‘Tis the season for harvest festivals, and we’ve highlighted events across the state to enjoy with the whole family, from exploring corn mazes to pumpkin picking, county fairs, beer tastings, and the famed Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta, where brave paddlers float in hollowed-out giant pumpkins. Maine Fall Festivals Common Ground Country Fair, Unity September 22-24, 2023 The Common Ground Country Fair at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine is the the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s (MOFGA) annual celebration of rural living featuring 1000-plus exhibitors and speakers, and emphasizes vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies, while highlighting organic agriculture. Learn more on the event website. Cumberland County Fair, Cumberland September 24 – September 30, 2023 Celebrating its 151st year, the Cumberland County Fair includes a demolition derby, rodeos, parades, motocross shows, horse shows, livestock auctions, an exhibition hall and craft fair, and fireworks. Learn more on the event website. Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta September 30 – October 9, 2023 Damariscotta’s famed Pumpkinboat Regatta is back! The exciting event where brave paddlers and captains float in giant hollowed pumpkins and race in the Damariscotta Harbor is back. Pumpkins can either be paddled or rigged up to a small motor, depending on creativity and sheer will. The festival also includes Giant Pumpkins on Main Street, an art installation of decorated oversized gourds. From the event website: “Each year, local Maine artists more than meet the challenge of decorating dozens of ‘Atlantic Giant’ pumpkins that are displayed in downtown Damariscotta and Newcastle.” Other events include Pumpkin Catapult, Pumpkin Drop, Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest and more. Pumpkin Valley Farm Fall Festival, Dayton September 23 – October 29, 2023, weekends 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. Fryeburg Fair, Fryeburg October 1-8, 2023 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.” Acadia’s Oktoberfest, Bass Harbor October 6-7, 2023 Now at a new location on Mount Desert Island, Archie’s Lobster in Bass Harbor, Acadia’s 25th annual Oktoberfest features a wine tasting event on October 7 and a Brewfest on October 8. Games and attractions include corn hole, keg toss, live music and craft vendors. Learn more on the event website. Swine & Stein Brewfest, Gardiner October 7, 2023 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.” Sugarloaf Homecoming Weekend, Carrabassett Valley October 6-8, 2023 Head farther north to scenic Carrabassett Valley for Sugarloaf’s famed Homecoming weekend. From the event website: “We’ll be offering scenic lift rides, outdoor entertainment on the Beach, and plenty of fun activities for all ages. Come check out the UpCountry Artists Sugarloaf Art Show in the King Pine Room, and our restaurants and shops throughout the weekend.” Sunday River Fall Festival, Newry October 7-8, 2023 Head to the western mountains before the snow flies 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.” York Harvestfest, York Beach October 14, 2023 This family-friendly rain or shine event on Short Sands Beach features live music, food and art vendors, and kids-centric activities like storytime and face painting. Learn more on the event website. Pumpkin Vine Family Farm Harvest Festival, Somerville October 22, 2023 This adorable farm known for its Sunday “goat hikes” hosts a special harvest festival featuring a farmer’s market, pumpkin picking, husking multicolored corn, apple cider pressing, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, spinning and weaving demos from fiber artists, and of course, hiking with goats to enjoy the foliage. Learn more on the event website. Harvest on the Harbor, Portland October 25-28, 2023 Oysters and local brews unite at this special festival in Portland. From the event website: “Harvest on the Harbor is back for 2022, showcasing the premier distillers, brewers, boutique oyster farmers, and purveyors of the most outstanding hospitality found in Maine. Since 2007, this little festival has delivered big-time culinary experiences. Order tickets today and join us Thursday to Saturday for our Feature Events at O’Maine Studios. We’ll be adding more events and updating this website right up to event week, so check back, and please share Harvest on the Harbor with your food- and drink-minded friends” Maine Harvest Festival, Bangor November 18-19, 2023 Taste the best in Maine fresh food at the Maine Harvest Festival in Bangor. From the event website: “We invite you to join festival friends from Greater Bangor, the great state of Maine, northern New England and Canada to experience and enjoy the fall harvest of over 200 Maine farmers… Sample the best of the best from our Maine vintners, brewers and distillers. Begin your holiday shopping with festival fiber artisans and their masterpieces and enthusiastic Maine chefs and home cooks as they showcase and share their story, demonstrate, sample and sell what makes Maine, Maine.”