Winter Festivals in Maine
Harvest, Foliage & Festivity
Fall in Maine is a season of vibrant colors, cooler breezes, and rich traditions. From pumpkin derbies to craft fairs and culinary feasts, here are some fall festivals you won’t want to miss.
Featured Fall Festivals in Maine
Common Ground Country Fair (Unity) - Late September
Organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), this fair celebrates rural living, sustainability, organic food, traditional crafts, farming, and community with workshops, demonstrations, and music.
Fryeburg Fair - Early October (8 days)
Maine’s oldest and one of the largest agricultural fairs: livestock, harness racing, crafts, rides, culinary competitions, music.
Freeport Fall Festival - Early October
In Freeport: art & crafts exhibits (100+ artists), live music, food vendors, and family attractions.
Harvest on the Harbor (Portland) - Late October / early November
A food-and-drink festival pairing local chefs, restaurants, and libations in a culinary celebration.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta - Mid October
Pumpkin carving, weigh-offs, parades, and the unique pumpkin boat races on the river.
Sunday River Fall Fest (Newry) - Mid October (e.g. Oct 11–12)
Includes the North American Wife Carrying Championship (mud obstacle race), live music, beer garden, family events.
Swine & Stein Brewfest (Gardiner) - Mid October
A Bavarian-style street festival: beer & wine tastings, food vendors, street games, musical entertainment.
Harvestfest / York Harvestfest (York Beach) - Mid October
Craft fair with ~100 makers, live music, food, kids’ events near Short Sands Beach.
Acadia Night Sky Festival - September
A celestial festival on Mount Desert Island focusing on stargazing, astronomy lectures, workshops, and night sky viewing.
Cumberland Fair - Late September
Held the last week of September in Cumberland: agricultural exhibits, livestock, crafts, entertainment.
Bethel Harvestfest - ~September 20
Local fall celebration of harvest, crafts, food, and community events.
What to Expect at Maine’s Fall Festivals
Maine’s fall festivals are packed with activities that bring out the best of the season. You’ll find farm-to-table food and craft markets showcasing local produce, baked goods, and artisan creations. Many fairs highlight agricultural traditions, with livestock shows, horse pulling, and demonstrations of old-time skills like blacksmithing or cider pressing. Families can enjoy pumpkin weigh-offs, corn mazes, wagon rides, and kids’ games. There are art exhibits, live music, craft beer tastings, and cooking demos, night skies, and foliage walks. Whether you’re looking to savor a lobster roll, watch hot-air balloons rise over fiery foliage, or browse booths filled with handmade treasures, Maine’s fall festivals offer a blend of food, fun, tradition, and community spirit that captures the essence of autumn in New England.