Maine is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but it really shines in the fall, when not only is foliage spectacular, but you’ll also find fairs and festivals that are uniquely Maine. These aren’t your average Maine attractions, but special events that you should include when planning your trip to Penobscot Bay!
Food, Farming and Fun in Maine!
One of the top fairs in New England is brought to you by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. The Common Ground Country Fair showcases the area’s dedication to quality food production and healthy living with games, races, can’t-miss animal shows, and more! There are several special events that place during the annual fair. For the runners among you, the Common Ground 5K Foot Race is a fun way to spend the morning. It’s open to all ages and abilities, and your $20 registration includes admission to the fair, plus the first 85 entrants will get a free organic cotton t-shirt. For the animal lovers, there are a few different shows to catch. The Donkey and Mule Show lets you see how much these often goofy animals can pull, haul and carry – when paired with fun and silly antics, they will be sure to make you smile. Then step up the horsepower with the Draft Horse Show. You’ll be amazed at the size and capabilities of these majestic creatures as you watch them compete in obstacle courses, cart classes and bareback riding. If you want to see some of the brainiest members of the animal kingdom, then the Sheep Dog Demonstrations are for you. Watch these extremely smart border collies work the herds of sheep during this amazing demonstration. Then we move on to the other end of the animal with the beloved Harry S. Truman Games! This manure throwing contest will produce winners for both distance and accuracy – get ready to sling the muck like a real politician! And finally, though it isn’t as “fun” as the other activities, the Public Policy Teach-In is possibly the most important one. Learn from experts about upcoming challenges and legislation pertaining to our area’s agricultural producers. You might even call it the “Maine event”! 
Not only can you take part in all of those special fair events, but your visit will also include demonstrations and showcases from farmers, growers, blacksmiths, crafters, artists, wool spinners, stone workers, homesteaders, chefs and more! In-between scheduled events, you can peruse the farmers’ market, meet the livestock, listen to live music, take part in children’s activities, and enjoy what it’s all about… delicious organic food!
The Country Fair runs from September 20-22, 2024. You can buy tickets online or at local outlets for just $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. The fairgrounds are about 30 minutes inland and worth the beautiful drive – plus you’ll have the joy of returning to our beautiful inn on Penobscot Bay after a day at the fair.
Come Together with Crafters, Makers & Artists
If the art and craft demos at the Country Fair aren’t enough to spark your creative juices, then you should plan an earlier visit to Searsport this fall. The Fiber College of Maine is hosting their Maker’s Day Weekend August 31st & September 1, 2024. The Touchstone Retreat September 4-8, 2024 offer small, immersive classes for all skill levels.
You can look forward to in-depth workshops and classes on a wide variety of skills, including fabric arts, knitting, tapestries, eco-printing, wood carving, bow and arrow making, basket weaving, and much more. Or if you want to just sample a few new interests, then you’ll love their introductory one-hour classes, available for walk-ins to learn about everything from jewelry making and pottery, to silk painting, needle felting and more. You’ll have a chance to meet the makers and experts during show & tell, trunk shows, makers’ markets and slideshow presentations. Plus, join in on fun gatherings including cocktail parties, potlucks, campfires and more!
Check their website for a more detailed schedule of events and to register online! Their campus is just a few minutes from our historic waterfront inn – making it easy to enjoy all of the festivities during your getaway to Searsport, ME.
Bangor State Fair
Bangor State Fair is one of the oldest running fairs in the country. “The Fair” as it’s commonly referred to, started in 1849! Now, the annual event welcomes 40,000 to 50,000 fairgoers. From live music, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, a photo contest to a thrilling midway there is plenty to see and do. A fair wouldn’t be complete without all that fair food and drinks – you will find it all at the fair. Held July 25 – 28, 2024 and August 1-3, 2024, at Bass Park in Bangor, ME.
A Quiet and Relaxing Place to Stay Near it All
If you’re planning to visit MidCoast Maine, our historic inn in Searsport makes a wonderful home base. After a day out exploring the area and enjoying the local festivals, you’ll look forward to returning to our quiet and cozy inn on the coast. Originally built in 1874 by a ship’s captain, our quintessential bed and breakfast in Maine sits on six beautiful acres overlooking Penobscot Bay – adding to its relaxed atmosphere and authentic feel. We invite you to get away from it all to enjoy our comfortable accommodations, delicious breakfasts, and friendly innkeepers. So mark your calendars for these fun events, and reserve your spot at one of the best places to stay in Maine!
Updated March 2024
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