, September 1 - THE LAST MOUNTAIN, Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown - FREE, Bring a Picnic
Sept. 3 - 5 - Newport: Annual Newport Waterfront Irish Festival Sat. 12 noon - 9pm; Sun 12 noon - 8pm; Mon 12 noon - 5pm. Let the Celtic shenanigans begin! Paint the town green in this three-day celebration of all things Irish! Kick up your heels to traditional Irish step-dance, comedy routines, and the spirited sounds of nonstop Irish music, including Eileen Ivers, The Town Pants, The Makem & Spain Brothers, The Screaming Orphans, Calley McGrane & The Exiles, Dermott Henry and many more. With dedicated kids' areas, cultural exhibits, and an Irish marketplace full of handcrafted Celtic crafts, it's a frolicking family affair with something for everyone! And did we mention the Guinness? For more information on entertainment, acts and admission fees see the web site
Sept. 8 - Newport: Annual Open House Mom's Club of Newport/Middletown 10:00 a.m. to Noon at Easton's Beach Rotunda. Bring the kids, meet new friends, have some fun, and see what the MOMS Club has to offer: Mommy and Me Playgroups; Community Service; Family Activities and Trips; Family Support; Mom's Night Out and More! Featuring a free concert from the wonderful Christopher Kavi Carbone of Music Together at 10:30! The Carousel will be open from 11 – 12 We'll also have treats for the little ones too!
Sept. 8 - Portsmouth: Island Photography Group 5th Annual Exhibit at Portsmouth Free Public Libraryhildren's Room Programs at Portsmouth Free Public Library at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. The Island Photography Group is pleased to announce its 5th annual exhibit in the Michael W. Mello Program Room. The exhibit will be open for viewing during library hours except when the room is being used for meetings from Thursday, September 1 through September 29. An opening reception is scheduled for September 8th from 5 to 7 PM. The public is welcome and refreshments will be served. Please call the library at 683-9457 for more information about the exhibit. The Island Photography Group is an informal association and is open to photographers of all skill levels. There are currently over a dozen participants. We meet weekly for breakfast and share our pictures, exchange tips and advice, and have a good time. Then we select a location for an hour or two of picture taking. For more information about the Island Photography Group, contact Tony Stapleton via email at
Sept. 8 - Newport: Rough Point After Dark - Hula Dancing 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Avenue. How better to celebrate Doris Duke's passion for Hawaiian culture than by dancing the hula? Join the dance troupe Napua O' Polynesia (www.tropicalisland-dancers.com) for a night of hula dancing and traditional music. With demos and lessons alternating throughout the evening you can try it yourself or just enjoy the show. Cash bar. The admission cost is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Web Site. For questions contact
or (401) 846-4152
Admire stylish 20th-century sportswear and vintage sports equipment in the 2011 exhibit Dressed to Play: The Sporty Style of Doris Duke, open during After Dark events.
Sept. 9, 10 & 11 - Newport: Annual Fall Secret Garden Tour 10am to 5pm each day, rain or shine. Tours begin at Kingscote Mansion at 253 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI. Turn your ticket in there and you will be given a program with a map and directions to each of the gardens. Your ticket will be honored for the purchaser on any or all days of the tour, allowing for inclement weather, schedule conflicts, or just a late start. For information and to purchase tickets please see the web site www.secretgardentours.org
Sept. 11 - Portsmouth: Annual Portsmouth Democratic Clamboil At the Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club, Power Street (across from St. Anthony’s Church).The event will begin with the always entertaining auction and all-you-can-eat chowder and clamcakes at 1 pm. The traditional New England Clamboil of clams, chourico, hot dogs, sausage, onion, sweet potato, potato, and sweet corn will be served at 3 pm. In between, you can enjoy the auction, friendly conversation with your neighbors, and the ever-popular 50/50 raffle (last year's winner went home with more than $500!) We have strained to hold the line on ticket prices and offer this event for $30.00 per person ($10 for kids under 12). You can pick up tickets at Ferreira's Liquors, Allen's Wine & Spirits, the PA Club, or by calling Chuck Levesque at 847-2510. portsmouthridemocrats.com or on Facebook
Sept.12 - Jamestown: Jamestown Community Chorus kicks off its rehearsal season 7:00p.m. at the Central Baptist Church, 99 Narrangansett Avenue, Jamestown.
Registration will be from 6:30 - 7:00. Singers in all voice ranges are invited to join with the Jamestown Community Chorus. Auditions are not required and singers of all ages are welcome. The group is preparing a December 11 concert featuring choruses from Handel's Messiah accompanied by a chamber orchestra in the first half, and seasonal music from the Oxford Book of Carols in the second half. Singers will use the Coopersmith edition of Messiah for rehearsals. Copies may be purchased at Chorus registration, borrowed from the Jamestown Philomenian Library, or obtained elsewhere. For more information, call 401-423-1574, or visit the Chorus' website at www.jamestownri.com.
September 15 - Newport: Fashion Show of Canine Couture at Rough Point 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Avenue. Doors open at 5pm, show begins at 6pm. Rough Point's third annual "Doggy" Fashion Show features local Newporters and their canine companions, both stylishly dressed by Bellevue Avenue merchants. Inspired by Doris Duke's love for dogs, the event is a fundraiser for the Potter League for Animals and the Newport Restoration Foundation. The fashion show is sponsored by Newport pet boutique Wag Nation, whose canine couture is featured on the runway. Attendees are invited to bring their own four legged friend to explore oceanfront lawn at Rough Point. Treats will be provided for dogs and humans. Well-behaved, sociable dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Dog waste bags will be provided. Rain date is Wednesday, Sept 22. This event benefits the Newport Restoration Foundation Education Department and the Potter League for Animals. Visit their table and learn about pet adoption, pet care, and dog training. At 5pm you can check out their doggy manners class, 'The Cafe Dog'. Admission includes entrance to the 2011 exhibit, Dressed to Play: The Sporty Style of Doris Duke. $10 per person, free for children 5 and younger; purchase all tickets at the door. Purchase raffle tickets to win a Bellevue Avenue Shopping Spree- $2 per ticket or 3 tickets for $5. For questions contact
or (401) 846-4152Information on their web site.
Sept. 15 -18 - Newport: Annual Newport International Boat Show Thurs, Fri & Sat 10am - 6pm; Sunday 10am - 5pm. The 41st Annual Newport International Boat Show, will feature new sailboats and powerboats, and thousands of products and services from both domestic and international exhibitors.Multiple waterfront facilities along America's Cup Avenue host the Show including Newport Yachting Center, Oldport Marine, Bannister's Wharf and Bowen's Wharf. All Show sites are accessible by land or by water taxi service. www.newportboatshow.com
Sept. 17 - Tiverton: A Country Day At Pardon Gray 2011 10am to 4 p.m (Rain date September 18th) at Pardon Gray Preserve, Tiverton. The community celebration includes entertainment, music, activities, food, and fun for all ages. See more information at www.TivertonLandTrust.org
September 17 - Middletown: Blacksmithing Workshop at Prescott Farm 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Prescott Farm, 2009 West Main Road,
Middletown. Try your hand at blacksmithing in this participatory workshop. Join Jim Crothers, experienced master blacksmith from the South County Museum, in this hands-on, semi-private tutorial. Participants will create and take home an S-hook. Reservations required, call 401.846.4152. For questions contact
or (401) 846-4152. Information on their web site
September 17 - Newport: 5th Annual Molly Finn Battle of the Bands in Ballard Park 2:00 to 7:00 pm (Rain Date: Sunday, September 18). Friends of Ballard Park An all age event featuring local, talented, young musicians competing for recording time and concerts at local venues. Bands interested in entering the competition should visit www.ballardpark.org to download an entry form. FREE. Ballard Park is located at the corner of Hazard Rd & Wickham Rd, Newport (Entrance Across from Rogers High School)
Sept. 17, October 1& 15, November 5, 19 & 26, and December 17- Newport: "The Art of the Masquerade" Murder at the Museum at the Newport Art Museum 7pm - 8:30pm at the Newport Art Museum's Griswold House, 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. The Newport Art Museum invites guests to participate in a new "Murder at the Museum". The family-friendly performances are created and performed by the Marley Bridges Theatre Company. The group is staging an entertaining and interactive murder mystery, entitled "The Art of the Masquerade," set in 1916. The audience is invited to join bohemian artists, Newport millionaires and Hollywood stars for an evening of music, masquerade and murder. Revelry turns to devilry when a priceless painting steals the center of attention. Exposed grudges, double disguises and hidden agendas quickly lead to murder. Guests search the galleries for clues and question suspects to solve the crime. Costumes are welcome but are not required to attend this event.
Tickets for Museum members are $15 for adults and $8 for youth (17 and under). Tickets for non-members are $20 for adults and $13 for youth. Groups of ten or more qualify for discounts. Tickets are available on the Museum website at www.NewportArtMuseum.org or at the door. For more information or to make reservations call 401-848-8200.
September 18 - Middletown: URI Master Gardener's Talks at Prescott Farm 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at Prescott Farm, 2009 West Main Road,
Middletown. Join URI Master Gardeners for informal presentations on a variety of gardening topics. Bring along a soil sample from your garden to receive a basic analysis. 11:00 AM-noon. Free. Information on their web site. For questions contact
or (401) 846-4152
Sept. 20 - Newport: "Hieronymus Bosch's "Christ Mocked": 500 Years Old but Passionately Modern Topic for Lunch with the Artist at the Newport Art Museum 12 pm at the Newport Art Museum's Griswold House, 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. During this informal gathering beginning at noon, Tyre will show how the 500-year old painting is still "passionately modern." "Lunch with the Artist" is part of a series of continuing noon hour conversations at the Newport Art Museum and is free for Museum members; $5 for non-members. Guests are invited to sit back and learn, or join the discussion. Participants may bring lunches. "Lunch with the Artist" is held the third Tuesday of every month unless otherwise noted on their site. For more information about this event, weather cancellations, or the Newport Art Museum call (401) 848-8200 or visit www.newportartmuseum.com
Sept. 23 - 25 - Newport: Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 8:00 p.m. at Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue and Marble House, 596 Bellevue Avenue. eld in one of the most spectacular settings in America, this event has quickly taken its place among the most anticipated food and wine events in the country. This remarkable weekend experience features a gala celebration at Rosecliff, two days of Grand Tasting at Marble House with hundreds of wines from around the world, wine seminars, fabulous food, and cooking demonstrations by celebrated chefs. More information and tickets at www.NewportMansions.org, or call (401) 847-1000.
Sept. 24 - Middletown/Portsmouth: Shred-It Day with Newport Fed 8:30am – 11:30am. Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. Don't throw out your old financial documents, shred them at NewportFed's Shred-It Day. They will also be accepting donations for local charitable organizations. All residents are welcome to bring their items to be destroyed, at no charge! Shred-It Providence will be set up at Newport Fed branches: 1430 East Main Road, Portsmouth &
165 East Main Road, Middletown.
Sept. 28 - Newport: Study Day: Masterpieces and Master Craftsmen of 18th Century Newport 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Guild Hall, Poplar Street.
• Dennis Carr, Assistant Curator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Art of the Americas, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• Brock Jobe, Professor of American Decorative Arts, Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
• Patricia E. Kane, Friends of American Arts Curator of American Decorative Arts, Yale University Art Gallery
• Gerald W.R. Ward, Katharine Lane Weems Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Art of the Americas, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Newport craftsmen made the city into a vibrant center of furniture design and production in the 18th century. Generations of artisans were part of Newport's general artistic flowering in the Colonial Era, when the city was among the leading commercial and artistic cities in British North America. Their creations in the finest woods have become legendary in the history of American decorative arts. The important collections of Newport furniture in the Nichols-Wanton-Hunter House have been included in the Rhode Island Furniture Archive at the Yale University Art Gallery, a web-based resource on furniture and furniture making in Rhode Island from the time of the first European colonization in 1636 through the early 19th century. Join leading scholars of American furniture as they examine Rhode Island's remarkable heritage in furniture production and trade.
This program is made possible in part by a generous grant from The Americana Foundation. Admission: Preservation Society members $15, General admission $20. Advance registration requested. Register online at www.NewportMansions.org, or call (401) 847-1000 ext. 154.
September 28, October 26 - MIddletown: Windmill Wednesday 4:00-6:00 pm. 2009 West Main Road, Middletown. Ongoing tours the last Wednesday of the month. Have you always wanted to see the inside of the 1812 Prescott Farm windmill? Now is your chance! Explore how this amazing machine works and learn about the importance of grist milling on Aquidneck Island. Enjoy a family-friendly evening with johnnycake tasting hands-on activities for kids. $5 per person, children under 5 free. Please note: Windmill will not be in full operation due to safety and preservation concerns. www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/
Previous year's events (below) that we haven't gotten current information to update yet.
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Sept. -- - Middletown: "Picnic in the Park, Paradise Park, Boyd Gristmill Noon to 4 p.m Picnic in the Park. Paradise Park, Boyd Gristmill, Middletown. Bring A Picnic Basket Music by Jazz Trio Jonny Cakes ( A Rhode Island Tradition) will be madeBy Diane & Bob Smith
Sept. - Portsmouth: Children's Room Programs at Portsmouth Free Public Library at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. These programs are free and open to the public. Sept. -- am: Toddler Time -
Get movin and groovin over to the library and join us for songs, flannelboarding, and a craft perfect for little hands. For children ages 18 months through 2 years. You may sign up by calling the children's room at 683.9457. Sept. -- at 1 pm: Afternoon Story Time -
Roar! Join us for stories, songs, and a zoo craft inspired by some wonderful animal books. For children ages 3 to 5 years. You may sign up by calling the children's room at 683.9457. Sep. --at 4 pm: Picture This: a crafty kids program - Join Ms. Laura for a craft inspired by a famous children's book illustrator each time we meet. Students will use the artwork they are shown in books to inform their own artistic creations. For students in grades 1 through 4. You may sign up by calling the children's room at 683.9457. Sep. --t 10 am: Family Book Club: Regarding the Fountain - Join us for a lively discussion of this year's Youth Across RI reading selection, "Regarding the Fountain" by Kate Klise. Open to all ages of readers. Call the children's room at 683.9457 for more information. Sep. -- at 10 am: Spanish Story Time - Join us for stories and songs, in Spanish with some English. This special story time is conducted by a native Spanish speaker and includes a craft. For children ages 3 to 5 years. La hora de cuentos en inglés y en español para niños incluye la lectura, rimas, y canciones. Aunque el programa es dedicado a niños de 3 a 5 años, TODOS estan bienvenidos. You may sign up by calling the children's room at 683.9457. Sep. -- at 4 pm: Bookopoly -
Bookopoly is a creative game where you must use your mind and body to play. Played in teams, this month's game is based on the book, "How to Train Your Dragon". Call the children's room at 683.9457 for more information.
Sept. -- - Portsmouth: Annual Yard Sale & Bake Sale to Benefit the Portsmouth Historical Society 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.at the Portsmouth Historical Society, Corner of East Main Rd (Route 138) and Union St. 12-plus tables of collectibles, toys, pottery, house wares, and miscellaneous items. Everything is priced to sell! Home-made baked goods will also be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Society’s efforts to preserve Portsmouth ’s history and provide free educational programs for the public. NO EARLY BIRDS. Anyone interested in donating items can drop items off at the Museum on Friday, September 17, 2010 from 4-6 PM. Rain date is September 25, 2010.
Sept. -- - Portsmouth: Tuesday Night at the Movies at Portsmouth Free Public Library 6:30pm at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. “The Shop around the Corner” stars James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan as two employees at a gift shop who can barely stand one another. They manage to get through the day’s work by fantasizing about their sensitive romantic soul mates whom they’ve never met in person. Without realizing it, they are falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pal. The two stars make a delightful team as the clerks who fall in love through a lonely-hearts column in this black and white film from 1940. Refreshments will be served.
This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited so please stop by or call the Library at 683-9457.
Sept -- through -- - Newport: Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival The Breakers and Marble House. Food & Wine has become the presenting sponsor of the Festival, and two of APT's most popular celebrity chefs, Jacques Pépin and Joanne Weir, will be featured through the weekend. Public television viewers from New England and across the country will recognize Pépin and Weir—regulars on the lifestyle channel Create™ TV—as award-winning culinary experts and program hosts. Also appearing in the Celebrity Chef Cooking Tent over the weekend will be Chef David Burke of David Burke Prime at Foxwoods and Townhouse in New York, as well as other culinary experts. The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is hosted by and benefits the historic preservation efforts of The Preservation Society of Newport County. Web site
Sept -- - Portsmouth: Fall Family Festival, Green Animals Topiary Garden 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Green Animals Topiary Gardens, 380 Cory's Lane in Portsmouth. Scarecrow building, kids' crafts, storytelling, local produce, artisans, a Dutch Bulb sale, and live music highlight the Fall Family Festival at Green Animals. A full day of fun for the whole family.
Admission: Preservation Society members and all children under 6 free; Non-member adults $11; children 6-17, $4. Web site
