Community events calendar
Free and low-cost workshops, webinars, festivals, volunteering and more around Maine!
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winter Wildlife Day • Wells Reserve at Laudholm
Celebrate the wildlife of southern Maine with live animals, a guided walk, scavenger hunt, and craft projects.
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!
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.
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 >>
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.
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
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.
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.
Kvass Fermentation Workshop & Community Potluck • MOFGA
Come discover the simple, satisfying art of making kvass! Kvass is a tangy, traditional fermented drink with roots in Eastern European foodways. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn accessible techniques for fermenting with ingredients common to Maine winters like bread, storage fruit, or root vegetables. Best of all, you’ll leave with your own jar of bubbling kvass to ferment at home!
How to Make Change at the State House • NRCM
Join NRCM Thursday, January 8th from 12 PM - 1 PM on Zoom to learn how you can make a difference with us at the State House. From lobbying your legislator to providing testimony at a public hearing to showing the strength of the environmental movement through public action, we'll show you all the ways you can participate in strengthening Maine's environmental laws and defeating bad bills.
Polar Bear Dip & Dash
Join us on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Southern Maine Community College's South Portland campus for our annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash. Start building your team and making plans to join us on the beach for another great event in support of work toward a clean energy future for Maine.
First Day Hikes
Maine State Park First Day Hikes, part of the nationwide initiative led byAmerica’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors, are a combination of led and self-guidedhikes, and virtual visits for 2026.
Wabanaki Winter Market
Wabanaki Winter Market (2025 Edition)
Saturday, December 13, 9am – 3pm
Collins Center for the Arts, Orono, ME
The Wabanaki Winter Market is New England’s largest holiday gathering of Wabanaki artists. This annual event features artists who have received national awards, as well as new artists representing the next generation of weavers.
The event provides the public with an opportunity to purchase Wabanaki art directly from the artists and to learn about these ancient traditions.
Join the Hudson Museum for a day that will showcase one-of-a-kind art forms (basketry, beadwork, wood carving, birchbark items), and maple syrup as well as demonstrations, storytelling, traditional music, drumming and dancing. Something for everyone!
This year’s Friends of the Hudson Museum raffle basket was made by Dolly Barnes, Passamaquoddy. Tickets will be available for purchase at the market.
The Hudson Museum will be open during the event, and visitors are encouraged to explore the Wabanaki Gallery where they can view the work of the ancestors of the contemporary artists.
The Wabanaki Winter Market is FREE and open to the public.
Make Your Own Oyster Shell Ornament
Age-Friendly Freeport + Pownal invites people of all ages to join us for an afternoon of oyster shell decorating. We’ll have all of the supplies ready — just bring yourself, your grandkids and friends! You’ll leave with a lovely ornament to keep for yourself or give to someone special.
December Full Moon Dip
Come rain or snow, high tide, low tide, warm days, blowing sideways days we gather as a community to bear witness to self, others, and the cyclical rhythms of the earth and her seasons. These dips are a way to meet and celebrate ourselves just as we are in the moment- powerful, wonderful, and wild! They connect us to our bodies, attune us to nature, bring us into community, and spread a whole lotta joy in the process!
How to Make Your Life Easier with Native Plants
Gardening can be difficult at times. Whether landscaping under a dense pine canopy or growing the perfect tomato in a dry summer, there are endless challenges. What if it were easier? What if there were plants that thrived under the pine trees, or on the sandy roadsides or could even take the place of all that wasted space we call lawn? Join Dan Jaffe Wilder to learn how.
Maine Harvest Festival & Craft Show
We invite you to join festival friends from Greater Bangor, the great state of Maine, northern New England and Canada to experience and enjoy the fall harvest of over 150 Maine farmers, festival food producers, and made in Maine makers and their extraordinary creations as they “Made in Maine in Maine!” at this year’s 13th annual Maine Harvest Festival. The event is free, so stop by and check out everything the vendors have to offer!
Sample the best of the best from our Maine vintners, brewers, distillers, artisans and crafters. Begin your holiday shopping with festival fiber artisans and their masterpieces, and enthusiastic Maine chefs and home cooks as they showcase and share their story, demonstrate, sample, and sell what makes Maine, Maine.
Bangor’s Cross Insurance Center staff and festival volunteers are anticipating over 7,500 happy shoppers who prefer to “Buy Local” as they meet and greet vendors in our 26,000 S.F. indoor Marketplace.
We are very proud of our amazing event and happily share that it was recognized in 2015 as the 5th Best Harvest Festival in the country by USA Today and in 2019 by the Greater Bangor CVB with the Eagle Award for the festival’s impact on the community and by being named a “Best Fall Festival In Maine” by Trips To Discover. Come see why for yourself!
What's Going on with Maine's Climate Action Plan
Hilary Landfried, Climate Policy Advisor and Maine Climate Council Coordinator with the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, will give updates and discuss the Maine’s new strategy on resilience.
Snow Day Dreams with MOFF and Winter Kids
Join Maine Outdoor Film Festival and Winter Kids on Tuesday, November 18 at AURA for an unforgettable evening of winter films, community, and celebration.
Presented by WinterKids and the Maine Outdoor Film Festival, this special event features a curated lineup of independent winter adventure films from around the world, plus the world premiere of For the Joy of Winter: 25 Years of WinterKids.
Your event ticket includes a FREE lift ticket to Mt. Abram, so you can keep the winter magic going long after the credits roll.
We’ll celebrate 25 years of getting kids outside, moving, learning, and exploring, complete with hors d’oeuvres, raffle, a fund-a-need moment, and heartfelt stories from WinterKids alumni who’ll share how the program helped shape their lives.
All ages welcome! It’s going to be snow much fun, don't miss it!
Art of Belonging Art Exhibition
Port Resources is a nonprofit social services organization supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. This art exhibit is a collection ofwork created by individuals served, novice artists and professional community artists. It is a beautiful demonstration ofbelonging and community, where all abilities are seen and empowered. All proceeds go toward supporting further community engagement and belonging for those served.
Cranksgiving
Cranksgiving is a food drive on two wheels. Part bike ride, part madcap scavenger hunt. All you need is a bicycle, a lock, and a bag! This event is FREE, but you'll need $15-$20 to purchase food. Donations will support The Westbrook Food Pantry. We will meet at the Portland Gear Hub and, from there, pedal around Portland, visiting the stops on the list. You can make it a race or go at your own pace. Visit all the stops or just a couple. At the end, we will meet at a Orange Bike brewery to collect the donations and celebrate each other and the fun of riding bikes in November. Visit www.cranksgiving.org for more locations.
Film Fest for Casco Bay
Join the Friends of Casco Bay for the Film Fest for Casco Bay, an afternoon of environmental and adventure films curated by Maine Outdoor Film Festival. You won’t want to miss it!
What: Film Fest for Casco Bay
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: Doors open at 2 p.m. for snacks, drinks, raffle, & mingling
Films: 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: University of Southern Maine’s Abromson Center
Tickets: $30
Film Fest for Casco Bay
We hope to see you at the Film Fest for Casco Bay, an afternoon of environmental and adventure films curated by Maine Outdoor Film Festival for the Friends of Casco Bay. You won’t want to miss it! They will host a raffle for prizes such as local hand crafted goods, gift cards to local shops and eateries, art and much more!
Where: University of Southern Maine’s Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME
Tickets: $30
Community Resilience Event with Maine Youth Leadership Council
Youth & Community Resilience Event
Join the Climate and Me initiative through the Governor's Office of Policy and Innovation and the Future with the Maine Youth Leadership and Development Council at the Bath Patten Free Library on October 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time) for an interactive event designed to promote community change!
Are you interested in developing a community resilience project? Are you wanting more ways to make change in your home town? During this event high schoolers will come together to learn how to apply to funding for their towns, design projects to make positive change, and meet other young people who share their passions!
Lunch will be provided! Register by Monday October 20th at 5:00 PM to make sure your spot is reserved!
Evening for Environment with Maine Conservation Voters
Join Maine Conservation Voters for the 23rd Evening for the Environment on Thursday, October 23, featuring a timely program: Environmental Justice in Action: National Defense and State-Level Progress.
Pete Maysmith, president of the League of Conservation Voters, will be joined by Maine advocates Francis Eanes, Lucy Hochschartner, Kaya Lolar, and Adam Nordell to spotlight efforts driving a healthier, more just, and sustainable future.
Nature poet Samaa Abdurraqib will also share her powerful piece, Because Winter is Warming.
It will be an inspiring evening of community, conversation, and connection.
Gear Again Festival & Market
Maine GearShare’s Annual Gear Sale
Festival attendees will have exclusive access to Maine GearShare’s annual gear sale. Get great deals on tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, camping equipment, and much more while supporting a nonprofit community resource! All gear will be sold as-is; no early birds.
Portland Gear Hub’s Fall Bike Sale
Portland Gear Hub will be holding their annual fall bike sale: further event details TBD.
Maker’s Market
The Maker's Market at the Gear Again Festival showcases a curated selection of local vendors who are deeply committed to sustainability. Whether you're looking for unique cottage products or simply want to support small businesses with a focus on environmental stewardship, the Maker's Market is a highlight of the festival, celebrating the creativity and responsibility of Maine's finest makers.
Repair Station
Maine GearShare will be offering free gear repair throughout the event. Drop off gear in need of repair, then browse the market or grab lunch while our staff give your gear new life. ALL ITEMS MUST BE CLEAN.
Common repair types accepted: stuck or misaligned zippers, nylon with rips, puffy coat holes, broken backpack buckles and straps, seam failures, etc. Some stoves, tents, snowshoes and other hard goods can be repaired on a case-by-case basis. Unsure? Bring it and find out.
Green Living Fair
Don’t miss the first annual Green Living Fair on Thursday, October 16 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. This FREE event is designed to provide tips and tricks for living sustainably. Enjoy special food tastings, gardening tips and even a take home guide for greener living. Special guests include:
The Thrift Shop at FCS will also be open for evening shopping. If you’re interested, any clothes you purchase at the shop can be upcycled with iron-on patches or bring your own pieces to embellish.
BikeFest
Join us at the Rock Row beer garden for a day of all things bikes: rides, clinics, vendors, demos, PLUS music, food trucks, raffles, and MORE. This is a FREE community event.
Maine Craft Weekend
Maine Craft Weekend is back this Saturday and Sunday. Plan out your route and events and experience all that our talented Maine crafters have to offer. Try your hand at a pottery wheel, check out how glass creations are made, and explore the studios of all the creative artists. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and works of artists all over the state!
Fall Book Swap and Sale to benefit WELL Connected
Fall Book Swap and Sale to benefit WELL Connected
Ready to cozy up this fall and in need of some new books? Join us September 27th from 10am-12pm for a fun community book swap and sale!
Park(ing) Day 2025!
On Friday, September 19, 2025, parking spots across downtown Portland, Maine will transform into vibrant community parks. Join us for a celebration filled with connection, creativity, and fun!
Portland Park(ing) Day is part of a global movement where cities reinvent public spaces. Portland Downtown and the City of Portland Sustainability Office, together with local nonprofits, organizations, and businesses, will create dynamic parklets that inspire and engage. Last year, we delighted visitors with the “Where’s Slugger?” photo gallery and a Baxter Woods replica. This year promises even more creativity!
2025 United We Can Food Drive and Sculpture Contest
Join United Way of Southern Maine for United We CAN — a one-of-a-kind food drive and sculpture contest that brings our community together to fight hunger.