13 Harvest Festivals In Maine That Will Make Your Autumn Awesome

This is one of those festivals just just screams, MAINE! If nothing else, come to this festival for the rubber ducky race. You'll also be treated to concerts, including Maine favorites, Trish King, a chili cook-off, as well as canoe and kayak excursions, the All Trails Lead to Millinocket Parade, a pie and cake auction, the Trails End Festival Dance. Click here for all the details!

This is one of Maine's most loved and appreciated annual festivals. While some people feel it's become too large, the events are still worth enjoying and the message of sustainability is an important one. Put on by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners, this festival celebrates the many agricultural traditions of Maine. The schedule of events is too broad and wonderful to fit in this article, but suffice it to say that if you love farming, sustainability, arts, crafts, wool, animals, children, food, games, music, storytelling and dancing, you'll love this festival. If you can't make the whole thing, at least stick around for the people-powered bike parade on Friday at 10am. Click here for all the details!

This festival was created as the result of a wonderful local ordinance meant to preserve the night sky in the Acadia area. It requires that ‘night sky friendly’ outdoor lighting must be used on all new construction in the Town of Bar Harbor. These lights mean that visitors and residents will be able to see as much of the beauty that exists in the sky as they see on the land during the day. So, head to this one if you love astronomy and learning about all that exists above us. Visitors can enjoy seminars, a beautiful night-sky boat cruise, a kayak tour, climbing and other activities. Click here for all the details!

This is truly a wonderful local event that serves over 10,000 oysters to benefit the Edward A. Myers Marine Conservation Fund. Festivities are held on the banks of the Damariscotta River at Schooner Landing Restaurant & Marina on Main Street. Visitors will be treated to, you guessed it, oysters! Along with, of course, a variety of other food items. Demonstrations, entertainment and tons of fun are expected. Click here for all the details!

The Cumberland Fair has been around for 145 years and it offers a wonderful, what-you-might-expect experience. From livestock exhibitions to demonstrations, dancing, concerts and rides this is a great place to bring children - old and young! Click here for all the details!

You'll want to attend this event if you're a die-hard beer lover or even just an occasional enthusiast. With one of the largest-growing numbers of local breweries in the USA, it's no surprise that this has been a popular fall event for the last 12 years. Visitors will enjoy samples from over 35 brewers and more than 15 food vendors at The Beach at Point Sebago. Click here for all the details!

This festival is the thing that reality shows are made of! Of all the things that make us proud of Maine, this could just be number one! On Columbus Day Weekend, head to Damariscotta for the best celebration of pumpkins you've ever seen. Events include the annual Official "Giant Pumpkin Parade," The Pumpkinboat Regatta and The Giant Pumpkin Drop. Yes, folks, this is real. And you'd be crazy to miss it! Click here for all the details!

This festival is a Maine classic. Make a week of it by camping on-site to enjoy every minute of the events taking place. From the Skillet Toss to the Pig Scramble to the Fireman's Muster, there are so many competitions that it might feel like everyone has a chance to win in SOME category. Visitors will also enjoy a livestock exhibition, parade and lots of rides and carnival games. Click here for all the details!

This festival is so fresh feeling that it's hard to believe it's been around for 18 years! We can understand why - it's one of the most lovely southern Maine events and it's perfect for families. Come enjoy the displays of over 120 artists who represent a variety of disciplines. You'll also love the live music and overall happy vibe found throughout the L.L. Bean campus, which is there the even it held. Click here for all the details!

There are a few reasons that you must put this festival on your list for this year. It's perfect for those readers who have a competitive streak. As the site of the North American Wife Carrying Champsionship, you'll want to attend simply to watch people run through a muddy obstacle course carrying their special someone! If that's not your thing, you can also check out the Kids’ Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, the New England Corn Hole Championship, and the Blue Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair. There are also scenic chair lift rides, concerts and wagon rides. Click here for all the details!

This is the perfect event for the foodie who is willing to pay more for access to all things Maine culinary. Events include an opening gala reception, the Maine lobster chef of the year competition, and various tasting events. Attending this food and wine festival helps support Good Shepherd Food Bank, an organization working to alleviate food insecurity among Maine families. Tickets go on sale in the late Spring and can be purchased for the many individual event throughout the weekend. Click here for all the details!

This wonderful apple-focused event is perfect for those who want a little bit more information about how they can use their apple haul after a hard day's picking. The day includes workshops, cider pressing and an orchard tour, along with tons of apple-related treats to enjoy. Click here for all the details!

This event, celebrating everything related to farm freshness, will bring some of the best of Maine local farms to the public. Enjoy cooking contests (or try to win one!), wine and beer tastings, cooking demonstrations and workshops all devoted to Maine's local farms and harvests. Click here for all the details!