How have I not heard about this place?

This is an art gallery and studio that offers workshops right in downtown Gardiner. They host and sell art created by Maine Artists.  You can see artists printing on site, and the fine artworks they create in the gallery that is part of the studio. So cool!

Check them out here: https://www.circlingthesquarepress.com/

Check them out here: https://kennebeccheesery.com/about/

FISHING

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO FALL FISH? TRY FLYING POND IN VIENNA

Lake Trout and Coldwater Fishing
Another great opportunity in the region is Sheepscot Lake in Palermo. The lake provides deep, well-oxygenated water that supports a diverse fish community of more than 20 species, including Lake Trout (Togue), Brook Trout, and Smallmouth Bass. The combination of deep water and suitable habitat makes Sheepscot Lake an interesting destination for anglers looking to target Togue during September.

One common way to target Togue on Sheepscot Lake is by trolling. Downriggers or lead-core line can be used to present lures at the depth where this species is usually held. During this time of year, the thermocline (or just below it) can be an important area to target, with the thermocline sitting at approximately 25 feet. Copper or silver trolling spoons can be effective when targeting Togue with this method. Conditions can change quickly in September, anglers should be prepared to adjust their trolling depth and presentation. Water temperature, weather, forage, and time of day can all influence where fish are located. Paying attention to these factors can make the difference between simply putting a line in the water and actively finding fish.

Read more here: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/fishing-report.html

FALL FOLIAGE

Guys, we have a mission… Somewhere in Maine there is a 30’ pumpkin and it needs to be found before the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta begins on October 9th. If you find it, post your picture on MainersWeekly FB page!

Pumpkin boat races, large pumpkin drops, races, and so much more!

Check out the schedule here: https://www.mainepumpkinfest.com/2026-events-schedule

Come check it out during the Scarecrow Festival on October 17th.

Scarecrows are on display from Sept 21-Nov 4th.

Check out more about the festival here: https://waterstreethallowell.org/scarecrow

Central Maine Powersports & Equipment Dealer

“The Arsenal’s eight granite block riverfront buildings will be transformed into a vibrant retail and residential complex with a boutique hotel at the center. Restaurants and cafés will be a part of the complex. And most of the grounds will be open to the public, like a park, so residents of Augusta can enjoy the riverfront. The second phase of the project will see the construction of new buildings on a hill behind the arsenal that will be residential.” Source: https://maineinsights.com/developer-tom-niemann-to-restore-the-augusta-maine-arsenal/

EASTBOUND TRAFFIC IS CLOSED, WESTBOUND WILL BE ONE LANE ONLY

This weekend offers an opportunity for the public to explore the life and work of craft artists and businesses in Maine and for artists to connect with craft enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors behind the scenes.

Plan a route from event to event! Learn about your town’s local craft artists or discover cities and experiences altogether.

This is an educational, community-oriented, and family-friendly event for all!

HOW ABOUT FREE TICKETS, TONS OF ACTIVITIES…AND EVEN SEEDS?

Lithgow Library - Augusta, Hubbard Library - Hallowell. Cumston Library - Monmouth, Bailey Library - Winthrop, Waterville Public Library - Waterville, Readfield Community Library - Readfield, Belgrade Public Library - Belgrade

Jessica Fike at Brookewood Realty can help you discover local homes, lake properties, and communities that fit your lifestyle. Visit here for updated listings.

Augusta

Oct 5th: Celebrity Chef Challenge: Downtown Throwdown @ Augusta Civic Center 5-8PM

Belgrade

Oct 11th: Vintage Craft Book Pop Up Market @ WaterDance Farms 10-2PM

Waterville

Oct 2nd: Night of the Living Dead @ The Waterville Playhouse 7PM.

Oct 4th: Waterville Marathon October 4, 2026 at 7AM| Half 10k & 5k at Head of Falls Park

Winthrop

Oct 8th: Come visit Fire Chief Dan Brooks discuss the history of the fire department and then take a tour. 6PM

Oct 8th: Paint Night at Tavern on the Hill. Beginners welcome to paint an autumn themed raven canvas. Materials included. Register due by October 6th.

Oct 9th: 3rd Annual Apple Pie Bakeoff 5PM. Bring your own apple pie for a contest.

Gardiner

Oct 10th: Swine and Stein Brewfest. All-day sampling of beers, wines and spirits.
Succulent pork. Epic bands. Quirky games.
All in Gardiner’s historic downtown!

Monmouth

Oct 17th: Capitol City Improv Teaches You History with Dennis Price @ Cumstom Hall 6:30PM

Bangor

Oct 4th: Pound the Pavement 5K Color Fun Run @SeaDog Brewing Co. 8AM -12:30

Brewer

Oct 24th-25th: The Odds & Ends Artisans Market @ Brewer Auditorium

Damariscotta

Oct 9th-12th: PumpkinFest & Regatta

Freeport

Oct 2-4th: Fall Festival

Fryburg

Oct 4th-Oct11th: The Fryburg Fair. Enjoy livestock, events, exhibitions and camping!

Portland & Bangor. Oct 16th-18th for Portland & Oct 23rd-25th Bangor

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow N Fire @ Cross Insurance Center

Apple season is quickly aproachingp! Grab a bag and make a fall day of it at one of these local orchards:

🍎 Lakeside Orchards, Manchester
Pick-your-own apples, farm store, fresh cider, baked goods & cider donuts.

🍏 Lemieux’s Orchard, Vassalboro
Pick-your-own apples, cider, donuts, pies, pumpkins & fall activities.

🍎 Kents Hill Orchard, Readfield
A smaller local orchard with apple picking, beautiful views & homemade treats.

🍏 Applewald Farm, Litchfield
Family-run farm with apples, fresh produce & a relaxed country-farm feel.

🍎 Chick’s Apple & Berry Farm, Monmouth
Pick-your-own apples & pumpkins with views overlooking Cochnewagan Lake.

🍏 Bond’s Orchard, Richmond
A small family orchard offering a quieter, traditional apple-picking experience.

TIP: Apple varieties and picking conditions change throughout the season, so check with the orchard before making the trip

An aurora possibility Saturday, fast solar wind from a large Earth-facing coronal hole is expected to arrive around Oct. 3 and could produce G1/minor geomagnetic storm conditions. That's not a guarantee Maine gets northern lights, but we can hope!

Astronomy Night at Hoffelder Observatory on Friday, Oct. 2 in Albany Township/Bethel area
This is a real telescope night at the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum's Hoffelder Observatory, starting at 7:15 PM. Visitors can observe planets, nebulae and star clusters with the Western Maine Star Chasers. Registration is required. Maine Mineral & Gem Museum | Bethel ME, Astronomy Night details & registration

Star Party on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Topsham at 6–8 PM
Southern Maine Astronomers are hosting a public star party with naked-eye, binocular and telescope viewing, plus astronomers helping people identify what they're seeing. $20; rain/cloud date Oct. 17. Topsham Star Party

Stars Over Katahdin on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 4–9 PM | FREE
At Taylor's Katahdin View Campground in Stacyville, with solar viewing, family activities, campfire talks and guided stargazing beginning at 7 PM using powerful telescopes. It's a celebration of the exceptionally dark skies around Katahdin Woods & Waters. Free, but preregistration is requested. Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters
Stars Over Katahdin registration

See the Dark Festival on Oct. 4–11 | Maine North Woods
This starts Sunday at AMC's Medawisla Lodge in the Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park. It includes guided astronomy, stargazing, hikes, workshops, music and other dark-sky programming. You don't necessarily have to stay at the lodge to participate in evening programming; AMC says a dinner reservation can provide access. Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)
See the Dark Festival