Fall ... into the holidays!
Gorgeous. Eventful. Magical.
That’s the Boothbay Region and Wiscasset area in October, November and December.
Steve Demeranville photo
Find out what’s happening by clicking on each month!
Mushroom talk, art show at Southport library
Learn more about the fascinating, magical world of mushrooms on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m., when Southport Memorial Library (SML) welcomes local author and artist Hilary Bartlett to talk about her new book, “Mushroom Mania.”
Explore their history as food, medicine, and spiritual mediators, as well as their role in Maine’s ecosystems, through colorful photos and commentary. Hilary will be available after the presentation to sell and sign copies of her book.… Read more
This week at the Harbor Theater
“Joker: Folie À Deux” - (R; 2 hours, 18 minutes) – This is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 Oscar-winning “Joker.” Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, struggling with his identity while institutionalized at Arkham Asylum. Joining him is Lady Gaga, playing a love interest in this psychological and musical journey. With a stellar cast including Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz, the film combines drama… Read more
Who's afraid of the big bad woods?
On Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m., Harbor Theater presents a screening of “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” introduced by a talk called "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Woods? Horror and the Power of Kids" by Caroline Bicks, the Stephen E. King Chair in Literature at the University of Maine.
Bicks also teaches at the Bread Loaf School of English. Her book, “Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King,” is forthcoming from Hogarth Press (a Random House imprint… Read more
This week at the Lincoln Theater
“Beetlejuice” - (1988; PG; 1 hour, 32 minutes) - After Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin… Read more
New show: Eight artists from Dunn Art Salon Group
Eight Maine artists share their varied styles, mediums and viewpoints of the beauty found in Maine landscape, nature and wildlife at the Damariscotta River Grill. The show opens Monday, Oct. 28 and will be on exhibit through Dec.15.
Join us Oct. 28 for a special opening reception with a Prix Fixe three course menu that will be offered for $29, with a choice of wine pairings for $10, or choose a selection from the regular menu, 4:30 -7:30 p.m. A portion of the dinner… Read more
'Nocturne' at Maine Art Gallery until Oct. 20
The theme of Maine Art Gallery’s final show for the 2024 season, “Nocturne,” provided its curator Thomas Connolly with a treasure trove of work in many mediums and styles. The result is a collection of fine photography, paintings, and mixed media collages that should not be… Read more
Halloween Potluck and Scary Readings
The historic, and some say haunted, Opera House in Boothbay Harbor hosts the annual community Halloween Potluck Dinner and Scary Readings on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The House and stage will be decked out for the season and will serve as the perfect backdrop for performers Kevin Kiley and Frances Mercanti-Anthony.
Mercanti-Anthony made her Broadway debut in the 2006 eight-time Tony award winning Best Musical "Spring Awakening" playing mother to Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff. Her numerous… Read more
This week at the Harbor Theater
“Joker: Folie à Deux” - (R; 2 hours, 18 minutes) - Todd Phillips returns with the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 Oscar-winning Joker. Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, struggling with his identity while institutionalized at Arkham Asylum. Joining him is Lady Gaga, playing a love interest in this psychological and musical journey. With a stellar cast including Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz, the film combines drama, music, and… Read more
Julian Sacks: 'Views of the Midcoast' new show at the Waldo
The Waldo Theatre, located at 916 Main St. in Waldoboro, continues the fall season with an October - November art show, "Views of the Midcoast," watercolors by the late Julian Sacks.
Sacks had been drawing and painting most of his life. When he retired from the practice of psychiatry, art became his primary occupation. Through the years he studied art in New York, California, Boston and Maine. His work has been exhibited in galleries in Maine, Massachusetts, and… Read more
Howl-O-Ween Haunt of the High Seas fundraiser
It’s the season of goblins and ghouls, pirates and sirens, and witches and warlocks ... a.k.a. our favorite time of year!
Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4 to 9 p.m. it will be time for Charlie's "Howl-O-Ween Haunt of the High Seas" Halloween fundraiser! There will be free trick-or-treating, a haunted house (open 5-9 p.m.), a spooky maze for kids, a raffle and silent auction, food, a bake sale, a bouncy house, and more!
This event is perfect for all ages. Bring your… Read more
Celebrate Pumpkinfest weekend with spooky screenings
Pumpkinfest Weekend is here, and Lincoln Theater is ready to celebrate in style, offering the perfect way to usher in the spooky season with a lineup of family-friendly films and special events.
The festivities kick off with the beloved 1993 Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus.” In this fan-favorite, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, a trio of 300-year-old witches are accidentally conjured up by unsuspecting pranksters. Determined to cast a spell on the town and… Read more
Valerie Hart's 'Ethereal Reflections' is Best In Show
“Looking at the work enmasse, I sensed creative freedom and vulnerability,” wrote show juror Bob Keyes. “Freedom and vulnerability keep art communities moving forward. To all the artists who submitted work, thank you for your willingness to lead the journey for us."
The large crowd at Boothbay Region Art Foundation was animated and abuzz Oct. 5 about the art, all large format, all impressive. Artists and friends checked out the work while enjoying homemade… Read more
Fall fun for everyone at BRVM’s Family Harvest Day
The autumnal spirit was in full swing at Boothbay Railway Village Museum (BRVM) Oct. 5 as the museum hosted its annual Family Harvest Day.
A pair of Civil War reenactors dressed as Union soldiers greeted visitors entering the Village Green. The sun shone as children bumped along in a barrel train ride, played lawn games, painted miniature pumpkins, or got their own faces painted.
Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) had a table… Read more
Wiscasset’s Scarecrowfest traditions continue
Wiscasset’s longtime fall event Scarecrowfest at the town office Oct. 5 had the chili and chowder contest, Halloween costumes for children to pick out, and more, including the time-honored scarecrow-making on the lawn along Route One.
Thank you to Bob Bond of 40 Federal Studio in Wiscasset for sharing these moments from the day.
Open casting call for holiday production
The Waldo Theatre has announced audition dates for its holiday community theatre production of "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)," to be staged at The Waldo on Dec. 13, 14 and 15. This is a riotous, fast-paced mashup of traditional holiday tales, classic tv productions, and modern holiday films, peppered with worldwide customs.
An open casting call for this community Theatre comedy will be held at The Waldo (916 Main St., Waldoboro) on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.… Read more
Live stage production of 'Romeo and Juliet' Oct. 18
A live stage production of William Shakepeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" will take place on the Strand Theatre stage on Friday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. This 90-minute adapted version will be performed by Theater at Monmouth on Tour, a repertory company of professional theatre artists from across Maine and the United States, and is appropriate for ages 10 and up. The sliding scale tickets are $0-20.
Theater at Monmouth (TAM) has adapted the text to streamline the plot and help viewers… Read more
Piper Carlos Nunez in concert Oct. 24
Spain’s internationally acclaimed piper and musician Carlos Núñez is making a rare U.S. appearance this fall, with concerts scheduled in New York City and at Boothbay Harbor’s historic Opera House. It has been several years since Nunez last toured the Northeast United States. He returns to Boothbay Harbor on Thursday, Oct. 24 for a 7:30 p.m. concert.
When the Los Angeles Times suggested that “... if it’s possible to become a pop star playing traditional music on bagpipes and… Read more
A few New Year’s Eve ideas for families
Since the first new year merriment dating back as far as 2000 BCE in Mesopotania – now Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey and Syria – people have marked the last day of the year with celebrations. Back then, the Babylonians celebrated a new year around the vernal equinox in March with rituals for 11 days. When Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar, he moved the first day of the New Year to Jan. 1. Caesar honored the Janus, the Roman god of new beginning. With his two faces, Janus represented duality;… Read more
Britten's ‘Ceremony of Carols’ and other seasonal tunes on Dec. 28-30
The Ladies of the Amethyst Project, anchored by the professional singers of the Amethyst Chamber Ensemble, perform Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” and other seasonal tunes at three locations in Falmouth, Newcastle and Portland. Sean Fleming will be the accompanist, on organ and piano, for all three performances.
Founded in 2018 by soprano Mary Sullivan, mezzo-soprano… Read more
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church has special program Dec. 31
Open Mics
The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, at 86 Townsend Ave., ushers in its winter series of Open Mic event in the historic upstairs bar Friday, Jan. 5.
Doors open and sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m., mic goes live at 6:15 pm. Bring your talent, or bring your best cheers for those who take to the stage. Music, comedy, song and dance or what have you – the mic stays live at until 8:30 p.m.
The Friends of the Opera House will be serving chili and stews and the bar will be open.
Winter gathering of the arts held in Wiscasset
The Wiscasset Schools’ Visual and Performing Arts Department presented the Winter Gathering of the Arts on Thursday, Dec. 14 at Wiscasset Middle High School.
Families enjoyed the display of art including a mix of 2D and 3D works created by fourth-12th grade students. A concert followed featuring the Wiscasset Middle High School Symphonic Band and the Wiscasset Holiday Chorus, made up of students in grades four-12.
New band director, Mr. Gordon, introduced the band and they… Read more
This week at the Lincoln Theater
“The Holdovers” - (R; 2 hours, 13 minutes) - From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, “The Holdovers” follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually he forms an unlikely bond with one of them — a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic Sessa) — and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam (Da… Read more
This week at the Harbor Theater
“Napoleon” - (R; 2 hours, 38 minutes) - “Napoleon” is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine,… Read more
Sarah Wilde is the next solo show at Miles
Sarah Wilde, a local artist from Walpole, will be having a solo show of her latest paintings at the Miles Memorial Hospital during the months of January and February 2024.
Devoting herself to serious painting for the last 16 years, she is known for her expressionistic/bold landscapes and seascapes.
Sarah taught art in Boothbay, South Bristol, and Bremen elementary schools, and later taught expressive dance to adults throughout Maine before concentrating on painting.
Candlelight Christmas Eve service at First Congo
First Congregational Church of Wiscasset invites all to the traditional candlelight service at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Rev. Myers’ sermon will be based on the short story, “I Remember Bethlehem” by Earl Ken Brown (a story told to Luke, the Gospel writer, by Jesse, the Innkeeper)… Read more
Carla Warren takes Most Spectacular, again!
Announcing the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor’s 2023 Gingerbread Spectacular award winners, drum roll, please ...
Most Spectacular - Christmas Train Station, Carla Warren
Best Traditional Gingerbread House Design, Sally Kent
Most Creative - Barbie's House by Nancy Stoddard, Addie Barter and Katrina Dunsmore
Best Representation of a Local Landmark - Burnt Island Light, by St. Andrews Village
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.
A classic Christmas tale came to life at Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta in the first of two performances (Dec. 14-15) by the Boothbay Region Y Arts Youth Actors on Thursday, Dec. 14.
“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.,” done under the direction of Y Arts Director Emily Mirabile and performed by 34 actors, received rave reviews from audience members, who filled most of the seats in the theater.
“Cute,” “Well done,” “A fun show” and “Festive” were some of the comments heard… Read more
Sunday, Sept. 30
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
A family favorite, fall tradition featuring classic New England festivities such as hayrides, pumpkin decorating, games on the village green and, of course, train rides. The community-inspired event will offer reduced museum admission for the entire day.
Saturday, Oct. 7 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 8 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
Pumpkin Pickin' Trains to SeaLyon Farm
Sept. 30; Oct. 7, 14 & 21
Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway (WW&F)
97 Cross Road, Alna
Pumpkin Pickin' Trains to SeaLyon Farm: Take the train to the Farm, go into the patch to pick your very own pumpkin(s) to take home. Lots of other fun fall activities. Pumpkins are priced by size. Board the hay ride with your perfect pumpkin in hand for your return trip to Sheepscot. Tickets at https://wwfry.org
Tuesday, Oct. 31
From 4 to 5 p.m. take a walk through the haunted Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (at 4 Oak St.) and sip warm cider (courtesy of Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce). Play giant-sized lawn games before lineup time for the parade through town starting at 4. FMI: 207-633-3112.
Scaerecrow Fest - Wiscasset
Early October - Oct. 30
The Wiscasset Rec Scavenger Hunt to find the hidden scarecrow; Scarecrow competition - with a People’s Choice award, vintage car show, scarecrow building 101, crafts, family movie
Saturday, Oct. 28
Boothbay Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wear your costumes and bring your own trick or treat bag!
Steam and barrel train rides, games. arts & crafts, eats & treats and ... the Monster Dig!!!
More information, including ticket prices at https://railwayvillage.org
Nightmare on Federal Street
Tuesday, Oct. 31
4-6:30 p.m.
Parade of Halloween characters * Costume contest - with prizes * Block party with trick or treating * DJ spinning Halloween tunes!
Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party - Boothbay Harbor
Saturday, Nov. 18
Specials begin at 6 a.m.! Set the timers on your coffee makers to start brewing at 5. Throw on your bathrobe, pour your cupper, grab your keys (and wallet) and fly to the car ... are you an early bird, or what?! Check the special Early Bird pages in the Nov. 16 edition of the Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper to map out your stops!
Nov. 18 - Dec. 31
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Thursday - Sunday: Gate opens at 3:30 and closes promptly at 9 p.m.
Closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Buy tickets online at www.mainegardens.org/events-exhibits/gardens-aglow or call 207-633-8000. Print your tickets or tickets can be scanned from your mobile phone – have the ticket PDF open on with the barcodes visible, and turn your screen brightness all the way up.
Saturday, Nov. 25
4 p.m.
The 4th annual! Local and regional fire departments outfit one truck for the holidays to win the Dalmatian Cup (awarded by local “celebrities”). Spectators decide the winner of the People’s Choice award through the Facebook live streaming or text your vote by phone: 207-350-5922. Parade begins at 4 p.m. from the Boothbay Fire Station to St. Andrews Village, up Townsend Avenue to Oak Street, turning left at the Library and down Townsend Avenue. Location for the awards ceremony TBD.
Friday, Dec. 1
Saturday, Dec. 2
St. Columba’s Episcopal Church
32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days! Selection of theme-decorated Christmas trees; returning holiday decor shops, treats, meals to go and more: Deck the Halls, Nature’s Gifts, Comfort & Joy, Sweet Shop, Dinners Ready!
Brief history of Harbor Lights Festival, now Boothbay Lights
The region’s holiday celebration began as The Scottish Christmas Walk with bagpipers playing highland marches and slow airs filled the streets of the downtown. It was a three-day event, Dec. 6-8, 1985, sponsored by Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.
There was a parade, Christmas craft fair at the YMCA, an open house at Boothbay Region Historical Society displaying fine china, furniture, and other wares previously owned by many of the original Scot settlers of the region. Local merchants and restaurants offered special promotions and discounts and lodging owners were encouraged to offer weekend packages.
Santa was brought to the Town Landing aboard one of Eliot Winslow’s tugs. After disembarking, Santa was greeted by Town Crier Brud Pierce and a group of pipers to a Boothbay Harbor fire truck to lead the Christmas parade that culminated in a piping event at the high school fields on Townsend Avenue.
A 20-foot Christmas tree was donated by Irving and Jane Conley, for the Library lawn, and decorated to reflect coastal and Scot themes – red lights and ribbons with large scallop shells (created by Bill Harris of the Boothbay Register). There was a tree lighting with Santa accompanied by the Carousel Theatre singers to lead the caroling.
In 2016, Harbor Lights became part of Boothbay Lights, which encompasses all of the region’s holiday events!
Saturday, Dec. 2
The Clauses and North Pole entourage arrive at the Town Landing in Boothbay Harbor around 3 p.m. and head for the Buoy Christmas Tree to talk to hear wish lists from local children. Can you say photo op?!
Saturday, Dec. 2
Parade: 6:45 - 7:30 p.m. Best viewing around the inner harbor - Whale Park on Commercial Street, Fishermen’s Memorial Park on Atlantic Avenue, and ... on the water!
Friday, Dec. 15 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16 & Sunday, Dec. 17: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor
Stopping by the Opera House at least once during this event is a holiday must! Gingerbread houses by novice and experienced baker builders always amaze and delight!
Prizes awarded in various categories including Most Spectacular, Best Traditional Gingerbread House Design, Most Hilarious, Best Representation of a Local Landmark, Best Holiday Spirit and more. No tickets required.
Dec. 1 - 3
All three days: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. See rooms with stunning architectural details including exquisitely carved moldings and grand fireplaces custom-made 200 years ago by local carpenters and decked out in gorgeous greens and holiday decorations. Advance purchase recommended - $5 Historic New England members and Wiscasset residents. $10 non-members. Tickets: www.historicnewengland.org/visit/events
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
Weekends in December: 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your train ride!
Stream train rides depart every 45 minutes to give children time to visit with Santa at the North Pole (a.k.a. Thorndike Station) starting at 10:45 a.m. Last train at 4 p.m.
Sweets and drinks.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://railwayvillage.org
All aboard!!
86 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. Discounted tickets through the Box Office open Wednesday - Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or call 207-633-5159; regularly priced tickets at https:// and at the door if any remain.
Oct. 21: Kathy Mattea - Oct. 28: Tannahill Weavers
Nov. 4: Don Campbell Band - Nov. 11: Mike Block & Biriba - Nov. 15: The Great Gingerbread Baking Class
Dec. 1: Peppino D’Agostino - Dec. 2: Còig - Dec. 9: Lunasa - Dec. 20: Carol Sing with Kevin Kiley and Friends - Dec. 29: Ellis Paul & Friends (Radoslav Lorkovic, Don Conoscenti and Lauri MacAllister).