South Coast Harvest Festival Returns With Pumpkins, Ponies, and Family Fun

This is the time of year I thrive. The weather isn’t too hot or too cold, and that crisp autumn air is nothing less than a vibe.

Now there’s even more to look forward to: the South Coast Harvest Festival is back for its third year, bringing more pumpkins, ponies and family fun than ever before.

Set out your favorite flannel and boots, and get ready for Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28, when the Westport Fairgrounds transform into a fall wonderland packed with music, food and community spirit.

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Entertainment That Screams Autumn

From toe-tapping line dancing on Friday night to live bands and DJs throughout the weekend, there’s no shortage of entertainment.

Families can look forward to kids’ shows, pony rides, a petting zoo, and plenty of pumpkin painting. For the brave, a mechanical bull will be bucking all weekend, while those looking for a calmer experience can step into the fall-themed photo booth for that perfect seasonal snapshot.

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The big crowd-pleasers? The Joy Crew dog shows, led by Chrissy Joy (yes, the same one featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon), and jaw-dropping pumpkin carvings by Richard Kaiser, one of the original artists behind the Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular.

A Festival That Gives Back

This isn’t just about candy apples and cornstalks. The Harvest Festival partners with local organizations to make a difference. Mass Audubon will be selling ducks for its Duck Derby fundraiser, supporting the Coastal Waterbird Program. Other community groups setting up shop include the Westport River Watershed Alliance, Bristol Aggie High School, Buttonwood Park Zoo, Pieces of Autism and Gnome Surf.

Food, Drink & Shopping Galore

Come hungry, because nearly 70 artisan vendors and more than a dozen food trucks will be waiting. Whether you’re after fall staples like candy apples and pumpkin treats or SouthCoast classics like clam cakes, there’s a little something for everyone. Wash it all down with a craft beverage and take a stroll through the artisan marketplace for handmade treasures.

A Magical Fall Backdrop

Local landscapers and designers will once again transform the fairgrounds into an autumn dream. Professional garden displays set the scene during the day, and as the sun goes down, the grounds light up for a magical evening stroll.

READ MORE: Best Fall Drives on the SouthCoast for Stunning Foliage

Assistant Director Shannen Viveiros summed it up best.

"Our festival is all about community and celebrating the spirit of the season on the SouthCoast. We’re thrilled to welcome guests back for another year of local talent, delicious food, and family fun," Viveiros said.

The Need-to-Know Details

The festival takes place at the Westport Fairgrounds, located at 200 Pine Hill Road in Westport.

• Friday, September 26 from noon to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is cash only at the gate: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for kids under 5.

So next time you’re craving a real taste of autumn, skip the pumpkin spice latte and head to the South Coast Harvest Festival instead.