Get Involved

Hankering to get involved, but not sure how you want to help?

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is 100% volunteer-run and always FREE to the public—a true community celebration of growers, artists, and local talent.

If you love what Pumpkinfest brings to Damariscotta/Newcastle each year, 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!

Volunteer

From deploying the giant pumpkins to all the storefronts, to supporting parade, to the Pumpkinboat Regatta and all of the other fantastic events going on all weekend, contact us to lend a hand and join our crew in the fun! Volunteering questions can be sent to volunteer@damariscottapumpkinfest.com. Learn more here about how you can help.

Become a Sponsor

Our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, who make our beloved festival possible! On behalf of all our volunteers, visitors of all ages, thank you to both financial and in-kind sponsors who make this community festival come alive in Damariscotta.

Please show gratitude to our sponsors by enjoying their products and services, and remind them how much you appreciate Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta.

For more info, contact: sponsorship@damarasicottapumpkinfest.com

Donate

Make a donation to support our 501 (c) (3) non-profit. The Festival is 100% volunteer-run and all act. Please consider using the QR code on this page or this link to make a donation.

Participate

Are you interested in decorating a pumpkin, creating a delicious pie dessert, manning a boat in the Regatta, or running the Tour de Gourd?

Volunteer
Sponsor
Donate

Volunteer Opportunity Information

Check out the handy Volunteer Guide below to learn more about the different opportunities to support Pumpkinfest!

  • Volunteer Growers Pumpkin Weigh-Off (October 3rd, 2026)

    • Help set-up the weigh off area, direct traffic, organize participants, load giant pumpkins onto the scale, or operate forklifts to weigh pumpkins.

    Professional Growers Pumpkin Weigh-Off (October 4th, 2026)

    • Help set-up the weigh-off area, direct traffic, organize participants, load giant pumpkins onto the scale, or operate forklifts to weigh pumpkins.

    Seedling Sunday - Seed planting (next year)

    • Get your hands dirty! Assist in the planting of hundreds of giant pumpkin seeds that will be given away on Seedling Sunday.

    Seedling Sunday - Seedling distribution (next year)

    • Enjoy a lovely spring day helping distribute hundreds of giant pumpkin seedlings to community growers

  • Pumpkinboat Building (October 10, 2026)

    • Bring your nautical knowledge to life helping construct boats out of the giant pumpkins that will be used to race in the Regatta!

    • Skilled carpenters are needed for construction of motorboat decks.

    Performance Arts & Buskers (October 10 – 12, 2026)

    • Singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians and performers of all kinds are encouraged to audition to perform during Pumpkinfest.

    Pumpkin Artists (October 9-10, 2026)

    • A highlight of the festival is the decorated pumpkins lining Main Street in Damariscotta. Volunteer to bring your pumpkin vision to life!

    Parade Performers (October 10th, 2026)

    • High energy bands, floats, dancers, community organizations and performers bring Main Street in Damariscotta to life!

  • First Aid/Safety for all events (October 3 – October 12, 2026)

    • Volunteers interested in providing event safety, traffic support, first-aid, etc.

    Pumpkin Deployment in Downtown Damariscotta (October 8-9, 2026)

    • Help coordinate the ballet of placing dozens of giant pumpkins in downtown Damariscotta. This can be a physically strenuous job.

    Parade Support (October 10, 2025)

    • Help organize the parade participants and ensure the parade runs smoothly.

    KidsZone Activities for Children (October 10-12, 2026)

    • If you love bringing smiles to children’s faces, this is the volunteer gig for you! Help organize and run activities/games.

    Transportation / Shuttle Bus Greeters (October 10-12, 2026)

    • Guide visitors using the shuttle buses.

    Cotton Candy - Operations and Sales (October 10-12, 2026)

    • The stickiest job at Pumpkinfest! This is a particularly fun job for groups of two or three friends to run the cotton candy machine and sell clouds of sugary joy to the crowds.

    Pumpkinfest Derby Support (October 11-12, 2026)

    • Help build pumpkin racing cars, or help with the logistics of the Derby!

    Pumpkinfest Regatta Racing Participant (October 11, 2025)

    • Racing spots are limited, but please express your interest. Must be okay with the possibility of taking a chilly swim! All regatta participants must sign an additional participation waiver.

  • Merchandise Sales: October 3-4 during weigh-offs & October 10-12, 2026 Downtown)

    • Sell Pumpkinfest merchandise during the festival.

    InfoZone for Non-Profits (October 10-12, 2026)

    • Support an info booth or help coordinate the booths of other non-profits.

    Photography/Media – (Varies)

    • All interested photographers are welcome!

    Behind-the-scenes Pumpkinfest Magic / Administrative Tasks - (Varies)

    • Can’t get enough of Pumpkinfest? Let us know if you are interested in becoming a year-round volunteer!