With the crisp, cool autumn breeze making its way through the East Coast, now is the time to fall into festivities and get yourself involved in your community, even outside campus! Fall is my favorite season, with the weather getting cooler, the leaves turning color, and finally being able to wear cozy sweaters while walking around the university. There’s so much to do and enjoy during this time of year! Going apple picking with friends, pumpkin carving, or finding the perfect Halloween costumes. Just because summer vacation is over doesn’t mean the fun is with many events happening throughout the season. With the fall semester beginning, so are the chances to really immerse yourself in the URI community, whether you commute or live on campus. Definitely check out the Campus Recreation’s Events Calendar to keep yourself updated on all of our events. Be sure to also check out the URI Events Calendar to explore how you can fall into the fall semester!
On-campus Events
Calling all URI students! If you haven’t heard of our very own Free Farmer’s Market, come on down and explore free produce from the URI Farms! Both the Market South and Market West offer free produce to students while supplies last every Thursday throughout the month of October. The Market South is open from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM on the quad, and the Market West from 2:30 to 4:00 PM. Don’t forget to bring a reusable shopping bag and to follow @urifreefarmersmarket on Instagram or check out their official Farmer’s Market website for future updates!
While getting into the fall spirit, it is important to fall into balance with prioritizing your well-being. If pumpkin spice lattes aren’t your cup of coffee, the Neuroscience Club is selling a variety of refreshing matcha lattes! While enjoying a rejuvenating drink, their Matcha for the Mind event is a chance to learn more about the Neuroscience Club and fuel your brain with some delicious matcha. This event will take place on October 17th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Memorial Union.
If you’re a big musical lover like myself, then this event might be for you. Let’s do the time-warp again by celebrating 50 years of Rocky Horror Picture Show, a campy comedy classic from 1975, from a live-performance by the RKO Army at Edwards Hall Auditorium! The RKO Army has been performing this beloved late-night double picture show since 1978, and every year it continues to be a thrill!
Are you a fan of the Fine Arts? Looking for a fun night out with friends? Be sure to check out the Rhody Ridiculousness Improv Show for a night of fun improv games! Hosted by improv group Rhody Ridiculousness, anyone in the university community can come, whether you’re into improv or simply just want to live it up. Bring your friends and get ridiculous at the Memorial Union in Atrium 1 on November 14th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Fitness & Wellness is also offering a Nature Walk class that you can register for on IMLEagues for free. The class runs every Thursday at 12:30 into Dec. Here’s the class description: “A mindful walk is an excellent way to clear your mind of clutter and restore your sense of focus. It is also a great excuse to get out into nature. Meet us in the Wellness Resource Center at Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center by registering on IMLeagues (lower level). We’ll explore a different area of our beautiful campus each week, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells along the way.
Off-Campus Activities (picture of art festival)
If you want to spend your weekend off campus and explore fall in Rhode Island, there are plenty of options to choose from! What I love to do, especially around my birthday, is attend the North Scituate Art Festival with family and friends. You can browse many booths selling their original fine art, handmade antiques and crafts, and alike. Savor delicious food and sweets while also supporting local, non-profit organizations and enjoying live music! Whether it’s gloomy or bright and sunny, don’t just take a chance with their raffles, but take a chance to discover the beauty of creativity in Rhode Island! The North Scituate Art Festival will be held from October 11th through October 13th from 10 AM til 5 PM, located at 554 W Greenville Rd, North Scituate.
Nothing screams fall like the sight of pumpkins, whether that’s going to the pumpkin patch or carving them. Be sure to check out the Wicked Woods Pumpkin Walk! Located in Warwick, take a stroll through the enchanted pumpkin path through the forest for sightseeing! This event features over 300 candle-lit hand-carved pumpkins, living statues, and Halloween treats. Enjoy a spooky and magical night with family and friends with this event held on October 23rd through October 26th from 6 PM to 10 PM. Hours may vary with weekend hours. Located at 131 Rocky Point Avenue, Warwick, RI.
If partying on Halloween isn’t your thing, here’s an idea on how to spend your Halloween this year. At Paranormal Halloween at Fort Adams, prepare yourself for a chilling and frightening night filled with ghostly tales and spine-chilling adventures! Located in Newport, Paranormal Halloween at Fort Adams allows customers to explore the spirits and lore by becoming a paranormal investigator for the night. This event is 18+ and is from 6:30 PM til midnight, so definitely recharge before entering the ghostly Fort Adams Skate Park.
If your schedule looks a little empty for the fall semester, be sure to check out these events to get involved on and off campus. If you want to explore more off-campus fall activities, check out Things to do in Rhode Island for more information. Have a great fall!
By: Aaliyah Holford
Major: Exploring Harrington School
Graduating May 2029