Last week, we said thank you to everyone who has visited our town and helped make Damariscotta Pumpkinfest what it is. This week, we want to dig a little deeper and ask a question that always amazes us:
📍 Where did you travel from to come see the pumpkins?
In past years, we’ve set out a blank pumpkin and invited people to write where they’re from and every time, it fills up fast with towns, states, and countries we never expect. It’s one of our favorite reminders of just how far the Pumpkinfest spirit travels.
Now we’re thinking… what if we took that idea a step further?
🗺️ Imagine a map filled with orange pins showing where everyone comes from and just how far people travel to be part of Pumpkinfest.
So let’s start right here:
👇 Drop a comment and tell us
• Where you’re from
• How far you traveled
• How many years you’ve come (or which year was your first!)
Whether you’ve visited once or made it a yearly tradition, you’re part of this story and maybe even part of something we build together next season.
🧡 From all of us at Damariscotta Pumpkinfest, thank you for making the journey.
01/01/2026
🎃 Thank You Thursday — Kicking Off the New Year with Gratitude 🧡
For the first Thank You Thursday of the year, we want to recognize each and every person who has come to Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and made an impact on our community.
When you visit Pumpkinfest, the impact goes far beyond the pumpkins. It’s felt when you shop at local stores, eat at our restaurants, buy gas in town, grab ice cream at a local stand, stay in an Airbnb or campground, or crash on a friend’s couch for the weekend. All of those choices help fuel our local economy and support the small businesses that make Midcoast Maine what it is.
Pumpkinfest is, of course, about the giant pumpkins their history, the growers, the artists, and yes, the wonderfully crazy people who climb into them and paddle (or motor) them down the river. But without you the visitors, the patrons, the families, and the curious adventurers who come to see it all this event simply wouldn’t exist.
So as we kick off a new year, this Thank You Thursday is for you. Thank you for showing up, for supporting our town, and for embracing the fun, creativity, and community spirit that make Pumpkinfest special.
🧡 From the Board of Directors and the many volunteers who bring Pumpkinfest to life we wish you a year filled with health, joy, and good moments with the people you love. We can’t wait to welcome you back again.
12/31/2025
🎃✨ Happy New Year’s Eve from Damariscotta Pumpkinfest! ✨🎃
As we close out another year, we’re looking back on an incredible journey from seedling giveaways and growing season milestones, to pumpkins lining Main Street, to the final Pumpkin Drop. Every moment in between is made possible by this amazing community.
Thank you to the growers, artists, volunteers, sponsors, first responders, local businesses, and everyone who showed up, cheered, and shared in the magic. Your ongoing support is what keeps Pumpkinfest growing year after year.
As we head into the New Year, we’re already looking ahead.
📅 Mark your calendars for Pumpkinfest 2026:
October 10, 11 & 12 the long weekend, just like we love it.
Keep following. Keep sharing. And keep being part of what makes this event so special.
🧡 Here’s to a new year and a Pumpkinfest season that will be one to remember.
12/29/2025
📰 Pumpkinfest Featured in the New York Times’ Best Photos of 2025 🎃
The New York Times just released its Best Photos of 2025 in the Styles section a collection that highlights the images that defined the year through bold choices, striking visuals, and unforgettable moments.
We’re honored that Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is part of that story.
The article reflects on a year of extremes loud and quiet, colorful and intimate and the photographers who captured moments that stopped people in their tracks. To have Pumpkinfest included among images of global culture, art, and humanity is a powerful reminder that what happens here on our river and Main Street resonates far beyond Midcoast Maine.
This recognition isn’t just about a photograph. It’s about the growers, the artists, the volunteers, the paddlers, and the community that come together each fall to create something truly unique.
Thank you to the New York Times photographers and editors for seeing the story here and thank you to everyone who makes Pumpkinfest what it is.
🧡 From a small coastal town to a global audience this one belongs to all of us.
Fashion, characters, celebrities, scenes and more incredible moments that made you look in 2025.
12/25/2025
🎄🎃 Thank You Thursday — and Merry Christmas 🧡
This week, as Thank You Thursday falls on Christmas, we hope everyone is enjoying a blessed day with family, friends, and community. Even on a holiday, it feels important to pause and give thanks because gratitude is at the heart of what Pumpkinfest is all about.
This week’s Thank You Thursday goes out to Lincoln County Emergency Management
Over the past few years, Lincoln County Emergency Management has become an integral part of Damariscotta Pumpkinfest. Their support has helped us streamline emergency planning, improve communication between incoming and outgoing emergency responses including those traveling through downtown to and from the hospital and strengthen the ex*****on of our overall safety plans.
Because of their guidance and partnership, we’ve been able to improve key aspects of the festival while keeping public safety, preparedness, and operations front and center. Their work happens quietly and behind the scenes, but it makes a very real difference for our community and for the tens of thousands of people who attend Pumpkinfest each year.
🧡 From all of us at Damariscotta Pumpkinfest, thank you to Lincoln County Emergency Management for your professionalism, collaboration, and continued support.
Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful, and joyful Christmas.
12/23/2025
🎃✨ Happy Holidays to our Community ✨🎃
As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to wish our entire community a warm and joyful holiday season.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta exists because of this town, its people, and everyone who shows up year after year to support a celebration that is truly volunteer-driven. From the businesses that welcome visitors, to the neighbors who cheer from the sidewalks, to the families who make Pumpkinfest part of their fall traditions you are what makes this event special.
This past season brought us another unforgettable celebration filled with giant pumpkins, creativity, laughter, and moments that remind us why community matters. We are grateful for the opportunity to help bring people together and proud to be part of a tradition that reflects the heart of this place.
🧡 From all of our Event Chairs and the Board of Director, thank you.
Thank you for your continued support, your enthusiasm, and the way you welcome Pumpkinfest into the community each year.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season filled with warmth, connection, and the simple joys of Maine holidays. We look forward to seeing you again next fall.
12/18/2025
🎃 Thank You Thursday 🎃
This week, we want to shine a light on the artists who bring our giant pumpkins to life all around town during Damariscotta Pumpkinfest.
In 2025, it took more than 90 artists and artist-led teams to transform these massive pumpkins into the incredible displays that filled our streets, storefronts, and public spaces. Each one represents hours of creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on work.
Many of these pumpkins aren’t the work of a single artist, but of an artist supported by a crew family members, friends, volunteers, and fellow creatives lending hands, ideas, and steady support. From sketching concepts to hauling ladders, holding lights, cleaning tools, and staying late into the night, these teams turn giant pumpkins into true works of art.
It’s one more reminder that Pumpkinfest is about more than pumpkins. It’s about people showing up for each other, sharing talents, and building something special together.
🧡 To every artist and every helper behind the scenes thank you for your creativity, your time, and your heart. You help turn Damariscotta into something truly magical each fall.
12/14/2025
❄️🎃 We know… it’s officially the holiday season in Maine.
Lobster trap Christmas trees are popping up in harbors.
Buoy trees are lighting up the coast including that massive, record-setting buoy tree in Addison that lit up last night.
Mainers are doing what we do best: turning winter into tradition.
But let’s not forget one important thing…
Just because the pumpkins have left Main Street doesn’t mean they’re done for the year.
So while you’re stacking traps, hanging lights, and embracing winter creativity, we’ve got a new challenge for you:
👉 Build a GIANT snow pumpkin.
Stack it round. Make it wide. Grab a hand pump sprayer, add water and orange food coloring, and turn that snowbank into a Pumpkinfest-worthy giant. Add a stem, give it some personality, and see how big you can go.
Tag us. Share your photos. Keep the giants alive through winter.
🎃❄️ Because in Maine, creativity doesn’t stop when the snow falls it just changes form.
12/13/2025
🍰 Got a sweet tooth and a creative streak?
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest is looking for a Dessert Contest Chair to help lead one of our most enjoyable and well-loved events. This contest brings out the flavors, creativity, and friendly competition of our community and it’s always a crowd favorite.
Held at the Skidompha Library, the Dessert Contest is where pumpkin meets pastry and creativity takes center stage.
This volunteer role is a great fit for someone who loves desserts, enjoys organizing, and wants to be part of an event that draws thousands of visitors to our town each fall. Like all Pumpkinfest roles, this position supports our 501(c)(3) and offers a meaningful way to give back while building experience and connections.
Here is another example of one of our community partners stepping up.
For a limited time, we are offering new customers FREE tank swaps, guaranteed within 3 days. If your tanks are empty, we guarantee the swap within 24 hours!
🟢Hassle-free
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🟢No gimmicks
Why choose Colby & Gale?
🫶We're still local and family owned since 1946
🫶Full service with 24/7 support
🫶Our customers are our purpose
🫶Giving back to are community is the backbone of us
Please share this with your friends and family if you know of anyone who might be interested in switching to a local, family-owned company that values its customers and community!
📞(207) 563 - 3414
12/11/2025
🎃 Thank You Thursday — Newcastle Publick House 🧡
This week we’re giving a big thank-you to a place that quite literally looks over Pumpkinfest the . Sitting high above Main Street, it has one of the best views of the giants rolling into town each year.
In the early days of Pumpkinfest, the Public House then-owners Alex and Rachael Norwood jumped in and supported the event without hesitation. Their enthusiasm and partnership helped set the tone for what Pumpkinfest could become and an anchor pumpkin.
Two years ago, the Publick House was purchased by Tim Cheney and his family, who have continued that tradition of support. They’ve embraced the history of the building, the role it plays in the community, and the joy it brings during Pumpkinfest weekend.
The Publick House pumpkin is often one of the first amazing pumpkins people see as they drive into town and over the years, it has taken on some unforgettable designs. From classic Maine themes to bold, creative artwork, that pumpkin on the steps has become part of the tradition.
📸 Share your photos of Publick House pumpkins from past years and any selfies or family photos taken on the steps at Pumpkinfest.
A big thank you to Tim and his family for their continued support and for keeping this tradition going strong.
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Contact The Business
Send a message to Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta:
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is a uniquely spirited event that provides education to young and old, and also an economic boost to this rural, coastal community. Our intent is to expand annually, as has been the case since our inception in 2007.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is an innovative program that promotes horticultural education to gardeners of all ages regarding the specific agricultural science required to grow Atlantic Giant Pumpkins. This program culminates each year in a family-oriented festival, held for ten days in early October through Columbus Day weekend, to showcase the pumpkin growers achievements in a number of creative ways. Damariscotta is a small Maine town whose economic basis is fishing and tourism. Each year Pumpkinfest attracts between 10-15,000 visitors providing a substantial influx of commerce to the area.
The educational mission of Pumpkinfest is accomplished in a number of ways. Each Spring, 50 third-grade students at local Great Salt Bay School volunteer their time to fill 600 pots with soil and amendments for each year’s seeds. More than 400 volunteer-growers grow those plants which are distributed free of charge during “Seedling Sunday”. Detailed, written growing instructions are provided during that event, plus monthly “Pumpkinfest newsletter” tips and techniques. In addition, horticultural presentations are given to intergenerational partnerships of retirees and local school children who are interested in learning about growing giant pumpkins.
Quantifiable pumpkin evaluation measures include weight data collected at the annual October weigh-off – which is officially sanctioned by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC). Detailed data is collected on the genetics of the free Atlantic Giant Pumpkin plants which are distributed each Spring at Seedling Sunday, and which then return to the weigh-off in October as 200-1,400 pound pumpkins. Seeds from the largest, hardiest pumpkins are dried & planted in the subsequent year, for the purpose of high grading the overall stock.
Pumpkinfest draws visitors to the mid-coast region, and the entire state of Maine, via widely-publicized events such as:
The Pumpkinboat Regatta, featuring numerous 400-700 pound, hollowed-out pumpkins with motors attached or paddled, piloted by volunteer captains, racing one another in the Damariscotta Harbor. This event is live-fed into the local theater;
A downtown display of 65+ volunteer-carved and decorated giant pumpkins lining Main Street in Damariscotta & Newcastle;
The Pumpkin Derby, with competitions for kids and adults;
The ever popular Pumpkin Dessert Contest and Pumpkin Pie Eating Contests;
The infamous 180′ Pumpkin Drop onto a stack of junked cars; and
The Giant Pumpkin Parade, featuring the winning pumpkin (the largest fruit in the State of Maine) from the weigh-off.
The Columbus Day weekend events, a true “slice of small town Americana,” are supported by the entire community. Damariscotta Pumpkinfest has no paid staff. Instead, nearly one hundred local businesses and over 400 volunteer-growers support this community event with both their time and money. Volunteers engineer and build the boats, artists and sculptors create the downtown displays, and farmers grow “ammunition” for the hunt/drop. The Maine Maritime Museum historic wooden-boat building crew competes in the regatta. The Boothbay Railway Village and Visit Freeport also are participating in 2018. The sense of wonder in the eyes of the children who attend the events of Damariscotta Pumpkinfest™ is a joy to behold!
National television coverage was generated in 2013, when the regatta was extensively featured on the “CBS News – Sunday Morning” show, and in 2012 when the ABC talk show “The Chew” highlighted Damariscotta Pumpkinfest™. In addition, the The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, New York One, German Public Radio, the British Broadcasting Company’s “Global Guide”, and Deutsche Welle, among others, have covered Pumpkinfest. The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta™ web site experiences more than 20,000 visits during the week of the festival, and nearly 61,000 visits each year. Prior year’s visitors have come from New England, CA, TX, NYC, the UK and Europe.
In 2017, Pumpkinfest was delighted to be named Best Fall Festival in Maine by Travel and Leisure magazine!
