With dramatic coastlines, ancient hardwood forests, and outdoor attractions ranging from mountains to lakes to rocky shores, Maine is no stranger to natural beauty. However, when it comes to visiting this New England state, there are few times of year more magnificent than fall.
With exceptional foliage in fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, you won’t want to miss nature’s vibrant display. Even better, you can pass the time at some of the many fall festivals serving up fantastic food and entertainment galore. Which festivals and fairs keep the crowds coming back, year after year? Here are a few you won’t want to miss.
- Blue Hill Fair
- York Harvestfest
- Trails End Festival
- Fryeburg Fair
- OgunquitFest
- Maine Cheese Festival
Blue Hill Fair
Believe it or not, the Blue Hill Fair has been around for well over a century. Launched in 1891, the annual festival started soon after the first gasoline-powered motorcar was patented and just a few years before the first commercial public screening of a motion picture.
Taking place on or near Labor Day weekend each year, the Blue Hill Fair features old-school attractions like livestock exhibits, cooking contests, craft competitions, and a flower show.
You’ll also find classic carnival rides and games, abundant food vendors, and entertainment options like a rodeo, magic shows, truck pulls, lumberjack competitions, eating contests, and live music. It’s good, wholesome fun for the entire family.
York Harvestfest
Since 1985, crowds have flocked to the York Harvestfest, held annually in October at Short Sands Beach. The family-friendly event features food vendors, live music, and a market with both old-fashioned items and juried crafters offering 100% handmade wares.
What really makes this festival shine is all the activities geared toward children. Kidsfest activities keep youngsters entertained with storytelling, interactive games, and a roaming railroad through York’s Wild Kingdom. Everyone will enjoy live music performances in the big tent throughout the day.
Trails End Festival
Is there a better way to say goodbye to summer than with three days of music, food, and fun? All trails — especially the Appalachian Trail — lead to the Trails End Festival, which has come to Millinocket every September since 2007.
This festival’s claim to fame is a packed roster of musical acts, with three to five bands performing each day. Whether you love classic rock, funk, country, bluegrass, or contemporary genres, you’ll find your favorite among the many performers that grace the festival stage.
You’ll also enjoy a range of food trucks, as well as vendors offering crafts, raffles, and kids’ activities. This celebration of outdoor recreation, and specifically, the Appalachian Trail, is a great reason to visit the scenic Katahdin region.
Fryeburg Fair
The largest agricultural fair in the state, the Fryeburg Fair, is held annually around the end of September and beginning of October. Nicknamed the “Blue Ribbon Classic,” this fair has been around since the antebellum era, when the West Oxford Agricultural Society was founded in 1851.
Livestock and agricultural exhibits abound here, but the Fryeburg Fair also highlights local farming traditions and history with activities like horse and oxen pulls, pig scrambles, and lawnmower racing. On Woodsmen’s Field Day, competitors vie for the prize in lumberjack events like tree felling, axe throwing, and logrolling.
There’s also a Firemen’s Muster, a Grand Parade, and more. Carnival rides, exhibits, live music, and ample food and craft vendors round out the reasons to visit this magnificent fair, set among Maine’s breathtaking fall foliage.
OgunquitFest
The annual OgunquitFest, originally called “Fall into Ogunquit,” started over two decades ago and is still going strong. Held at the end of October, this festival takes place in several locations throughout this picturesque seaside town and features events like a classic car show, a “Dogtoberfest” costume parade, and trick-or-treating for kids in Downtown Ogunquit.
Guests will enjoy entertainment and shopportunities at the artisan craft festival that runs all weekend, featuring food trucks, live music, and plenty of local crafters. A celebration of everything autumnal, with a special focus on Halloween, this festival is a can’t-miss event for anyone who cites fall as their favorite season.
Maine Cheese Festival
The state may be better known for the Maine Lobster Festival held in Rockport every summer, but residents are no strangers to the allure of cheese.
Hosted annually in Pittsfield by the Maine Cheese Guild, this festival of fromage takes place in September at Manson Park. With dozens of licensed cheesemakers, food trucks, alcohol vendors, and more, you’ll find nibbles and dribbles galore to satisfy your casein cravings when you visit the Maine Cheese Festival.
Enjoy the Best of the Festive Fall Season
If you’re looking to soak up the last of the summer sun before moody fall weather hits in earnest, Maine has you covered with fall festivals celebrating food, music, agriculture, and more. Mark up your calendar and buy tickets early to ensure you don’t miss a moment of autumn fun.