Rhode Island
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.
(WJAR) — Rhode Island will begin phasing out the sale of certain rat poisons after Gov. Dan McKee signed new legislation into law Thursday, making the Ocean State the second in the nation to adopt restrictions on the products.
The law targets first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, commonly used to control rats and mice.
Supporters say the poisons are harming wildlife, while critics argue they are among the most effective tools available to manage rodent populations.
Under the law, the sale of first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides will be prohibited beginning March 1, 2027.
Restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides will take effect Jan. 1, 2028. A statewide prohibition on both types is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2029.
Licensed commercial applicators and certain public health, agricultural and municipal uses are exempt from the restrictions.
Supporters said birds of prey such as hawks, owls and eagles are particularly vulnerable because they consume poisoned rodents. (WJAR file photo)
The legislation was backed by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, which says the poisons can move through the food chain and kill predators that feed on rodents.
“Across the country, and again, with Rhode Island making this move, the second only to California, we’ve seen just too many cases of off-species targets either being sickened or worse with these rodenticides,” said Maxwell McFarland, director of advocacy for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
McFarland said birds of prey such as hawks, owls and eagles are particularly vulnerable because they consume poisoned rodents.
“What we’re seeing is these are accumulating in the natural predators meant to manage these rodent populations,” McFarland said. “So primarily our hawks, owls and eagles.”
According to McFarland, wildlife rehabilitators in Rhode Island have documented widespread exposure to the poisons among injured birds brought into their care.
“They’ve had hundreds of raptors admitted into their care over the past couple of years, and every single one has shown signs of anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning,” he said.
Supporters of the law say reducing the use of rodenticides will encourage communities to adopt alternative pest-control methods, including improved sanitation, securing trash and sealing buildings to prevent rodent access.
The law also creates a voluntary municipal Integrated Pest Management pilot program aimed at helping communities transition away from anticoagulant rodenticides.
Not everyone supports the change.
Tony DeJesus, former vice president of Big Blue Bug Solutions, said the restrictions will make it more difficult for homeowners and businesses to control rats and mice. (WJAR)
Tony DeJesus, former vice president of Big Blue Bug Solutions, said the restrictions will make it more difficult for homeowners and businesses to control rats and mice.
“It’s gonna have a major impact on our business. And not only that, but on the homeowners,” DeJesus said.
DeJesus said over-the-counter rodent control products commonly used by homeowners will no longer be available once the law takes effect.
“Homeowners will not be able to go out anymore and buy things like Decon and some of the other over-the-counter baits once this goes into effect,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the impact on restaurants and public health.
“The main thing is that when we start talking about how this is gonna affect it, rats carry disease,” DeJesus said. “Food poisoning is associated with both rats and mice in restaurants and things.”
DeJesus pointed to California, which enacted similar restrictions, as a cautionary example.
“The proof in the pudding is the state of California that did the same thing three years ago,” he said. “And now Los Angeles has been voted the rattiest city in the United States.”
McFarland said the legislation provides communities and pest-control companies with time to adapt before the restrictions fully take effect.
“We believe that it’s a fair timeline where communities, municipalities and pest management companies can learn, unlearn rather, the status quo of how they’re applying these rodenticides,” he said.
The Audubon Society said Rhode Island’s law follows similar action taken in California and comes as other New England states consider comparable legislation.
State officials say the first restrictions under the new law will take effect in March 2027.
WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — The local community hosted a send-off celebration for Special Olympics Rhode Island athletes on Friday.
Twenty-four athletes, along with partners, coaches, and medical personnel, are traveling to Minneapolis for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
The local community hosted a send-off celebration for Special Olympics Rhode Island athletes on Friday. (WJAR)
Textron hosted the team in a private jet for travel to the games, officials said.
“The USA Games represent months of dedication, hard work, and perseverance for our athletes,” President and CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island Ed Pacheco said. “Our athletes, Unified partners, and coaches carry with them the hopes and aspirations of achieving gold while representing the very fabric of our great state. This journey would not be possible without Textron, and we are incredibly grateful for their support in creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Team Rhode Island as they travel to compete on the national stage.”
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Officials said the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held from Saturday through next Friday.
“They were truly the unrelenting voices of their time, and made sure that this was something that happened because they knew it was important,” Jess Motyl-Szary, director of Rhode Island Pride, said in an interview on Thursday.
The 1976 pride march came after local Bicentennial Committee organizers “refused meeting space for the group of community members hosting the Congress of People with Gay Concerns,” according to research by Matthew Lawrence and published on the Providence Public Library’s website.
“Calling themselves Toward a Gayer Bicentennial Committee, the group sued the official Bicentennial Committee and won the right to assemble at the Old State House, where about 30 people met in June 1976 to discuss civil rights concerns,” according to Lawrence.
But the contingent also had to fight to join the Bicentennial Parade after they were initially denied the right to do so by officials who pointed to the state’s anti-sodomy law at the time, according to Motyl-Szary.
The 76ers “knew that being a part of an existing parade meant there was a little bit of safety there, because it was an existing infrastructure,” Motyl-Szary said.
“But it also meant that there was a much higher visibility for them to be able to be out there, be proud, and show other people who might not have been out that there is a safe space for them,” Motyl-Szary said.
With the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union, they won the right to march, she said.
“It wasn’t safe to be out in the ’70s,” Motyl-Szary said. “Incredibly great people marched. Some had to march with paper bags on their heads because there were no legal protections to protect their jobs, their home, their families, but [it was] still incredibly brave to go out there, create visibility, and create this organization.
“Being here 50 years later, and being a part of their legacy has been so incredible,” she said.
A lot has changed for LGBTQIA+ Rhode Islanders in the decades since, Motyl-Szary said.
“But the closeness of it still feels relevant because we’re seeing these continued attacks in our community, and a very real resurgence of attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community, especially our trans brothers, sisters, and siblings,” Motyl-Szary said.
Since returning to office last year, the Trump Administration has taken aim at transgender rights across the country, especially after President Donald Trump signed an executive order recognizing two sexes, male and female. Among other actions, Trump has often sought to tie adherence to the order with federal funding requirements, and the administration has also attempted to gather private medical records from hospitals that provided gender-affirming care to transgender children and teens.
Reflecting on what pride means to her right now, Motyl-Szary said pride festivities are new to at least somebody every year.
“Someone is coming and getting to feel this embrace, this huge hug of their community for the first time every year,” she said. “And in a time like this, when our community is being told that we are hated by the rest of our community, by the rest of our country, when we are told we should hate ourselves, coming out and celebrating ourselves, loving ourselves, loving each other is so incredibly important. Our community creates the space that we need.”
Motyl-Szary said she also believes that “queer joy is resistance.”
“There is a real need for us to have a space and a celebration of who we are and to remind ourselves that we are worthy of love and that we are worthy of being a part of a community that gathers, celebrates, and fights for ourselves and our rights,” she said.
Rhode Island Pride kicks off on Friday night with the “Golden Anniversary Eve” party from 6 to 8 p.m. at the 195 District Park in Providence, Motyl-Szary said.
Festivities continue at the park on Saturday with yoga at 10 a.m. and PrideFest entertainment beginning at 11 a.m., alongside approximately 260 vendors, she said. A rally at 2 p.m. will focus on “what’s happening, get people motivated to be involved in [the] community to speak up and be an activist in whatever way is right for their path of activism,” Motyl-Szary said.
The Illuminated Night Parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. at Washington and Empire streets before moving through downtown Providence, according to organizers.
Christopher Gavin can be reached at christopher.gavin@globe.com.
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