http://www.damariscottapumpkinfest.com/

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta, Damariscotta, ME (2026)

09/11/2026

📣 VENDOR QUESTION UPDATE Thank You for Your Interest! 🎃🧡

We have had so many wonderful people reach out asking about vendor opportunities at Pumpkinfest 2026 and we truly appreciate the enthusiasm!

Here is a quick update for everyone:

🍽️ Food Court — FULL for 2026
All food vendor slots for this year's Food Court are filled. We are so grateful for the incredible vendors how are rejoining us again this October and cannot wait for everyone to enjoy what they are bringing to the table!

🛍️ Craft Vendors — A Note on Our Approach
Pumpkinfest does not have a craft vendor area and that is very much by design. One of the things that makes our event so special is the vibrant Main Street and Mid-Coast community surrounding it. We ask and encourage all of our visitors to shop, eat, and support our local brick and mortar businesses while they are here. These are the shops and restaurants that are the backbone of Damariscotta and Newcastle year round and Pumpkinfest weekend is a beautiful opportunity to show them some love. 🧡

So while you are here soaking in the giant pumpkins and all the fun take a stroll down Main Street and discover what this incredible community has to offer!

09/10/2026

🙋 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MAGIC? GET INVOLVED WITH PUMPKINFEST 2026! 🎃🧡

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is 100% volunteer run and always FREE to the public. Every role that makes this event happen is filled by someone from this community giving their time and heart — and we always have room for more. Locals and visitors alike are always welcome! 🙌

We have some great opportunities this year and a few spots we really need to fill:

🌅Early Risers — Barricade and pallet deployment shifts start as early as 5:00 AM on Oct 8 & 9. If you are up before the sun we need you!

🐸 Regatta Frog People — Help keep things safe on the river during the Regatta. Must have your own dry or wet suit and flippers.

🍬 Cotton Candy Crew — Possibly the most fun shift at the whole festival. Just saying.

💥 Pumpkin Drop MC — Got a big personality and a loud voice? We want to hear from you!

📸 Photography & Media— All skill levels welcome. Help us capture the memories!

🎪 Festival Weekend — KidsZone, Merchandise, Buskers, Pie Eating Contest, Tour de Gourd and so much more across Oct 10–12.

There are over 20 volunteer opportunities spanning from early October all the way through festival weekend. Head to the link below for the full list and to sign up!

🔗 www.mainepumpkinfest.com/getinvolved

09/08/2026

SO WHAT IS THE GPC AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

If you follow Pumpkinfest you have heard the name. But here's what it actually means.

The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth the GPC is the governing body of giant pumpkin growing worldwide. Founded in 1992, their mission is to set standards, ensure fair competition, recognize achievement, and educate growers and weigh-off sites across the globe. They sanction over 90 official weigh-offs from Maine to Japan to South Africa. 🌎

Our GPC sanctioned weigh-off is the largest in Maine. A $10,000 purse. Some of the best growers this state has to offer. What started at Pinkham's Plantation has found its new home at Louis Doe Home Center in Newcastle and the reputation this weigh-off has built over the years is earned. Maine growers know it. 🏆

Results are posted in real time as pumpkins hit the scale growers from across the country and around the world follow along as it happens. Our little corner of Maine connected to a global community. 🌍

New this year the GPC has mandated all sanctioned sites have certified judges on site. We are fully compliant and ready. ✅

The relationship between Pumpkinfest and the GPC goes back further than most know. Founding members Bill Clark and Buzz Pinkham attended GPC annual meetings in the early years representing Maine growers as the organization was still finding its footing. That groundwork is a big part of why what we have here today is what it is.

A sincere thank you to Bill and Buzz for seeing the value in being part of the GPC from the very beginning. That vision made a difference that is still felt today. 🧡🙏

📍 2026 GPC Weigh-Off
📅 Sunday, October 4th
🕖 Unloading begins 7:00 AM — Weigh-Off starts 10:00 AM
📌 Louis Doe Home Center — 92 Mills Road, Newcastle, Maine

09/06/2026

GROWER SPOTLIGHT — Bill Clark, Co-Founder, Damariscotta Pumpkinfest 🧡

When we started putting together our grower spotlight series, there was one person we knew we had to pull out and feature on his own. Not just as a grower. Not just as an organizer. But as one of the true legends of giant pumpkin growing in Maine and one of the founding forces behind everything Pumpkinfest is today. This one needed its own moment. 🙌

How many years did you grow giant pumpkins?

From 2002 to 2015 — and his personal best? The legendary 1266 Clark 2007 DMG. A seed that still carries his name and his legacy to this day. 🌱🏆

What originally brought you into the sport?

He got tired of trying to find big enough jack-o-lanterns for his kids. 😄 Sometimes the greatest things start with the simplest reasons.

Favorite Pumpkinfest memory?

"Seeing the crowd seven deep on both sides of the street as they came over the hill in Newcastle during the parade — and lowering Charlie's 2365 onto the scale."

That moment said everything about what this event has become. 🎃

Words of wisdom?

"There is nothing more important than soil."

Simple. True. Classic Bill.

Bill has officially retired from Pumpkinfest after countless hours of dedication and an immeasurable donation of his time that helped shape this event into what it is today. After stepping down from the Board of Directors and his role as Chairman a fww years back, we made a warm and heartfelt ask each year and because that is just who Bill is, he still shows up every fall as our lead forklift operator for both Weigh-Offs. 🚜🧡

We love still seeing him out there. His blood will always run orange. The love for the giant pumpkins and this community runs too deep for that to ever change.

Thank you Bill for all of it. From all of us. 🎃

09/03/2026

Well, well, well… Hallmark has discovered the magic of a Pumpkin Regatta! 🛶💕

Our DMs have been buzzing and yes we see it too! Hallmark Channel's new movie Pumpkin Regatta Romance is hitting screens and we have to say, we are not surprised one bit. 😄

For the record the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest Regatta has indeed been the scene of a real life engagement. 💍 Romance on the river is nothing new around here.

Now did Hallmark consult us this season? No. No they did not. 😂

But are we still going to tune in with our popcorn and cheer them on? Absolutely. 🍿🧡

Catch Pumpkin Regatta Romance on Hallmark Channel and then come see the REAL thing right here in Damariscotta on Sunday, October 11th at Noon! We promise the giant pumpkin boats are just as romantic. 🎃🛶

🔗 www.hallmarkchannel.com/pumpkin-regatta-romance

09/01/2026

GROWER SPOTLIGHT Leon Busby, Walpole Maine

As we count down to Pumpkinfest's 19th year, we are kicking off our grower spotlight series with someone who truly represents what this community is all about. Meet Leon Busby from Bristol, Maine. 🧡
And Leon doesn't grow alone his son Mason is right there in the patch alongside him.

How many years have you been growing giant pumpkins?
Four years and counting! 💪

What originally brought you into the sport?
"After my father passed away from cancer, we wanted to do something every year to remember him. So we started growing giants."

Leon, thank you for sharing that with us. There is no better way to honor someone you love than by doing something that brings joy, community, and a whole lot of heart. We are so glad you and Mason found your way to the patch. 🙏🧡

What is your favorite Pumpkinfest memory?
"When Edwin grew his big one. It made me realize that you can grow a monster in Maine."

And that right there is the magic of this event. 🎃

What advice would you give a new grower?
"Join your local pumpkin clubs and ask as many questions as you can. 99% of growers will always answer questions and are willing to help any way they can. Growing them can be so much fun."
Thank you Leon and Mason we cannot wait to see what you two bring to the scale this October! 🏆⚖️

08/30/2026

WE ARE GETTING CLOSE — Weigh-Off Season is Almost Here!

The Volunteer Growers' Weigh-Off and the GPC Pro Weigh-Off are right around the corner and the excitement is building! 🙌 But before we get there, let's make sure we protect everything you have worked so hard for this season. 🌱

🦌 Keep a close eye on your four-legged neighbors.

With the severe drought we have had this summer and everything being so dry, that big beautiful orange pumpkin in your patch is looking even more appetizing than usual to deer and other wildlife. Don't let all that hard work become somebody's dinner!

If you haven't already put up a fence around your patch now is the time. Don't wait on this one.

Consider covering your pumpkin with a light blanket.

Beyond protecting from animals, a light blanket cover helps slow down the curing process from direct sun exposure and can significantly reduce the risk of splitting as your pumpkin finishes out the season. A little protection now goes a long way come Weigh-Off day! 🏆

We are so close growers — protect your investment and let's get those pumpkins to the scale! ⚖️🎃

📅 Volunteer Weigh-Off — Saturday, October 3 at 7:00 AM
📅 GPC Weigh-Off — Sunday, October 4 at 7:00 AM

08/27/2026

AS WE COUNT DOWN TO PUMPKINFEST 2026 — A Look Back at the Growers Who Made It Special! 🧡

Over the years, Damariscotta Pumpkinfest has been home to some truly incredible growers. People who pour their heart, time, and passion into growing some of the most impressive Atlantic Giants you have ever seen and we think their stories deserve to be told.

Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing posts featuring some of our amazing growers past and present and in their own words, what Pumpkinfest has meant to them and some of the unforgettable moments from their patches. Stay tuned. You are not going to want to miss these.

As we get closer to festival weekend, keep an eye on our page there is a lot of exciting event information and updates headed your way!

And as always, please remember Pumpkinfest is a registered nonprofit and every single person who makes this event happen is a volunteer. Every role, every shift, every behind the scenes moment is fueled purely by love for this community. That also means that the generosity of our sponsors is what makes it possible to keep Pumpkinfest free and open to everyone. If you are a local business or know one who believes in what we do, we would love to have you involved.

🔗 www.mainepumpkinfest.com/sponsorship

08/22/2026

🎃⏳ THE COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED!⏳🎃

It may still be August, but around here we’re already thinking OCTOBER!

The 2026 Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is coming October 9–12, and this year’s schedule is packed with everything that makes Pumpkinfest… well, Pumpkinfest.

🎃 Giant pumpkins taking over Main Street
🎨 Artists bringing them to life
🏁 The Pumpkin Derby
🥧 Pie eating and dessert contests
🚤 The one-and-only Pumpkin Regatta
🏃 Tour de Gourd 5K
💥 Pumpkin Drop
🎶 Buskers, food, family activities and so much more

And before the main festival even begins, our giant pumpkins take center stage at the Pumpkin Weigh-Offs October 3–4, followed by **Pumpkin Deployment on October 8.

This festival doesn't happen overnight. Behind the scenes, our volunteers, growers, artists, sponsors, local businesses and community partners are already hard at work getting ready to welcome everyone back to Damariscotta.

So start making your plans. Invite your friends. Bring the family.

Because before we know it, the giants will be rolling into town and Main Street will be Pumpkinfest again. 🎃🧡

📅 October 9–12, 2026

Check out the schedule below and visit our website for specific event times, details and updates.

The countdown is ON. Who's ready for Pumpkinfest 2026?! 🎃🙌

08/08/2026

🎃 CALLING ALL PERFORMERS Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta 2026

Are you a musician, performer, or entertainer looking for one of the most memorable stages in New England?

The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta recently featured in the New York Times is seeking talented Buskers for this year's festival, October 9-12, 2026 on Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.

Now in its 19th year, Pumpkinfest draws 60,000 visitors to the stunning midcoast Maine waterfront families, art lovers, and visitors from across the country who come for giant pumpkin boat regattas, spectacular carved pumpkin displays, parades, and the pure magic of small town Maine in autumn. It is 100% free to the public and 100% volunteer run.

Last year's Buskers lineup included bands and professional performers who played to enthusiastic crowds against one of the most unique backdrops imaginable.

Performers select an agreed timeslot across the weekend. This is a volunteer opportunity — no pay, but extraordinary exposure and an audience that is fully present and genuinely joyful.

If you're interested, reach out today:
📧 [email protected]
📱 Text: 207-632-4518

Don't miss your chance to be part of something truly special. 🍂

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta

09/11/2026

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