October 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(September 2, 2026) – Sip, savor and celebrate fall at Audubon’s Birds and Brews or join eerie nighttime hikes in search of owls. Bring the kids for outdoor autumn explorations and a Happy Owl-o-ween event! 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.
DIY Bird Strike Window Clings
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 2, 2026; 6:00-7:30pm
Every year, over 1 billion birds are killed from colliding with windows around the world. Join Audubon to learn more about the impacts of bird-window collisions on local bird populations and simple ways you can help prevent fatal collisions. Then use gallery glass paint and make your very own window clings to help make your home safer for birds.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Goats and Floats
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
October 3, 2026; 10:00am-12:00pm
Audubon is now using the help of brush-cutting goats to assist in habitat management plans. Learn all about this new program and meet the conservation goats! Take a short nature walk with these charming animals and have root beer floats!
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon, Joslin Rd Exeter, RI; Fee: $14/member, $18/non-member; Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Franklin’s Hatch Day Shell-ebration!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 3, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Franklin is the resident eastern box turtle at the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium. Join Audubon to shell-ebrate Franklin’s birthday – the day he hatched! Learn all about these awesome turtles and take part in turtle themed games, activities, crafts, and more. No registration required. All activities are included with admission.
Schedule of events:
All Day: Turtle Party Games & Turtle Crafts
10:00 am: Turtle Nature Story
11:00 am: Meet Franklin the Box Turtle
1:00 pm: Meet Franklin the Box Turtle
Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All.
Reading the Forest
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 6, 2026; 5:30-7:00pm
Take a guided hike with an Audubon naturalist to examine forest ecology and discuss how the current composition can give us clues and provide a window into the past.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages:14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
October 7, 14, 21, 23, 28, 2026; 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 2027; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Learning Bird Conservation Techniques: Feather Structure
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 8, 2026; 6:00-8:00pm
Learn the ins and outs of Dr. Sarah Deckel’s avian research with Audubon with the opportunity to gain hands on experience with field-related bird conservation research. The first hour will be a lecture with background information about feather structure, with relevant research studies mentioned and examples of how scientists use this technique in the field. During the second hour, YOU will be the scientist! Follow a protocol and analyze field data as though you were conducting your own study.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee per session: $20/member, $25/non-member; Ages: 15 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bristol Biweekly Bird Walk with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 9, 23, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
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 birding!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Skull ID
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 10, 2026; 10:00-11:30am
Take a closer look at some skulls and bones from Audubon’s natural history collections while discussing the ways diet and behavior impact the shape and structure of species’ skeletons. Learn tips and tricks to improve your skull and bone ID.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages:10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Indigenous People’s Day Nature Activities
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 12, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Discover the natural world with fun-filled family activities including crafts, animal interviews, nature stories, and more. No registration is required. Activities are included with admission.
10:00am – 3:00pm: Craft Table
10:00am: Nature Story
11:00 am & 2:30pm: Animal Interview
1:00pm: Nature Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission; Ages: All.
eBird for Beginners
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 14, 2026; 6:00-7:30pm
Have you ever wanted to use this popular resource from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, but didn’t know where to start? Join Audubon for a comprehensive course on eBird basics with handy tips and tricks to help you navigate the app and online features. Discuss how to make an account, share your observations with others, and find species local to your area. Learn to investigate hotspots, species and migration trend maps, and troubleshoot issues you may have.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages:10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Sensory Friendly Hours
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 21, 27, 2026; 3:00-4:00pm
During Audubon’s Sensory Friendly Hours, there will be maximum of 12 visitors in the exhibit spaces along with trained and caring staff that have completed the Kulture City Sensory Inclusive Training.
Audubon welcomes any supports needed to make a visit to the Nature Center and Aquarium comfortable for guests.Three sensory bags and a weighted lap pad can be borrowed from the front desk and there will be a quiet area designation, Sensory Friendly signs alerting visitors, and a headphone zone (indicative of potentially loud area) at the exhibit hall entry. Please register in advance.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free for members; $10/non-member adult, $7/nonmember child. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Stamp & Sip
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 22, November 19, 2026; 6:00-8:00pm
Create handmade cards inspired by fall foliage, bountiful harvests, and the natural world we are grateful for. Create three designs using a variety of techniques. Materials are provided and all skill levels are welcome. Advance registration required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope, St Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member; Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Felted Forest Animals
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
October 22, 2026; 6:00pm-8:00pm
Join us for a fun-filled evening creating a felted forest animal. Participants will sculpt their animal using the technique of needle felting, which involves using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it becomes solid. This class is for beginners. All material provided.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Rd, Exeter, RI; Fee: $25/member, $30/non-member; Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fall Hiking on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
October 23, 2026; 9:45am-4:45pm
Head out for a day of hiking on the many trails on Prudence Island. With 85% of the island protected, there is natural beauty around every corner. Scenery includes coastline, salt marsh, meadow, and forest. 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. For details and to Register for Prudence Island programs, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Birds and Brews
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 24, 2026; 4:00-7:00pm
Sip, savor and celebrate fall with Audubon!
Join a wicked fun evening of live music, local brews, food trucks, and s’mores around the fire. Proceeds support Audubon’s bird conservation program. Must be ages 21 or older to attend.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member, $30/non-member; Ages: 21 and up. Purchase tickets through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Happy Owl-o-ween!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 24, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Whooo wants to meet a live owl? Join Audubon for a fun filled day and discover the mysterious lives of nocturnal birds and learn all things owls – biology, behavior, adaptations, and more through hands on activities and crafts. Then meet one of Audubon’s live ambassador owls and learn about the Owls of Rhode Island and their adaptations! All activities are included with admission.
10am-3pm: Craft Table
10 am: Owl Nature Story
11am: Meet a Live Owl
1:00pm: Owls of Rhode Island
2:30pm: Meet a Live Owl
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission; Ages: All.
Spooky Tales and Trails
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
October 24, 2026; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Head to Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge for an evening of fun tales and eerie stories that focus on the natural history and spooky history of Exeter. This program is appropriate for children 10 and up. (Nothing too spooky will be included!)
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Rd, Exeter, RI; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member; Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Hunter Moon Owl Prowl at Powder Mill Ledges
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 26, 2026; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Visit Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge on a full moon night to search for owls! An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you follow 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. The hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson, Rd Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member; Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Family Owl Prowls
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
October 27, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
November 24, 4:30pm – 6:00pm
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. This program does not include a live Audubon owl.
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.
Full Moon Owl Prowl at Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 27, 2026; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Visit Caratunk Wildlife Refuge at night to search for owls! An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you follow 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. The hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; October 27, 2026; 6:30pm-8:30pm; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member; Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day
Spooky Critters
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 31, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Thanks to Bank of America, once a month the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public with programs and activities throughout the day. No need to register!
10:00am – 3:00pm: Craft Table
10:00am – 3:00pm: Self-guided Jack-o-lantern Hunt. Take to the trails in search of hidden Jack-o-lanterns!
10:00am-3:00pm: Spooky Critters Discovery Station – Owls, snakes, and bats, oh my! Dare to discover the world of spooky critters at this hands-on discovery table! Get up close with real animal biofacts, match them to their mystery critters, and uncover the secrets behind these creepy creatures!
10:00am: Nature Story
11:00am & 2:30pm: Animal Interview
1:00pm: Guided Nature Walk – Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided walk to explore the local habitats and look for signs of spooky critters.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Drawn to Nature: Art Exhibit by Helen Lozoritis
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through October 31, 2026
As a longtime observer of nature, Helen Lozoritis takes photographs that she integrates with both real world and abstract visual elements to create mixed media collages. The artwork consists of hand-painted and printed papers layered with original images and a range of other materials, sometimes with stitching on top. Her fall exhibit at the Audubon Nature Center will be a collection of mixed media collage pieces inspired by many beach walks and woodland hikes on the South Coast of Massachusetts.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All.
Photos:
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium: Spider in web by Ed Lawson (October 31)
Audubon educator Kaylee Finch holds a Red-tailed Hawk on the glove. By Kelsey Alpaio (Birds and Brews October 24)
Eastern Screech-Owl by Sharon Riley (Happy Owl-o-ween! October 24 and Owl Prowls on various dates.)