Outdoors in RI: Family Fun around Rhode Island this Weekend – Walks, Festivals, Halloween…

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Good weather ahead – enjoy it and take advantage of outdoor activities before we’re hunkering down in the cold

A busy double walk to end Alzheimer’s weekend here in Rhode Island.

North Scituate is on Saturday, October 24th
Newport is Sunday, the 25th.
Several hundred people are expected to attend each walk and take part in the moving promise garden ceremony, which honors caregivers, people living with the disease, and those we have lost to dementia. There are 22,000 people living in Rhode Island with Alzheimer’s and 37,000 caregivers, many of them unpaid family members.
Money raised at the walk to end Alzheimer’s goes to care and support as well as funds critical research to find new treatments and ways to manage this disease. Walk sites open at 8:30am. To register go to alz.org/walk.

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The Phantom Farms Fall Fest is happening on Saturday and Sundays from September 12 to October 25 from 10 am to 3 pm

Fall Fun:   Bouncy houses, face painting, hay bale maze, hay rides, pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting and more!

Fall Food and Drink:  Caramel and candy apples, fresh produce, apple cider and cider donuts, cider donut ice cream sandwiches, fun seasonal latte and drink surprises

Fall Decor:  Mums, cornstalks, and hay bales.

? **PHANTOM FARMS FALL FEST IS BACK!** ?
Join us every Saturday & Sunday from **September 12th through October 25th, 10AM–3PM**, for a full season of fall fun at Phantom Farms!
Bring the whole family and enjoy a day packed with seasonal activities, farm fun, and plenty of fall favorites.
**FALL FEST ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:**
• Hay rides
• Bouncy houses
• Face painting
• Hay bale maze
• And more fun activities throughout the season!
We will be debuting our Phantom Farms food truck! We’re so excited for you all to experience the delicious & unique treats we’ll be serving out of it!
**FOOD & DRINK HIGHLIGHTS:**
Fresh produce, caramel & candy apples, apple cider, cider donuts, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream, and more!
**GARDEN CENTER FALL FAVORITES:**
Mums, corn stalks, hay bales, pumpkins, gourds, and more. We’ll also have a **pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting** available!
Special activities may be offered on select days. Pumpkins and mums are not included in the ticket price. Activities are subject to change due to weather conditions.*
Tickets are purchased on-site at the time of event.
? **Phantom Farms**
2920 Diamond Hill Road
Cumberland, RI 02864

Bring family and friends and make a day of it!!

Check out the Phantom Farms Facebook page to check out their 14 days of Fall Fest surprises!

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Skunk in Glocester Tests Positive for Rabies

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is alerting the public that a skunk in the Blackinton Drive area of Glocester tested positive for rabies this week. A dog that had an exposure to this skunk was treated for rabies. There were no known human exposures to this skunk.

Rabies is a fatal disease if it is not treated before the onset of symptoms. Anyone who may have had direct contact with a skunk in this area should immediately call RIDOH’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 401-276-8046 after hours) so a nurse can assess your exposure and determine if you should receive treatment. If you think your pet may have come in contact with this skunk, call RIDOH, your local Animal Control Officer, and your pet’s veterinarian.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death. Rabies treatment must be started as soon as possible after exposure and before symptoms appear.

All dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by State law to have current vaccination against rabies. Vaccinating pets prevents them from getting rabies and prevents people from becoming exposed to rabies through their pets.

RIDOH recommends the following to prevent rabies:  

  • Make sure all dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on rabies vaccination.
  • Avoid all contact with and do not feed stray or free-roaming domestic animals.
  • Avoid all contact with and do not feed wild animals.
  • Do not feed your animals outdoors, as this will attract other animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free-roaming cats.
  • Protect your pets by always maintaining control; walk dogs on a leash or let them play in a fenced yard, and do not let pets wander unsupervised.
  • Report all animal bites to your city/town’s animal control officer.
  • Securely cover all garbage cans so wild animals cannot scavenge for food.

For more information, visit health.ri.gov/rabies.

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Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Both evenings, beginning at 6 p.m. · Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence – Through November 1st!

Outdoor illuminated pumpkin trail, this year themed “The Great Pun-kin Trail.”

Weekend tickets listed at $23 adults, $19 ages 2–12, with children 1 and younger free. Reserve a timed ticket.

More, HERE!

 

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Jaswell’s Farm Fall Festival

Saturday, October 24, 10 am to 3 pm

Jaswell’s Farm Fall Festival is happening on Saturday, October 24th (rain date is Sunday, October 25).

Bring family and friends to celebrate the season. There will be kids crafts, touch-a-truck/tractor, face painting, music and farm fresh food and drinks!

Jaswell’s Farm is locaetd at 50 Swan Road in Cumberland

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Trunk-or-Treat at Munroe Dairy

Munroe Dairy will host its first Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 24th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Families and local businesses are invited to decorate their vehicles and distribute candy to trick-or-treaters, play carnival games, take pictures with The Count from Sesame Street, and more.

Guests are welcome to visit the Sacred Cow to shop for their favorite Munroe Dairy items, including apple cider, coffee milk, iced coffees, cakes, cookies, and seasonal treats.

Vehicle’s may register here. Trick or treaters do not need to register.

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WaterFire Providence Full Lighting

Providence WaterFire nighttime spectacle.WaterFire Providence announces details for a full lighting on Saturday, October 24, supported by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and XQ Institute. This event has been rescheduled from Saturday, September 26, due to the nor’easter that impacted the area. Onshore vendors and WaterFire programming will open at 5:00 PM; the braziers will be lit at 6:07 PM and will remain lit until 10:00 PM. 

“RIDE’s invites community members from across Rhode Island to join us for a special WaterFire celebration honoring our remarkable educators,” says Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We all have an educator who has made a lasting difference in our lives, and this event is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate their dedication, service, and commitment to helping our students succeed.”

The Rhode Island Department of Education returns to WaterFire by honoring Rhode Island educators with the Teachers of the Year Award Ceremony in Memorial Park. Following the reception, 85 educators from around the state will be celebrated with a torch procession through the park. The procession will kick off at 6:00 PM in front of the World War I Monument in Memorial Park; all are welcome to the procession and lighting ceremony as we spotlight education in Rhode Island.

On the College Street Bridge from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, XQ Institute will be taking over with an interactive Teacher’s Lounge. This space will allow visitors to learn about XQ’s advanced learning techniques and the future of High Schools around the state and country.

On College Street, Dunkin’ is taking over with a special kiosk. Try the newest beverages, play games, win giveaways, and more. Dunkin’ will be on site from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, while supplies last.

Robots on Fire, in partnership with NE First, returns to the Basin Tunnel in Waterplace Park. Catch student robotics teams from all over New England showcase their latest creations and learn about how they were built. There will also be interactive family activities and live robot demonstrations all night long.

Community Preparatory School and Ocean State Montessori School will be on site in the Basin Tunnel from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The WaterFire Marketplace will return to Canal Street: stop by to support WaterFire with a donation or a purchase of locally designed jewelry, glassware, gifts, and apparel. Guests can also experience live glass blowing by Gather Glass. WaterFire will also have additional information and merchandise stations in front of the RISD Auditorium and on either side of the basin in Waterplace Park.

The reception tent for WaterFire Circle Members will be located in Market Square. Members have exclusive access to the tent all season with their annual membership. This year’s Official WaterFire Circle Sponsors are The Catering Gourmet, Sakonnet Vineyard, C&C Distributors – MM Division, and Pranzi Tents and Events. Evening passes are still available for the 2026 season for individuals and businesses.

WaterFire Access Boat rides are still available to reserve for October 24 and for the remainder of the lighting season. The WaterFire Access Program is a water taxi that provides an experience of the artwork for children and adults with disabilities to ensure that they can join in the most popular arts event in the state and share the experience with their families and friends. Contact access@waterfire.org to learn more about the program or to schedule a ride.

WaterFire Walking Tour tickets are now available for purchase online. Led by long-time WaterFire volunteers, this tour covers the remarkable origin story, artistry, and hidden gems of Providence’s most cherished event. Guests will walk through the heart of the city, following alongside the path of the braziers that will be lit just a few short hours later. The tour is at 3:00 PM on October 24.

WaterFire Artist and Maker Vendors will be located on Washington Street and College Street from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Visitors can browse and shop for a variety of goods, including glass, photography, jewelry, and more. Steeple Street: Gnet Custom Designs, Studio J Florals, Sophie Foulkes, Retablo Palomino Jimenez, Triple Dog Dare, Cutie Curls, CandlesByJudith, and Pourever Creations. Washington Street: Recycled Silverware, Ecuador to Your Door, Eric Sturtevant Illustrations, Scaredy Cat Pottery, Celeste Diaz Falzone, Paul & Sandy’s Honey Shack, Jeremy Schilling Fine Art, Adopt Crochet Cuties, and Joseph Mushipi Visual Art.

Food fairs will be open on Washington Street, College Street, and Canal Walk from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Enjoy local food and drink from festival favorites: Washington Street: Full House Q, Sarcastic Sweets, Axelrod’s Fry Shack, Kettle Korn Express, Cultro, Newport Chowder Company, and Good Vibes Beverages. Steeple Street: Trinity Brewhouse. College Street:  White Dog Distillery, Sal’s, Chill’s Cheesecakes, Del’s, and Taste of India. RISD – Inside Voices.

The Starry, Starry Night installation returns to Memorial Park near the Crawford Street Bridge, inviting guests to add their light to the evening by wishing on a star or dedicating a luminaria candle lantern. New this year, join the Burn Your Negativity ceremony by writing down stress, bad vibes, or negative thoughts on special burn paper and adding them to an orb for a 10:00 PM ceremonial burn on the river, transforming negativity into sparks of light and creativity.

Andrew Anselmo, Origami Master, will be hanging out all night at Market Square, and visitors can find A Silent Soapbox living statue at the bottom of the Washington Street Bridge and Canal Walk starting at sunset. Catch three fire-spinning performances throughout the night along the river by Cirque de Light.

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Learn to Shoot Series: Muzzleloader

Date:

Location: 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI 02892

Registration: https://forms.gle/otMaNwPrzXjQ5Hwe7

 

Learn to Shoot Series: Muzzleloader (October)

This event is part of RIDEM Fish & Wildlife’s Learn to Shoot Series at the Great Swamp Shooting Range. These beginner-friendly events, held on the last Tuesday and Thursday of each month, introduce participants to safe, responsible firearm handling in a welcoming, supervised environment.

These sessions will focus on introductory Muzzleloader shooting fundamentals.

Hosted by certified Range Safety Officers and Hunter Education staff, participants will have the opportunity to learn range safety basics, try beginner-friendly firearms, and become familiar with Rhode Island’s only public shooting range.

Date: Tuesday, October 27th, and Thursday, October 29th, 2026
Sessions are identical, but participation in both is welcome.
No rain cancellations; shooting will be under roof cover.

Time: Arrive anytime between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Shooting stops at 6:00 PM
Start times may be staggered and will be based on order of arrival.
After your initial turn, participants may queue for additional shooting as long as time allows.

Location: Great Swamp Shooting Range
277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI 02892
(follow signs for the range)

What to Expect

  • Beginner-friendly introduction to shooting fundamentals
  • Supervised, one-on-one, live-fire experience
  • Firearms and safety equipment provided
  • Opportunity to ask questions and build confidence
  • No prior experience necessary

Important Information

  • Participants must be 18 years of age or older
  • Pre-registration is encouraged to help streamline check-in and maximize range time. Day-of participation is welcome.
  • Closed-toe shoes required
  • Avoid loose or baggy clothing
  • Eye and ear protection available onsite

NOTE – For muzzleloader sessions: Pre-registration is required only for participants interested in trying one of two RIDEM-owned muzzleloaders – a modern .50cal inline and a traditional .45cal lead ball percussion cap. Walk-in participants using their own equipment do not need to pre-register.

Said participants without a valid Great Swamp Shooting Range permit are only allowed to bring muzzleloaders, on these specified dates, for supervised practice and/or sight-in. Appropriate powder, projectiles, and other supplies should be provided by the participant.

Questions? Contact Branton Elleman, Range Supervisor, branton.elleman.ctr@dem.ri.gov

More information about the Great Swamp Shooting Range, including how to get your own range permit for personal use, can be found on our range website.

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