A ballet of forklifts and giant gourds takes place every year on Thursday evening before the festival weekend to get the pumpkins into place all along Main Street in Damariscotta.
Sponsor: Hammond Lumber
Let us know if you would like to join the group of volunteers who help make this magic happen!
Witness artists transform giant pumpkins into amazing works of art! Artists will be working all day on Main Street paint, carving, and decorating their pumpkins.
Wells Hussey American Legion - Post 42 Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a fund raiser Pancake breakfast. Join them and fuel up for all the Pumpkinfest events of the day. (Adults $10, Kids under 8yrs $7)
Come see the masters at work assembling pumpkinboats for the upcoming regatta race!
Sponsors: Hancock Lumber/Louis Doe Home Center
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is pleased to invite all chefs, bakers, and wannabe Food Network stars to enter this year’s Pumpkin Dessert Contests. This yummy event will be held at Skidompha Library and samples will be for sale following judging.
Please see www.mainepumpkinfest.com/dessert-contest for official rules for entry and other event details! oes here
Sponsors: Barn Door Baking/Skidompha Library
Watch as Main Street, Damariscotta hosts a parade full of music, energy, fun and frivolity!
Sponsors:
The Pumpkin Derby brings yet another way to utilize a pumpkin, as spectators and contestants will enjoy the “soapbox-styled” pumpkin-car race! A perfect parental bonding opportunity!
Sponsors: Healthy Kids
Find the Derby Guidelines here.
Mr. Drew and His Animals Too is an Educational outreach presenter featuring exotic reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from around the world that he has rescued and rehabilitated.
Sponsor:
Participation will be first-come, first served for youth, adult and dogs! 🐶
See the Event page here for guidelines and registration forms.
Sponsors:
The Pie Eating Contest will be a spectacular involving races and feats of feasting taking place on Sunday at Elm Street Plaza. In between pie-eating, from about 4:30 onward, Team Maine Armwrestling will take the stage to bring delight to the audience with their amazing skills in demonstration.
Described as the “extreme sport of gardening,” this real-life jack-in-the- beanstalk sport is an event you don’t want to miss! Spectators will be thrilled to watch giant gourds -steered by captains either paddling or powered by “wicked nice motors”- ply the waters of the Damariscotta River in a series of races.
The Regatta will take place when high tide allows each year. For 2025, that will be at 4 PM on Sunday, October 12th! Needless to say, those 600 lb pumpkin boats need HIGH TIDE to be able to float & go really fast!
The regatta can be viewed harbor-side, or via a “live feed” into The Lincoln Theater, where spectators are able to watch the event, seated in the warmth and comfort of the historic theater.
Sponsors:
1st Annual 5K road/trail race, run among the pumpkins!
A fun scavenger hunt style event for children involving mini jack-be-little pumpkins!
Registration for all begins at 8:15am
Hunt for children 5 and under 9:00am
Hunt for children 6+ 9:30am
Sponsors:CLC YMCA
Coastal Kids Preschool is excited to be teaming up with the award-winning PBS KIDS series Carl the Collector for the first-ever dedicated Sensory-Friendly Pumpkinfest Event on Monday, October 13th, from 11 am-2 pm! A special screening of Carl the Collector will also take place at Skidompha Library from 1-2 pm. Join us at either location for an opportunity to meet Carl! Both events are open to kids of all ages but may be best suited for those eight and under or young at heart.
Carl the Collector is an award-winning PBS KIDS series that follows the everyday adventures of Carl, a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who loves to collect, and his five fuzzy pals, Sheldon, Lotta, Forrest, Nico, and Arugula. The groundbreaking series celebrates friendship and all the little things that make each of us unique, while also showcasing the strengths and experiences of neurodiversity. Centered on social-emotional learning, Carl the Collector features storylines that explore problem-solving, self-regulation, self-identity, social awareness, and relationship skills. Learn more about Carl and his fuzzy pals at www.PBSKids.org/Carl.
Sensory-Friendly Events Provide Families:
Accessibility–Allowing individuals with sensory sensitivities to participate in events without feeling overwhelmed.
Well-being–A safe space for children/families to decompress and regulate when needed.
Inclusion–Promoting an environment where everyone is welcome.
Visitors at the Coastal Kids Preschool event can expect a sensory-friendly pumpkin drop, pumpkin decorating, dedicated sensory spaces, activities that celebrate Carl and each of his fuzzy friends, and an opportunity to watch Carl the Collector and experience Fuzzy Town!
Accessible Parking Available at Coastal Kids Preschool
All others may access Coastal Kids Preschool via the Nature Trail from the CLC YMCA or by Pumpkinfest Bus
Carl the Collector Screening at Skidompha:
Location: Skidompha Library - Porter Hall
65 Elm Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543
To access Porter Hall the day of the event, please use the Elm Street entrance, as the main entrance to the Library will be closed.
Time: Monday, October 13th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Find out more: www.CoastalKidsMe.org/Pumpkinfest
Don’t miss our fan favorite, pumpkin drop! The pumpkins will be BIGGER! The drop will be HIGHER! The venue will be EXPANDED! The music will be AWESOME! AND, the sights will be HILARIOUS!!!
Sponsors: Keeley Crane Service
All good things must come to an end!
Sponsor: Hagar Enterprises
Join us for the nail-biting weigh off where growers from around Maine will present their giant pumpkins for competition!
7AM : Fruit drop-off begins
10AM : Weigh Off begins
Sponsors: Louis Doe Home Center/WD Matthews Machinery/Johnny's Selected Seeds
Join us for a gathering of local pumpkin growers presenting their pumpkins to be weighed!
7 AM: Fruit drop-off begins
10 AM: Weigh Off Begins
Sponsors: Louis Doe Home Center/ WD Matthews Machinery/Johnny's selected Seeds
Painted & Decorated Hay Bale Pumpkins will be put out along Highway 1 and Main Street in Damariscotta and Newcastle
Sponsors :
One tiny seed, harvested from a giant pumpkin, swaddled in soil, nurtured and loved, grows to form its pumpkin identity. This is your chance to raise a winner! 750 plantings will be displayed for adoption, care and nurture. A "celebrity" panel of professional giant pumpkin growers will be on hand to offer you formulas for raising formidable competitors, sometimes weighing up to 2,000 lbs. To ensure a perfect seedling sendoff, the Pumpkinfest Queen will be present to bless the tiny plants; and will be seated on her throne for fun family photos.
Let this four-month competition begin on Sunday, May 18th. This is a perfect family project, filled with education, fun, and wonder! Did you know that these pumpkins can grow as much as 25 lbs. in one day! Join in the fun! Your FREE seedling is waiting for you! See you on Sunday, May 18th!
Get those creative juices flowing and submit a winning design. A $500 prize will be awarded to the artist whose design is selected. And, fame and fortune will follow as the winning design will be featured on thousands of t-shirts and hoodies and seen by tens of thousands of happy visitors who come to celebrate the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta on October 10-13, 2025.
Our kids movie this year is on Monday, Oct.14th at 1pm.
Sponsor: The Lincoln Theater
The Queen will be welcoming children of all ages to her throne for pictures and lots of cheer.
Buskers, entertainers, sometimes known as street performers, are an added dimension of entertainment for Pumpkinfest, with each year bringing new specialties. See the lineup for the 2024 Buskers stage, located just off Main Street, at Elm Street Plaza. We have a star lineup of performers for this year.
Sponsors: Main Street Grocery/First National Bank
Official Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta Merchandise
Sponsor: The Peace Gallery
The “Food Court”, located at the Colby & Gale service station on Main Street, will be open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Participating in the Food Court this year will be Coastal Nutrition, Salty Boyz, Lincoln Academy Class of 2026, Damariscotta Pumpkinfests famous cotton candy, RaggaeEats, Lincoln Academy Boosters, and the District 10 Masons.
Sponsors: Lafayette Hotels-Boothbay Harbor/Sandcastle Entertainment
The Queen will be welcoming children of all ages to her throne for pictures and lots of cheer.
The “Food Court”, located at the Colby & Gale service station on Main Street, will be open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Participating in the Food Court this year will be Coastal Nutrition, Salty Boyz, Lincoln Academy Class of 2026, Damariscotta Pumpkinfests famous cotton candy, RaggaeEats, Lincoln Academy Boosters, and the District 10 Masons.
Sponsors: Lafayette Hotels-Boothbay Harbor/Sandcastle Entertainment
Carnival games, activities, inflatables and more for kids!
Sponsors: Sandcastle Entertainment/Round Top Ice Cream/CLC YMCA
Buskers, entertainers, sometimes known as street performers, are an added dimension of entertainment for Pumpkinfest, with each year bringing new specialties. See the lineup for the 2024 Buskers stage, located just off Main Street, at Elm Street Plaza. We have a star lineup of performers for this year.
Sponsors: Main Street Grocery/First National Bank
Official Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta Merchandise
Sponsor: The Peace Gallery
The Damariscotta Chamber & Information Bureau will be located at the corner of Main Street and Theater Street to answer questions, and to hand out maps & other festival brochures.
During the festival, local non-profits participate in InfoZone, also located on Theater Street. InfoZone hours will be Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visitors can learn about numerous non-profit organizations located in Maine’s midcoast, as the non-profits share information/brochures about the great work they do for so many in our community.
Sponsors: Maritime Energy/Maritime Farms
The Queen will be welcoming children of all ages to her throne for pictures and lots of cheer.
Sponsors: Carpenter’s Boat Shop/Lucky Fortune-Fine Chinese Restaurant
The “Food Court”, located at the Colby & Gale service station on Main Street, will be open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Participating in the Food Court this year will be Coastal Nutrition, Salty Boyz, Lincoln Academy Class of 2026, Damariscotta Pumpkinfests famous cotton candy, RaggaeEats, Lincoln Academy Boosters, and the District 10 Masons.
Sponsors: Lafayette Hotels-Boothbay Harbor/Sandcastle Entertainment
Carnival games, activities, inflatables and more for kids!
Sponsors: Sandcastle Entertainment/Round Top Ice Cream/CLC YMCA
Buskers, entertainers, sometimes known as street performers, are an added dimension of entertainment for Pumpkinfest, with each year bringing new specialties. See the lineup for the 2024 Buskers stage, located just off Main Street, at Elm Street Plaza. We have a star lineup of performers for this year.
Sponsors: Main Street Grocery/First National Bank
64 Entrants, age 17 & under
Sponsors: Dead River Company/Tidewater telecom/Healthy Kids
Come see the masters at work assembling pumpkinboats for the upcoming regatta race!
Sponsors: Hancock Lumber/Louis Doe Home Center
The Damariscotta Chamber & Information Bureau will be located at the corner of Main Street and Theater Street to answer questions, and to hand out maps & other festival brochures.
During the festival, local non-profits participate in InfoZone, also located on Theater Street. InfoZone hours will be Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visitors can learn about numerous non-profit organizations located in Maine’s midcoast, as the non-profits share information/brochures about the great work they do for so many in our community.
Sponsors: Maritime Energy/Maritime Farms
Official Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta Merchandise
Sponsor: The Peace Gallery
Adults $10, Kids under 8 years $7
American Legion Hall, 527 Main Street, Damariscotta
Sponsor: Wells Hussey American Legion – Post 42, Ladies Auxiliary
64 Entrants, age 17 & under
Sponsors: Dead River Company/Tidewater telecom/Healthy Kids
Official Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta Merchandise
Sponsor: The Peace Gallery
Benefit for Wawenock Youth Programs
Sponsor: Wawenock Golf Club
Two-person best ball event (Gross Score)
8:00 a.m. shotgun start (18 holes - open to the first 36 entrants)
Fee: $75/person includes Gift Certificate, prizes, cart & awards
Wawenock Golf Course, 685 State Route 129, Walpole
Carnival games, activities, inflatables and more for kids!
