Wicked Weeks in Wickford Brings Witches, Fire, and Costumes to North Kingstown

Wickford’s narrow streets, old houses, and waterfront setting don’t need much help looking ready for Halloween, but the village commits to the assignment anyway. Wicked Weeks in Wickford stretches the celebration across the second half of October, mixing longtime traditions with stranger sights, including floating fire baskets in the harbor and witches paddling past the docks. Most events are free to watch, while a few require advance registration, giving visitors plenty of ways to join in without treating Halloween as a one-night affair.

The Witches Paddle on Sunday, October 25 may be the clearest example of how far Wickford takes the theme, as costumed witches, warlocks, and pets head onto the harbor from noon-2pm in kayaks, SUPs, canoes, and pedal kayaks. Spectators can watch from Town Dock and the Brown Street docks, while paddlers need to bring their own vessel, wear a PFD, and register online in advance for $25, with proceeds supporting the North Kingstown Food Pantry.

Before the witches hit the water, Wickford Harbor Fire starts the festivities Friday, October 16 from 5:30-9pm, when floating fire baskets glow across the harbor alongside live music, food trucks, late-night shopping, and the unveiling of the village’s scarecrows. The next day shifts from firelight to beer steins as OktoberVets pairs a 5K and .152K fun run with German food, music, and a beer garden benefiting veteran programs.

Things get a little more mystical on October 22, when Tea, Tarot & Treatments brings seasonal drinks, readings, and mini wellness treatments to Anchored Soul and Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage while the overlapping Spooky Sip & Stroll keeps village shops and restaurants open late for tastings and seasonal specials.

Families take over Main Street on October 24 for the Horribles Parade, which forms at St. Paul’s Parish House at 11:30am before costumed kids and pets step off at noon, followed by entertainment, a costume contest, and trick-or-treating at participating businesses.

The festivities wrap on Halloween morning with historian Tim Cranston’s Spooky Historic Walking Tour at 10am in Updike Park, trading costumes for a closer look at some of Wickford’s older haunts. Since October weather gets a vote, visitors should check I Love Wickford Village on Facebook and Instagram for last-minute changes before heading out. For the full Wicked Weeks schedule and event details, visit WickfordVillage.org.