While the heat of the last few days has us seriously questioning whether we need to pull our summer sandals back out of the closet, there’s no denying the passage of time. Peak foliage hasn’t hit in southern Maine quite yet, but here and there you’ll see a tree with bright red leaves littering the ground below. Plus, if you’re anything like us, you’ve already gone to an apple orchard and are now trying to work apples into every meal. Whether you’re into apple pie, sauce, or cider, here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine (even if it is unseasonably warm): 

Something to Do:

Are you ready for Halloween? This weekend, get in the spirit for spooky season at the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest! Head up the coast to see over 60 giant pumpkins installed and displayed along Main Street, featuring the work of numerous participating artists. What makes them “giant,” you ask? Well, the winning pumpkin weighed in at over 2,000 pounds, if that tells you anything. 

When: Friday, October 8 through Monday, October 11
Where: Downtown Damariscotta 

Somewhere to Go: 

If you’re still in need of a fright, read on! A chilling exhibit curated by the Illustration Institute, “Illustrated Monsters by Monster Illustrators”, is now on display at the Portland Public Library. Featuring the work of Edward Gorey, Yuko Shimizu, and Lia Anne Hennig among others, the exhibit shows the incredible diversity of style that illustration brings to the table, while also confronting the idea of what a “monster” truly is. 

When: Now through December 31
Where: The Lewis Gallery, Portland Public Library

Something to Eat: 

Pizza pop-up shop Il Leone is closing for the season! Known for naturally leavened, neapolitan style pies, all the pizzas from the island restaurant are cooked in a traditional Italian wood oven. Hop on the ferry and head over to Peaks Island this weekend to grab a final slice in celebration of fall, and take in the gorgeous views of Casco Bay. Plus, on Tuesday, October 12, Il Leone will be hosting a special final dinner, so keep an eye out for updates! 

When: Friday, October 8 to Sunday, October 10; Tuesday October 12
Where: 2 Garden Place, Peaks Island

Something to Drink: 

Back for its 10th year, Oxbow Brewery’s Goods from the Woods is on this weekend! If like so many Maine enthusiasts, you happen to love Maine-made beer, you’ll appreciate this farmhouse event celebrating the beer scene in the Pine Tree State. Featuring plenty of food, music, and, of course, Oxbow beer, attendees will also receive an Oxbow beer glass and a few other choice goodies to take home. 

When: 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9
Where: 274 Jones Woods Rd, Newcastle

Something to Listen to: 

Have you not gotten enough flannel propaganda yet? This Saturday Maine Craft Distilling in Portland is hosting Flannel Jam, an afternoon of music and fall activities to celebrate autumn across New England. Grab seasonal treats like hot spiked cider, hot cider doughnuts, and caramel apples and sit back to listen to music from Yonder Mountain String Band, Jamestown Revival, Mikaela Davis & Southern Star, and more! Plus, there will be a hay maze and a corn pool for the kids, and special craft beer and spirits for the adults. 

When: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9
Where: 123 Washington Ave., Portland 

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