Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta

10/14/2026

What an incredible time we had at the 2026 Damariscotta Pumpkinfest KidsZone!

We're so grateful to the many wonderful people who made this special, affordable, and secure space possible for our youngest visitors!

🧡The CLC YMCA for hosting an ideal inside location.

🧡The Lincoln County Sheriffs Dept for their generous assistance in making everyone feel safe and secure.

🧡Lincoln Academy boarding students for running activities, assisting with creative projects, and ensuring our young Pumpkinfest guests had a fantastic experience.

🧡Friends, family, and community volunteers who return year after year to support us—whether by selling tokens, operating inflatables, or lending a hand in countless other ways.

🧡Mr. Drew and His Animals Too! for bringing his amazing exotic animals that delighted children and adults with his hands on presentation.

🧡 Sandcastle Entertainment for supplying the inflatables that the many guests young and old climbed on, bounced on, and slid down!

10/13/2026

A big thank you to everyone who took part in the Tour de Gourd 5k and walk! This year, we had around 200 people racing or walking past the giant pumpkins on Main Street. Check out the race photos here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/ME/Newcastle/TourDeGourd

And race results here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/Overview/204500

The Tour de Gourd is sponsored by Jesse Sheds and Riverside Butcher Co.

10/12/2026

Lost and found at the buskers/dessert contest tent. Pick it up under the tent, goes in the garbage tomorrow morning. We also have a Debit

10/12/2026

🎃😊☀️🧡 Sensory-friendly Pumpkinfest events TODAY at Coastal Kids Preschool!!

It's turning into a GORGEOUS day for some Pumpkinfest fun! 🎃☀️

After all that overnight rain, the skies are clearing and things are coming together at Coastal Kids Preschool!

🚗 The Power Wheels are being set up! Safe Haven Of Maine

🎃 The bucket truck is filling up with pumpkins! Blackhawk Tree Care

🏁 The Pumpkin Derby space is being prepped! Hearty Roots

🎨 The pumpkins and paint are ready!

🥪 And PB&ME is getting set up to serve delicious food to anyone who stops by! PB&ME

A few parking updates! 🚗

🚌 The Pumpkinfest shuttle WILL drop you off at Coastal Kids today- just make sure you ask them.

❤️ We're also so grateful to Stepping Stone Thrift and Coastal Family Eye Care for generously offering their parking lots for our visitors today! Please use extra caution when crossing the street.

♿ Limited accessible parking is still available right in the Coastal Kids parking lot.

Come join us TODAY from 11 AM–2 PM!

Whether you're a sensory seeker, prefer things a little quieter, or just want to enjoy some Pumpkinfest fun, there's something here for you.

🍂 Come as you are. We can't wait to see you! 🎃❤️

10/12/2026

MERCHANDISE IS OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT!

We are completely blown away by your support this weekend. Every single item gone. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts — this means the world to our all volunteer organization. 🎃

Now let's talk about today because there is still SO much happening! 👇

💥 THE PUMPKIN DROP — TODAY!
One of the most anticipated events of the entire weekend drops today at 11:00 AM at Great Salt Bay School. You do not want to miss this one! 💥🎃

🍽️ **FOOD COURT IS OPEN!**
Colby & Gale Service Station back parking lot is serving up all your favorites today. Come hungry! 🤤

And before you head home please take a few extra minutes to stroll through downtown and support our incredible local brick and mortar shops and restaurants. These businesses are the heartbeat of Damariscotta and Newcastle year round and Pumpkinfest weekend is the perfect opportunity to show them some love.

Thank you for an absolutely unforgettable 19th Pumpkinfest weekend. We love this community so much.

10/10/2026

THE POWERBOATS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

What most people don't know is that building a motorized pumpkin boat is a whole different level of challenge compared to a paddle boat. These things take serious time, serious resources, and a seriously dedicated crew.

Unlike the paddle boats, the powerboats start behind closed doors — and tonight that work officially kicked off. Our incredible volunteers showed up and worked hard until 10:00 PM getting three powerboats well on their way and giving themselves the best possible shot at being race ready in time for Sunday.

To every single person who gave their evening to show up and put in that work tonight — thank you. You are the reason this Regatta is what it is.

And a HUGE shoutout to the businesses who kept this crew fueled tonight!

🍕 Oysterhead Pizza
🍕 Hilltop
🍕 Penalty Box
🍺 Boothbay Brewing Company

You fed and refreshed a crew of hardworking volunteers and that means the world to us. Thank you all!

Want to see the boats coming together in person? Public viewing of the boat building will be happening tomorrow morning at Louis Doe Home Center — be sure to stop by and check it out! This is something really cool to see up close.

The boats are coming. The race is Sunday. Noon on the Damariscotta River. Do not miss it.