Fall is a wonderful time of year. The leaves begin to turn, the weather starts to change and the holiday season is on its way! Fall also brings a full schedule of fall festivals. From harvest to hayrides and pumpkins to apples, there are so many great fall festivals in Maine to enjoy this season.
Festivals located through out the state from Portland to Bangor and towns in between. So, if you’re wondering where to find fun fall festivals to attend this year, we have a great list for you!
This list of annual festivals has it all, from food and beverage festivals to harvest time and craft fairs for holiday shopping. Or fall foliage tours and a sugar house day trip. With so many fun options, you’ll be sure to find the best Maine fall festival or event for you.
And if you are looking for other great festivals in Maine through the year, well, we have a list for that too!
22 Fall Festivals in Maine
1. Maine Lobster Festival | Rockland
Dates: August 2 – 6, 2003
While not exactly in the fall, it is a noteworthy Maine festival. Maine Lobster Festival is an annual festival that takes place the first weekend of August from Wednesday to Sunday. This event has turned into an internationally-recognized celebration of local seafood. Its the perfect place to indulge in great food and enjoy many family-friendly activities. A perfect start to fall festivals in Maine.
2. Treworgy Orchards | Levant
Dates: September & October
Treworgy Orchards is not an actual festival. However they offer a fun fall experience with an award-winning corn maze, petting zoo, pick your own apples and apple cider donuts, ice cream and more. The farm is open 9 months of the year with fall activities in September and October, so its a great time to visit.
3. Acadia Night Sky Festival | Acadia
Dates: September 20 – 24, 2023
While the Acadia Night Sky Festival has changed in the recent few years, as they no longer have a party on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. The festival represents a celebration, conservation and preservation of the dark skies of Maine. This years festival dates have not yet been officially posted, so lets hope a 2023 festival comes together.
4. Common Ground Country Fair | Unity
Dates: September 22 – 24. 2023
Common Ground Fair is the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s (MOFGA) annual celebration of rural living and agricultural traditions of Maine. The fair features over 1000 exhibitors, speakers and workshops with emphasis on sustainable living, local economies and organic agriculture. Other activities at the fair include a race, donkey and draft horse show, poultry show, farmers market, fiddlers showcase and more! Advance ticket pricing is available until September 20th, so get yours today.
5. Trails End Festival | Millinocket
Dates: September 22 – 24, 2023
Trails End Festival is a celebration of the end of the Appalachian Trail. This FREE 3 day festival celebrates all who come to visit the Katahdin region, with a weekend full of music, food and fun. Activities include a Chili Cook Off and All Trails Lead To Katahdin Parade along with live entertainment throughout the weekend. Check the website for daily list of performances and headliners.
6. Pumpkin Valley Farm Fall Festival | Dayton
Dates: September 23 to October 29 weekends only
Pumpkin Valley Farm Fall Festival is a family-friendly event with corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin patches, pumpkin picking, train ride and so much more. Ticket price is $15 per person purchased on advance. Open every weekend including Monday of Columbus Day Weekend, It is a fun way to enjoy the fall season.
7. Cumberland County Fair | Cumberland
Dates: September 24 – 30 & October 1
Cumberland Fair celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022. This long standing annual fair is a great place for the whole family. Activities include harness racing, dog show, pumpkin contest, live music and so much more! Ticket prices range form $5 to $12 with free public parking, Camping is also available at the fair.
8. Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta | Damariscotta
Dates: September 30 – October 9, 2023
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta has a mission to educate the community about growing the Atlantic Giant Pumpkin. Every year in Early October this family friendly festival hosts a variety of quirky events including Pumpkin-boat Regatta, Pumpkin Derby, Pumpkin Catapult and more. This only in Maine festival, is 10 days of pure pumpkin fun. So come check out all cool pumpkin decorating and pumpkin-themed activities.
9. Fryeburg Fair | Fryeburg
Dates: October 1 – 8, 2023
Fryeburg Fair is Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic. This annual event that takes place over 8 days in early October and is one of Maine’s largest agricultural fairs, featuring agricultural exhibitions, livestock shows, pig scramble, entertainment, and more.Tickets are $15 per day for general admission and the fair also as camping sites available.
10. Freeport Fall Festival | Freeport
Dates: October 6 – 8, 2023
Freeport Fall Festival takes place the first weekend in October at the L.L.Bean campus, Mallard parking lot and Freeport Village Station Courtyard. This three-day festival brings together over 200 best New England artists, crafters, local farmers and food producers. The festival is a good time for the entire family with free activities and scavenger hunts for the kids. And you get some holiday shopping done too!
11. Rangeley Oktoberfest | Rangeley
Date: October 7, 2023
Rangeley Oktoberfest in Saddleback is a celebration with live music, craft beer, and fall fun in the beautiful Rangeley region. With beers and brats and a 5K race up the mountain its sure to be a good time. And this year they added a costume contest, so dress your best. Tickets will be on sale soon!
12. Harvest Festival at Shaker Village | New Gloucester
Date: October 7, 2023
Fall Harvest Festival is an end of season celebration and FREE to attend. There you can enjoy live music, fresh picked apples. homemade baked goods, wagon rides, free tours and tastings, face painting and more. BBQ lunch plates available while supplies last so get there early, as the festival runs from 10am to 4:30pm.
13. Swine & Stein Brewfest | Gardiner
Date: October 7, 2023
Swine & Stein Brewfest is a one day event located on Water Street in the historic downtown. At this outdoor urban beer festival you can enjoy a sampling of Maine’s best breweries, wineries and distilleries. There is also a great line up of music, food trucks and quirky games. Tickets are $45 for GA, $55 for VIP and $10 for DD and on sale now.
14. Annual Fall Foliage Festival | Boothbay
Dates: October 7 & 8, 2023
55th Annual Fall Foliage Festival is a 2 day fun filled event in Boothbay Harbor. The festival is set in an authentic village with historic buildings open for exploring. With train rides, model railroad and village goats, its an experience. Festival activities also include live music, entertainment, vendors, fall foods like pumpkin pie and more. Train rides are $5 and free for members. So bring the family for a unique Maine experience.
15. Sunday River Fall Festival | Newry
Dates: October 7 & 8, 2023
Sunday River’s Annual Fall Festival is weekend celebration around the arrival of fall. The event hosts a variety of fun activities such as North American Wife Carrying Championship, Annual Sunday River Sports Sale, scenic chairlift rides and more. The weekend event is a great way to see the peak foliage season.
16. Maine Maple Fall Festival | Various Locations
Dates: October 7 & 8, 2023
As fall arrives the maple leaves are turning color of fabulous reds, brilliant oranges and beautiful yellows. At Maine Maple Fall Festival you can enjoy the beauty of fall along with a delicious display of maple products including maple syrup tastings and maple treats, cider donuts, cotton candy and so much more. So check the event website for participating Maine Maple producers and sugar houses for locations and times.
17. Harvest Festival | Kennebunkport
Date: October 14, 2023
Harvest Festival is a one day event with activities around town. Enjoy a book sale, farmers harvest market, live music, parade with Halloween costumes, kids activities and more. Details to come for 2023, so check the website for updates.
18. Great Maine Apple Day | Unity
Date: October 15, 2023
Great Maine Apple Day is a one day event from 12 to 4. The event celebrates the history, flavor and tradition of Maine apples. With tastings, workshops, orchard tours, cider-press and apple-related activities this festival is all things apples. So if you like apples or are curious to learn more about them, add this fall festival to your calendar.
19. Fort Knox Fright at the Fort | Prospect
Dates: Dates: Oct 14th, 20/21st, 27/28th 2023 5:30 – 8:45pm
Fright at the Fort is a scary Halloween event with a 20 minute tour through dark passageways of the fort. However, if you’re looking for something less scary, then Frightful Scavenger Haunt is recommended for a younger audience and is only open 2 weekends during the day. The fundraiser benefits the fort and its needed repairs and preservation.
20. Harvest on the Harbor | Portland
Dates: October 25 – October 28
Harvest on the Harbor was created in 2007 to bring awareness to the growing hospitality industry in Portland. This event takes place in late October over 4 evenings showcasing premier Maine distillers, brewers, oyster farmers, and outstanding purveyors. Each foodie event has a unique theme and tickets are required to participate.
Planning a trip to Portland? Best things to do for a Portland Maine Itinerary
21. Maine Harvest Festival | Bangor
Dates: November 18 & 19, 2023
Maine Harvest Festival is one of the best harvest festivals in the country. Located in Bangor Maine, this years farmers celebration includes over 200 Maine farmers and festival food producers. Sample the best of Maine from craft brews to culinary creations, local crafts and things Maine. A great place to start some holiday shopping. Tickets and event info coming soon.
22. Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest | Wiscasset
Dates: December 1 – 3, 2023
Wisasset Holiday Market is a 3 day festival set up in a charming historic village. The event features local artisans with handmade one of a kind selections, pop-up gift shops al well as local shops and art galleries. Enjoy some seasonal treats and festive activities as you check off some holiday shopping from the to do list.
In Summary
And there you have it, 22 great fall festivals in Maine!
As you can see there are many great fall festivals in Maine with a variety of activities and events for everyone. I hope you enjoy this list and find the best fall festivals for you! With so many great options this festival season, you can save this list to use next year too!
Enjoy the holiday season and happy festivaling!
*Please note that festival dates and details may vary from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check the official event websites for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
LIKE this post? Please SHARE with friends and COMMENT below.