Fall's Best Foodie Events

Ann & Michael Martini, GoLocalProv Food Editors

Fall's Best Foodie Events

Something that's different now -- much different than say, 25 years ago -- is the proliferation of foodie events. There was a time when organizations held fundraisers and served tepid, uninspired food at sub-par locations. Now, the event and the food itself are as big as the reason to celebrate. We're delighted that fall ushers in a whole host of harvest-able foodie things to do. The last and sweetest summer corn and tomatoes are being harvested; shellfish becomes it's briny best; and fall vegetables begin to join summer favorites on our plates. It's this time of year that we really seek out food events. These events become a way for food lovers to sample local food and wine and spirits all in one place and on one--or two--days. We set out to find 5 local events that best show off all of Rhode Island's bounty and came back with these...  

Fall's Best Foodie Events

4th Annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival, Providence, Sept. 6-7

September signals the re-birth of Providence as its sleepy streets bustle with college students and locals back from the shore. We know...you need one more taste of summer without having to day-trip for it. In that vein, we present the 4th Annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival. On the weekend, India Point Park comes alive with scores of fresh, local seafood and hungry patrons. You can sample food and drink from the state's top chefs and food trucks and wineries and breweries. Grab some local oysters and a Narragansett and fend off the impending cold! www.riseafoodfest.com  

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Newport, Sept. 19-21

This is the Rhode Island festival that all others are judged against. Newport Mansions Wine and Food is in its ninth year of bringing together sublime food talent in a gorgeous Newport setting. This year is no different as the main headliners are Martha Stewart and Sara Moulton. They don't stop there though...imagine hundreds of wines to be sampled on the lawn of Marble House, tasty treats from lots of local restaurants,and appearances by local chefs like Champe Speidel preparing and serving their creations. You've got a bona fide classic! Tickets starts at $135. www.newportmansions.org/events/wine-and-food-festival

New England Whiskey Festival, Lincoln, Sept 27

this one sounds promising: Twin River Casino’s first New England Whiskey Festival. The finest companies in the hospitality industry will gather at Rhode Island’s premiere entertainment facility to show off the latest whiskey products, trends and innovations. Discover new brands and the hottest beverage trends while enjoying great food, samplings and entertainment. The festivities start at 2 p.m. in the Twin River Event Center. 21+ of course. Tickets are $30 ($5 of each ticket will benefit the RI Hospitality Association Education Foundation). 100 Twin River Rd. 1-877-82-RIVER, www.twinriver.com

Taste Trekkers Food and Travel Expo, Providence, Oct. 3-5

This is a second year for the Taste Trekkers Food and Travel Expo and we are excited to be hosting it again here in Providence. This event, started by Seth Ressler, aims to bring together like-minded food travelers for a weekend of food and fun. This year's event features a new "industry day" that brings together local food and travel professionals. On Saturday, the events unfold at the Biltmore with a series of talks and then the Hope and Main sponsored Tasting Pavillion. Tickets start at $50. www.tastetrekkers.com

Chefs Collaborative Autumn Harvest BBQ, Exeter, Oct. 19

Chefs Collaborative is one of the real unsung heroes when it comes to changing our food system. They have 11 chapters nationwide that bring together chefs and food producers in an attempt to help the chefs source better local foods. In other words...we diners win! Our local Rhode Island chapter features some of the state's best and brightest chefs. Their annual fundraiser is the Autumn Harvest BBQ. Held at Schartner's Farms, this is a must-attend party. You may never get the opportunity to enjoy all of these chefs on just one night in this great a setting. Sunday October 19th is the date and all the information is on their website. 1 Arnold Pl.  www.chefscollaborative.org  

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