News Summary
The Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival in Providence faced an early cancellation on Sunday due to bad weather, despite a successful turnout over the weekend. The festival, celebrating Italian heritage, was scheduled until 8 p.m. but was called off in the afternoon. The adverse conditions also impacted the Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Although disappointing, local organizers encourage the community to engage in upcoming fall festivals across New England.
Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival Canceled Early Due to Bad Weather
Providence, R.I. – The Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival was abruptly cut short on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions. Although the festival was scheduled to run until 8 p.m., organizers decided to close the event in the afternoon after a successful turnout over the weekend.
Rick Simone, President of the Federal Hill Commerce Association, reported that Friday and Saturday had notably good attendance before rain forced the cancellation on Sunday. The festival, which celebrates the Italian heritage of Federal Hill, is one of the main attractions during the fall festival season in New England.
In addition to the early cancellation of the Federal Hill festival, the Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular was also affected, with the evening events being called off due to the inclement weather. This popular Halloween event showcases approximately 5,000 intricately carved jack-o-lanterns and typically draws large crowds each year.
Upcoming Festivals and Events in New England
Fall is a vibrant time for festivals in New England, offering a variety of outdoor activities from September through November. One notable event is the Fall Fest hosted by Confreda Greenhouses and Farms, featuring attractions such as hayrides, pumpkin picking, and a giant corn maze. Admission to this event is $10 per person, with an additional $5 charge for access to the corn maze.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo typically features a dazzling display of jack-o-lanterns. Adult admission is priced at $20 on weekdays and $23 on weekends, making it a popular choice for families looking to celebrate the Halloween season.
Other upcoming festivals in the region include the 34th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival in Newport, which celebrates local seafood and is free to attend, although food and beverages are available for purchase. The 59th annual Scituate Art Festival will take place from October 11-13, showcasing fine arts and crafts along with food provided by local non-profits.
Woonsocket hosts the Autumnfest running from October 10-13, featuring live entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, and numerous food vendors. Additionally, the Harvest Fair at Middletown’s Norman Bird Sanctuary will be held on October 4-5, offering family-friendly activities and handmade goods.
Families can also look forward to the Galbani Columbus Weekend Festival, which occurs from October 11-13, featuring over 80 vendors and multiple food options. The Rogue Island Comedy Festival, showcasing local and national comedic talent, is set for October 9-12, providing a different flavor to the festival lineup, while Pawtucket’s Oktoberfest will offer an enjoyable weekend with traditional German food and live entertainment from September 27-28.
Finally, Clark Farms in Matunuck hosts a “Wild West Adventure” fall festival that features various attractions and activities from September 13 to October 26, offering more options for families looking for fall fun in the region.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival and the Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular highlights the impact of weather on outdoor events, yet the abundance of upcoming festivals provides a chance for families to engage in seasonal traditions throughout New England. With various activities available, residents and visitors can experience the rich culture and festivities of the autumn season.
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Additional Resources
- ABC6: Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival Canceled Early Due to Bad Weather
- WPRI: Federal Hill Holds Annual Columbus Day Parade
- Providence Journal: Columbus Day Weekend Events in RI
- Wikipedia: Federal Hill, Providence
- Google Search: Columbus Day Festivals in Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
