The Maine Weekender, September 24—26

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

All right, according to the calendar it’s officially official: welcome to fall. Say goodbye to that hard-won tan from your beach days this summer (although we sincerely hope you know that SPF is sooooo in right now), and hello to all those sweaters that were just a little too heavy for the recent muggy weather. Looking for something to do to get you in the mood for the season? Well, look no further, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine:

Something to Do: 

You heard that right, the Cumberland Fair is back for the 2021 season! Starting Sunday, head over to the Cumberland Fairgrounds to enjoy the best of the 149th year of the fair, featuring fan favorites like the demolition derby, apple pie contest, carnival rides, and much more. Check out the full schedule and clear your calendar, it’s time to lean into your country roots!

When: September 26 to October 2
Where: 175 Blanchard Rd, Cumberland

Somewhere to Go: 

If you’re as devastated as we are that this year’s Common Ground Fair was cancelled, here’s a glimmer of hope: this Saturday, Mindful Folk Farm is hosting the Harvest Moon Craft Festival! Created to support vendors who were supposed to be at Common Ground, this day-long event will feature 30 makers alongside live music, face painting, food trucks, and more! Food options include sushi from Mr. Tuna and empanadas from Empanada Club, and vendors like Hidden Brook Fiber, Black Dragon Metalworks, and Catawampus Farm will be set up in booths for the craft fair. Go support some local craftspeople and log some quality time in the fresh fall air.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, September 25
Where: 290 Morse Rd, New Gloucester

Something to Eat: 

Looking to spice up your evening tonight? If you’re in Portland and feeling peckish, head over to Wayside Tavern for their Sicilian Wine Dinner! In celebration of the end of summer, the team at Wayside Tavern is preparing a family-style feast featuring seasonal ingredients like eggplant, bluefin tuna, tomatoes, and peppers. Each course will be paired with a Sicilian wine, and once the meal is done, there will be a cocktail reception to round out the evening. Time is of the essence, so make your reservations ASAP!

When:  5:30 and 8:00 p.m.Thursday, September 23
Where: 747 Congress St., Portland

Something to Drink: 

Back by popular demand, this weekend Wolfe’s Neck Farm is hosting a scaled down version of its annual fundraiser, Beers in the Barn! Located in the historic Mallett Barn, this event will feature tastings of beer from 12 breweries, including Maine Beer Company, Bissell Brothers, and Banded Brewing Company, as well as coffee samples from Wicked Joe and food from Smokey & Brines and Maine Oyster Company. Grab your tickets and get drinking!

When: 2-7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 25
Where: 625 Wolfe’s Neck Rd., Freeport

Something to See: 

If you haven’t yet gotten the chance to check out The Clothesline Project at the Western Foothills Landtrust this summer, good news! The exhibit is up through this Sunday. Working to reinforce the connection between the natural landscape and art in our everyday lives, the exhibit also pays homage to the area’s history of producing wooden clothespins. The final featured maker is fiber artist Kimberly Hamlin.

When: Until Sunday, September 26 
Where: 121 Crockett Ridge Rd., Norway

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