BlogApples, Pumpkins & the Best Fall Festivals Maine Has to Offer

Introduction

Is there anything cozier than crisp air, apple cider, and a drive through golden leaves? When it comes to fall festivals Maine truly shines—especially in Central Maine, where small towns burst with pumpkins, hayrides, and nostalgic fairs that feel like stepping into a postcard. I still remember piling into Grandma’s van for a day at the Clinton Fair or wandering a corn maze with warm cider in hand. These days, it’s the same charm—just with a few extra reasons to fall in love with the season all over again.

Why Central Maine Is the Heart of Fall Festivals

Central Maine captures everything we love about autumn—bright foliage, friendly faces, and family fun at every turn. From the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity to the Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair, these events blend Maine’s agricultural roots with good-old-fashioned community pride.

Expect ox pulls, handmade crafts, fair food, and local musicians keeping spirits high. It’s that perfect mix of nostalgia and small-town joy that keeps Mainers—and visitors—coming back year after year.

Apple-Picking Adventures

Few fall traditions feel more “Maine” than apple-picking on a crisp Saturday morning. Central Maine is filled with orchards where you can pick your own apples, sip cider, and stock up on donuts still warm from the fryer.

If you haven’t yet, read our post on Maine’s Best Apple Orchards for a full guide to the sweetest spots across the state.

Some favorites include:

• Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant — classic family fun with corn mazes and a cider barn.

• North Chester Orchard — known for its peaceful setting and crisp McIntosh apples.

• Bailey’s Orchard in Whitefield — an old-fashioned orchard with over 50 apple varieties.

Bring a basket, take some photos, and don’t forget to grab extra cider for the ride home!

Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes

There’s something about wandering a pumpkin patch that never gets old. Central Maine’s farms know how to make it special—hayrides, hot cocoa, and laughter echoing through the fields.

• Thunder Road Farm in Corinna hosts a must-visit Fall Festival each October. Between their corn maze, petting zoo, and local vendors, it’s the ultimate family day out.

• Davis Family Farm near Kenduskeag offers a 6-acre pirate-themed corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins, local food trucks, a hay maze, and friendly farm animals.

Many of these farms host weekend-long events with games, local crafts, and seasonal food trucks. If you’re local, swing by the Box of Maine retail store for a cozy stop—or order a custom gift box online to bring a taste of the season home.

Scenic Drives & Harvest Views

If you love a good road trip, fall is the time to do it. The Old Canada Road Scenic Byway (Route 201) runs through the Kennebec Valley with sweeping views of rivers, small towns, and hillsides dressed in red and gold.

For more route ideas, check out Visit Maine’s fall foliage guide. Whether you’re cruising toward Jackman or stopping for lunch in Skowhegan, every turn feels like a postcard come to life.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on weekly foliage reports to time your drive just right—coastal regions peak a bit later than inland spots.

Don’t Miss the Harvest Fairs

If you grew up in Maine, you know the excitement of fair season—the smell of fried dough, the sound of livestock barns, and that rush when the Ferris wheel lights up at dusk.

Top Central Maine fall fairs to explore:

1. Fryeburg Fair – The state’s largest agricultural fair, blending tradition, rides, and local flavor.

2. Common Ground Country Fair – Celebrates sustainability, organic living, and all things Maine-made.

3. Clinton Lions Fair – Classic fun with animal pulls, parades, and plenty of comfort food.

Bring your camera, comfy shoes, and an appetite for fried dough and maple cotton candy.

️ Quick Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: Late September through mid-October (northern regions peak earlier).

• Book early: Lodging near Acadia, Camden, and Bar Harbor fills fast.

• Pack smart: Layers for crisp mornings and warm afternoons.

• Bring cash: Many small farms and roadside stands still prefer it.

Bringing Maine Home

Can’t make it up for the fairs this year? Bring the season to your doorstep with a Box of Maine filled with local favorites—whoopie pies, Moxie, maple syrup, and more.

If you’re nearby, swing by our retail store to say hello and pick up a few Maine-made goodies in person.

Box of Maine Office: 207-852-7799

Address: 34 Abbott Street, Suite 10,Brewer, ME 04412

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST