About Pumpkinfest
Each year, local Maine artists more than meet the challenge of decorating dozens of Atlantic Giant pumpkins that are displayed in downtown Damariscotta and Newcastle during Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta. Each pumpkin comes with a story about our tight-knit community - the grower who brought it to us, the business that helped sponsor the festival, and the artist who brings it to creative life. This information can be found on each pumpkin’s display card.
Calling all Artist
2026 T-shirt Design Contest is open!
The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & RegattaTM invites you to submit an original design for this year’s festival contest. A $500 prize will be awarded to the artist whose design is selected. The winning artwork will be featured on t-shirts and hoodies, displayed throughout the area, and seen by thousands of happy Pumpkinfest visitors who come to celebrate the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta, to be held October 9-12.
Help keep Pumpkinfest FREE
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is 100% volunteer-run and always FREE to the public—a true community celebration of growers, artist and local talent.
If you love what Pumpkinfest brings to Damariscotta/Newcastle each year, please consider using the QR code or the link below to make a donation. Your support helps ensure Pumpkinfest remains FREE, sustainable and full of the magic that makes it so special.
Together, we can keep this tradition thriving for years to come!
2nd Annual - Stay tuned for more details
5K Road/Trail Race
Run alongside the Pumpkins in our 2nd Annual 5K.
For more information or to register, look at our Event Page.
Latest Pumpkinfest Happenings
Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ page can answer many of your questions.
Interactive Map
Our map is always evolving, check back to see what’s happening. We will include events sites, parking lots, bus stops, bathrooms, first aid and after deployment the location of all the decorated pumpkins. Click on any of the numbered pumpkin locations to view photos of the decorated pumpkins/artist/grower and sponsors. If you would like to look at the pumpkins from past festivals click on the Interactive Map Archive below.