As fall settles across Maine and New Hampshire, communities throughout the region come alive with seasonal festivals, craft fairs, holiday markets, and celebrations that bring people together. From the final days of October through November, there are plenty of opportunities to experience local traditions, discover regional makers, and enjoy the changing season.
Portsmouth Halloween Parade
October 31, 2026
Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth’s 31st annual Halloween Parade brings creative costumes, music, and community spirit to downtown. The grassroots parade begins at Peirce Island at 7 p.m. and travels through downtown streets, drawing costumed participants and spectators for one of the Seacoast’s signature Halloween traditions.
Learn more: Official parade website
The Witches of Eastport
October 31, 2026
Eastport, Maine
Eastport celebrates Halloween with a community festival that brings together creative activities, local traditions, and a little coastal magic. The Witches of Eastport features pumpkin carving, broom-making, mask and magic wand activities, and the crowd-favorite Pumpkin Derby. Visitors can watch the parade of witches and join in the festivities before the day concludes with a Haunted Ball at the Eastport Arts Center. With activities for all ages, it’s a spirited way to spend Halloween in one of Maine’s easternmost coastal towns.
Learn more: The Witches of Eastport
Fall & Halloween Arts and Craft Show
October 31–November 1, 2026
Augusta Armory, Augusta, Maine
The 49th Annual Fall and Halloween Arts & Craft Show brings together artists and craftspeople from Maine and across New England for a weekend of handmade shopping. Browse a wide range of goods, from jewelry, artwork, and photography to knitted items, quilts, woodcrafts, clothing, and locally made jams and jellies. Whether you’re searching for a unique gift or simply enjoy discovering the work of local makers, this seasonal fair offers a chance to shop small and support independent artisans.
Learn more: New England Craft Fairs
Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival
November 13–14, 2026
Ellsworth and Woodlawn, Maine
Maine’s cider-making heritage and local food culture take center stage at the Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival. The event celebrates the region’s cider and cheesemakers, farmers, and food producers through tastings and activities across downtown Ellsworth and the historic Woodlawn property. Visitors can discover regional flavors, meet the people behind local products, and learn more about the agricultural traditions that have shaped Downeast Maine. It’s a great opportunity to explore the area while sampling some of the state’s distinctive food and drink offerings.
Learn more: Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival
Gardens Aglow
November 14, 2026–January 2, 2027, on select evenings
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, Maine
One of Maine’s signature holiday-season attractions, Gardens Aglow transforms the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens into an illuminated landscape filled with colorful lights and glowing displays. Visitors can stroll through the gardens after dark, taking in the lights woven through trees, pathways, and garden features. The event offers a memorable seasonal outing for couples, families, and visitors looking to experience the Boothbay region in a different light. Since the display runs on select evenings, check the official calendar and reserve timed tickets in advance.
Learn more: Gardens Aglow
Maine Harvest Festival
November 21–22, 2026
Bangor, Maine
The Maine Harvest Festival brings together more than 150 Maine farmers, food producers, artisans, and makers for a celebration of the state’s agricultural bounty and locally made products. Visitors can sample specialty foods, discover products from Maine brewers and vintners, meet local chefs and producers, and browse handmade goods from artisans across the state. With more than 7,500 shoppers anticipated by organizers, the festival is also a popular opportunity to begin holiday shopping while supporting Maine businesses. Admission and parking are listed as free by the organizers.
Learn more: Maine Harvest Festival
