When is Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta open in 2026?

The 2026 season runs Oct 9 – Oct 12. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.

When does Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta peak in 2026?

Peak color is predicted for October 13–October 17 (best estimate October 15). Color starts around September 28 and is mostly bare by November 5.

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta

Fall festival · Damariscotta · Maine

For two weeks each October, Damariscotta's Main Street fills with giant pumpkins grown from a single seed strain distributed to locals every spring. The festival peaks with the Pumpkinboat Regatta, where growers paddle hollowed-out 600-pound pumpkins across the Damariscotta River.

Best for: Giant-pumpkin boat races

Don’t miss

Pumpkinboat Regatta on the Damariscotta River
Giant pumpkins from a shared seed strain
Runs roughly October 4-20, peaking mid-month

Plan your visit

2026 season: Oct 9 – Oct 12.

Website ↗

Dates from the official announcement, checked August 20, 2026. Always confirm before you go.

2026 Forecast

Color nearby peaks: October 13–October 17

Color builds from September 28 · mostly bare by November 5

Sampled at Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta’s own coordinates and elevation (37 m) rather than a regional average.

This window comes from 18 weather points across Maine, nudged 1 day later to match 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. This year's weather has the peak running 5 days earlier than a normal year. How the forecast works

When to go to Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta

The color window runs about 26 days, holding until around October 24. That is about 8 days later than Maine as a whole.

You will find it at Damariscotta, ME, in Maine.