October brings with it a bumper crop of not only pumpkins and scarecrows, but fun fall activities! Here are a few excellent ways to enjoy Maine this month:
Twenty-second Annual Freeport Fall Festival, October 1—3
Each year on the first weekend in October, Visit Freeport gathers more than 150 of the best New England artists, crafters and local food producers for a three-day festival on the L.L. Bean campus, Key Bank lawn, Freeport Village Station courtyard and at the corner of West and Main streets. Live music and free activities for kids are also part of the fun. Call (207) 865-1212 or visit www.visitfreeport.com for more information.
Charlotte’s Web Corn Maze, October 1—31
Test your orienteering and vocabulary skills in this year’s award-winning corn maze at Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant. The maze, based on the beloved children’s book, “Charlotte’s Web,” features a vocabulary game with three levels of difficulty for the whole family. Tickets include a special map with riddles to figure out as visitors arrive at various stations within the maze, and a chance to sign your name in the Hall of Fame at the center of the design. Once the maze is completed [about 30 to 60 minutes], tickets may be presented at the café for a free kiddie ice cream cone. Visit treworgyorchards.com for hours and other information.
Debut Opening Year of Chapin Studio at Stoneridge, October 1—31
Artist Deborah Chapin says she has “painted every subject known to woman.” Deborah paints marine art, coastals, seascapes, florals and landscapes en plein air (on location), as well as portraits and figurative works. The opening is a recurring weekly event on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Visit gallery.deborahchapin.com for more information.
Historic Cemetery Tours, October 1—31
What better month to take a cemetery tour? Red Cloak Tours offers these excursions in Camden, Bar Harbor, Newcastle, Bath and Wiscasset. Each Historic Cemetery Exploration focuses on the stories of those interred at the cemeteries, their lives and contributions to the area, as well as the symbolism of their tombstones. A general history of cemeteries, graveyards and funeral practices is also discussed. Call (207) 380-3806 or visit redcloaktours.com for more information.
Twelfth Annual Family Jamboree, October 2
This family fun day includes games, crafts, food, vendors and more, sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce. Parking and admission are free. Call (207) 646-2451 or visit www.wellschamber.org for more information.
Downtown Bangor Sidewalk Art Festival, October 2
Downtown Bangor welcomes a carefully curated, juried selection of artists for this sidewalk art fest, which also features demonstrations, live drawings and a Children’s Area. Don’t forget to explore the many art studios and new wheat paste murals throughout the city center. Visit downtownbangor.com for more information.
Western Maine Photo Adventure, October 4—11
This eight-day photo adventure takes participants through breathtaking fall foliage, graceful waterfalls and historic covered bridges in the Newry area. Most locatations are easily accessible, so all fitness levels may enjoy this trip. All photography skill levels and camera types are also welcome. The photo guide leads the way and offers pointers on getting the best shots. Call (207) 594-1224 or visit coastalmainephototours.com for more information.
Maine Fall Fiddle Fest, October 15—16
The Waldo, in collaboration with musicians Ellen Gawler and Smokey McKeen, presents a two-day fiddle festival for all ages, with performances and workshops in three Waldoboro locations. Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., an all-inclusive jam, hosted by Smokey. Saturday workshops at The Waldo, 10:30—11:15 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m. A third workshop, with Frank Ferrel, is offered from 12:15 to 1 p.m. at the Broad Bay Church, 941 Main Street. From 2-4 p.m. at the church, a Youth Fiddlers’ Showcase. And at 7 p.m. at The Waldo, Smokey hosts a concert with Darlin’ Corey’s Erica Brown and Matt Shipman, followed by a performance by Frank Ferrel. Pineland Fiddlers, with Ellen Gawler, open the show. Masks and COVID-19 vaccinations are required for artists, audience, staff, and volunteers for indoor events.
Women’s Hike Night, October 1—27
These ongoing Wednesday evening forays are open to women of all ages and abilities. Meet new friends, or invite friends and family to join the Pineland Farms Outdoor Center staff in New Gloucester for guided two-to-three-hour hikes along their trail systems. Learn how to read trail maps, prep for hiking adventures, practice Leave No Trace principles, and more. Call (207) 688-6599, visit [email protected] or join the Women’s Hiking Group page on Facebook for more information.
Going once, going twice – Auction!, October 1—28
This fast-moving country auction takes place every Sunday at 22. South Horseback Road in Burnham. Vie for about 1,000 items each week, including antique furniture, glassware, china, ephemera, gold, silver, costume jewelry, flatware, tools, toys, and used items. You never know what you might find at this event! Call (207) 948-2214 or visit www.houstonbrooks.com for details.
Maine Mariners Home Opener!, October 22
After missing out on the 2020-21 season, the Maine Mariners return to the ice, hosting the Worcester Railers in the 2021-22 Home Opener at the Cross Insurance Arena, Portland. The game, presented by Skowhegan Savings Bank, begins at 7:15 p.m. Call 833-GO-MAINE for more information.
OgunquitFest 2021, October 22—24
This annual event, now in its eighteenth year, celebrates all the fun that fall has to offer, with a classic car show, craft fair, whoopie pie eating contest, horse-drawn carriage rides, and children’s activities. Halloween-themed events such as pumpkin carving, ghostly tours, a haunted theater, a costume parade and trick-or-treating are also part of the fun. And don’t forget to check out the popular High Heel Dash in Perkins Cove! Call (207) 646-2939 or visit chamber.ogunquit.org for more information.
Harvest Chocolate Festival, October 23
Join Aroostook Relay in a brand new fall edition of this County favorite event. Teams will be set up with all kinds of desserts, chocolate treats and more at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle. Games and Halloween activities, too, and guests who arrive in costume earn a free item ticket. Visit Harvest Chocolate Festival on Facebook for details.
Maine Food Festival & Craft Expo, October 9
The Topsham Fairgrounds is the place to be for a full day of gourmet food, juried vendors, live music, kid’s activities and even a bacon eating contest! Tickets are $10 advance/$15 at the gate; free admission for 12 and under.
