Fun Things To Do in Narragansett RI Fall 2023

Referred to as New England’s “best beach town,” one might think there’s not much to attract vacationers to Narragansett RI in the offseason, but you might be surprised to find that there are plenty of things to do in Narragansett RI in the fall and winter months. There’s nothing wrong with an autumn stroll on the beach, taking a ferry ride in October, or fishing off a pier in early November. You’ll also find a long list of indoor and outdoor events and activities to keep you engaged if you’re visiting in the Fall of 2023. A big plus: several of these are close by to many Narragansett vacation rentals so you won’t have far to travel to get to the fun.

Check out a variety of top things to do in the area and explore details about different vacation rentals in Narragansett RI!

University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival

In its eighth consecutive year, the University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival draws world-class players from around the globe to the campus for a one-of-a-kind event. This year has drawn more than 40 guitar players and lecturers from across the United States as well as outside the country, including Italy, Costa Rica, and France.

Running October 18-22, the Festival offers several events in various on- and off-campus locations, including the University Fine Arts Center, St. Augustine Church, and the Pump House Music Works in South Kingston. Performers range from individual guitar players to trios and even orchestras.

Concerts cover contemporary music, music of America, and nights dedicated to specific cultural music, such as Italian Night and French Night. There also Costa Rica Meets Greece, and Argentina Meets Contemporary Italy. Scheduled programs include workshops, competitions, and even training events for young musicians. Day passes, and 5-day passes are available. Active Participation tickets include two masterclasses.

Annual Ocean State Rhode Race

Put on your running shoes for the 9^th Annual Ocean State Rhode Races on October 29, 2023. The races include a half marathon, a marathon, and a 5k. The Ocean State Rhode Races began in October 2015. The half-marathon is the final of a series of five Rhode Island Half Marathons.

All races start at Narragansett Town Beach on Beach Street. The marathon starts and ends at the town beach and follows a scenic route past working farms, waterways, and ocean views. This is a USATF-certified course and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Registration for the races can be completed online or by mail. Packet pick-up is on Friday, October 27^th, between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Rhode Runner in Providence and on Saturday, October 28th, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in South Kingstown.

The marathon start time is 7:30 a.m. on Sunday the 29^th, the half-marathon starts at 8:00 a.m., and the 5K at 8:15 a.m. Following the races, there’s a festival featuring music, a post-race massage, and other fun. Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers for men/women in seven age categories between 19 and 79, plus a first-place finisher for 80+.

Watch the Sunset at Point Judith Lighthouse

Built in 1816 after the original wooden structure was blown down in September 1815, the Point Judith Lighthouse sits at the entrance of Narragansett Bay and Block Island Sound. Restored in 2000, the lighthouse still operates as a Coast Guard station. Because of that, the lighthouse can be viewed but not entered.

While the grounds are also closed to the public, you can park for free and walk to the shore to capture the postcard view of the ocean. The sunset from the lighthouse has been described as “spectacular,” so definitely take the short few-minute ride from any Narragansett beach rentals where you might be staying and take in the beauty of the sight. You could even set up a sunset picnic there on the grass!

The sunrise is just as stunning, so if you’re an early riser and prefer activities earlier in the day, taking the trip to see the sun come up at the lighthouse is definitely an option for you.

Since you’ll be close to restaurants and the shore when you choose to visit Point Judith Lighthouse, you can also stop off at one of any of these fine eateries for breakfast or a late dinner, depending on whether you’re taking in the sunrise or -set, and take a walk on one of the area’s renowned beaches.

Visit the Corn Maze at Clark Farms

Few things say “Fall” more than a corn maze, and if you’re visiting Narragansett at this time of year you’re in luck: Clark Farms in nearby Wakefield offers an unforgettable corn maze experience the whole family will love.

Each year there is a different theme for the maze, which runs from September 17^th through October 30^th, 2023. The theme for Fall 2023 is “Alice in Wonderland.” It is highly recommended to try the maze under the moonlight!

Set in the beautiful Matunuck countryside, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to stunning landscapes when you join the hayride tour that follows your time in the maze. Other fun events that await you beyond the Clark Farms corn maze are go-karts, a mountain slide, a petting zoo, and Corn Cannons, where you can demonstrate your shooting skills.

Throughout the entire year, you have the option to select from an extensive range of Narragansett vacation rentals, ranging from 2 to 6 bedrooms, accommodating up to 12 guests. Depending on your preference, you can opt for Narragansett waterfront rentals, pet-friendly accommodations, or rentals with captivating water views!