Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival Returns for 24th Year

For the past 24 years, celebrating the fall harvest in Newport has meant enjoying the fruits of the sea at the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival.

The popular fall festival returns this year with a number of popular participating restaurants bringing their best fresh dishes. The Rhode Island Shellfishermen’s Association will be on hand, serving up their famed fare. There’s also cold beer, cider and live music to pass the time between all the eats.

“It is a time to celebrate our neighboring restaurants, seafood businesses, talented musicians, and the remarkable City by the Sea,” said Bart Dunbar, President of Bowen’s Wharf Company. “At Bowen’s Wharf, we are proud to host this tradition of outstanding seafood and free entertainment for our community, families, and visitors.”

Honoring the “Harvest of the Sea,” the festival offers fresh, mouthwatering seafood specialties hauled from Rhode Island waters. Participating restaurants such as Diego’s, The Wharf Pub, 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille, and Matunuck Oyster Bar as well as the RI Shellfishermen’s Association will serve up their most celebrated seafood dishes (lobsters, clam chowder, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, fish tacos, shrimp, scallops, raw oysters and clams, as well as options for children and landlubbers). Cold craft beer, spirits, and soft drinks are available in addition to ciders. Café-style seating is set up throughout the Wharf.

The 24th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival music schedule includes:

Saturday, October 18th
11am – 1pm: Atwater-Donnelly Duo (Traditional American Folk)
1pm – 3pm: Abbey Rhode (Music from the Fabulous 60s, Beatles, Rolling Stones, and more)
3pm – 5pm: Chelley, Bill & Dyl (Cool Jazz, Soulful R&B, with a Touch of Country!)

Sunday, October 19th
11am – 1pm: Red Eye Flight (Americana Originals, Rich Vocal Harmonies, Rollicking Rhythm)
1pm – 3pm: Lisa Markovich and Beyond Blonde (Original and Classic Rock)
3pm – 5pm: Big Cat Blues Band (West Coast and Chicago Blues, Soulful, Powerful, Solid Rhythm)

Entry to the festival is free and open to the public (food and beverages can be purchased at vendor booths). Festival hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5 pm rain or shine. Bowen’s Wharf souvenir baseball caps, T-shirts, spoons, shot glasses, and other memorabilia will be on sale on festival grounds. A Kids’ Tent will feature face and pumpkin painting, balloons, and special activities. For more information visit: www.bowenswharf.com/events.