Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time to dive into Maine’s harvest festivals. Whether you’re interested in corn mazes, pumpkin picking, or grabbing a pint at a local beer fest, there’s no shortage of seasonal fun.
Maine Fall Festivals
Fryeburg Fair, Fryeburg
Sept 29 – Oct 06, 2024
Since 1851, according to the event website, the Fryeburg Fair, “Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic, is Maine’s largest agricultural fair second in New England in size only to the Eastern States in Massachusetts. Today Fryeburg Fair sits on 185 acres and has over 100 buildings. The eight-day fair hosts over 3,000 animals including prize-winning draft horses, ponies, racing horses, oxen, dairy & beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits and much more. Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic is always during the first week in October.”
Freeport Fall Festival
Oct 4-6, 2024
Every year on the first weekend of October, Visit Freeport throws a fun three-day festival with over 225 New England artists, makers, and local food vendors. Spread across spots like the L.L.Bean campus and Freeport Village Station, you can browse local art, enjoy live music on two stages, and bring the kids for free crafts and scavenger hunts. From the event website: “There are also plenty of free activities for kids from make ‘n take crafts, to scavenger hunts and more. And, thanks to our generous sponsors, it’s all free!”
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
Oct 11 – 14, 2024
The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is an awesome October tradition where giant pumpkins take center stage. You’ll find massive pumpkins turned into boats racing in the harbor, decorated pumpkins lining Main Street, and a lively parade. It’s a super fun, family-friendly event that draws a huge crowd every year. Perfect for a fall day out in Midcoast Maine! From the event website: “The event, which is a totally volunteer run festival, provides horticultural education to gardeners of all ages and a weekend of events, laughter and fun where the imagination is taken to new heights” Other events include Pumpkin Catapult, Pumpkin Drop, Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest and more.
Pumpkin Valley Farm Fall Festival, Dayton
September 28 through October 27 (on Saturdays and Sundays)
Activities at this scenic farm along the Saco River include a 5-acre corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins, cow train ride, jumping pillow, a corn pit and more. Learn more on the event website. Admission includes: Cornmaze, Jumping Pillow, Corn Pit, Duck Races, Ball Zone, Farm Animals, Cow Train Ride (one ride ages 10 & under) Wagon Ride and other Play Areas.
Sugarloaf Homecoming Weekend, Carrabassett Valley
October 11-13, 2024
Head up to Carrabassett Valley for Sugarloaf’s exciting Homecoming weekend. From the event website. ” Enjoy the UpCountry Artists Sugarloaf Art Show in the King Pine Room, pumpkin carving, axe throwing, rock climbing, live music and more! visit our favorite restaurants and shops and lots fun-filled of activities throughout the weekend.” A perfect fall weekend getaway!
Acadia’s Oktoberfest, Bass Harbor
October 12, 2024
Acadia’s 27th annual Oktoberfest features games and attractions include corn hole, keg toss, live music and craft vendors. New for 2024, the festival will have updated games on the Music and Entertainment page, plus WYNK beverages will introduce their flavored seltzers. It’s a must-see event for craft beer lovers and festival-goers! Learn more on the event website.
Swine & Stein Brewfest, Gardiner
October 12, 2024
A celebrated day-long beer and food tasting festival. From the event website: “Gardiner’s Swine & Stein Brewfest, presented by Camden National Bank features all-day sampling from some of Maine’s best breweries, wineries and distilleries in an open-air beer garden along historic downtown Water Street. This annual fall beer festival also includes a full line up of great music, tasty food vendors, fun games and activities all day long.”
Sunday River Fall Festival, Newry
October 12-13, 2024
Celebrate the arrival of fall and enjoy Sunday River’s annual Fall Festival. From the event website: “With classic and quirky events like the North American Wife Carrying Championship, our annual Sunday River Sports Sale, scenic chairlift rides, and more, you won’t want to miss this event during peak foliage season. Rain or shine, our events are happening, and we’re still celebrating Fall Fest Weekend!
York Harvestfest, York Beach
October 19, 2024
This family-friendly rain or shine event includes a variety of activities. Enjoy live music from the Don Campbell Band & Friends, local food vendors, and unique crafts from New England artisans. Kids will love the storytelling, interactive activities, and roaming railroad at Kidsfest. It’s a rain-or-shine celebration you won’t want to miss! Learn more on the event website.
Pumpkin Vine Family Farm Harvest Festival, Somerville
October 27, 2024
Come celebrate the harvest with your local farmers in Somerville, Maine on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 11-2pm.The Farmers’ Market at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm is organizing a special event to share the flavors of fall, along with some seasonal activities for all ages to enjoy. Learn more on the event website.
Harvest on the Harbor, Portland
October 24-26, 2024
Oysters and local brews unite at this special festival in Portland. From the event website: “Join the Maine Cocktail Classic to sip and celebrate with distillers from the Maine Distillers Guild. Enjoy a variety of spirits, from gin to bourbon, neat or in crafted cocktails, all paired with delicious Mediterranean snacks from TIQA. If you find a favorite, you can purchase a bottle to take home.” Cheers to a flavorful evening!
Maine Harvest Festival, Bangor
November 23-24, 2024
Join the fun at the Maine Harvest Festival in Bangor! With over 200 local farmers and artisans, it’s all about celebrating fresh flavors. Taste local spirits, shop for cool crafts, and check out live cooking demos. Expect a lively crowd of over 5,000 people who love to buy local. Recognized as one of the best fall festivals in the country, you won’t want to miss out on this awesome event! Learn more on the event website
