Activities and Events in Maine
October 2011

With the leaves turning brilliant colors, and a refreshing crispness to the air, autumn in New England can be magnificent - fall foliage in Maine is no exception. And to celebrate this wonderful time of year there will be lots of fun family activities and events in Maine, October 2011.

Whatever your favorite fall foliage activity, you are sure to find it on the Maine October events calendar.

Pumpkinfests, Octoberfests, Fall Festival weekends, and Maine agricultural fairs...

...including one of the most notable fairs in North America, the Maine Fryeburg Fair, attract thousands of visitors annually.

Also taking place in popular Maine vacation spots, all across the state are...

...craft shows, hayrides, wine-tastings, road races, chili cook-offs, live music, kids entertainment, pumpkin strolls, and unique Maine events, such as the...

...annual Wife Carrying Championship and the Lobster Chef of the Year contest.

And just in time to celebrate Halloween in Maine ...

...pumpkin carvings, haunted house tours, scarecrow contests - and a huge treat for little kids AND big kids alike - frightening ghost tours.

One thing to keep in mind... If you plan to combine activities and events in Maine, October (particularly late in the month) with visiting Maine tourist attractions, you will find seasonal attractions that close on or before Columbus Day weekend.

However, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Maine in the fall. Many Maine attractions are open year-round, Maine hotel deals are easy to find, and...

...there will miles and miles of scenic Maine fall foliage drives for you to enjoy!

Read where other travelers say the best places to stay in Maine are...

...and find the best Maine hotel deals, while comparing prices on hotels in Maine, motels, inns and B&B's.

Do you sponsor a Maine event, or know of one to share?

If so, the form at the bottom of this page is for you! Use it for Activities and Events in Maine, October 2012, or any other time of year. Share Maine fall activities, or things to do in Maine in the winter, spring or summer.

Your event may already be included on the Great-Maine-Vacations.com Maine event calendar. If it is and you would like to update event information, please contact me and I will make the appropriate changes.

October Maine Event Calendar 2011

With all the things to do in Maine in October, this list will continue to grow. Please check back periodically to see what current events have been added.

Very important...
Activities and events in Maine, October 2011 may not reflect schedule changes or cancellations. Before heading out, confirm event dates and event locations.

Activities and Events in Maine, October 2011 are listed by event date. For maps and driving directions click on the Map links.

When: Ongoing July, 2011 through October, 2011
Where: Bath - Map, Boothbay Harbor - Map, Camden - Map, Damariscotta - Map, Wiscasset - Map
More information: Red Cloak Haunted History Tours website

Walking tours of Midcoast Maine villages, Camden, Damariscotta, Bath, Wiscasset, or Boothbay Harbor. The Lady in the Red Cloak takes you on a 90 minute tour through back streets by lantern light, searching for ghosts and history, spirits and mystery.

Appropriate for all ages, by reservation only, $12 adults, $7 for children under 12, free for children under 5. Please check the website, or call 207-380-3806 for complete schedule. Also available for special tours or events.

When: Saturdays and Sundays in October
Where: Freeport, Maine - Map
More information: Wolfe's Neck Farm Website, Pumpkin Hayrides page

Come on out to the Farm for a family outing to remember. Set on the shores of Casco Bay, Wolfe's Neck Farm is a 626 acre nonprofit demonstration farm just a short, scenic drive from downtown Freeport and adjacent to Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park.

Enjoy the Maine fall foliage and take a hayride out to the pumpkin field. While you are here, visit the animals in the barnyard or go for a walk through the woods.

Pumpkin hayrides cost $6/person or $20/family (including pumpkins) and benefit the Wolfe's Neck Farm Education Program.

When: Friday, September 23, 2011 - Sunday, October 2, 2011
Where: Various locations throughout the State of Maine
More information: The Maine Starlight Festival website

What used to be the Acadia Night Sky Festival has now expanded statewide into the Maine Starlight Festival. The event promotes...

"...the enjoyment and protection of Maine's stellar night sky as a valuable natural resource through science, education, and the arts."

When: Sunday, September 25, 2011 - Saturday, October 1, 2011
Where: Cumberland, Maine - Map
More information: Cumberland County Fair website

Many great things are planned to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the annual Cumberland, Maine Fair. Exciting activities for this milestone include...

..."return performances from Bob Marley, RaveX, Don Campbell and many other fine entertainers. Lawnmower Racing is on this year's schedule of events, and of course, we will have the agricultural exhibits, International Horse Pulling, 4H Exhibits, Truck Pulls, Pumpkin Contest and other highly anticipated events to look forward to. Gillette Shows will be returning with their fantastic Midway and 3 "Bracelet Days" that are easy on the budget, and we are looking forward to all the fantastic food vendors that aren't necessarily easy on the waistline..."

When: Sunday, October 2, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Marathon website

An annual Portland, Maine event, the Maine Marathon is a qualifier race for the Boston Marathon. All races - the marathon, the half marathon and the relay race, start and finish at Baxter Boulevard, between Forest Avenue and Peeble Street. The combined entry level limit for the marathon and half marathon is 3,500.

Portland, Maine vacation rentals...

More Activities and Events in Maine, October 2011...

When: Sunday, October 2, 2011 - Sunday, October 9, 2011
Where: Fryeburg, Maine - Map
More information: Fryeburg Fair Maine

In 1851, farmers and merchants gathered in a small town in the southwest corner of Maine to show off their produce, cattle, and wares.

Over one-hundred-fifty years later they are still doing the same at "Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic"...

...the Fryeburg Fair Maine.

This western Maine fall fair has become one of the most notable agricultural fairs in North America, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to its 180 acres of fairgrounds annually.

Fryeburg, Maine lodging...

When: Sunday, October 2, 2011 - Monday, October 10, 2011
Where: Damariscotta, Maine - Map
More information: Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta website

"Highlights of last year's festival included a big parade complete with Maine's new record pumpkin (weighing 1,210 pounds) and its grower Elroy Morgan and Togus the Cat. The Pumpkin Dessert Contest had 18 fine entries - all available for tasting. There were tons of children's games and a free matinee. 24 giant pumpkins were carved, painted, or both, by artists of all ages. Pumpkins of various sizes were thrown, hurled, shot, and dropped thanks to record-holding punkin chunkers and catapulters, and a 150-foot crane taking aim on a retired police cruiser! The Pumpkin Paddleboat Races and Motorized Pumpkinboat Regatta again drew huge crowds to the shores of the Damariscotta River."

When: Friday, October 7, 2011 - Saturday, October 8, 2011
Where: Southwest Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Acadia's Oktoberfest website

October 7th... "The first day of the weekend will open with an afternoon and early evening "Wine & Cheese Tasting' accompanied by music."

October 8th... "This Brewfest has been noted as "one of the spots not to miss" and one of the "top ten festivals in New England" by the national RV Magazine and New England brewery magazines. One of the largest and most popular Festivals in Maine the 2009 attendance was 4000. Maine brewers state that this is their favorite Maine Festival."

When: Friday, October 7, 2011 - Sunday, October 9, 2011
Where: Kingfield, Maine - Map
More information: Sugarloaf website, Homecoming 2011 page

"Reconnect with friends, celebrate the fall season, and learn what's new for the upcoming winter at Sugarloaf's annual Homecoming Weekend. Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery at the peak of foliage season, the CVA Used Ski Equipment Sale, the Uphill Climb Race, the Sugarloaf Annual Meeting and much more."

More Activities and Events in Maine, October 2011...

When: Saturday, October 8, 2011
Where: Newry, Maine - Map
More information: Sunday River website, Wife Carrying Championship page

"Expect crowds of over 2,000 fans out to watch up to 50 teams from across the country complete for a spot in the World Championships in Finland. Bragging rights are definitely a perk to winning but perhaps the biggest incentive are the prizes of the wife's weight in beer and five times the wife's weight in cash!"

Newry, Maine hotels...

When: Saturday, October 8, 2011 - Sunday, October 9, 2011
Where: Newry, Maine - Map
More information: Sunday River website, Fall Festival Weekend page

"Come celebrate the end of summer with live music from Bow Thayer and Perfect Trainwreck and Barefoot Truth, a wine tasting, the always entertaining North American Wife Carrying Championship and a full array of activities for the whole family. Spend the weekend with spectacular foliage great deals, good company and more. This year's Fall Festival promises to be a hit."

Newry, Maine hotels...

When: Saturday, October 8, 2011 - Sunday, October 9, 2011
Where: Boothbay, Maine - Map
More information: Boothbay Railway Village website, Events page

The fall festival at Boothbay Railway Village celebrates foliage with a weekend of crafts, food and entertainment.

Boothbay Harbor rentals...

When: Sunday, October 9, 2011
Where: Waterford Village, Maine- Map
More information: Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce website, Events page

"Every year more and more runners and spectators converge on the quintessential Waterford Village green to participate in or watch the children's one mile fun run, 5K road race and fitness walk and test chili created by local businesses and individuals. The race, which begins at noon and supports the Tony Waldeier Scholarship Program, covers a scenic course from the village green, alongside Keoka Lake to Bear Mountain Inn and back. Chili sampling begins just after that."

More Activities and Events in Maine, October 2011...

When: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Where: Freeport, Maine - Map
More information: Wolfe's Neck Farm website, Fall Festival page

Fall Festival at Wolfes Neck Farm at 184 Burnett Road in Freeport, Maine.

Pack up the kids and head to the Farm for a joyful day of pumpkin hay rides, activities, face-painting and fun!

Admission is $6/person, $20/family (Free for members!).

For more information please call 207-865-4469.

Freeport, Maine hotels...

Discount Tickets for Maine Events (or events anywhere)...

Great discounts for Maine Black Bears and Portland Pirates games, and all kinds of concerts and other fun Maine things to do.

When: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Where: Damariscotta, Maine - Map
More information: Mysterious Destinations website

Join Mysterious Destinations for a Midnight Explore of the haunted Rufus Flye House in Damariscotta. Learn to use equipment that detects paranormal activity and split into teams to collect evidence throughout the 3 story building. This house is home to mists, shadows, footsteps and verbal communication!

The $45 fee includes a light dinner at Salt Bay Cafe and a donation to the Pemaquid Watershed Association (both located in the building). Don't miss this adventure! By reservation only, call 207-380-4677.

A Haunted Combo is an additional option which includes a Red Cloak Haunted History Walking Tour of Damariscotta before the Midnight Explore. Save over 20% for a total price of $54.50.

When: Saturday, October 15, 2011 - Sunday, October 16, 2011
Where: York Beach, Maine - Map
More information: Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce website, Oktoberfest page

"This festival includes a variety of activities, live bands, an ox roast, bean hole beans and a mix of approximately 200 vendors: including Food Vendors, Juried Crafters, Marketplace Vendors, Go Green Expo Exhibitors and local Non-Profit Organizations. Harvestfest also includes a corn toss challenge, a POW-WOW, hayrides & much more.'

'Kidsfest will take place both days during Harvestfest and will include kids games, crafts, special entertainment and Pumpkin Stroll on Saturday night."

York Beach, Maine lodging...

When: Saturday, October 15, 2011 - Sunday, October 16, 2011
Where: Waterville, Maine - Map
More information: Waterville Maine Street website, Events page

A weekend of family fun in Waterville, Maine with hay rides, scarecrow building, family pumpkin carving, pumpkin bowling, candy apple making, pony rides, face painting, an apple pie & dessert contest, and more.

When: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Where: Various locations Blue Hill, Maine - Map
More information: Blue Hill Peninsula Chamber of Commerce website, Foliage Food and Wine page

This regional "signature event" will feature over 60 businesses from the hospitality industry, farming, and the artistic community as they present their "Taste Of The Peninsula"."

As part of a weekend long celebration, individual events are being planned by member businesses in the days leading up to Sunday's event.

When: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Where: Freeport, Maine - Map
More information: Farm to Farm Ultra Run website

Sign up to run, or join us in cheering on the runners as they race 50 Miles, 50K or 25K to raise awareness for local foods. We will have a 1k Kid's Fun Run, too! Marathon runs between Wolfe's Neck Farm and Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick.

When: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Where: Old Orchard Beach, Maine - Map
More information: Old Orchard Beach 365 website

It's going to be a great day for your furry friends at Old Orchard Beach Ballpark. The OOB Woofstock event will include a pet parade, a dog contest, Halloween costume contest, food and pet gifts, along with discounted rabies shots.

When: Thursday, October 20, 2011 - Saturday, October 22, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Harvest on the Harbor website

"Maine's premier food and wine experience.'

'What has food lovers talking? It's the caliber of our restaurants, the expertise of our chefs, and the pure and sustainable ingredients from our farmers, food artisans, and fishermen. This October, experience the flavors of Maine at Harvest on the Harbor, presented by the Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau."

Portland, Maine vacation rentals...

More Activities and Events in Maine, October 2011...

When: Friday, October 21, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Lobster Council website, Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Cook-Off page

As part of the Portland, Maine Harvest on the Harbor Festival, the Maine Lobster Chef of Year 2011 Competition will be held on October 21. Three chef finalists will present samples of their recipes to a live audience who will vote on the 2011 Maine Lobster Chef of the Year.

Portland, Maine vacation rentals...

When: Friday, October 21, 2011 - Saturday, October 22, 2011
Where: Gray, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Wildlife Park website

"Celebrate Halloween with the Park's native wildlife! Get into the spooky spirit!
Special Halloween Displays! Haunted Hay Rides! Wear your costumes! Games and Door Prizes! Regular Admission Fees. (Call office FMI 657-4977 if raining) The Nature Store and Snack Shack will be open for spooky snack & souvenirs!"

When: Friday, October 21, 2011 - Saturday, October 22, 2011, and Friday, October 28, 2011 - Saturday, October 29, 2011
Where: Prospect, Maine - Map
More information: Fort Knox website, Fright at the Fort page

At 9:00 PM each night see the Spooks and more, at Fright at the Fort!

When: Friday, October 21, 2011 - Sunday, October 23, 2011
Where: Ogunquit, Maine - Map
More information: Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce website, OgunquitFest page

This annual Ogunquit, Maine fall event has activities for the whole family, including pumpkin and cookie decorating, costume parade, classic car show, craft bazaar, haunted house, high heel race, bed race, ghost tours, wagon rides, storytelling, and a scarecrow contest.

When: Saturday, October 22, 2011
Where: Albion, Maine - Map
More information: millstreamchristianfellowship@yahoo.com

A fun time for children and families is scheduled for the Mill Stream Christian Fellowship Fall Festival: 4:00-4:20 Opening and Lesson, 4:20-4:50 Crafts and Wagon Rides, 4:50-5:40 Games and Snacks, 5:40-6:00 Puppets and Closing.

When: Saturday, October 22, 2011
Where: Falmouth, Maine - Map

At the Falmouth American Legion Hall, start the season off right with this fair featuring local artists and craftsmen exhibiting fine jewelry, apparel, watercolors, and so much more!

When: Sunday, October 23, 2011
Where: Unity, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association website, The Great Maine Apple Day page

From 12:00-4:00 PM, rain or shine, "celebrate the history, flavor and tradition of Maine apples". Educational workshops and talks along with apple art, cooking with old time apple recipes, wine and cider making, organic tree care, and more will be part of this fun fall Maine event.

Maine Halloween Events

See full listing of...

...Halloween Events in Maine.

Includes Maine haunted houses, renowned Maine ghosts and goblins, and for the weak of heart...

...hayrides, costume parties, pumpkin carving, salsa dancing, food and entertainment, and lots of other fun things to do for Maine Halloween!

When: Friday, October 28, 2011 - Saturday, October 29, 2011
Where: Newry, Maine - Map
More information: Sunday River Maine website, Pumpkinhead Festival Weekend page

Comedian Bob Marley will be appearing Friday night at the Phoenix House and Well, on Saturday - a 2-mile Hike the River walk will take place to benefit the Maine Cancer Foundation, Monsta will rock the evening with their music with prizes for the best Halloween costume, and on both Friday and Saturday - ride the Chondola to the North Peak to join Sunday Shriver's Mystery on the Mountain.

Newry, Maine hotels...

When: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Where: Bangor, Maine - Map
More information: United Cerebral Palsy of Maine website

Nearly a decade of this family Halloween party has cultivated an exciting community tradition! Featuring hayrides, bounce houses, face painting, glowing jack-o-lanterns and more, this fundraiser has it all! 2010 saw record crowds and this year promises to be even bigger and better! As with all UCP of Maine events, ALL funds raised go directly back to supporting local children and adults living with disabilities.

When: Saturday, October 29, 2011 and Monday, October 31, 2011
Where: Newcastle, Maine - Map
More information: Mysterious Destinations website

Join Mysterious Destinations at the Tipsy Butler Bed and Breakfast and Newcastle Publick House for an Overnight with Myrtle at her residence as well as place of business. Even though Myrtle passed away many years ago, she keeps a very close eye on her properties! Dinner, desert, investigations of both buildings is included with the overnight! Don't miss this adventure!

By reservation only, call 207-380-4677. Mysterious Destinations will supply equipment used to detect the paranormal and will train you to use it. Two nights available for your stay.

When: Sunday, October 30, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Stacia's Photography website

Get dressed up and bring a non Perishable food item to...

...Stacia's Photography at 570 Brighton Ave , Portland, ME...

...for donation to Wayside Food Services, and receive a free costume portrait.

For other activities and events in Maine in October, see the complete list of Halloween Events in Maine.

You may also be interested in:
Christmas in Maine
Maine Tourist Attractions
Maine Weather Forecast
Thanksgiving in Maine

Are you Planning Events in Maine for 2012?

...or know of one that should be shared? Just send me the details and I will be happy to include it in the appropriate section. You can send additions to Activities and Events in Maine, October 2012, other Maine fall activities, or Maine things to do in the winter, spring or summer!

Please note...

Great-Maine-Vacations.com does not post political events, including fundraisers. I may have a dedicated page for that purpose in the future, but in the interim, I do not have the resources to accommodate them. I appreciate your understanding.

Activities and Events in Maine, October 2012 coming...