The air has turned cooler but the events are just heating up. Make plans today to visit Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor for festivals celebrating literacy, the fall colors, pumpkins and other autumn foods, and a month and a half of holiday lights.
Books in Boothbay – September 11, 2021
The largest and longest running book fair in the state brings Maine authors and book lovers together for a day to celebrate literacy and the art of the story. More than 30 authors will be attending the event held at the Boothbay Railway Village. Barbara Ross, Portland author, will be returning to the festival; she uses Boothbay Harbor as the setting for the fictional town in her popular mystery series. Books by participating authors will be available for purchase on site with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. Visitors can meet with the authors and have their books signed at this free festival. A pop-up vintage market and food trucks will also be available at this festival.
Fall Foliage Festival – October 9-10, 2021
This festival is so popular that it has been held for 52 years. The air is cool and the trees are full of color making for ideal outdoor festival weather. The partnership between the Boothbay Railway Village and the Boothbay Region Information Center is excited to bring vendors, live entertainment, artist exhibits, and, of course, fall food to the 53rd annual festival. The event is the perfect place to get a start on holiday shopping; bring home a unique gift for a loved one or pick up something for yourself to remember your Boothbay getaway. More than just a festival, this is a vintage experience on the grounds of the Railway Village. Visitors can also explore the historic buildings, antique car museum, model railroad, or simply enjoy the crisp fall air on the 4-acre village green. You do not want to miss this Boothbay Harbor tradition.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta – October 8-11, 2021
Each year Atlantic Giant Pumpkins arrive in town on Thursday via flatbed and forklift. These pumpkins are so big that there is a section of the website devoted to helping the 400+ volunteer growers cultivate these magnificent gourds. Some of the pumpkins reach a massive 1,400 pounds. By Friday evening, the pumpkins have been transformed into works of art. The designs range from whimsical to art deco to Halloween creepy. The pumpkins are used for more than just art. Brave volunteer captains race each other in the Damariscotta Harbor in boats made from hollowed out pumpkins. The popular race is live-fed into the local theater so more people can watch. No pumpkins go to waste here. Small 20-pound pumpkins are catapulted hundreds of feet into the air. Of course, no pumpkin festival would be complete without a pumpkin dessert contest and a messy pumpkin pie eating contest. Stick around for the pumpkin parade which features the largest pumpkin from the weigh off. This festival has been featured on CBS News – Sunday Morning, The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, and German Public Radio. If you are traveling through the state, we suggest that you check out some of the other events along Maine’s Pumpkin Trail.
Boothbay Lights – November 20, 2021-January 2, 2022
Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor truly sparkle during this annual celebration of lights and holidays. Multiple events add to the festive atmosphere of the quintessential Maine event. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens become more colorful as the night turns dark for Gardens Aglow. 500,000 LED lights create a brand-new garden environment. The 2020 Gardens Aglow was a drive-through experience that allowed guests to experience the beauty from the comfort of their cars. Stay tuned for news on the 2021 Gardens Aglow event. The Opera House becomes home for a new style of art when of gingerbread houses and castles are put on display. Bakers and creators from ages 6 to 86 compete in the Gingerbread Spectacular hoping to catch the eye of the team of judges. The Opera House is also the place to be for the Festival of Trees. Visitors can buy homemade candy and other surprises from the holiday shops. Decorated trees are also raffled off or included in silent auctions. Finally, the lights take over the water and the sky for the Lighted Boat Parade and Sparkle Fireworks. Everyone gathers around the harbor to ooh and ahh over the boats decorated with holiday lights. After the parade and the judges have announced their favorites, the sky lights up with an extraordinary fireworks display. The events span a large time period so everyone can find a time to visit and celebrate.
