Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta

Giant pumpkins become boats for a wildly impractical race on the Damariscotta River.

Damariscotta’s fall celebration takes giant pumpkins well beyond the carving table. Growers show off enormous gourds, artists decorate them, and daring paddlers hollow some out for a regatta on the river.

The festival usually takes place in October. Check the official schedule for the current regatta time, parade, and other events.

Image credit: Photo by Matthew Bellemare via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0