October in Maine 2025: Festivals, Foliage & Unforgettable Fall Events
- Gerry Caron
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
🎃 October in Maine 2025 | Events, Festivals, Foliage & Fall Fun
October in Maine is pure magic. Crisp air, fiery foliage, pumpkin-flavored everything, and a calendar packed with events that bring out the best of New England charm. From quirky championships and garlic-filled celebrations to harvest fairs and waterfront food festivals, Maine knows how to do fall right.
And don’t forget: pair any October in Maine 2025 event with some leaf peeping. The Maine Office of Tourism publishes weekly foliage reports so you can plan your trip around the most brilliant colors of the season. 🍁
🍂 Signature October Events in Maine
Fall Foliage Festival | Boothbay
Set on the stunning grounds of the Boothbay Railway Village, this classic festival brings together four acres of historic buildings, local artisans, and fresh Maine seafood. With live music and the surrounding coastal colors, it’s one of the most idyllic fall festivals in New England.
📍 Boothbay Railway Village, Boothbay, ME
Swine & Stein Brewfest | Gardiner
Beer lovers unite! Along Gardiner’s historic Water Street, more than 20 craft breweries, cideries, meaderies, and distilleries pour their best seasonal sips. Don’t miss the quirky contests—like the frozen T-shirt race and the beard & mustache competition.
📍 Downtown Gardiner, ME
Acadia’s Octoberfest | Bass Harbor, Mount Desert Island
This one-day festival combines local brewers, stein-hoisting contests, and keg tossing with the stunning coastal backdrop of Acadia National Park. Bonus: stick around for an epic sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
📍 Bass Harbor, ME (Mount Desert Island)
Maine’s Garlic Fest | Canaan/Skowhegan
Love garlic? This festival at Lake George Regional Park is your foodie heaven. Indulge in garlic-laden dishes, enjoy live music, and explore the fall foliage around the lake. A truly unique Maine tradition.
📍 Lake George Regional Park, Canaan & Skowhegan, ME
Pumpkinfest & Regatta | Damariscotta
Where else can you see 1,000-lb pumpkins turned into boats and raced across a river? Damariscotta’s Pumpkinfest is an October legend, featuring pumpkin art, food, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
📍 Damariscotta, ME
📱 Download the Pumpkinfest App for full schedules.
Open Creamery Day | Statewide
Think of this as Maple Sunday for cheese. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend, creameries across Maine open their doors for tours, tastings, and local shopping.
📍 Statewide (check participating farms)
Fryeburg Fair | Fryeburg
Since 1851, this has been Maine’s biggest agricultural fair. From oxen pulls and harness racing to a bustling midway of rides and food, it’s an October must. The foliage backdrop of the White Mountains makes it even better.
📍 Fryeburg Fairgrounds, Fryeburg, ME
North American Wife Carrying Championship | Sunday River, Newry
One of Maine’s quirkiest traditions! Couples compete in an obstacle course, with the winning husband carrying his wife “Estonian style” to earn her weight in beer and five times her weight in cash.
📍 Sunday River Resort, Newry, ME
HarvestFests | Kennebunk, York & Ogunquit
Kennebunk HarvestFest: Family-friendly with parades, hayrides, and craft fairs.
York Harvestfest: Food vendors, live music, and KidsFest near York’s Wild Kingdom.
OgunquitFest: A seaside celebration with bed races, scarecrow contests, car shows, and pumpkin decorating.
Harvest on the Harbor | Portland
Portland’s premier food and wine event celebrates Maine’s culinary excellence. From lobster competitions to Oysterfest on the waterfront, this is a bucket-list experience for foodies.
📍 Portland, ME
Halloween in The Kennebunks
On October 31, the towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport transform into a storybook Halloween village. Summer Street and Dock Square become pedestrian-only for safe, festive trick-or-treating.
📍 Kennebunk & Kennebunkport, ME
🌟 Plan Your October in Maine
Pair events with scenic fall drives (Route 302, Rangeley Byway, or Old Canada Road).
Book lodging early—October is peak foliage season.
Layer up! Crisp mornings and evenings contrast warm afternoons.
🍁 Best Foliage Road Trips 2025: 10 Unforgettable Fall Scenic Drives in Maine
10 Unforgettable Fall Scenic Drives in Maine you can’t miss this season.
📍 Visit Maine for statewide foliage reports and event updates:
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
From quirky championships and garlic-filled celebrations to harvest fairs and waterfront food festivals, Maine knows how to do fall right.