While there are many more than 12 reasons to visit Rockland, Maine, this fall, it’s always fun to revisit our favorites. When summer winds down along the mid-coast of Maine, we still find dozens of reasons to get outside and explore our beautiful coastline. Traditional fall festivals, country fairs, boat trips, and tours pepper the calendar in September and October.
Fortunately, when you are a guest at our historic inn in Rockland, Maine, you’ll be in the heart of the mid-coast. Our lovely shops and restaurants are within walking distance of our location in the historic district. Luckily for you, all the excitement found in our neighboring towns and villages is just a short drive away.
With a reputation as the “arts capital of Maine” and a designation as one of the “coolest small towns in America,” it’s clear that a getaway to Rockland offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement.
#1 – Farm Tours at Aldermere Farm
Fridays at 10:00 AM thru August 25, 2023
Wednesdays at 3:30 PM in September
Meet Aldermere Farm’s iconic herd of belted Galloway cattle and take a tour of this 200+-year-old saltwater farm.
#2 – Camden Windjammer Festival
September 1-2, 2023
Witness the largest gathering of windjammers in the northeast. Sails will unfurl for this very popular Camden Windjammer Festival in Camden Harbor beginning on the Friday of Labor Day weekend. Join the fun with a variety of activities, including games, exhibitions, and crafts.
#3 – Sunday Morning Lighthouse Tour
Thru October 15, 2023, at 9:30 AM
Join a narrated tour cruising by five of Maine’s iconic lighthouses. This 3-hour morning tour with Camden Harbor Cruises is a photographer’s dream trip.
#4 – Vintage Motorcycle Festival at the Owls Head Transportation Museum
September 16, 2023
View a collection of rare foreign automobiles at Owls Head Transportation Museum. Take a ride in a vintage car, witness an aircraft demonstration, and tour the museum. Fun for the whole family!
#5 – Coastal Maine Photo Tours
Thru October 28, 2023
Expand your photography skills on an exciting adventure with Coastal Maine Photo Tours. Choose an excursion by land or sea and learn how to create Instagram-worthy images on your camera or smartphone.
#6 – Common Ground Country Fair
September 22-24, 2023
The very popular Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, Maine, features a wide variety of agricultural exhibits and demonstrations. Celebrates Maine’s rural traditions at this family-friendly event.
#7 – First Friday Art Walk at the Farnsworth Art Museum
Thru October 2023
Entrance to Rockland’s famous Farnsworth Art Museum is free on the first Friday of each month. Visit the exhibits from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and enjoy live music.
#8 – Attend a Live Performance at the Strand Theater
Thru November 5, 2023
At the cultural heart of Rockland, the Strand Theater presents live performances featuring musicians, comedians, and local amateur performers. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater is a much-loved venue for locals and visitors alike.
#9 – Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
October 5-9, 2023
Join the fun at the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta. This multi-day festival features a parade, derby, contests, and the fun-filled pumpkin regatta in downtown Damariscotta.
#10 – Camden International Film Festival
September 14-17, 2023
A variety of venues in Rockland, Camden, and Rockport, Maine, will screen feature-length and short documentaries as part of the Camden International Film Festival.
#11 – Wyeths by Water
Mondays – Fridays thru October 2023
Three itineraries to choose from featuring scenes from three generations of the famous Wyeth family artists. These 2.5-hour tours by boat take you to some of the most significant locations in the history of the Wyeth family.
#12 – Sail on Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl
Thru October 18, 2023
Set sail on beautiful Penobscot Bay on an authentic schooner or classic sailing vessel. Departing from scenic Camden Harbor, your 2-hour excursion will sail around the rocky coastline, past hidden mansions, lighthouses, and offshore islands. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and seals.
These 12 reasons to visit Rockland, Maine, in the fall are just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll probably find a dozen more reasons to come visit again and again in any of our lovely seasons.
Updated September 2023