Community events calendar
Free and low-cost workshops, webinars, festivals, volunteering and more around Maine!
LMF Action Day at the State House • NRCM
Come to the State House to let legislators know you want them to fund the Land for Maine's Future (LMF) program this year. LMF is the state's most successful and popular land conservation program, but it is out of money and legislators need to act this session to provide funding. We need LMF to protect working lands and waterfronts, support our outdoor recreational economy, and protect the beauty and open space that define Maine's way of life.
Sap-to-Syrup • Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Cabin fever setting in? Looking for a sweet pick-me-up? This March, Maine Coast Heritage Trust invites all ages to learn about making maple syrup from scratch (sap) at Aldermere Farm, 70 Russell Ave in Rockport.
Individuals may register for one or more hands-on sessions to learn about the syrup-making process: identifying sugar maples, tapping trees, collecting sap, and running the evaporator. A session will run from 3:30-4:30 PM during three Thursdays in March: 5th, 12th, and 19th. Those who are looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience, and who don’t mind a little heavy lifting, may sign up to assist as needed (hauling buckets of sap, tending the evaporator, boiling, and finishing the syrup). The finished product will be donated to area food pantries.
Which Native Plants Help Wildlife? • Wild Seed Project & MOFGA
You’re ready to plant more native species in your garden to support wildlife. As you start to plan, you might have a few questions. Which plant species make the biggest difference? How important is local ecotype? Which plant traits attract which pollinator?
In this talk, Desirée L. Narango, Ph.D., from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, will share research that evaluates how native plants influence interactions with pollinators and songbirds.
North Woods Walk & Talk • Portland Trails
Join us for a nature walk presented by Mechanics’ Hall, Momentum Conservation, and Portland Trails. On Wednesday, March 18th, we will gather for a meditative morning walk around Back Cove Trail with Maine author and mindfulness teacher Kara Douglas. We’ll reflect on writing, movement, and nature.
As we walk together, Kara will share conversation and reflections from both Daniel Mason’s North Woods and her own nature writing. Expect mindful moments as we move our bodies and walk the trail together, stopping along the way to reflect on the special places that connect us and support our sense of place.
You do not need to have read the book to attend. Water bottles and comfortable shoes are recommended. We will be walking 3.6 miles for approximately 90 minutes.
This event is free, but please register in advance! Space is limited.
Sap-to-Syrup • Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Cabin fever setting in? Looking for a sweet pick-me-up? This March, Maine Coast Heritage Trust invites all ages to learn about making maple syrup from scratch (sap) at Aldermere Farm, 70 Russell Ave in Rockport.
Individuals may register for one or more hands-on sessions to learn about the syrup-making process: identifying sugar maples, tapping trees, collecting sap, and running the evaporator. A session will run from 3:30-4:30 PM during three Thursdays in March: 5th, 12th, and 19th. Those who are looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience, and who don’t mind a little heavy lifting, may sign up to assist as needed (hauling buckets of sap, tending the evaporator, boiling, and finishing the syrup). The finished product will be donated to area food pantries.
MudFest • Classical Uprising
A 10-day mash-up of music, mud, and mischief, MudFest breaks open the thaw with toe-tapping tunes, community spirit, and just enough chaos to wake the soul.
Maine Maple Sunday Weekend
March 21-22 Maine maple producers will be hosting the 43rd annual Maine Maple Sunday weekend.
Spring is a great time to get out and enjoy the great State of Maine and everything that it has to offer, including Maine Maple Syrup.
Most sugarhouses offer maple syrup samples and demonstrations on how pure Maine maple syrup is made. Many farms offer games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music, and so much more.
Maine Maple Sunday is always the fourth Sunday in March although some sugarhouses are offering events for both Saturday and Sunday. Please be sure to read the description of each sugarhouse to know what times they will be open and the activities they offer.
May you and your family enjoy your day
Spring Equinox Hike • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
Join us in welcoming spring at Hirundo as we celebrate the Spring Equinox - the moment when daylight begins to overtake darkness and the natural world stirs back to life. Together, we’ll head out on a guided hike to observe the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of spring emerging around us.
Ecological Pruning with Anna Fialkoff • Wild Seed Project & Friends of Fort Williams
Join Anna Fialkoff, horticulturist at Connecticut College Arboretum, for a workshop on ecological pruning during the dormant season.During this two-hour workshop at Fort Williams Park, Anna will demonstrate best pruning techniques and provide an overview of basic pruning principles, while emphasizing how to enhance wildlife habitat. Participants will get hands-on experience with selecting tools, making proper cuts, and assessing trees and shrubs.
What About Cultivars? • Wild Seed Project
What about cultivars? Are they good, are they bad, how do I know? What is a “nativar”? Where do cultivars even come from? And how do I make the right choices at the garden center?
These are some of the top questions we get when talking about what plants to bring into our growing spaces. Join us for an engaging conversation with a panel of researchers who are teasing out the layered interactions of garden plants with the larger ecological web.
Late Season Seed Sowing at Woodward Point • Wild Seed Project & Maine Coast Heritage Trust
March is late in the season?! For native plants it is! Most native plant seeds require a long time in the cold and snow of winter in order to germinate. But, there are a few species that don’t require this, and fortunately they’re all easy ones for beginning growers. Participants will practice winter seed sowing themselves, leaving one pot for the new Community Seed Garden at Woodward Point Preserve, and take one pot to build habitat at home.
Beginner Bird Walk • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
Join us for a Beginner Bird Walk at Hirundo, learn how to ID birds in the field or just enjoy birding with others! Curious about birds but not sure where to start? Join us for a Beginner Bird Walk at Hirundo, designed for anyone who wants to learn how to identify birds in the field. No prior experience required.
World Trails Film Festival • Greater Portland Land Trusts
Portland Trails is partnering with nine other Portland-area land trusts and trail organizations to host a screening of the World Trails Film Festival. This family-friendly event will present outdoor and trail-related short films. Be transported around the world with films featuring trail stories from over 34 countries. Meet trail builders, explore new trails, and see why trails matter.
The Great Portland Pick Up • Portland Parks Conservancy
Join us for Portland’s annual community clean-up with the City’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities and Sustainability teams, along with local partners, on Saturday, April 25, 10am-12pm, at locations across Portland.
More details coming soon
Earth Day Film Festival in Brunswick
Free and fun for the whole family!
Celebrate Earth
Meet people and make new friends
Explore practical ways to protect our environment
Jane's Walk ME
Jane’s Walk is a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks combine the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement.
The annual Jane’s Walk festival takes place the first weekend in May, in more than 500 cities and towns around the globe. In 2026, the walk roster will be available in mid-April and the festival will be held in Maine on Saturday, May 2.
Maine Wild Wine Fest
We're so excited to celebrate some of our favorite natural wine producers and importers at Maine Wild Wine Fest. Hosted at the historic Mallet Barn on the water at Wolfe's Neck Farm in Freeport, Maine Wild Wine Fest is a joyful way to connect and taste with many of the top natural wine importers and producers in America. Crowds here are small, warm, and clustered around exhibitor tables —we've designed this event to give you plenty of space to talk in depth with the winemakers and importers in attendance. Industry colleagues will have their own separate window, guaranteeing an intimate experience with winemakers and importers in attendance.
Kennebec Savings Bank East Bayside Trail Festival • Portland Trails
On Sunday, June 28th, celebrate the local trails you love at this one-of-a-kind event in the heart of Portland's East Bayside neighborhood. Run the Trail to Ale 10K, bike the Bayside Ride, or walk the Trail Mix 2-Miler — all alongside hundreds of your community members! The events will be staggered throughout the morning and will culminate in a festival featuring music, food trucks, local beer, and more.
Kennebec Savings Bank East Bayside Trail Fest • Portland Trails
The Kennebec Savings Bank East Bayside Trail Fest is a one-of-a-kind event in the heart of Portland's East Bayside neighborhood. Celebrate your local trails with one of our three events: run the Trail to Ale 10K, bike the Bayside Ride, or walk the Trail Mix 2-Miler. The events will be staggered throughout the morning and will culminate in a community celebration featuring music, food trucks, local beer, and more!
Maine Quilts 2026 • Pine Tree Quilters Guild
See over 500 judged and display quilts, from traditional to contemporary art styles. Opening Night Preview is Wednesday July 22 and Banquet Night is on July 23. Attend Workshops, Lectures, and a July 25th Children’s Class. Visit the Merchants Mall, Special Exhibits, and Demonstrations. Participate in the Silent Auction, Quilt Raffle, Quilters Walk Raffles, Vendors’ Drawing, Scavenger Hunt.
Air conditioned; convenient, free parking
Greendrinks x Cultivating Community
Cultivating Community’s Mission is to grow food justice in Greater Portland by providing education, resources, and opportunities to cultivate and share local, sustainable, and culturally familiar food. Founded in 2001, our place-based programs prioritize people most likely to experience hunger and be excluded from access to fresh food and land – including children, immigrants, people of color, older adults, and those with limited resources.
Women's Wave • Two Maine Mermaids
Join 3000+ women: Register for the largest and the coldest International Women’s Day celebration in the USA on March 7th in South Portland, ME!
Gather at 12pm and Dip at 12:30pm
4th Annual Women in the Wild • Maine Outdoor Film Festival
Join The Maine Outdoor Film Festival at in Freeport to celebrate International Women’s Day with an evening of women* directed films exploring outdoor adventure, conservation, friendship, and resilience.
Roads, Rain, and Couple Thousand Amphibians; Call it a Big Night! • Maine Audubon
Big nights are fascinating and unique natural events that occur every spring. With spring rain and warming temperatures, frogs and salamanders move to their breeding grounds by the truckload. However, these miniature migrations often put them in harm’s way on roads. How we can assist and protect these ancient populations will be the subject of this presentation. Join us to hear how you can get involved in this important work. Volunteer kits will be available on-site at Fields Pond and Gilsland Farm for check out. Greg LeClair is the creator and Director of the “Maine Big Night” community science project where he coordinates the collection of statewide data on Maine’s amphibian migrations.
Sap-to-Syrup • Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Cabin fever setting in? Looking for a sweet pick-me-up? This March, Maine Coast Heritage Trust invites all ages to learn about making maple syrup from scratch (sap) at Aldermere Farm, 70 Russell Ave in Rockport.
Individuals may register for one or more hands-on sessions to learn about the syrup-making process: identifying sugar maples, tapping trees, collecting sap, and running the evaporator. A session will run from 3:30-4:30 PM during three Thursdays in March: 5th, 12th, and 19th. Those who are looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience, and who don’t mind a little heavy lifting, may sign up to assist as needed (hauling buckets of sap, tending the evaporator, boiling, and finishing the syrup). The finished product will be donated to area food pantries.
Coffee with the Casco Baykeeper: Our 2025 Science Report • Friends of Casco Bay
Join us for an engaging morning conversation with the Casco Baykeeper, Staff Scientist, and our Community Organizer as they connect the dots between data, local observations, and how science guides our work to advocate for Casco Bay. Ivy and Mike will walk through highlights from 2025 using both continuous and seasonal monitoring, sharing what the data is telling us about climate change, ocean acidification, and stormwater pollution in Casco Bay.
Learn more >>
Full Moon Wildlife Hike • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
Join us for a serene Full Moon Walk as we explore the trails under the glow of the moonlight. Experience the peaceful beauty of the forest at night, listen for nocturnal sounds, and connect with nature in a whole new way. Learn about Maine's nocturnal wildlife and their adaptations as we hike along. We will finish up with snacks and moon viewing with telescopes.
Winter Tracking Walk at Gilsland Farm • Maine Audubon
Following our Winter Tracking online program on February 26, we’ll explore the trails at Gilsland Farm to look for signs of wildlife.
Webinar attendance is not necessary to enjoy this walk. If attending both programs, please register separately for each.
Belfast Ice Festival
Join us in downtown Belfast February 27, 28, & March 1, 2026 for the weekend. A safe and fun way to get out of the house this winter and the State of Maine Ice Carving Championship.
Come take a walk and visit the ice sculptures that will be located throughout downtown Belfast. Take a break and have a drink at one of the ice bars or participate in one of the many outdoor activities Belfast has to offer throughout the winter. If you’re visiting from out of town, make it a weekend!
WinterKids Downhill 24
The WinterKids Downhill 24 is an around-the-clock celebration of winter, movement, and community at Sugarloaf. For 25 years, WinterKids has helped children across Maine discover the joy of outdoor winter play, and this event brings that spirit to life.
When you register, you join friends, families, classmates, and colleagues who ski, ride, or skin up to help kids get outside and thrive. Every lap supports programs that open the door to winter adventures for children in all 16 counties.
Bring your crew, share the excitement, and help us celebrate 25 years of joyful outdoor learning and play.
Winter Wildlife Hike • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
Step into the quiet magic of winter on this guided wildlife hike, where we’ll explore how Maine’s animals survive and stay active in the cold season. Together, we’ll look for tracks, trails, and other signs of life while learning about the adaptations that help wildlife thrive beneath the snow and ice. This relaxed, nature-focused walk invites you to slow down, observe closely, and connect with the winter landscape. Perfect for nature lovers!
S’mores Night special Lunar New Year Celebration • Congress Square Park
Come gather around the fire and make a s’more! S’mores Nights are every Thursday from 4-6pm December through February. Special guest performances and events will pop up from time to time as well.
Free and open to all! Vegan and gluten-free options available!
Winter Wildlife Day • Wells Reserve at Laudholm
Celebrate the wildlife of southern Maine with live animals, a guided walk, scavenger hunt, and craft projects.
Family Shadow Puppetry Workshop • Portland Museum of Art
Step into the world of David Driskell’s painting Pine and Moon for an embodied exploration and imaginative, hands-on workshop with Mayo Street Arts.
Participants will view examples of shadow puppetry that incorporates full-body silhouettes, cut paper elements, and 3D objects, to transform light and shadow. We’ll then create responses to Pine and Moon using prompts that call back to the embodied exploration. Participants will end the workshop by sharing short vignettes with each other using light, shadow and shape projected on a scrim.
Lower Ground Floor, outside Auditorium
Ages 10+ (caregivers required to accompany minors)
Coffee Tasting • Friends of Congress Square Park
Featuring: Lay Day Roasters, Rwanda Bean Coffee, Cantilever Coffee and more (TBD).
Free and open to all! BYO sipping vessel or grab a mug from our mug market, featuring local ceramicists! And consider purchasing a bag of coffee beans to support these lovely local businesses!
Norway Maine Snowshoe Festival • Western Foothills Land Trust
Join us in the western Maine foothills to celebrate winter, tradition, and community at the annual Snowshoe Festival—a uniquely Maine event that honors the region's heritage in snowshoe making. Held in Norway, the festival features something for everyone: snowshoe races (2K, 5K, and 10K), guided walks, family-friendly snowshoe games, and a spirited festivities with live music and local artists.
Book Discussion of “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” • MOFGA
Join us for a virtual book discussion of “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Coffee with the Casco Baykeeper: Indigenous Relationships with Water • Friends of Casco Bay
Join us for an engaging morning conversation exploring Indigenous ways of relating to nature and how we might apply that perspective to care for Casco Bay. This perspective offers a different way to think about protection, responsibility, and reciprocity. Casco Baykeeper Ivy Frignoca will be joined by Keyana Pardilla, Director of Community and Land Wellness at Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness.
Greendrinks Benefiting passivhausMAINE
This is a 21+ event benefiting passivhausMAINE; you must bring your ID.
Please bring your own cup, vessel, or drinking apparatus (Forget your cup? Compostable cups are available for $5 at the door)
Please leave your pups at home
Babies are welcome as long as they are worn
Be kind, respectful, and make sure to say hi to someone you may not know :)
Refunds available until the day of the event.
207 Day Scavenger Hunt • Portland Downtown
February 7th is annually celebrated as 207 Day in Maine, inspired by the state's area code. The 207 Day Scavenger Hunt is an opportunity to explore, shop, eat, drink, and experience all that Maine has to offer in honor of the holiday. This self-guided, virtual scavenger hunt is designed to encourage Portlanders out of winter hibernation and enjoy our city's corner of Maine, taking pictures to complete a series of tasks, riddles, and more for a chance to earn prizes.
A Perspective on Pluralism in Southern Maine: A Discussion Led by USM Faculty • University of Southern Maine
As the USM Forum on American Democracy continues, this event turns the focus homeward. University of Southern Maine faculty from multiple disciplines explore how principles of pluralism—previously discussed with Eboo Patel and Raj Vinnakota—apply in Southern Maine today, examining diversity, inclusion, civic cooperation, and how pluralism can foster engagement, responsive policy, and a sense of belonging. Free, public; registration required.
WinterKids Family Day • Carter's XC Ski & WinterKids
Join us for a WinterKids Family Day at Carter’s XC Ski Area in Bethel, Maine!
WinterKids Passport family members will have access to:
❉ One free junior trail ticket
❉ 1/2 priced trail tickets for siblings and accompanying adults
Portland’s Sustainability Series with Laura Poppick • Portland Public Library
As we grapple with the environmental crises gripping Earth today, we can look to the deep geologic history of this planet to learn how Earth regained stability during past periods of upheaval. Join local science journalist Laura Poppick for a presentation about the ancient stories we can read in Earth's geologic record, and the wisdom that those stories hold for our future. She will discuss her debut book, Strata: Stories from Deep Time, which delves into four transformative moments of change in deep time that made our lives here possible today. Books for purchase will be available at the event, thanks to Back Cove Books. There is no advance registration required for this event.
Tails of the City: Waterfront Urban Nature Walk • Maine Audubon
Cities are habitats too! In these programs, Maine Audubon Field Naturalist Stacia Brezinski will introduce participants to the plants and animals in three unique urban habitats: Parks, Waterfront, and Preserves. This series is a collaboration with the City of Portland Sustainability Office and the Equality Community Center.
Binoculars are encouraged, but not necessary, and some pairs will be available to borrow. This program is free, registration is required.
Wiscasset Winterfest • Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce
Wiscasset Winterfest – a week full of activities to celebrate winter and benefit the Cooper-DiPerri Scholarship Fund.
Silent Auction – Bake Sale – Public Breakfast – Chowder & Chili Lunch – Outdoor Activities – Chewonki Wildlife Presentation & more!
Setting the Agenda: Environmental Priorities for Maine’s 2026 Legislative Session • Maine Conservation Voters
The second half of the 132nd Maine Legislature is underway, and environmental advocates across Maine are aligning around a shared set of priorities for the year ahead. Join Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) for an overview of the policies shaping environmental, climate, and community advocacy in the 2026 legislative session.
Breaking Chains, Building Bridges: Artists as Architects of the Beloved Community • Maine Council of Churches
Join us in-person for breakfast & a screening of MLK, Jr’s 1967 Stanford University speech, “The Other America”.
The screening will be followed by a live panel discussion with local social justice leaders and educators about art’s ability to address the concerns in Dr. King’s speech–which are still relevant today.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend in MakerSpace • Children's Museum + Theatre of Maine
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with three days of creative exploration in MakerSpace inspired by children’s books that honor identity, community, and joy.
Reflect on This Season's High-Tide Flooding and Community Science • Gulf of Maine Research Institute
This season brought some of the highest tides of the year. Join GMRI to reflect on recent flooding's impacts on you and the places you love.
Sustainable Brunswick Lecture: Winter Prep & Salt Use
Please join Sustainable Brunswick Tuesday, January 13th from 5 - 6:30 PM at Curtis Library in the Morrell Meeting Room as they welcome Bill Guindon (Mass Care Coordinator for the Maine Emergency Management Agency) and Josh Katz (previously of MDOT) for double feature presentations that dive into best practices for both ecological and personal preparedness this winter. Bill Guindon will discuss winter weather hazards and conditions faced here in Maine, cold-weather preparedness tips, and practical steps for improving personal and community preparedness. Josh Katz, leaning on his 23 years of experience with MDOT working with road salt and water supply issues, will cover the history of winter road maintenance, current practices, and the environmental impacts of road salts on your well and the local ecosystem. Curtis Library will also have various items on display from their Library of Things to inspire attendees to borrow and choose the right tools and supplies for preparedness and sustainability.