Rhode Island

401 Fun: The best things to do in Rhode Island Oct. 25-Nov. 1 – The Boston Globe

Published

1 year ago

October 24, 2024

401 Fun: The best things to do in Rhode Island Oct. 25-Nov. 1 – The Boston Globe

In case you’re reading this Thursday: Bristol’s Linden Place hosts the 4th Annual “Night at the Mansion Halloween Haunt” Oct. 24 7-9:30 p.m. Costume-up and explore the historic mansion, “which will be transformed into a haunted wonderland with surprises around every corner,” according to billing. “Encounter creepy creatures,” plus tarot reading, treats, and a cash bar. Mentalist George Saterial will “perform an interactive magic show,” and more. Prizes for best costumes. Age 18+. A $70 ticket includes one free cocktail. 500 Hope St., Bristol. Details here.

PAULA COLE: UNMASKED

Fresh from her stint as Ship on FOX’s “The Masked Singer,” Paula Cole plays her penultimate concert of the year in Newport. Catch “Ship” at Jane Pickens Theater Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets from $49. 49 Touro St. Details here.

NON-HAUNTED MANSION

Somebody call Ghostbusters, because we’ve got a non-haunted option. It’s all treats, no tricks at Blithewold Oct. 26 and 27. They provide the firepits, chairs, s’mores, hot cocoa, and cider — you bring your crew. After you nosh, check out the Big Beautiful Bamboo Bird sculptures. Maximum of six people per one-hour fire pit reservation, $65. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. Details here.

FREE MANSION TOURS

The Preservation Society of Newport County invites Newport County residents to visit properties for free Oct. 26-27. Explore The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff, and Isaac Bell House — and just pretend you live there. Details here.

JUMP OUT OF YOUR SKIN

‘Tis the season of scares — in Rhody, we’ve got options.

Scary Acres RI offers the brave three attractions including a hayride through the “Haunted Town,” a creepy cornfield and burial ground, and the new “Curse of the Bayou.” 2150 Scituate Ave., Cranston. Prices and hours vary. Details here.

Meanwhile, Providence Ghost Tours invites you to “enjoy the spooky side of history” in PVD. While Ghost Tours of Newport does the same for the City by the Sea. (Tours and prices vary.)

BYOB on the Providence River Boat Company’s “Haunted Boat Ride.” Learn about the city’s haunted history on this one-hour cruise down the river. Climb aboard… if you dare. Prices range from $30. Details here.

Of course, there’s even more haunted houses, and more spooky Rhode Island places, from H.P. Lovecraft’s grave to a supposedly haunted factory in Foster.

GRAPE-STOMPING, AXE-THROWING, COSTUME CONTEST, TREATS & MORE

It’s Oktoberfest meets Harvest Fest meets Halloween vibes at Newport Vineyards seventh Annual Harvest Fest Oct. 26 and 27. Expect grape-stomping and stein-hoisting contests, axe-throwing, wine and beer-tasting, from-scratch fare roasted over an open fire, live music, costume contest, prizes, and more.

Drinking or not, the food is a draw. On the menu: pumpkin pub cheese with house crostini, “Aquidneck Island potato chip nachos,” chicken and waffle sandwiches with maple sage aioli, Portuguese fire-roasted steak sandwiches, stuffed campfire apples with brown sugar and walnut stuffing, plus apple cider donuts, and maple snickerdoodle cookies. Two sessions per day, purchase ticket by session. General admission: $35, includes souvenir glass and tasting: choice of five tastes from our wine, cider and beer bars. Kids 15 and under free. 909 East Main Road, Middletown. Details and register here.

FARM FEST FINALE WITH FLASHLIGHTS

Fly on ziplines, take a hayride, escape from a maze, roast s’mores on a bonfire, nosh on doughnuts and more in the South Kingstown village of Matunuck at Clark Farms Fall Fest — the farm’s last fest of the season on Oct. 26 and 27. There’s daytime and nighttime fun. BYO flashlight for the evening’s Fall Fest Flashlight Night on Oct. 26 from sunset to 9 p.m. The corn maze is open through Oct. 30. $18. Kids 2 and under free. 2984 Commodore Perry Highway, Matunuck. Details here, here, and here. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

PUMPKIN STROLL

Costumes are encouraged at the Westerly Library third annual fall Fest & Pumpkin Stroll at Wilcox Park, Oct. 26, 4-6 p.m. Stroll the grounds and gourds and vote on your favorite — prizes will be awarded at 6 p.m. Plus cider, doughnuts, games and activities, according to billing. 44 Broad St. Details here.

A ‘WICKED WALK’ IN PROVIDENCE

Get your trick-or-treat on early: the fourth annual “Wicked Walk: A Trick-Or-Treat Experience” is a free public event in PVD for families Oct. 26, 3-6 p.m. Explore “enchanting interactive themed Halloween Doors and StoryWalk” on the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge. Trick-or-treating, free crafts, and a ghost hunt walk in 195 District Park. Get a sense of vibe from photos here. Details here.

FULL WATERFIRE

Stick around after “Wicked Walk” for a wicked fun WaterFire. Yup, we’ve got a full lighting Oct. 26 with fun starting at 5 p.m., sunset at 5:47 p.m., and lighting at 6:04 p.m. Along with all the regular WaterFire fun, Brown will celebrate its annual Family Weekend with performances from Brown University’s Daebak K-Pop dance group, Mariachi de Brown, The Brown’s Tones, and more student performances on Steeple Street. Details here.

JAZZ FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Newport Live takes a field trip to Providence to present Mandla Mlangeni with Amandla Freedom Ensemble Oct. 26 at the Barker Theater. The ensemble is comprised of young musicians who aim to promote the legacy of South African music. 35. 7:30 p.m. 400 Benefit St. Details here. Learn more about the artists here and here.

ZOO BOOS

It’s the last full week to experience Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. See thousands of pumpkins — and test your knowledge — with this year’s trail: “Trivia Edition.” Open nightly, 6-10:30 p.m. Online purchase only. Mondays through Thursdays: $19 adult, $16 child (babies 1 and under free). Fridays through Sundays: $22 adult, $19 child. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Through Nov. 2. Details here.

Meanwhile, the zoo hosts “Spooky Zoo” Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids and adults can costume-up and trick-or-treat. Plus live musical entertainment, Touch-A-Trucks, costumed characters, fall-fun animal enrichments, and more, according to billing. Purchase ticket by timeslot. Age 13+ $21, ages 2-12 $15, 1 and younger is free. Details here.

MASTER CARVING

Serious about jack-o-lanterns? Splurge on a “Carving with the Masters” class at Roger William Park Zoo Oct. 27, 5-9 p.m. You’ll learn at the feet of a “master pumpkin carver” to make an animal-themed pumpkin, according to billing. Ticket includes a pumpkin with a pre-drawn carving design, carving tool kits, LED Lamp/Bulb, light refreshments and front-of-line VIP access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, according to billing. View past classes here. $180 non-member, $235 for two. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Details here.

“WARREN WALKABOUT”

Stroll or bike downtown Warren as it pops to life Oct. 27 in a Warren Walkabout, billed as a celebration of fall. Explore shops, galleries, pop-ups, restaurants and food vendors, music, and more. Check out the full lists of Sunday happenings here.

TOUR DE FRIGHT

Costume up and pedal with your neighbors on a gentle 2- to 3-mile ride at Bike Newport’s free Tour de Fright. Love it. Ride is Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. at Bike Newport. You’ll need a bright white headlight and rear red light; helmets required. 18+. 62 Broadway, Newport. Details here.

COMIC CON

Don’t throw away those Halloween costumes just yet. Meet celebs, comic book artists, cosplayers, tattoo artists, and more in Providence next weekend at RI Comic Con Nov. 1-3 at the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Amica Mutual Pavillion. We’re getting into next week’s territory here, but events include loads of celeb meet-and-greets, photo opps, guests, and events geared toward “Rick & Morty” fans, writing, a look at the career of Priscilla Presley, Cosplay 101 and much more, according to billing. General admission from $130 adults, from $55 kids. Details here.

ART & LITERATURE MEET BALLET

Ballet RI leaps into its 47th season Nov. 1 with “Art & Literature Meet Ballet.” The show features a combination of dance, opera, and poetry with the story of Don Quixote. Catch a show Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Woodman Center, 250 Lloyd Ave., Providence. From $35. Details here.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: ONGOING FUN

MAIZE MAZE: At Escobar Farm dare to escape Portsmouth’s maize maze. Plus concessions and hayrides. Adults $10, ages 4-10 $8. Under 3 free. 255 Middle Road, Portsmouth. Details here.

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES?: It’s apple-picking season. From Jaswell’s Farm, to Steere Orchard in Apple Valley, it’s time to skip the supermarket and pick your own treats. Obviously, check online before you hit up any farms — Mother Nature is in charge here — but I rounded up some Ocean State orchards for apples, cider, doughnuts, pumpkins and peaches here.

BIG BEAUTIFUL BAMBOO BIRDS: You’ve heard of the Charlestown trolls — now there’s the big beautiful birds of Bristol. Noted artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein are talented artists in their own right. When they team up, they are The Myth Makers, and they’ve created big beautiful bamboo birds at the 33-acre Blithewold estate in Bristol. Each bird ranges from 15 to 30 feet tall, and each has a story to tell. Free to see with admission through next summer. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission for adults, $22, ages 11-16 $11; children ages 6-10 $6; ages 0-5 free. 101 Ferry Road. Details here.

BROWN’S ART WALKING TOURS: Brown University now offers free public art walking tours led by Brown students every weekend. Learn about Brown’s public art collection with a 40-minute student-curated tour, exploring six works of art. All tours are outdoors, rain or shine. No registration required. Meet up at 1 p.m. On Saturdays, meet at the Eli Harvey sculpture, Bronze Bruno, on the College Green (79 Waterman St.) On Sundays, meet at Tom Friedman’s Circle Dance, on the Campus Walk. Tours run weekends through Nov. 17. Map and all details here.

FOOD AND ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOUR: Food, art, and architecture come together for Downcity Providence Food Tours, noon to 3:30 p.m., on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November. Get an insider’s view of creative and lively Providence during a tour lasting more than three hours over 1.7 miles. Discover some of the city’s award-winning restaurants, its hidden art and historic architecture. Tickets $76-$94 per person. 1 Ship St., Providence. Details here.

Until next week, Rhody: Keep rockin.’

Lauren Daley can be reached at ldaley33@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @laurendaley1.

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Rhode Island

Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, leaders celebrate Women’s History Month with panel event

Published

4 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, leaders celebrate Women’s History Month with panel event

CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — Women’s Fund of Rhode Island and U.S. Sen. Jack Reed celebrated Women’s History Month in Cranston with a panel discussion on Monday.

The event was held at the Cranston Public Library at 9 a.m.

Reed and other leaders of WFRI hosted a panel discussion with women leaders in environmental and agricultural advocacy, education, community resilience, housing, finance, workforce development, and more, officials said.

Women’s Fund of Rhode Island and U.S. Sen. Jack Reed celebrated Women’s History Month in Cranston with a panel discussion on Monday. (WJAR)

“Women have played a critical role in this process, most often without any recognition,” Reed said. “Today’s panel brings together an extraordinary group of women who are addressing the challenged of sustainability from various angles and I want to thank you all for your great efforts.”

The panelists highlighted their experiences, shared insights and tips on lifting up women’s voices, provided strategies for sparking change and more.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)

According to officials, some of the panelists included Executive Director of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council Nessa Richman, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Rhode Island College Kim Bright, Newport Housing Authority Executive Director Rhonda Mitchell and more.

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Rhode Island

Man allegedly kills man in R.I. before causing car crash that killed 2 in Mass.

Published

16 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Man allegedly kills man in R.I. before causing car crash that killed 2 in Mass.

Local News

“On behalf of the Cranston Police Department, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Javon Lawson and the two individuals who were killed in the crash in Swansea,” Col. Michael J. Winquist said.

A Seekonk man is accused of murder after he allegedly shot and killed a man in Rhode Island before causing a car crash in Swansea that killed two people last week, police said.

Demitri Sousa, 28, is charged with murder, using a firearm while committing a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, the Cranston Police Department said.

The shooting occurred Thursday night in Cranston, police said in a press release.

That night, Sousa allegedly arrived at the Cranston home of Javon Lawson, 35. Sousa began banging on the side door of the home, police said.

When Lawson approached the door, he was hit by gunfire from outside, police said.

First responders transported Lawson to the Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Cranston police said.

“Based on the preliminary investigation, the motive is believed to be a dispute between the suspect and the victim over a mutual female acquaintance. Detectives are continuing this investigation to gain more insight, as well as to collect and analyze evidence,” Colonel Michael Winquist, Chief of Cranston police, said in an emailed statement to Boston.com.

Neighbors gave police video footage that “showed a male subject wearing dark clothing and a mask walking toward the residence moments before the shooting and fleeing immediately afterward,” Winquist said.

The suspect was also seen running to a white Infiniti sedan which then drove off, the Cranston police chief said.

Shortly after the shooting, a license plate reader captured the vehicle driving southbound on Route 10, and then later in Fall River and Westport, Massachusetts. The sedan’s license plate was registered in Sousa’s name, Winquist said.

At around 12:18 a.m. Friday, Swansea police spotted Sousa’s Infiniti barreling down Route 6, Swansea officials said.

Just moments later, Sousa allegedly “crashed into the side of another vehicle, a blue 2022 Subaru Ascent that had been traveling southbound on Route 136,” Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley and Fire Chief Eric Hajder said in a joint press release.

Both vehicles had “catastrophic damage,” and the struck car was engulfed in flames, the Swansea officials said.

The driver and passenger of the hit car — a man and a woman — were declared dead at the scene, they said.

“Swansea Police had been alerted to be on the lookout for the suspect vehicle. However, Swansea Police were not involved in the pursuit and were not pursuing the vehicle at the time of the crash,” the Swansea chiefs wrote. Swansea official have not announced charges related to the fatal crash.

Sousa had been driving the Infiniti and appeared to be suffering from serious injuries, Winquist said. Inside the car, police found a pistol and “additional .22 caliber ammunition was recovered” from Sousa at Rhode Island Hospital, Winquist said.

Police arrested Sousa and transported him to Rhode Island Hospital. Sousa is expected to survive, Winquist said. Sousa will be held in Cranston police custody until he is conscious and medically cleared, Winquist said.

“On behalf of the Cranston Police Department, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Javon Lawson and the two individuals who were killed in the crash in Swansea,” Winquist said.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island men’s basketball extends slide with loss to St. Joseph’s

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island men’s basketball extends slide with loss to St. Joseph’s

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Whatever hopes the University of Rhode Island harbored for a men’s basketball Senior Day upset of Saint Joseph’s disappeared on a rare made 3-pointer.

Jaiden Glover-Toscano connected on just one of his eight attempts from deep, and it turned out to be a backbreaker. The Hawks mustered just enough offense to hold off the Rams at the Ryan Center in an Atlantic 10 rock fight that went to the visitors.

Glover-Toscano hit from the left wing with 3:37 left, restoring a two-possession lead. Saint Joseph’s did just enough from there to finish a 61-55 victory on Feb. 28 and extend URI’s late-season slide.

“We needed to get that stop,” URI coach Archie Miller said. “It was in the balance. Those last three minutes, whoever was going to make the play or get the stop was going to win.

“They made a big shot right there.”

The Rams cut a 13-point deficit all the way to 56-55 when Tyler Cochran knocked down both ends of a 1-and-1 at the line with 3:54 left. The Hawks overloaded the right side on the ensuing possession, and Derek Simpson got a step on his man toward the paint. He fired a crosscourt pass to Glover-Toscano that caught URI’s defense rotating, and the air came out of the announced 6,391 fans in the building when the net rippled in front of the visiting bench.

“We weren’t able to convert,” Miller said. “That’s kind of the name of the game. You’ve got to have some plays go your way.”

Myles Corey missed a 3-pointer at the other end, and Simpson played facilitator again to give Saint Joseph’s more of a cushion. He found Justice Ajogbor rolling to the rim for a slam with 2:36 left and it was a six-point game. Neither team scored again on an afternoon where they both shot under 40% from the field and went a combined 10-for-61 from deep.

“The bottom line for our team today – and let’s just keep it simple – is we didn’t make a shot,” Miller said. “We really struggled to shoot the ball.”

The Hawks built their largest lead with 13:53 to play, thanks to what was a major sore spot on the afternoon for the Rams. URI couldn’t inbound the ball after an Ajogbor free throw, and Jonah Hinton was called for an offensive foul. Simpson drove for a two-hand slam on the ensuing possession, part of a 13-0 shutout for the visitors on points off turnovers.

“We have no room for error,” Miller said. “That plays a big role.”

The Rams (15-14, 6-10 Atlantic 10) enjoyed their best stretch of the day after falling into that 44-31 hole. Alex Crawford offered some life with a couple of 3-pointers, and Jahmere Tripp buried another from the left corner to make it a 54-51 game with 5:10 left. Crawford’s hard drive down the right kept it a three-point game, and Cochran’s successful trip to the line put URI in position to steal it late.

“I feel like we had open shots,” Crawford said. “We had a lot of good looks – shots we usually make.”

Saint Joseph’s (19-10, 11-5) won its fourth straight and continued an impressive rally from an 0-2 start in league play. The Hawks are on course for a double bye in the upcoming conference tournament, while the Rams look increasingly likely to play on the opening day in Pittsburgh. A home date with Duquesne and a road trip to Fordham wrap the regular season this week, and URI hopes guard RJ Johnson (concussion protocol) will be able to return at some point.

“It did hurt a little bit,” Crawford said. “You face adversity, you’ve got to find a way to make up for missed players.”

SAINT JOSEPH’S (61): Dasear Haskins 5-11 4-5 14, Justice Ajogbor 4-5 1-3 9, Derek Simpson 4-10 4-4 13, Jaiden Glover-Toscano 3-14 0-1 7, Austin Williford 2-9 0-0 5, Khaafiq Myers 4-7 0-0 9, Jaden Smith 1-2 1-3 3, Anthony Finkley 0-2 1-2 1. Totals 23-60 11-18 61.

RHODE ISLAND (55): Tyler Cochran 2-13 8-8 13, Keeyan Itejere 4-5 2-2 10, Jahmere Tripp 4-12 2-3 11, Jonah Hinton 2-11 0-0 5, Myles Corey 1-8 1-4 4, Alex Crawford 4-6 2-4 12, Jalen Harper 0-6 0-0 0, Drissa Traore 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 17-62 15-21 55.

Halftime – SJ, 30-27. 3-point FG – SJ 4-28 (Haskins 0-3, Simpson 1-5, Glover-Toscano 1-8, Williford 1-8, Myers 1-2, Finkley 0-2), RI 6-33 (Cochran 1-9, Tripp 1-4, Hinton 1-7, Corey 1-4, Crawford 2-3, Harper 0-5, Traore 0-1). Rebounds – SJ 45 (Myers 8), RI 46 (Cochran 15). Assists – SJ 14 (Simpson 5), RI 12 (Corey 4). Turnovers – SJ 13 (Simpson 3, Myers 3), RI 13 (Corey 5). Blocked shots – SJ 7 (Ajogbor 3), RI 4 (Itejere 2, Tripp 2). Steals – SJ 8 (Simpson 3), RI 4 (Tripp 2). Attendance – 6,391.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25

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