While many South County communities do something special for Halloween, Wickford stands in a class of its own. You see, this historic village in North Kingstown holds an annual Halloween celebration that often lasts for over a week, giving you plenty of time to experience the festivities.
Wickford Wicked Week 2022 runs from October 23 to 31 and features various events you’ll want to check out when spending your vacation in the area. Some happenings are family-friendly, while others are reserved for adults, giving everyone the opportunity to participate.
Here’s an overview of what Wickford Wicked Week has in store for 2022.
Witches Paddle
Wicked Week gets started on October 23 with the 4th Annual Witches Paddle. The gist is that people dress up in witch costumes and paddle a kayak, paddleboard, pedal kayak, or canoe around Wickford Harbor, and judges award prizes for the best costumes.
Anyone can participate in the Witches Paddle, although you’ll have to pre-register, and there’s a $10 entry fee with proceeds going to the North Kingstown Food Pantry. The event starts at noon and runs until 2:00 PM. Paddlers will meet at Gardner’s Launch and paddle toward the Town Dock, where the judges are waiting.
Even if you don’t participate in the paddle, heading to the Town Dock to watch is quite the experience, as you’ll see dozens of witches and warlocks heading toward you as you enjoy the views over the harbor.
Spooky Sip ‘n Stroll
The next Wicked Week event is the Spooky Sip ‘n Stroll, which takes place on October 27 between 5:00 and 8:00 PM. During this event, you can sample wine from Gooseneck Vineyards while shopping at over a dozen local stores on Main Street and Brown Street. Snacks will be available as you shop, as well.
The Spooky Sip ‘n Stroll is like trick or treating for adults, as there’s no telling what you’ll walk away with after visiting some local retailers in Wickford.
Villains Only – The Villains Return
October 27 also features a special performance of Villains Only – The Villains Return by the West Bay Community Theater. The group will perform this show on the steps of the Old Library on Brown Street at 6:30, and the play is free to attend.
Villains Only – The Villains Return is a self-curated musical review featuring some of the performing arts’ most notorious villains. It’s a light-hearted take on the subject, though, so it’s acceptable for younger audiences.
If you miss out on the free performance, you can also head up to The Arctic Playhouse in West Warwick to catch the play on October 28 or 29 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
Horribles Parade with the Witches of Wickford
October 29 will bring the Horribles Parade with the Witches of Wickford to the community. For this parade, local and visiting children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes to act as the Horribles while the Wickford Chapter of the Rhode Island Witches Guild accompanies them.
The parade begins at noon at the town lot at the end of Main Street and ends by the docks on Brown Street. The event runs all day, though, as there’s face painting between 10:00 AM and noon, food trucks from noon until 5:00 PM, and a 1:30 performance by Circus Dynamics at the North Kingstown Free Library.
Tour of Wickfordites Past
Perhaps the spookiest Halloween event in Wickford this year is the Tour of Wickfordites Past. This event involves strolling through the town’s historic cemeteries with Tim Cranston, a local writer and historian who will explain the stories behind the tombstones that line these venues.
This complimentary excursion is a great place to start learning if you don’t know much about South County’s rich history. The tour begins at 10:00 AM on October 30 and lasts as long as it takes to explore the cemeteries.
Halloween Stroll
Finally, Wickford Wicked Week finishes on October 31 with the village’s Halloween festivities. Halloween itself will have trick or treating throughout the community, with many businesses participating in the fun.
You can stroll the village throughout the day, visiting the shops and enjoying the scarecrows and other decorations adorning local retailers, restaurants, and homes. There will also be trick or treating at participating retailers on October 29 and 30 if you’re only in town for the weekend.
Halloween Fun in Wickford
If you’re planning a Halloween getaway this fall, Wickford Wicked Week should put this village at the top of your list. Despite being a small community, Wickford has plenty going on throughout Halloween week, and the entire family is sure to enjoy their time.
Book your vacation rental in South County today to ensure you don’t miss out on Wickford Wicked Week 2022.