When is Fryeburg Fair 2026?

Fryeburg Fair runs October 4-11, 2026 at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds in Fryeburg, Maine. It is Maine's largest agricultural fair, drawing roughly 260,000 attendees over eight days.

When is Blue Hill Fair 2026?

Blue Hill Fair ran September 3-8, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine, and has finished for the year. The fair is widely associated with E.B. White, who drew on it while writing Charlotte's Web.

What is Maine's largest agricultural fair?

Fryeburg Fair is Maine's largest agricultural fair by attendance, with roughly 260,000 visitors annually. Common Ground Country Fair, run by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and Windsor Fair are also among the state's largest.

When does the Maine fair season run?

Maine's fair season runs from late June through mid-October, with the largest agricultural fairs concentrated in late August through early October to align with harvest season and the start of fall foliage. Windsor Fair, Common Ground and Fryeburg Fair anchor the heart of the season.

How do I apply to be a vendor at a Maine fair?

Most Maine fairs publish vendor applications on their official websites 4-8 months before the event. Categories typically include commercial exhibitors, craft vendors, food vendors, and farmers or specialty-food producers. Some fairs are juried with regional residency requirements - Fryeburg Fair's Craft Center, for example, requires applicants to reside in Maine or specific bordering New Hampshire towns.

Maine Fair Schedule 2026: Every Fair Still to Come

Q: What is the 2026 Maine fair schedule?

As of September 14, the Maine fairs still ahead in 2026 are Oxford Fair (September 16-20), New Portland Lions Fair (September 18-21), Common Ground Country Fair (September 25-27), Cumberland County Fair (September 27 - October 4) and Fryeburg Fair (October 4-11). Windsor, Blue Hill, Harmony Free, Clinton Lions and Litchfield have already run for the year.

Q: Is there a Maine State Fair?

Maine has no single official state fair. The Skowhegan State Fair carries the name and has run since 1818, making it one of the oldest fairs in the country, but Fryeburg Fair is the largest by attendance. Both are agricultural fairs run by independent societies.

Q: When is Common Ground Country Fair 2026?

Common Ground Country Fair runs September 25-27, 2026 in Unity, Maine. Hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), it is the largest organic-agriculture and natural-living celebration in the Northeast.

Maine has a fair for just about everything — blueberries, lobsters, handmade quilts, livestock, and everything in between. If you've ever driven past a hand-painted "FAIR THIS WEEKEND" sign on a rural route and wondered what you were missing, this guide is for you.

Whether you're a lifelong Mainer or just visiting, here's everything you need to know about hitting the fair circuit in 2026.

A fairground ferris wheel at dusk with rides and colorful lights Photo by Suliman Sallehi on Pexels

2026 Maine Fair Schedule — What's Still Ahead

Confirmed dates for the Maine fairs still to come this season, in calendar order. Updated September 14.

Fair	2026 Dates	Location
Oxford Fair	September 16–20	Oxford
New Portland Lions Fair	September 18–21	New Portland
Common Ground Country Fair	September 25–27	Unity
Cumberland County Fair	September 27 – October 4	Cumberland
Fryeburg Fair	October 4–11	Fryeburg

Already run in 2026: Springfield Fair (June), Pittston Fair (June), Monmouth Fair (June), Ossipee Valley Fair and Houlton Fair (July), Waterford World's Fair (July), Bangor State Fair (July–August), Union Fair and the Maine Wild Blueberry Festival (August), Topsham Fair (August), Skowhegan State Fair (August), Acton Fair and Piscataquis Valley Fair (August 27–31), Windsor Fair (August 29 – September 7), Blue Hill Fair (September 3–8), Harmony Free Fair (September 4–8), and Clinton Lions and Litchfield Fairs (September 11–13).

Browse the full Maine events calendar for everything happening near you.

Why Maine Fairs Are Worth the Drive

There's something genuinely special about a Maine agricultural fair. These aren't theme parks or corporate events — they're community traditions that have been running for 100+ years in some cases. The Skowhegan State Fair, for example, has been going strong since 1818, making it one of the oldest in the country.

What you'll find at a typical Maine fair:

4-H and FFA competitions — kids showing cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and produce they've raised themselves
Harness racing — a staple at the bigger fairs like Fryeburg and Skowhegan
Midway rides and games — for the kids (and let's be honest, the adults too)
Local food vendors — fried dough, whoopie pies, lobster rolls, and corn on the cob
Craft and trade shows — local artisans, woodworkers, and makers selling their work
Demo derbies and tractor pulls — the kind of entertainment you can't find anywhere else

Is There a "Maine State Fair"?

This comes up a lot, so it's worth answering directly: Maine has no single official state fair.

The Skowhegan State Fair carries the name and has the history — it has run since 1818 and is one of the oldest fairs in the country. But Fryeburg Fair is the largest by attendance and is what most people mean when they talk about "the big one." Both are agricultural fairs run by independent societies rather than by the state.

If you are looking for the biggest Maine fair experience available, Fryeburg in October is the answer.

The Big Ones

Fryeburg Fair — October 4–11 · still ahead

Held every October in the western Maine town of Fryeburg, this is the state's largest fair and draws visitors from across New England. Expect livestock competitions, a huge midway, ox pulls, harness racing, and more fried food than you can possibly eat in a day. It runs eight days — most people come back multiple times. Our complete Fryeburg guide has the full rundown.

Common Ground Country Fair — September 25–27 · still ahead

Organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), this one is different — focused on sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and rural living. If you're into that world, it's a must-visit. See our dedicated Common Ground guide.

Cumberland County Fair — September 27 – October 4 · still ahead

Close to Portland and easy to reach from the city, running eight days at the tail end of September into October.

Windsor Fair — August 29 – September 7 · has run

Ten days spanning Labor Day weekend in Windsor, and one of the largest agricultural fairs in the state. The 2026 edition has finished — worth putting on the calendar for next season if you want a full-scale Maine fair before the October rush.

Blue Hill Fair — September 3–8 · has run

Associated with E.B. White, who drew on this fair while writing Charlotte's Web. The Blue Hill Fair is a charming, smaller fair with a real community feel, running six days over Labor Day week on the Blue Hill peninsula. The 2026 edition has finished.

Skowhegan State Fair

One of the oldest fairs in the country, running since 1818. It takes place in mid-August and is a full-week event with a great balance of old-school agricultural tradition and modern fair entertainment. The 2026 edition has finished — check back next summer.

Smaller Fairs Worth Knowing About

Don't overlook the smaller, local fairs — they're often where you'll find the most authentic experience.

Still ahead:

Oxford Fair (Oxford) — classic small-town Maine fair, September 16–20
New Portland Lions Fair (New Portland) — September 18–21

Already run this year:

Harmony Free Fair (Harmony) — small, free, and genuinely charming, September 4–8
Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair (Clinton) — September 11–13
Litchfield Fair (Litchfield) — September 11–13
Acton Fair (Acton) — August 27–31
Piscataquis Valley Fair (Dover-Foxcroft) — August 27–31

The Topsham Fairgrounds and the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor both host events year-round beyond their summer fairs — worth checking if you're in mid-coast or central Maine.

Tips for First-Timers

Go early or go late. The midday hours at a fair can get hot and crowded. Early morning is great for watching livestock judging without the crowds. Late afternoon has better energy on the midway.

Bring cash. Most fair vendors don't take cards — especially the food stands. An ATM trip mid-fair is nobody's idea of fun.

Wear comfortable shoes. Fair grounds are a mix of grass, gravel, and pavement. Sandals will betray you. For more on dressing right, check out our guide to what to wear at a New England fair.

Check the schedule ahead of time. Demo derbies, tractor pulls, and special events often happen at specific times. If you want to catch one, know when it starts.

Mind the end-of-September overlap. Common Ground closes on September 27, the same day Cumberland County opens — if you want both, that Sunday is the hinge.

FAQ: Maine Fairs and Festivals

What is the 2026 Maine fair schedule? As of September 14, the fairs still ahead are Oxford (September 16–20), New Portland Lions (September 18–21), Common Ground (September 25–27), Cumberland County (September 27 – October 4) and Fryeburg (October 4–11). Windsor, Blue Hill, Harmony Free, Clinton Lions and Litchfield have already run for the year.

When is fair season in Maine? Maine's fair season runs from late June through mid-October, with the biggest fairs concentrated in late August through early October. The Fryeburg Fair, Maine's largest, happens in October.

What's the biggest fair in Maine? The Fryeburg Fair is Maine's largest and most famous, running eight days each October. The Skowhegan State Fair in August has been running since 1818, making it one of the oldest in the country.

Which Maine fair is best for first-time visitors? Cumberland County Fair is an excellent first-timer option and is still ahead this season — a good balance of livestock, entertainment, food, and midway rides, and easy to reach from Portland. Windsor Fair is the other classic recommendation, though its 2026 run has finished.

What's parking like at Maine fairs? Parking is typically free and on-site. Arrive early for closer spots. Popular fairs like Fryeburg fill their lots and require longer walks, so plan extra time if arriving mid-day.

How much do Maine fair admissions cost? Prices vary by fair. Check individual fair websites for current 2026 pricing and early-bird discounts.

For Craft Fair Vendors

If you're looking to vendor at Maine fairs, check out the complete vendor guide to getting started — which covers everything from booth setup to insurance to managing inventory. Maine fairs often have craft and artisan vendor sections, and they're great places to build your customer base.

For Maine makers specifically, the Maine Made program provides free event listings and branding support designed to help you stand out at fairs across the state.

Coastal Maine has its own dedicated craft-fair circuit worth knowing about — the Bar Harbor Craft Fair Circuit 2026 Vendor's and Visitor's Guide covers Mount Desert Island's six-fair year-round schedule.

Find Maine Fairs Near You

Meet Me at the Fair lists fairs, festivals, and events across Maine and all of New England. You can search by location, date, or event type to find what's happening near you this season.

State-Level Craft Fair Guides

Craft Fairs in Maine 2026: A Vendor's and Visitor's Guide — Maine's best craft fairs and artisan markets
Craft Fairs in New Hampshire 2026 — Comprehensive New Hampshire craft fair circuit
Craft Fairs in Vermont 2026 — Vermont craft fair and artisan market opportunities
Craft Fairs in Massachusetts 2026 — Massachusetts craft fairs and shows
Maine Farmers Markets 2026 — the year-round market calendar

More State Fair Guides

More Maine Fair Guides

Last updated: September 14, 2026

Your Complete Guide to Maine Fairs & Festivals in 2026