3 min read

Do changing leaves give you feelings of coziness and nostalgia? Do you count down the days until pumpkin spice coffee appears on menus?

Whether you’re a fall enthusiast or mourning the loss of summer, here are some Midcoast events to get you into the spirit of the season.

Oct. 2-4 with activities all around Freeport.

Freeport Fall Festival returns for its 27th year the weekend of Oct. 2, with food, music, art and activities spread across six locations in downtown Freeport.

There will be five stages for musical acts at this year’s Freeport Fall Festival. (Courtesy of Visit Freeport.)

The festival usually draws about 60,000 people, said Kelly Edwards, executive director of Visit Freeport, the organization that puts on the event. This year, with the opening of L.L.Bean’s redesigned flagship store and a recent No. 3 ranking on USA Today’s 10 best fall festivals list, organizers expect an even bigger crowd.

“We have a lot to celebrate in Freeport this season,” Edwards said.

The three-day festival features five stages for musical performers spanning folk, rock, sea shanties and more, Edwards said. Popular local food vendors like What the Actual Fudge, Tripping Gnome Farm and Fiore Olive Oils and Vinegars will return this year. There will also be free kids activities sponsored by local nonprofits.

“Our entire mission is to support our local business community,” Edwards said.

Scenes from a previous Freeport Fall Fest. (Courtesy of Visit Freeport)

Inside the new L.L.Bean flagship store, activities include boat and tote painting and face painting.

A free wheelchair-accessible shuttle service is available for festivalgoers throughout the weekend, picking up at the L.L.Bean corporate headquarters and dropping off at the six festival locations.

More information and a full festival lineup is available at FreeportFallFestival.com. Visit Freeport is also looking for volunteers to assist this year’s festivities, Edwards said.

Oct. 3 at participating downtown businesses and activities outside City Hall.

The organization Main Street Bath is hosting a day of fall-themed promotions and activities on Oct. 3.

Shoppers can spend $50 at a downtown Bath business with an orange pinwheel, then pick up a $10 gift card at Peace House Studio to use for their holiday gifting.

Outside Bath City Hall, block print your own trick-or-treat or shopping bag with local artist Nancy Marstaller from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Mason Harrington will also be taking the stage by City Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Some of the art offerings at Freeport Fall Festival. (Courtesy of Visit Freeport.)

Don’t forget to mark your calendar and prepare your costume for these spooky season events.

A building at the Desert of Maine in Freeport is lit up in spooky colors for Halloween. (Courtesy of Mela Jones)

• “Wander in terror” through the Desert of Maine dunes. This 14-plus event includes live scare actors. Oct. 22-24; 29-31. Or, enjoy a family-friendly spooktacular at the desert with trick-or-treating, train rides and more on Oct. 31.
• Join Brunswick Parks and Recreation for a pumpkin decorating a party on Oct. 17 on the Town Mall, a costume parade and tent or treat on Oct. 31 and more events throughout the month of October.
• Main Street Bath is hosting a Halloween dance party featuring a live band on Oct. 23 at Long Reach Kitchen and Catering.