Calendar of Events for September 2008  Submit your event here

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If you need directions to get to an event try using Mapquest for a map or go directly to driving directions here.

Newport County Convention & Visitor's Bureau Calendar of Events
Save the Bay's September Event's Calendar

Through Oct. 29  - Middletown & Newport: The Aquidneck Grower's Market
                  Saturdays 9am to 1pm (June 7- Oct.25 ), 909 East Main Rd (Rte 138) in Middletown. 401-848-0099 AND Wednesdays 2pm to 6pm (June 11 - Oct 29), Memorial Boulevard Parkway between Chapel St. & Edgar Court, Newport. For more information on RI's Farmer's Markets check the RI Division of Agriculture/DEM website.

Sept. 1 - Newport: 11th Annual Newport Waterfront Irish Festival
            A celebration of Irish music, culture, cuisine, and crafts! This three day celebration features five stages of national and international entertainment, an Irish Marketplace, a dance hall, and a children's activity area! In addition to our Irish hospitality and entertainment, the Festival has raised over $50, 000 for local charities in the past five years. For more information on entertainment, acts and admission fees see the web site (www.newportfestivals.com/Irish_Festival)

Sept 4 - 28 - Portsmouth: "Watercolor Society Show" at the Portsmouth Art Guild
       Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1-5pm. The opening reception is Sept. 5th from 6-8pm at The Portsmouth Arts Guild Center For The Arts, 2679 East Main Rd, next to St. Paul's Church, Portsmouth, RI. Watercolor Society Show

Sept 19 - Newport: Dinner Dance sponsored by Newport Ballroom Dancing
           Featuring World famous Glenn Miller Orchestra at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. See Newport Ballroom Dancing web site for membership and more information.

Sept 20 - 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 

Sept 25 through 28 - Newport: Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival
          at Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, and Marble House, 596 Bellevue Avenue. New for 2008, the Grand Tasting expands to two days, both Saturday and Sunday! Enjoy specialty wines, fabulous food, celebrity wine experts and chefs and the elegant setting of the Newport Mansions during this remarkable weekend food and wine experience. Wine expert Kevin Zraly, Yankee Magazine Food Editor Annie Copps and many other special guests will help make it a weekend to remember. Web site 

Sept. 27 & 28 - Newport: Annual Aquafina Taste of Rhode Island 
            At the Newport Yachting Center - America's Cup Ave. Newport. A culinary experience on the beautiful Newport harbor waterfront featuring restaurants from all over the Ocean State sampling their finest menu items! This two day event focuses on food but also brings healthy living, lifestyle, a Wine Garden, 3 stages of entertainment and a kids & family area to downtown Newport! For ticket information, please see their web site

Previous year's events (below) that we haven't gotten current information to update yet.

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 Sept. - Newport: Guided Walking Tours
        Various tours on various days through Labor Day.  see the site Newport History Tours is a collaborative program of The Newport Historical Society and The Newport Restoration Foundation.Gain an authentic understanding of Newport's dynamic history through guided walking tours, illustrated lectures, behind-the-scenes building tours, hands-on activities and more! All tours will begin at the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street.

Through October - Newport: Ghost Tours of Newport
            Take a lantern-led evening stroll down historic Newport, Rhode Island 's shadowy lanes and discover the ghosts, ghouls, and legends of our haunted city by the sea. Web Site

Through October - Newport: Cap'n Nick's Newport Pirate Walk
           Join in (ye' Scurvy Dog!) on a great, grand walkin' adventure along Newport's streets an' waterfront where pirates preened an' plotted. Our brave buccaneers have th' local scuttlebutt o' swaggerin' seafarers an' dastardly scallywags. Pay attention t' th' stories an' who knows? Ye' jest might bring home a bit o' booty in yer pocket! See the Cap'n Nick Pirate Walk web site piratewalk.com for more information.

Through Nov.   - 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 3pm 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 Roshashanna 10:00 AM - 4:00 and Open Columbus Day 10:00 - dusk. The Maze has 2 miles of paths (in 2 phases), and covers 8 acres of the Escobar's Highland Farm at 251 Middle Rd in Portsmouth. You'll be up against devilish twists and turns, bridges and dead ends. Our Maze was designed for Highland Farm 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 such as Pumpkin Festival - 9/29 (raindate 9/30); Harry Potter Day - 10/13 (raindate 10/14); A-Mazing Halloween Party 10/27 (raindate 10/28). See also this page for a coupon. Other information call 683-1444.

Saturdays Through Oct  - Portsmouth: 8th Annual Summer Jazz Series at Greenvale Vineyards
       1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Tasting Room at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth. The Jazz series was organized by Matthew Quinn who died on May 15, 2007and will be held in his honor. For further information, call (401) 847-3777 or visit online at www.greenvale.com

The concert series which Mathew Quinn called Jazz Tastings includes:
September – Kelley Lennon
September - Candida Rose

Sept. - Newport: Secret Garden Tour
         10am to 5pm. Bellevue Avenue area of Newport, RI. Gate and tickets at Kingscote Mansion, 253 Bellevue Ave.  A self guided and hosted tour through private gardens in the beautiful Bellevue Ave. area of Newport, RI. Visit the oceanfront gardens at Rough Point, former estate of heiress Doris Duke, and admire mixed annual and perennial borders, a rose arbor, along with a kitchen and herb garden. Also included on the tour is the formal garden at Whitehorne House, featuring plants typical of the Federal period. For the 24th year, the proceeds from the Secret Garden Tour will go towards Arts Education in Aquidneck Island’s Public School System. $20.00 in advance, $25.00 the days of the tour. Tickets may be used on all three days of the tour see information on the web at secretgardentour.org.

Sept. - Portsmouth: Local Photography Exhibit at the Portsmouth Free Public Library
     at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. A number of local amateur photographers known as the Island Photography Group are exhibiting a selection of their work. The public is invited to the opening reception on Thursday evening, September 6th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The exhibit will be open during the Library’s regular hours.
     The Island Photography Group is an informal association and is open to photographers of all skill levels. There are no restrictions on age, gender, or level of expertise. We invite your participation. All that is required is a camera, digital or film, and a sincere interest in creating interesting and meaningful photographs. There are currently over a dozen participants. We 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, call Don Heywood at 683-1046 or visit the exhibit and see what you can do with your digital or film camera.

Sept. - Portsmouth: Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee Annual Clambake
            at the Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club, 35 Power St. (across East Main Rd from St. Anthony's Church). Open to the public, this popular event begins with “all you can eat” homemade chowder and clam cakes at 1 PM. At the same time, diners can also take advantage of great bargains and enjoy the fun during the auction sponsored by the Democratic Women’s Club. The traditional New England Clambake of fresh clams, fish, chourico, sausage, hot dogs, sweet potato, onion, potato and corn on the cob is served fresh off the fire at 3 PM.Tickets for the day are $25 for adults, (tickets at the door may be limited), and $5 for children under 12 and are available at the PA Club, Allen’s Wine and Spirits, Ferreira’s Package Store or by calling Chuck Levesque at 847-2510.

Sept. - Newport: Enjoy a Cruise on the Aurora in support of the Portsmouth Free Public Library
            The Portsmouth Free Public Library Association presents a unique fundraising event! Enjoy a two-hour sunset sail of Newport Harbor aboard the classic wooden schooner Aurora on Thursday, September 20 from 5 PM to 7 PM. This cruise around the harbor was generously donated by IDC INC The Newport Experience to support children’s services at Portsmouth Free Public Library. Tickets are $35.00 per person which includes a box lunch, wine, beer, and soft drinks. The schooner can accommodate up to 45 passengers so purchase your tickets early before reservations are filled. Tickets may be purchased at Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Road, Portsmouth.

Sept. - Portsmouth: Yard Sale & Bake Sale to Benefit the Portsmouth Historical Society
         9 a.m. - 2 p.m.at the Portsmouth Historical Society, Corner of East Main Rd (Route 138) and Union St. Over 10 tables of collectibles, toys, housewares and miscellaneous items. Everything is priced to sell! All proceeds benefit the Society’s efforts to preserve Portsmouth’s history and provide educational programs for the public. NO EARLY BIRDS. Rain Date: September 29, 2007

Sept. - Newport: Autumn in Newport: a benefit reception for Newport Baroque Orchestra
            3 - 6 p.m. Newport Baroque Orchestra enters its sixth season with a benefit reception, featuring live music, a silent auction and refreshments at the elegant Edward King House, 35 King Street, Newport, RI. Baroque cellist Audrey Cienniwa will perform suite movement by J.S. Bach while guests enjoy refreshments and have a chance to bid on premiums, including items from the White Horse Tavern, the Newport Gulls and the Preservation Society of Newport County. A limited number of tickets are available for $20 and may be purchased online at www.newportbaroque.org or by calling 401-855-3096.

Sept. - Middletown / Tiverton: Annual Singing Out Against Hunger
               Singing Out Against Hunger and your community are committed to making the difficult winter months a little easier for needy East Bay families! Donations, Community Raffle (all items donated by community businesses), CAN GOOD collections to benefit local food banks. Funds collected will be distributed by East Bay Community Action (formally New Visions) Come Enjoy a Weekend of Music! Call 401-265-2146 or see Evelyn's Drive-In web site for more information & Donation form. Music performances are scheduled for the following times...
               Friday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Little Compton Community Center, on the Commons in Little Compton
               Friday & Saturday 12 p.m. -9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Evelyn's Drive-in, Tiverton
               Saturday - outdoors from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Aquidneck Farmers Market, Middletown
               Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Coastal Roasters, 1791 Main Rd, Tiverton

Sept. - Newport: Civil War Living History Weekend at Historic Fort Adams
           10am – 5pm. During the two day event soldiers and civilians in authentic 19th century uniforms and dress will invite the public to spend a day in their life, and to learn about everything from military tactics to cooking to family life during the Civil War. Both the Union and the Confederacy will be represented. The schedule is filled with artillery and troop drills, medical demonstrations, camp life, a 19th century religious service and battles. Visitors to the Encampment will travel back in time and will be able to spend as long as they like amongst the re-enactors, asking them questions observing the various exercises and demonstrations. www.fortadams.org

Sept - Newport: Newport Gallery Night
               5 to 8 pm, Visit Galleries throughout Newport. Free Parking, Restaurant Specials. See the web site for more info.

Sept. - Newport: Annual Newport International Boat Show
               10am - 6pm daily. At the Newport Yachting Center - America's Cup Ave. Also Oldport Marine, Bannister's Wharf and Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina. www.newportboatshow.com

Sept.   - Portsmouth: Annual Beach Cleanup & Survey - "Get the Drift and Bag It
        Each September the Audubon Society of Rhode Island participates in the International Coastal Cleanup program with a Saturday morning of beach cleaning. Volunteer beach captains and helpers collect and catalog the variety of trash found on RI's beaches. This information is used to help direct publicity and information materials regarding littering and the harm trash does not only to the esthetics of an area but to the wildlife that live there. Volunteers should wear gloves, children should come but must be supervised. Joining the beach cleanup can be used for credits in school programs that require community service.
        9 a.m. - noon at Island Park Beach - contact Bob Gessler 683-3860 to register.
        10a.m. to 1 p.m. at Common Fence Point, . Common Fence Point Cleanup - meet at the CFP Community Hall.  To register or for more info or call coordinator Mil Kinsella-Sullivan at 683-4549 or Brenda Whalen Munro at 682-2627.

Sept. - Portsmouth: Annual Yard Sales at St. Barnabas & St. Anthonys Churches
        Yard sales at both chruches this weekend. St. Anthony's - 2836 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, 683-0089; St. Barnabas - 1697 East Main Rd, Portsmouth, 683-1343

Sept.  - Portsmouth: Annual Elmhurst Elementary School Fall Family Festival
        11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Glen Park, off Glen Rd. Children's games, crafts, face painting, bouncy castle, a petting zoo and other activities are planned throughout the day! Demonstrations across the afternoon from local organizations. First ever "Robot Raffle". Burgers / dogs / sausages, baked goods and drinks. Cotton Candy and popcorn. Come for lunch or dinner! All are welcome to join the festivities! Free Admission - Free Parking.

Sept.  - Newport: Annual Artisans & Antiques Fair
            at the Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St. (corner of Farewell and Marlborough Streets) Friday - 6:00-8:30 PM: Artisans & Antiques Fair Preview Party & Auction. sat & sun 10am to 4pm.  The Artisans and Antiques Fair is a festive fall event for all ages celebrating history, music, food, and craftsmanship in Newport. Over twenty-five skilled craftspeople will demonstrate traditional crafts such as tinsmithing, woodworking, pottery making, pewter casting, sail making, scrimshaw, yarn spinning, paint making, basket making, quilt making, wooden boat building, weaving and many more pre-industrial trades and crafts. Other activities include an antique dealers showcase, antique appraisals, children's games, storytelling, family crafts, several live music offerings, a variety of food and more. Admission fee: (2004 prices, no update yet)Adults - $5.00, Children under 12 free, Family Maximum $10. Proceeds from the fair will benefit the Newport Historical Society. 

Sept.   - Newport: Island Moving Co. presents Open For Dancing (Interlude)
        Island Moving Co. presents Open for Dancing (Interlude), a one day festival of classes, performances and events occurring spontaneously at sites throughout downtown Newport. Open for Dancing (Interlude) is the bridge event between full Open for Dancing festivals occurring biennially in stunning Newport landscapes.
        Open for Dancing (Interlude) kicks off on Friday, September 23rd with a free performance at Newport’s Ballard Park on Hazard Road. Cellist Audrey Cienniwa and violinist Ilana Ringwald will play on the meadow in front of Ballard Park’s quarry wall. They will be joined by dancer Christina Tsoules, in improvisation with the music. The Friday concert begins at 6pm.
        On Saturday, September 24th, Open for Dancing (Interlude) will begin with open-air free yoga and tai chi classes at Queen Anne Square in Newport.
        Jesse Harding of Villari Martial Arts Studio will conduct an open tai chi workshop beginning at 9am; Janne Sahady of All That Matters will begin yoga on the Square at 10am. At 11am, Christopher and Katherine Carbone of Present Moment Arts Center will “Shake Your Soul” with Kripalu DansKinetics at Easton’s Beach.
        This year Ballroom Dancing has been added with Sara Coelho teaching the waltz class at The Island Moving Company Studio at 4:30 p.m. / $10pp. The studio is on the 2nd floor at 3 Charles Street, right on Washington Square in Newport. Then Waltzers will rendezvous at the studio at 5:30 (at the conclusion of class). We will all set out to assigned locations in downtown Newport and at 6:00 the Sunset Waltz will start as waltz is played by 105.9 FM, Newport’s low power FM station. Waltzers are encouraged to dress.Now that is a wounderful way to celebrate dance!! If you would like to particapate in the class and/or the sunset waltz please call The Island Moving Co. at 401 847-4470: