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!
This week at the Lincoln Theater
“Killers of the Flower Moon” - (R; 3 hours, 26 minutes) - At the turn of the 20th century, oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight. The wealth of these Native Americans immediately attracted white interlopers, who manipulated, extorted, and stole as much Osage money as they could before resorting to murder. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and… Read more
This week at the Harbor Theater
“Priscilla” - (R; 1 hour, 50 minutes) - When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a gentle best friend. Through Priscilla’s eyes, Director Sofia Coppola tells the unseen side of a great American myth in Elvis and Priscilla’s long courtship and turbulent marriage, from a German army base to his dream… Read more
Free family movies at Harbor Theater
When everyone is just about worn out from holiday preparations, bring the family to relax at the movies, with free admission and free popcorn. Co-sponsored by the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport, the Harbor Theater’s Free Family Movies are making holiday activities just a bit more accessible and affordable for everyone in the community. In October, Halloween was marked by a free screening of “Beetlejuice” (1988).
For Thanksgiving, the Harbor Theater presents “… Read more
Victorian Christmas Trains at WW&F
Take the Steam train to visit Santa and enjoy Christmastime fun! The Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum (WW&F's) first Victorian Christmas Trains will depart Sheepscot Station on a magical Christmastime adventure Dec. 2, 9 and 16! Multiple departures from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at wwfry.org/christmas. WW&F is at 97 Cross Road in Alna.
Announcing Holiday Gifts For Giving 2023
The art of creatives of all media will be making the shopping scene at Studio 53 in downtown Boothbay Harbor in the annual Holiday Gifts for Giving show opening Saturday, Nov. 18. If that date sounds familiar its because that’s also the day of the annual Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party.
Artists: Neil Ames – hand-hewn and turned wooden bowls and lamps; Christine Thalia Anderson – Anderson Studio handcrafted artwork in ceramics and paintings;… Read more
‘Love Finds Judy Garland’ at Camden Opera House
The Camden Opera House presents “Love Finds Judy Garland,” a musical love letter by New York City vocalist Joan Ellison, Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. The concert also features Shane Schag on piano and Nora Willauer on cello.
“Ellison and Michael Feinstein restored Judy Garland’s original orchestral arrangements for the Judy Garland Heirs Trust, so she brings musical authenticity and a life-long love of Garland to the stage,” said Camden Opera House, in a news release. ‘Love Finds… Read more
It’s Early Bird Sale & PJ Party time - got lists?
If it’s November, particularly in Boothbay Harbor on the third Saturday of the month, a flock of unusually feathered birds will be found downtown. This year it all happens on Nov. 18 for the Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party! True, you won’t see these particular “bird species” featured in a Jeff and Allison Wells bird column, but they are colorful - “lovely plumage!” Some go in for the super warm onesie look, others prefer the matching top and bottom jammies or nightgowns (with long johns… Read more
Mat Kearney with special guest Jon McLaughlin
The Waldo is excited to bring acclaimed singer-songwriter Mat Kearney to the stage Wednesday, Nov.15 at 7 p.m. with special guest, Jon McLaughlin. Nashville-based, Oregon-born Mat Kearney is back with his new studio album, “January Flower.”
Written between an isolated retreat in Joshua Tree and his home studio, “January Flower” sees Kearney in his rawest form, distilling the songwriting process and rediscovering the joy of making music.
Over his career, Kearney has released… Read more
St. Philip’s Thanksgiving food distribution Nov. 16
St. Philip’s Help Yourself Shelf (HYS), 12 Hodge St. in Wiscasset, will be holding its Thanksgiving distribution on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Anyone planning to access the components of a Thanksgiving meal from HYS should come to St. Philip’s to receive the Thanksgiving meal bag plus a Shaw’s gift certificate to purchase their turkey, ham, or other items.
Thanks to generous donations from… Read more
The best of Maine bluegrass at the Lincoln Theater
‘Take Part in Art’ at BRAF
Where do creative ideas come from? Have you ever wondered, how did they think of that?
Boothbay Region Art Foundation welcomes artist and teacher Katharina Keoughan to the gallery on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. as part of the Gallery’s Take Part in Art Series. Keoughan will take you through the steps of finding and developing ideas in the visual arts. No talent required!
Find out more about the artist on her website: http://www.katharinak.… Read more
This week at the Lincoln Theater
“A Haunting in Venice” - (PG-13: 1 hour, 43 minutes) - “A Haunting in Venice” is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and… Read more
WMHS Haunted High School reset for Nov. 4
Wiscasset Middle High School Haunted High School, postponed a week ago, will be held Saturday, Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Annual Special Olympics Maine Lobster Dip set for New Year’s Day
Hundreds of people will take a cold dip into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day for the 36th Annual Lobster Dip. It is the biggest winter party on Old Orchard Beach to kick off the New Year, all to raise funds for Special Olympics Maine.
Dippers will converge in front of The Brunswick, the largest oceanfront patio bar in Old Orchard Beach. The first wave of dippers head into the ocean at 11:00 a.m. and the second wave starts at noon. To participate, each dipper must raise a… Read more
Used Book Room at WPL ready for holidays
Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and is celebrated in a special manner for those of us in New England. It is a day to gather and celebrate with friends and family. The cooks of Midcoast Maine are busy planning their dinner for that special day. Are you a first-time Thanksgiving chef or a longtime cook for this holiday? Are you planning a traditional dinner or thinking about some changes to your menu?… Read more
Gingerbread House Building Class Nov. 15
For nearly two decades Boothbay Harbor’s historic Opera House has been transformed each December with a display of dozens of gingerbread houses and castles, cabins and camps and more. The exhibit of gingerbread creations is the result of novices as well as seasoned professionals designing and creating original gingerbread structures for the annual Gingerbread Spectacular.
In preparation for this year’s Spectacular, the Opera House is offering a free class in the fine, and sometimes… Read more
Hope for the Holiday Collections feature locally-made items
New Hope Midcoast is holding a holiday sale starting Nov. 15. Large and small holiday collections may be ordered for Christmas or Hanukkah and include chocolate caramels from Bixby Chocolates, wines from Cellardoor Winery, paired sets from FIORE Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars, cake pops from LAUGH loud SMILE big, and “There’s Grounds for Hope,” New Hope Midcoast’s Rock City Coffee blend. Maine Gold Syrup and more of items already in the collections are available for an extra charge.
… Read moreEarly Bird sale all day at Skidompha Book Shop
On Early Bird Saturday, Nov. 4, the Skidompha Secondhand Book Shop will hold a store-wide, half-price sale from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On sale at half-price will be thousands of hardcover and paperback books for adults and children; music on records and CDs; movies on DVDs; and games and puzzles. The only items not included are gift certificates and books being held in reserve.
Refreshments will be offered to early shoppers.
Rosie Bensen, co-manager of the shop, said, “This… Read more
BBH Opera House: Mike Block and Biriba Union Nov. 11
Biribá Union features Grammy-winning Mike Block (cello, vocals), Grammy-nominated Christylez Bacon (beatbox, guitar, rhymes), and Patricia Ligia (electric bass, pandeiro, vocals) from Montevideo, Uruguay. Together they form a dynamic trio that blends original music with global influences, creating a fresh and accessible sound. Each member draws from their diverse backgrounds, including Brazilian, bluegrass, jazz, classical, hip-hop, folk, funk, and pop styles, synthesizing them through… Read more
This week at the Harbor Theater
“Killers of the Flower Moon” - (R; 3 hours, 26 minutes) - Already being touted as an Oscar front runner in all categories- cinematography, directing (Scorsese) acting (Di Caprio) and critics are raving about it.
Here’s what Manohla Dargis of the New York Times has to say about it: “Martin Scorsese’s three-and-a-half-hour epic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is a romance, a western, a whodunit and a lesson in the bloody history of the Osage Nation in the 1920s. An… Read more
A classic ride with the Johns: John Wayne in John Ford’s ‘The Searchers’
When our favorite Bates College professor and classic film consultant, Dr. Jon Cavallero and I began talking about the theme of this year’s classic series, “The Great Directors,” we, of course, started with Maine’s own John Ford who has been called Hollywood’s greatest chronicler of American history. But before I could even ask which movie—thinking how hard to choose between “The Grapes of Wrath” and “The Quiet Man,” John did not miss a beat in continuing, “and you will want to choose “The… Read more
Everyman Repertory Radio Theater to present ‘Dracula’
The Everyman Repertory Radio Theatre will bring a radio dramatization of “Dracula” to the Strand Theatre stage in Rockland on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. This live show will feature a cast of 10 actors and hundreds of sound effects.
The production stars the Everyman Repertory Radio Company, with Dean Jorgenson as Dracula, Scott Anthony Smith as Jonathan Harker, Robin Jones as Renfield, John Jurcheck as Dr. Seward, Joseph Coté as Van Helsing, and Jen Hodgson as Mina Harker. Other… Read more
This week at the Lincoln Theater
“Joan Baez I Am A Noise” - (NR; 1 hour, 49 minutes) - Neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, but a raw and intimate portrait of the legendary folk singer and activist that shifts back and forth through time as it follows her on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, audio recordings, and revealing testaments about her life on and off stage — from her lifelong… Read more
ScarecrowFest winners announced
Thank you to all who participated in ScarecrowFest. It seemed like everyone had fun, the weather was lovely, a perfect fall day!
Special shout out to our sponsors: Ames Supply, First Federal Savings Bank, Wiscasset Farmer's Market, Jodie's Cafe and Bakery, Norm's Used Cars, and Big Barn Coffee.
The $100 winner of the best scarecrow display is J Edward Knight Insurance. Congratulations!
The runner-ups will each receive a monetary consolation prize: Norm's Used Cars,… Read more
A night of new music and rich tradition from Gawler and Tischler
On Saturday, Nov. 4, Elsie Gawler and Ethan Tischler take the stage at the Merry Barn. These songsters and tunesmiths weave together a musical world of past, present, and hopeful future. Ethan and Elsie delight in learning and sharing the rich musical traditions of New England, Quebec, their Celtic influencers, and Scandinavia, as… Read more
‘The Crucible’ opens at the Poe Theater Oct. 26
In what has become an annual theater highlight in this community, Heartwood Theater and Lincoln Academy present their 21st collaborative production in LA’s Poe Theater, Thursday, Oct. 26 – Saturday, Nov 4. Under the direction of Griff Braley, a dedicated high school cast and crew of more than thirty is in final rehearsals, preparing to open Arthur Miller's “The Crucible.” This fast moving, deeply serious drama earned the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play and soon… Read more
Journey into the literary genius of Umberto Eco
Spine tinglers for Halloween week
It just may be time to settle down with a magical or frightening book or film, or two, in the comfort of home. With the week before Halloween, or Samhain for we pagans out there, upon us the time is nigh for indulging in those seasonal pursuits that are a bit more home-based, less clowns wielding chainsaws and zombies rising from graves... am I right?
How about a few bedtime stories? Anything by Stephen King, Poe, Lovecraft, and (Anne) Rice insidiously fit the bill. And some, like… Read more
Halloween
Halloween for our family has always been a major event, perhaps even more so than obvious other holidays which remain more festive and universal.
When we lived in Boothbay Harbor, on Sherman Street, Halloween became a significant and well planned extravaganza with all sorts of flashing lights, recorded spooky tunes, costumes, creative carvings and even impressive tombstones manufactured by our talented friend and artist Kevin Kiley. It was a huge neighborhood celebration.
Announcing the return of Art in the Square!
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).