Activities and Events in Maine
September 2011

Just because September has arrived and Maine schools are back in session, does not mean that summer enjoyment needs to come to an end. As a matter of fact, you may be pleasantly surprised by the long list of fun activities and events in Maine, September 2011.

From Labor Day Weekend celebrations...

...until late September and the official start of Fall (and fall foliage in Maine),...

...the weather in Maine can be perfect for taking part in the fun, family oriented events that will be going on.

On the list of September activities and events in Maine are perennial favorites...

...a spectacular Maine Windjammer Festival, some of the most popular New England country fairs and agricultural shows, an Open Lighthouse Day that showcases Maine's most popular landmarks...

...a Harvest Fest in celebration of the transition from summer to fall, and many other uniquely Maine family activities, and entertainment.

Although the Maine tourist season begins to wind down after the Labor Day events, in order to give visitors a chance to thoroughly enjoy ALL of the activities and events in Maine in September...

...most Maine tourist attractions remain open through the month - many not closing until Columbus Day weekend, in mid-October. The same is true for most Maine hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts, shops and restaurants.

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, September 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.

September Maine Event Calendar 2011

With all the things to do in Maine in September, 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, September 2011 may not reflect schedule changes or cancellations. Before heading out, confirm event dates and event locations.

Activities and Events in Maine, September 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: Saturday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - August 6, 13, 20, 27 - September 3, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Historical Society website, Events page

Join us for a screening of the only remaining episode of The Dave Astor Show, one of Maine's best-loved homegrown television shows. The program, which aired on Saturday afternoons from 1956-1971, featured students from area high schools performing dance routines and other productions.

The Dave Astor Show, Maine's own American Bandstand, quickly became a teenage phenomenon, a fixture in numerous homes, and provided invaluable training and experiences for the students who participated. In this episode, recorded in 1962, Dave and his students help celebrate the opening of the new Jordan Â’Meats plant in Portland with song, dance, and lots of fun. (60 minutes)

When: Sunday, August 28, 2011 - Monday, September 5, 2011
Where: Windsor, Maine - Map
More information: Windsor Fair website

"A family tradition since 1888"... the Windsor Fair is an agricultural, crafts and arts event, complete with Pig Scramble, a Farmer's Ox Pull, a Farmer's Horse Women's Skillet Throwing Contest, a Horse Twitching Contest, a Demolition Derby, horse racing, a Giant Midway, and much, much more!

When: Thursday, September 1, 2011 - Monday, September 5, 2011
Where: Blue Hill, Maine - Map
More information: Blue Hill Fair website

"The Blue Hill Fair is a true "Down to Earth" Country Fair. Always scheduled around Labor Day weekend, the fair boasts of some of the finest entertainment, attractions, and exhibits. Situated in the small coastal town of Blue Hill, Maine, the Fair draws thousands from all over the state to enjoy a fun-filled weekend."

When: Friday, September 2, 2011 - Saturday, September 3, 2011
Where: Camden, Maine - Map
More information: Camden Windjammer Festival website

"Every year on Labor Day weekend thousands of visitors from as far away as Alaska and as near as Bay View Street in Camden gather along the wharfs and parks to explore the ships themselves, learn salty crafts and skills, and swap sea stories and songs in talent shows and concerts that appeal to landlubbers and swabbies alike."

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

When: Friday, September 2, 2011 - Sunday, September 4, 2011
Where: Brunswick, Maine - Map
More information: Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Special website

The Brunswick, Maine Bluegrass festival is a
"Musical Tribute to Friends, Family and Frolic".

"New England's #1 Family Bluegrass Festival to attend for the very best in location, music and facilities."

When: Friday, September 2, 2011 - Monday, September 5, 2011
Where: Harmony, Maine - Map
More information: Harmony Fair website

"The Labor Day Free Fair will be celebrating its 64th anniversary this coming Labor Day weekend. As it has been since 1947, the fair is the Club's major fund raising activity. In 2006, the fair was awarded the designation of the 25th licensed agricultural fair in the State. Harmony's fair is the only agricultural fair in the State that does not charge admission."

The Harmony Fair includes a full schedule of events with a demolition derby, horse pulls, doodlebug pulls, a Woodsman Competition, and Truck Pull.

When: Friday, September 2, 2011 - Monday, September 5, 2011
Where: Springfield, Maine - Map
More information: Springfield Fair website

Agriculture, education and entertainment will once again be the theme at the Springfield Fairgrounds as the fair celebrates its 161st year!

When: Monday, September 5, 2011 - Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Ogunquit, Maine - Map
More information: Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce website, Capriccio page

"A two-week long celebration of the arts. A variety of events feature myriad arts, from writing to film to painting; from performing arts to architecture to sculpture."

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

When: Thursday, September 8, 2011 - Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where: Clinton, Maine - Map
More information: Clinton Lions Club Fair website

The first Clinton Lions Fair was held in 1953 and continues to grow every year. Today, nearly 20,000 people visit this agricultural fair to enjoy its small town country atmosphere that is filled with activities, food and family entertainment.

When: Thursday, September 8, 2011 - Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where: Greenville, Maine - Map
More information: International Seaplane Fly In website

"The International Seaplane Fly-In Association is a non-profit organization whose main focus is to provide aviation education (and a whole lot of fun!) to participants and spectators alike."

When: Friday, September 9, 2011 - Saturday, September 10, 2011
Where: Old Orchard Beach Maine - Map
More information: Old Orchard Beach Pier website, Bikefest on the Pier page

"Get in the wind and come on down to The Pier for one of our "last blast" events! We're having a Pig Roast, there will be prizes, great music and good times. Get here early enough and if your ride is sweet, you can park it on the Pier (subject to space availability). The town square will be reserved for bikes both days!"

When: Friday, September 9, 2011 - Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where: Eastport, Maine- Map
More information: Eastport Pirate Festival website

Costumes are encouraged all weekend!

The 5th Annual Eastport Pirate Festival schedule is full of great family activities, including the Eastport Pirate Invasion of Lubec, Live Music, a weekend long Thieves Market, a Pirate Ball with the crowning of a King and Queen, Nighttime Cutlass Fighting and Sword Demo, a kid's breakfast with the Pirates, kid's Pirate Schooner ride, the Pirate Parade and Pirate Bed Race...

...a 5K walk/run, the Pirate Pet Pageant, the Pirate Boat Race, a lobster crate race, lots of games and entertainment, as well as an International Lobster Boat Race.

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

When: Friday, September 9, 2011 - Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where: Lisbon Falls, Maine - Map
More information: Litchfield Fair website

"It's What a Fair Should Be" An agricultural fair with "fun for the entire family".

When: Friday, September 9, 2011 - Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where: Old Orchard Beach Maine - Map
More information: Old Orchard Beach website, Activities and Events page

"21st Annual show provided by the towing and Recovery Association of Maine. Three day show includes driver skills tests, police and fire demos, parade, awards and other fun events. Memorial Park and First Street Open to the general public."

When: Saturday, September 10, 2011
Where: Bangor, Maine - Map
More information: Bangor Car Show website , or 1.800.91.MOOSE

On September 10th, the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the Bangor Car Show. Last year over 300 vehicles attended! Registration begins at 8:00 AM. All vehicles are welcome to attend!

Highlights of the Bangor Car Show include: food vendors, live entertainment, door prizes, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place trophies per class, 50/50 raffle and much more! Be sure to check out our different categories of vehicles at www.bangorcarshow.com.

The show is held at the Bangor Waterfront across from Shaws on Main Street.

When: Saturday, September 10, 2011 - Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where: Old Orchard Beach, Maine - Map
More information: Old Orchard Beach website, Activities and Events page

"Catch and release for striped bass and blue fish on the Beach"

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

When: Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where: Various apple orchards in Maine - For Map email info@maineapples.org
More information: Maine State Pomological Society website

On the second Sunday of September, the beginning of peak apple season in Maine, many apple orchards and farm stands feature family activities that coincide with their pick you own apple season.

When: Sunday, September 11, 2011 - Sunday, September 18, 2011
Where: Norway, Maine - Map
More information: Oxford County Fair website

The Big Oxford Fair - complete with a Midway - is a Maine agricultural fair with crafts, exhibits, harness racing, livestock shows and animal pulling events.

When: Friday, September 16, 2011 - Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Old Orchard Beach, Maine - Map
More information: Old Orchard Beach website, Activities and Events page

"Car show with many divisions, entertainment, trophies and awards. Friday night lineup on Main Street with parade and car show on Saturday. Great family fun for all. Sponsored by Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution & Town of Old Orchard Beach."

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Wells, Maine - Map
More information: Wells Chamber of Commerce website, Family Jamboree page

"3rd Annual Family Jamboree sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce. Spiller Farm, Route 9A (1054 Branch Road, Wells. 11am-4pm. FREE Admission and Parking."

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Freeport, Maine - Map
More information: Freeport Merchants Association website, Art and Music Festival page

"View the works of talented artists and artisans at Discovery Park on the L.L. Bean campus. It's a day to please the senses. Breathe pure Fall air, delight at the visual experience, hear great live music, enjoy delectable refreshments, and be thoroughly entertained! Live music showcased on the L.L.Bean Discovery Park Stage all day!"

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

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Bethel, Maine - Map
More information: Bethel Maine website, Harvest Fest page

"Mouth-watering chowders & apple pies, chainsaw-carving, arts & crafts show, local music, horse-drawn wagon rides, fly-tying and casting, UAAA two-fly contest & drift boat competition, apple picking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking trails, and more-- a fun family festival!"

<Bethel, Maine vacation rentals...

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Bath, Maine - Map
More information: Mysterious Destinations website

Three floors of documented paranormal activity will offer plenty of chances for new evidence when you join the Mysterious Destinations team for a Midnight Explore at the Winter Street Center in Bath on Saturday, September 17th.

The Midnight Explore will also be a fundraiser for maintenance and improvements at the Winter Street Center, which is part of Sagadahoc Preservation Inc.

Mysterious Destinations will provide a variety of paranormal detection equipment to the guests and training on how to use it. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own gear, with cameras and flashlights recommended.

By reservation only, 207-380-4677. $35 or purchase a 'Haunted Combo' for $44.50 and receive a Red Cloak Haunted History Tour of Bath, before the Midnight Explore, at more than 20% off.

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Various locations from the Southern Maine coast to Downeast
More information: Maine Office of Tourism website, Open Lighthouse Day Maine page

The United States Coast Guard, the State of Maine, and the American Lighthouse Foundation will be host the 3rd Annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day, a popular event "intended to increase awareness of Maine’s maritime heritage and the rich history of its lighthouses and lighthouse keeper."

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Southwest Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Mount Desert Island Garlic Festival website

More than 800 people attend the Mt. Desert Island Garlic Festival. Held at the Smugglers Den Campground, in Southwest Harbor, the 13th annual event will feature local restaurants, musicians, brewers and garlic growers.

When: Sunday, September 18, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation website

The 3.5 mile Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Maine Walk to Cure Diabetes will begin at Payson Park - Back Cove, with registration at 10:00 AM and the walk starting at 11:00 AM.

After the walk enjoy a BBQ lunch provided by our Food sponsor, meet with vendors and receive prizes for best t-shirt, largest pre-walk day team, etc.

To register visit www.walk.jdrf.org. If you have questions or concerns please contact JDRF at 866-268-0832, or via e-mail at eprudente@jdrf.org.

When: Sunday, September 18, 2011 - Saturday, September 24, 2011
Where: Farmington, Maine - Map
More information: Farmington Fair website

The Farmington Fair is another one of Maine's many agricultural fairs, featuring crafts, livestock shows, animal pulling events, along with an exhibit hall and Midway.

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

When: Friday, September 23, 2011 - Sunday, September 25, 2011
Where: Unity, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners website, Common Ground Fair page

One of Maine's classics, the Common Ground Fair...

..."allows fairgoers to make connections with a rapidly expanding base of organic farms in the state of Maine. Hundreds of vendors, exhibitors and demonstrators, more than 1,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of fairgoers will gather to: share knowledge about sustainable living; eat delicious, organic, Maine-grown food; buy and sell beautiful Maine crafts and useful agricultural products; compete in various activities; dance; sing and have a great time."

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 was the Acadia Night Sky Festival has now expanded statewide into the Maine Starlight Festival that promotes...

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

When: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Where: Freeport, Maine - Map
More information: Wolfe's Neck Farm website, Harvest Dance page

Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, and dance to the toe-tapping Rockabilly music of Sean Mencher and His Rhythm Kings at the Historic Mallett Barn in Freeport. 5-11pm. $40 with dinner or $15 for dancing after 8pm.

For more information please call 207-865-4469, extension 101.

Freeport, Maine hotels...

When: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Where: Wells, Maine - Map
More information: Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve website, Punkinfiddle page

"Come to our 9th annual Punkinfiddle festival. Our National Estuaries Day Celebration features traditional crafts, hands-on learning, lively music, old-fashioned games, fun food, farm animals, and lots of smiles in a historic seaside setting."

When: Saturday, September 24 2011 - Sunday, September 25, 2011
Where: Bar Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website, Art in the Park page

"35 painters and photographers will display and sell their original works on the Village Green at the corner of Main & Mt. Desert Streets. Rain or shine."

When: Sunday, September 25, 2011
Where: Damariscotta, Maine - Map
More information: Schooner Landing - Damariscotta, Maine website, Festival page

The 2011 Oyster Festival will be the 10th annual celebration of the working waterfront, marine conservation, and the Pemaquid oyster. Along with thousands of Pemaquid oysters from the Damariscotta River, the 2011 Pemaquid Oyster Festival will feature live entertainment, educational exhibits and plenty of food.

Although the festival is held outdoors at the Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina, much of it is under tents, allowing for activities to take place rain or shine!

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 Cumberland, Maine Fair. Exciting things planned for this milestone...

..."including 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..."

You may also be interested in:
Fryeburg Fair Maine
Halloween Events in Maine
Maine Tourist Attractions
Maine Weather Forecast

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, September 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, September 2012 coming...