8 Maine events include Common Ground Country Fair, Biddeford Oktoberfest

Maine’s Fall and Early‑Winter Calendar: Fairs, Music, Film, Space, and Literature

Maine’s towns are bustling with a wide array of events from late September through early October. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a music lover, a film buff, a space‑science fan, or simply looking for a family‑friendly outing, there’s something for everyone. Below is a roundup of the most anticipated happenings, with dates, locations, and ticketing details.

1. 50 Years of Sustainable Living – Common Ground Country Fair

• When: Friday – Sunday, September 25–27, 2025
• Where: Common Ground Fair Education Center, 294 Crosby Brook Road, Unity
• Tickets: $20–$25; free for children 12 and under; advance reservations required
• Why: Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Maine’s leading organic‑farming showcase. Over 1,000 exhibitors will demonstrate sustainable agriculture techniques, host lectures, serve farm‑to‑table food, and play live music.

The fair’s mission is to promote organic farming and sustainable living, with a focus on community education and hands‑on demos.

2. Music & Blues Night – Vanessa Collier

• When: Friday, September 25, 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland
• Tickets: $23 advance, $28 day‑of
• Why: Award‑winning singer‑songwriter and saxophonist Vanessa Collier brings a “Memphis‑inspired” set that includes tracks from her new album Do It My Own Way.

The evening will feature blues, soul, and R&B hits such as “Elbow Grease,” “Take Me Back,” and “Wild As a Rainstorm.” Collier’s performance is a highlight for fans of contemporary soul and classic blues.

3. Outlaw Country & Rock – Runaway Maine Music Fest

• When: Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. (2025)
• Where: The Runaway, 40 Airport Road, Turner (former Twitchell Airport)
• Tickets: $55 advance, $70 gate, $107.48 two‑day pass; free for children 12 and under
• Why: A two‑day outdoor festival spotlighting outlaw country and rock.

Friday Line‑up:

• Madilynn Treasure
• The Real Young Swagg
• The Chase Jobe Band
• Cole Barnhill
• Bryan Martin (headliner)

Saturday Line‑up:

• Sorry Safari
• Toby McAllister & the Sierra Sounds
• Marcy Playground (featuring “Sex & Candy”)
• Sister Hazel (featuring “All For You”)

BYOB is permitted, and a selection of food trucks will line the grounds. The event promises a vibrant mix of music, food, and a relaxed atmosphere.

4. International Shorts – Manhattan Short Film Festival

• When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. (2025)
• Where: The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston
• Tickets: $15
• Why: Experience a curated slate of ten short films from Ireland, Moldova, South Africa, and Australia.

Notable entries include “Never Give Up” (Mexico & Hungary), “Mary is Missing” (Ireland), and “Hai Davia” (Moldova). Audience members will vote for their favorite, with the winning film receiving a prize.

5. A Taste of Germany – Biddeford Oktoberfest

• When: Saturday, September 27, Noon – 6 p.m.
• Where: Lincoln Street, Bidford
• Tickets: $30 general, $45 VIP (early access), $10 for non‑drinkers & under 21
• Why: Biddeford’s third annual Oktoberfest brings German‑style fun to Maine’s heart.

Participants will enjoy local breweries, food trucks, live music, games, and family‑friendly activities. Admission includes a branded stein and two drink tickets. The VIP package adds early entry, a stein, two drink tickets, an Oktoberfest sticker, and an alpine hat.

6. Literary Evening – John Green

• When: Sunday, September 28, 4 p.m.
• Where: State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland (presented by Books‑A‑Million)
• Tickets: $