There are so many seasonal events in the Southport region, but the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest is perhaps the most anticipated. It is a fun and educational experience that has quickly become a favorite for both visitors and locals. For those seeking a memorable way to savor autumn in Maine, this unique fall festival is a wonderful option!
For more information about exciting annual events like the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest, download our complimentary Southport Vacation Guide! This online resource is a hand-picked list of our favorite local options for dining, shopping, sporting, and much more. Get a copy today and start planning a fall getaway.
What is the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest?
The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest is a fall-themed festival held in Damariscotta, Maine, each Columbus Day Weekend. People flock here every year to honor fall’s arrival and learn a thing or two about agriculture. More than anything else, however, this extravaganza is a celebration of the pumpkin’s versatility! Not only does this fun-filled weekend give the community an economic boost, but it provides a chance for locals and visitors to come together and have a wonderful time.
3 of the Best Ways to Enjoy the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest
1. Watch the Giant Pumpkin Parade
The Giant Pumpkin Parade will sweep the streets of Downtown Damariscotta and set the stage for an amazing festival! Get ready to see plenty of festive costumes, harvest-themed floats, and smiling faces. This free event is a favorite for families and takes place on Saturday, October 7th, 2017 at 2:15 p.m.
2. See Pumpkins Fly
Kick-start the fall season by watching massive Atlantic pumpkins plummet and smash into targets below! On Sunday, October 8th from 1 to 4 p.m., the free Damariscotta Pumpkinfest pumpkin drop will thrill onlookers. After a crane carries them nearly 200 feet in the air, pumpkins fall onto a variety of interesting targets like old double-decker buses and junked police cars. Afterward, the smashed pumpkin pieces are collected and fed to animals at local farms.
A similar Damariscotta Pumpkinfest event is the giant catapult demonstration. On Sunday, October 8th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., watch as a team launches pumpkins into the horizon from their homemade catapult. This year, the free demonstration is held at DRA’s Round Top Farm. Free shuttles to the event are located at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, Maine.
3. Race a Pumpkin Vehicle
Don’t miss the Pumpkin Boat Regatta, one of the festival’s most popular events! Where else can people navigate the waters of Damariscotta Harbor in hand-carved, giant pumpkin boats? On Monday, October 9th at 12 p.m., the paddleboat, motorboat, and pumpkin boat polo divisions will embark on races. For the best view of these giant pumpkin boat races, be sure to find a spot along the harbor.
In addition to pumpkin boats, there are also pumpkin cars! Unlike many of the 2017 Damariscotta Pumpkinfest events, the Pumpkin Derby utilizes small pumpkins. These petite gourds are hand-decorated with wheels and paint, then rolled down a track. The racer whose derby pumpkin reaches the finish line first wins a prize! Treats are also given out for the scariest, funniest, and most creative racers. This free event takes place on Sunday, October 8th at 8:30 a.m.
Stay Near the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest
Seeking a place to stay for the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest? Newagen Seaside Inn is just a short drive from the town of Damariscotta! Our beautiful and classic inn in Southport, Maine, is set apart from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Boothbay Harbor. Its location boasts a tranquil atmosphere without sacrificing the convenience of local attractions. During an autumn stay here, guests love lodging in cozy guest rooms or private cottages, dining on traditional Maine cuisine at The Pub, and relaxing by the water! The fall vacation of a lifetime is waiting at Newagen Seaside Inn.
Book an accommodation like our Bayberry Cottage for the best autumnal experience in Southport! This cottage is freshly renovated and features wraparound windows perfect for taking in Maine’s fall foliage! Bayberry cottage guests also enjoy dedicated parking, a full breakfast buffet at the Inn each morning, and use of all Inn amenities.
We look forward to welcoming you and the harvest season in Southport soon! Check our fall availability now and start planning for a fun-filled holiday season.