Discover the MidCoast’s Best-Kept September Secrets
As the summer winds down, September is one of the best times to visit the MidCoast. You’ll find quiet coves, uncrowded villages, and plenty of time to explore beaches and lighthouses. Pumpkins appear at farm stands, but summer’s warmth still lingers. The scent of salt air and pine fills the air, and you’ll find trails that lead somewhere worth going. Come visit when the crowds have gone and stay to enjoy the MidCoast at your own pace. Here are some of our favorite September events and activities. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Hiking, Paddling, and Bike Trails
September is the ideal time of year for hiking, paddling, and exploring bike trails. Easy walks and challenging trails provide spectacular views of distant islands and hours of fun. For kayakers, the Mid-Coast is a paddler’s paradise for discovering sea life, watching migrating shorebirds, and exploring hidden coves. As the inland hills start to change colors, plan to get outside and trek through Hidden Valley Nature Center’s 1,000 acres of protected, multi-use trails.
Discovering the Back Roads
Any drive in the MidCoast starts on Route 1 as it winds through inland areas and along the coast. From there, you’ll find backroads that meander along stunning ocean peninsulas, follow foothills around lakes, and ascend mountain vistas. Exploring less-traveled routes is simple with our MidCoast Route Planner. Use it to plan trips to lighthouses, state parks, easy walking trails, and exciting new adventures.
Camden International Film Festival, Camden and Rockland
September 11-14
Plan to attend the Camden International Film Festival (CIFF) to preview Oscar-contending documentaries from global filmmakers. The CIFF is regarded as one of the top five documentary festivals worldwide. Held in Camden and Rockland, it offers intimate screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry networking, and conversations between filmmakers and audiences. It’s a remarkable event in welcoming harborside towns.
Exploring Museums and Galleries
The MidCoast is well-known for its artists and nationally recognized museums. You can view international contemporary art alongside works by American painters such as Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andrew Wyeth. Galleries in nearly every town showcase a range of art, from traditional crafts and paintings to exciting modern pieces. Three must-visit museums are the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Bowdoin College Museum of Art.
Common Ground Country Fair, Unity
September 19-21
This annual celebration of sustainable, organic farming is one of Maine’s most popular events. Thousands of visitors will attend the three-day fair, which features over 1,000 vendors offering local foods, crafts, and live music. Find out why this fair is so loved.
Whale Watching and Schooner Cruises
To fully experience the ocean and islands, set sail on Penobscot Bay aboard a beautiful wooden Windjammer schooner. You can enjoy a cruise on one of these stunning ships for either a day or a week. These legendary vessels depart from Camden and Rockland, following the winds and tides, passing lighthouses and circumnavigating spruce-covered islands. Amazing whale watching and the chance to see rare Puffins are available on one of Balmy Days or Cap’n Fish’s cruise boats in Boothbay Harbor.
Pemaquid Oyster Festival – Boothbay Harbor on the Pier
September 28
If you know your oysters, you know that many of the world’s most prized varieties come from the MidCoast’s Damariscotta River. Their briny, sweet taste and firm texture make them favorites among chefs and seafood lovers. Imagine sampling oysters from ten renowned oyster farms for only $2.50 each. Five different bands will be playing during this popular pier-side festival.
After Labor Day is a great time to experience MidCoast Maine’s charming, thoughtfully restored historic inns, where history meets hospitality. And as summer gives way to autumn and fall foliage, get ready to celebrate fall flavors in the MidCoast.
