Ah, early fall in the Pine Tree State. If you’re a year-round resident, you know that this is the time to cram in your trips to popular locations before the full bloom of leaf-peeping season! Any suggestions? One area we’re curious to explore more is the Forks. The chance to go white water rafting is always tempting, regardless of the turning weather, although we wouldn’t say no to a casual kayak ride either. Whether you’ve made plans or are looking for something to do, here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine: 

Something to Do: 

Now that we’re in harvest season, it’s high time to show appreciation for the Maine farms that keep the state well fed! At the Rootdown Party at South Paw Farm, learn about how farmers Meg and Ryan Mitchell are growing their business, tour the vegetable fields, and see firsthand how long-term investments are helping farms adapt to climate change. After the tour, head back to the barn to enjoy live music and a picnic on the lawn. BYO picnic supplies, but grab some Oxbow beer, Oyster River wine, and lemonade! Plus, South Paw will be setting up a farmstand of veggies to take home or enjoy at the picnic. Purchase tickets before they sell out! 

When: 4–7 p.m., Tuesday, September 21
Where: South Paw Farm, 355 Greeley Rd., Freedom

Somewhere to Go:

Fall means one thing: It’s time to head up the coast for the Camden International Film Festival! Starting Thursday evening, 37 feature films and 33 short films from over 30 countries will begin screening at venues throughout the midcoast. Are you otherwise occupied this weekend? Don’t fret, the festival is also hosting a virtual festival from now until the 26th. Grab your pass (virtual or otherwise) and popcorn, then sit back and enjoy the show. 

When: Thursday, September 16 to Sunday, September 19
Where: Various locations in Rockland, Rockport, and Camden

Something to Eat: 

Craving fresh caught fish? SoPo Seafood opened its new fish market on Ocean Street in South Portland on Wednesday! Launched in March 2020, the company started with a seafood delivery service along the southern coast in addition to selling wholesale to restaurants. With the market’s opening, you can now snag fresh-caught lobsters, crab, haddock, and bluefin tuna for your own chowders, filets, sushi, and more. 

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: SoPo Market and Raw Bar, 171 Ocean St., South Portland

Something to Drink: 

Are you looking for an excuse to head to the western mountains? Well, we hope you’re thirsty, because this Saturday Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry is hosting its annual Maine Brew Fest September Session! With samples of over 100 ciders and craft beers from 20 different Maine breweries, along with activities like gondola rides, live music, and fireworks, you can’t go wrong. Grab your tickets early and get ready to bid adieu to summer, ski-town style.  

When: 1-5 p.m., Saturday, September 18
Where: Sunday River Ski Resort, Slopeside at South Ridge

Something to Read:

How’s that sourdough starter that you nurtured last year doing? Are you keeping up with maintaining those wild yeasts? If you need some inspiration, log into Zoom to watch a webinar hosted by Onggi, in which famed fermentation revivalist Sandor Katz will be talking about his newest book, Fermentation Journeys. Whether you make your own kombucha and eat your homemade pickles and sauerkraut daily or you’re looking to start a fermentation station of your own, now’s a great time to start building up your cultures. Head to the shop in Portland to pick up the book, as well as Katz’s earlier writings: Wild Fermentation, Art of Fermentation, and Fermentation as Metaphor.

When: Wednesday, October 6 at 7 p.m.

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