Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta

08/22/2026

🎃⏳ THE COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED!⏳🎃

It may still be August, but around here we’re already thinking OCTOBER!

The 2026 Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is coming October 9–12, and this year’s schedule is packed with everything that makes Pumpkinfest… well, Pumpkinfest.

🎃 Giant pumpkins taking over Main Street
🎨 Artists bringing them to life
🏁 The Pumpkin Derby
🥧 Pie eating and dessert contests
🚤 The one-and-only Pumpkin Regatta
🏃 Tour de Gourd 5K
💥 Pumpkin Drop
🎶 Buskers, food, family activities and so much more

And before the main festival even begins, our giant pumpkins take center stage at the Pumpkin Weigh-Offs October 3–4, followed by **Pumpkin Deployment on October 8.

This festival doesn't happen overnight. Behind the scenes, our volunteers, growers, artists, sponsors, local businesses and community partners are already hard at work getting ready to welcome everyone back to Damariscotta.

So start making your plans. Invite your friends. Bring the family.

Because before we know it, the giants will be rolling into town and Main Street will be Pumpkinfest again. 🎃🧡

📅 October 9–12, 2026

Check out the schedule below and visit our website for specific event times, details and updates.

The countdown is ON. Who's ready for Pumpkinfest 2026?! 🎃🙌

08/08/2026

🎃 CALLING ALL PERFORMERS Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta 2026

Are you a musician, performer, or entertainer looking for one of the most memorable stages in New England?

The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta recently featured in the New York Times is seeking talented Buskers for this year's festival, October 9-12, 2026 on Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.

Now in its 19th year, Pumpkinfest draws 60,000 visitors to the stunning midcoast Maine waterfront families, art lovers, and visitors from across the country who come for giant pumpkin boat regattas, spectacular carved pumpkin displays, parades, and the pure magic of small town Maine in autumn. It is 100% free to the public and 100% volunteer run.

Last year's Buskers lineup included bands and professional performers who played to enthusiastic crowds against one of the most unique backdrops imaginable.

Performers select an agreed timeslot across the weekend. This is a volunteer opportunity — no pay, but extraordinary exposure and an audience that is fully present and genuinely joyful.

If you're interested, reach out today:
📧 [email protected]
📱 Text: 207-632-4518

Don't miss your chance to be part of something truly special. 🍂

08/08/2026

🏃 TOUR DE GOURD 5K — Registration is OPEN! 🎃

That's right the Tour de Gourd is BACK for its second year and we want YOU there! 🙌

Last year's event was a blast and incredibly well attended and this year we are looking to make it even bigger and better. If you ran it last year, you already know. If you missed it, this is your year! 🧡

📅 Monday, October 12, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM
📍 Downtown Damariscotta, ME

What better way to kick off the final day of Pumpkinfest than a morning 5K through one of Maine's most beautiful towns surrounded by giant pumpkins? We can't think of one. 🍂

👟 To every run club member out there we need your help! Like this post, share it, text a friend, tag your running crew below. Let's fill those registration spots and make Year 2 the biggest Tour de Gourd yet!

⚠️ Don't wait register before it's too late!

🔗 www.mainepumpkinfest.com/tour-de-gourde-5k

2nd Annual Tour de Gourd: 5k Run & 1-Mile WalkMonday, October 12 at 8:00 AMLooking for a way to experience the pumpkins like never before? This 5k run puts Main Street center stage as participants race through Newcastle and Damariscotta's historic buildings and gigantic gourds. Anyone can enter the....

08/02/2026

🌱 PUMPKIN CHECK-IN TIME — Featuring the Damariscotta Town Patch! 🎃

They're at it again! 🙌

As many of you know, the giant pumpkin displayed at Town Hall last year was grown right there on site and this season they are doing it all over again. 🎃

The Damariscotta town team already has a full plate keeping our community running day in and day out, and yet here they are back in the patch and growing another giant. The level of heart and community collaboration that goes into Pumpkinfest is truly something special, and this crew is a perfect example of that. 🧡

📸 Check out how things are looking at the Damariscotta town patch this week!

We cannot wait to watch this one grow and see what they bring to the Weigh-Off in October. The scale is waiting! ⚖️🎃

Keep up the great work team you are amazing! 🙌

07/14/2026

🚨 ATTENTION VOLUNTEER GROWERS Storm Advisory! 🌩️

Big storms are moving through Maine tonight and tomorrow. Here are some tips from our best growers to help you protect your plants and get through it! 👇

🫧 Wrap your fruit with bubble wrap to protect against incoming hail

🪵 Secure your main vine using Chinese chopsticks, bamboo sticks, or the rounded end of a coat hanger press them into the soil to hold the vine down so it doesn't blow and snap

🚗 Block the crosswinds by positioning a vehicle alongside your patch to cut off wind coming through

⛺ Cover your crop with a temporary structure tapered at one end to shield against hail. Something light weight a bedsheets. Stay away from a tarp they pool wanter an you risk collapsing onto the plant.

🛡️ Monitor your tarps and bed sheets throughout the storm if heavy hail hits, check regularly and adjust as needed

At the end of the day, we are rooting for every single one of your seedlings to come through strong. 🌱🧡

Our page is monitored by several experienced pro growers. If you need help or advice post your photos and comments right here. We are ALL here to help you grow big. 💪🎃

Stay safe out there everyone!

07/12/2026

🎃 WEEKEND UPDATE — Shining a Light on a True Community Champion! 🧡

If you're from Mid-Coast Maine, you already know the name you've seen the trucks. Colby & Gale has been a major supporter of Pumpkinfest for years, and we couldn't be more grateful for everything they do. 🙌

But here's something our out-of-town friends may not know. Colby & Gale maintains a growing plot dedicated entirely to local food pantries. The produce they grow feeds families right here in our community and that kind of commitment goes far beyond any pumpkin. Their heart for this community is bigger than anything we'll ever put on a scale. 🌱

And speaking of growing… did you know they are also growing around 12 giant pumpkin seedlings this season?! Yep Colby & Gale is IN IT. 🎃👀

📸 Check out these amazing photos!

To every single member of the staff and team out there tending the crops — for the community and for the giant pumpkins — you are all absolutely amazing. Thank you for your ongoing support of Pumpkinfest and for everything you give to this community year after year. We are so grateful. 🧡

07/07/2026

ATTENTION MID-COAST MAINE BUSINESSES & PUMPKINFEST SUPPORTERS!

The pumpkin plants are running and the photos coming in from our volunteer and pro growers are absolutely incredible. 🌱🎃

That means one thing Pumpkinfest 2026 is on its way, and NOW is the time we need your support.

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest is a free public event run entirely by volunteers. We cannot pull off this massive celebration without the generous support of local businesses and community partners like YOU. 🧡

Here's how you can get involved:

🎃 Jack-o-Lantern — $400
Logo & link on our website + your name in the September & November Lincoln County News ads

🎃 Great Pumpkin — $650
All of the above + a decorated Atlantic Giant Pumpkin displayed on Main Street during the festival

🎃 Maxima — $1,000
All of the above + a naming opportunity within the festival

⚓ First Mate — $1,500
All of the above + a banner & social media recognition

🏴 Admiral — $2,500+
All of the above + named major event sponsor of the GPC Weigh-Off, Regatta, Parade, or more

Interested? We'd love to have you on board!
📧 [email protected]

07/04/2026

Happy 250th America! 🇺🇸

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful 4th of July from all of our volunteers, Board of Directors, and chairs here at Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta.

Two hundred and fifty years strong what a country. 🧡

And to all our growers out there don't let the holiday slow you down! Keep feeding and watering those giant pumpkin seedlings. October will be here before you know it. 🎃🌱

Enjoy the day with your family and friends. We'll see you this fall!

06/30/2026

🌱 ADOPTION CHECK-IN TIME! 🎃

Your plants are running and taking off and we love to see it! Here are a few things to keep in mind this week:

As your vine spreads, don't just water the main plant. Follow that vine and water the surrounding area too. Anchor tap roots will start developing along the vine and they're thirsty! Give them a good deep drink as well. 💧

A few watering tips to keep in mind:
🚫 Avoid watering in the heat of the day
🚫 Avoid watering in the evening especially with the humidity
✅ Long, deep watering early in the morning works best
✅ Water under the leaves, not on them keep that soil moist

With a hot stretch coming over the next few days, staying on top of moisture is key. 🌡️

Don't forget to FEED them! 🌿 Liquid organic fertilizer is your best friend right now.

🚨 And keep an eye out for the pesky Vine Borer Moth. Check your vines regularly catching them early makes all the difference!

Now let's see those plants! Drop your photos in the comments! 👇🎃

📸 Big thank you to Cody B. from Walpole, Maine for sharing his plant with us! 🙌🧡