Audubon has Plenty of Fun Brewing in October!
October 2024 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Join eerie nighttime hikes in search of owls, listen to spooky folklore over a local beer, or bring your friends for a classic Hitchcock horror film. Families can join outdoor autumn explorations and a Happy Owl-o-ween celebration. Audubon is wicked fun in the fall, come find out what’s brewing!
Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025; 9:00 – 11:00am
Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Locations will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2026; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Wednesday Walk and Watercolor
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
October 1, 8, 15, 2025; 9:30 am-1:00pm.
Come to the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday mornings for a short walk and watercolor painting. Explore the watercolor process with simple techniques in a fun and stress-free way! A different watercolor technique and new subject is practiced each session. Register for one or all. Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee per class: $40/member, $50/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bird Banding with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 4, 2025; 8:00-10:00am
Learn more about birds by observing bird banding, where experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed. Bring a camera and binoculars. Please register early.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member adult, $10/member child; $25/non-member adult, $15/non-member child. Ages: 6 and up. +. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owl Prowl on the Harvest Supermoon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 6, 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Head out on a supermoon night to search for owls! An Audubon naturalist will call for different species on the trails through the forest. While we never know if we’ll hear or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Advance registration is required.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Full Moon Owl Prowl at Fort Wildlife Refuge
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI
October 7, November 5, 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Visit Fort Nature Refuge at night to search for owls! Audubon naturalist Marina Flannery will call for different species on the forest trails. While we never know if we’ll hear or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. The hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Advance registration is required.
Fort Wildlife Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult/child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Family Owl Prowl
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 8, 2025; 6:30-8:00pm
Take to the trails in search of owls! Join an Audubon Naturalist in this guided hike of the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge to listen and look for owls. While we never know if we’ll hear or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great hike. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Thursday Evening Watercolor
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
October 9, 2025; 6:00-8:30 pm.
Learn basic techniques to create four small watercolors using a simple process in a fun, intuitive and relaxing way. During these individualized classes participants will create four small, seasonal landscape watercolor paintings, suitable for framing or greeting cards. Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bristol Bimonthly Bird Walks
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 10 and 24, 2025; 9:00-11:00 am
Join an Audubon naturalist for a morning stroll through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in search of birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll enjoy spotting and learning about resident species and seasonal visitors. Bring your binoculars and experience the sights and sounds of fall birding! Offered every other Friday this fall in Bristol, RI.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nature Journaling Workshops: Trees
Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Warren, RI
October 11, 2025; 10:00-11:30am
Discover the art of nature observation and reflection guided by Audubon naturalists. This hands-on course invite participants to expand their knowledge of Rhode Island’s natural history while learning and implementing field illustration techniques. Learn the technical and interpretive skills needed to communicate scientific and ecological information through art, gain new knowledge, and explore natural habitats. A journal will be provided to all participants.
Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Touisset Road, Warren, RI; October 11, 2025; 10:00-11:30am; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
World Migratory Bird Day Celebration: Birding with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 11, 2025; 9:00-11:00am
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a guided walk led by an Audubon naturalist. Stroll through the trails of the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in search of seasonal migrants while learning tips for spotting and identifying species in the field. Bring your binoculars and experience the excitement of migration firsthand!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
World Migratory Bird Day Celebration: Activities and Crafts for Kids
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 10, 2025; 1:00-2:00pm
Bring the kids and celebrate World Migratory Bird Day through hands-on activities and crafts. Learn about the challenges birds face on their travels, the ways you can help them along the way, and leave with your own bird-themed craft to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. No fee for accompanying adults. Ages: 5+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Between Moon Tides: A Free Community Film Screening & Discussion
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 11, 2025; 7:00pm
A new documentary by filmmaker Jason Jaacks, Between Moon Tides tells the story of a remarkable bird and the people working to protect it. Filmed at Jacob’s Point in collaboration with the Saltmarsh Sparrow Research Initiative and with permission of the Warren Land Trust, the film offers a rare glimpse into the delicate balance of life in the saltmarsh.
In a ribbon of saltmarsh in Warren, RI, an intergenerational group of citizens is working to postpone the extinction date of the Saltmarsh Sparrow by developing a strategy to prevent nests from flooding due to rising tides — one nest at a time.
This community film screening will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with members of the Saltmarsh Sparrow Research Initiative:
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Intermediate Watercolor
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
October 14, 2025; 1:30-4:30pm.
Come to the Maxwell Mays Art Studio to study seasonal landscapes, botanicals and still life compositions. All materials are included; if participant has their own materials, they are welcome to bring them. This is an intermediate level class; prior watercolor experience is helpful.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee per Class: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Ales & Autumn Colors
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 16, 2025; 4:30-6:00 pm
Enjoy locally brewed beer while learning about the fascinating science behind New England’s brilliant autumn leaves – from why leaves change colors to how weather plays a role. Then take to the trails for a guided evening hike where you can experience the season’s colors firsthand as the sun begins to set.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member, $35/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owls and Ales
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 17, 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Meet one of Audubon’s amazing owls in person! Come to the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge for a presentation on these fascinating birds while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the wildlife refuge at night to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life. Leave the kids at home —this program is just for adults. Please dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Meet in the Barn. For ages 21+.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
The Birds! Movie, Cocktails, & Fun!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 17, 2025; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Bring friends for an eerie October evening of birds, cocktails, and fun! Enjoy drinks and snacks with a special live presentation from one of Audubon’s animal ambassadors. Then, sit back and enjoy a free screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s movie The Birds, a 1963 American classic horror-thriller film. (Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium; 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; October 17, 2025; 6:00-9:00pm; Ages: 21 and up. Fee: $30/member, $35/non-member. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio
Sea Glass and Porcelain Wrapping
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
October 17, 2025; 6:00-8:00pm
Simple techniques for wrapping sea glass in silver and copper wire will be shared. Bring your own sea glass and treasures to learn the art of creating a simple pendant and pair of earrings. All materials and tools are supplied. (Some sea glass and porcelain may be available, participants are encouraged you to bring any they may have collected.) Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Happy Owl-o-ween!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 18, 2025; 11:00am-1:00pm
Whooo wants to meet a live owl? Join Audubon for a fun filled afternoon and discover the mysterious lives of nocturnal birds. Learn all things owls – biology, behavior, adaptations, and more through hands on activities and crafts. End the program by meeting one of Audubon’s live ambassador owls!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7 non-member child. Ages:5+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Arts & Autumn Colors for Families
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 18, 2025; 4:30-6:00pm
Bring the kids and create your own autumn-inspired craft while learning about the fascinating science behind New England’s brilliant autumn leaves – from why leaves change colors to how weather plays a role. Then, take to the trails for a guided evening hike where you can experience the seasons colors firsthand as the sun begins to set. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7 non-member child. No fee for accompanying adult. Ages:5+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Designing a Wildlife Garden Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 18, 2025; 10:00-11:30 am
Join Audubon for a workshop on how to make your space an inviting habitat for all wildlife – migrating songbirds, overwintering bumblebees, and endangered butterflies. Participants will leave with actionable steps and preliminary drafts of new and improved wildlife gardens for their home and community spaces.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member, $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Geology of Rhode Island
Cliff Walk, Newport, RI
October 18, 2025; 11:00am-12:30pm
Audubon for an autumn stroll along Newport’s Cliff Walk. Instead of looking up at the mansions, we will be looking down at the rocks! Participants will learn about how rocks form, and how to interpret different geological structures and formations that allow us to understand Rhode Island’s unique geologic history. For details and to register, visit asri.org/calendar.
Cliff Walk, Newport, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fall Hiking on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
October 24, 2025; 9:45am-4:45pm
Join a day of hiking on the many trails on Prudence Island. With 85% of the Island protected, there is natural beauty around every corner: coastline, salt marsh, meadow, and forest. Hike will be at a moderate pace, participants should be able to walk approximately 5-6 miles total. Due to limited space, registration is required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $12/Member, $14/ Non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bones and Brews
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 24, 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Join Audubon for spooky stories and cold beer on a crisp October night. Sip on some local brews as Audubon naturalist delves into the spooky and scientific aspects of local wildlife. Examine some cool animal skulls and discover both New England and international wildlife folklore. End the night with a short hike around the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, watching and listening for nature at night. For ages 21+.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Fresh Palette Watercolor Paint Nights
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
October 24, 2025; 6:00-8:30 pm.
Enjoy the company of a small group in the quiet respite of the Maxwell Mays
Art Studio. Create an original 9”x12” seasonal landscape in watercolor. Beginners welcome; All materials are included as well as snacks and beverages.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 25, November 22, 2025; 10:00am-3:00pm
Thanks to Bank of America, Audubon offers free admission to the Nature Center and Aquarium on Select Saturdays this fall. Bring the family for nature stories, animal discoveries, crafts, hikes, and more. No need to register.
10:00am – 3:00pm: Craft Table
10:00am: Nature Story
11:00am & 2:30pm: Animal Interview
1:00pm: Autumn Nature Hike – Head out on the trails with an Audubon naturalist to discover how nature changes with the seasons.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free. Ages: All.
Yoga at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 26, November 23, 2025; 9:00-10:00am
Experience the joy and benefits of practicing yoga while connecting with community and nature at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Led by certified yoga teacher and East Bay resident Joanne DeCataldo, this class is designed for people of all skill levels and abilities. Please bring your own yoga mat, a water bottle, and any other props you may like to include in your practice. Proceeds support Audubon scholarships, education programs, and animal care.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Coastal Reflections: Water, Wildlife & Natural Wonders
Watercolor Exhibit by Arianne Del Rios
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through October 31, 2025; 9:30am–4:30pm
An award-winning artist with over 15 years of professional experience in graphic design and illustration, Arianne Del Rios specializes in landscapes, still life, and animals. Her works captures the beauty of nature through watercolor, gouache, and acrylics.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All.
Photos:
Great Horned Owl by Ed Hughes
Audubon is Wicked Fun at Audubon by Hope Foley
Free Family Fun Day: Check out the Curiosity Corner at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Photo by Richard Staple
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
401-486-1503
www.asri.org | Facebook @AudubonRI | Bluesky & Instagram @RIAudubon
12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788