I had the great good fortune to attend the University of Michigan—not only because it is a great university, which it is, but because Ann Arbor is home to Zingerman’s, arguably one of the finest delicatessens in the United States.

The annual Owls Head Pumpkin Walk returns for the 5th year, Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Previously held at Plaisted Preserve, the walks will now take place along the trails behind the Owls Head Transportation Museum. 

Experience the magic of nearly 150 glowing Jack-o’-lanterns, carved or donated by friends, neighbors, and community members, said a Georges River Land Trust news release. 

These events are free and open to all ages. Halloween costumes are encouraged.

Haunted HALLoween 2026 at the Spruce Head Community Hall, 30 Village Rd., in Spruce Head, will be held Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m.

"Our haunted residents are dying to meet you," said the Hall, in a news release.

This is the third annual Haunted HALLoween with games, treats, and new animatronics, "which will bring out the ghoul in all ages," said the news release.

Donations welcome to support hall events.

Saturday, October 24, 2026 is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, which addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue, according to a Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnerships news release 

"Unused prescriptions in the home pose risks such as accidental poisoning, theft, or prescription drug misuse," said PBCHP. "Proper disposal of leftover prescription drugs helps prevent the more than 13 million cases of prescription drug misuse and tens of thousands of overdose deaths reported annually in the U.S."

The Thomaston Dog Park will hold its Annual Yard Sale on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Thomaston Academy Building, on Gleason Street.

“The yard sale is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Seth Silverton, chair of the Thomaston Dog Park, in a news release. “It brings neighbors and their dogs together, and every purchase, treat and raffle ticket helps keep us the Best Dog Park in Maine.” 

Lincolnville Center Indoor Flea Market will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to noon, in the Community Building, at 18 Searsmont Road, Rt. 173, in Lincolnville CENTER. 

This market offers a wide variety of merchandise from the useful to the unusual including vintage household goods, seasonal decorations, handcrafts, farm products and delectable sweet and savory baked goods.

A "Repair Cafe" will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., at the Waldo YMCA, in Belfast. This is a free event.

"Don’t live in the dark," said Belfast Community Works, in a news release. "We can fix your broken lamps. Bring us your vacuum or small appliances. How about a blender or sewing machine? Clothes got holes? Keep wearing your favorite sweater or pants. Need a button? Have a zipper that sticks? Come by, see, learn and have some fun."

H.O.M.E., Inc. invites the community to a fall gathering, "Voices by the Fire," on Friday, October 9, at its Orland campus. 

This free, family-friendly event celebrates creativity, community, and the changing season with a cozy evening of activities, treats, and togetherness, according to H.O.M.E., Inc., in a news release.

Trunk or Treat kicks off the festivities in the gift shop parking lot from 4 - 5:30 p.m., "offering a safe and festive way for children to enjoy Halloween fun," said the news release.

The Belfast Senior College will hold its Fall Fun(d)raising Auction Party on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at the Waldo County Shrine Club. 

"Bring your friends for a night of socializing and amusement," said the College, in a news release. "Browse the silent auction items then sit back with delicious finger foods and drinks, ready for the live auction action to begin."

Items to bid on include a night at The Alden House bed and breakfast, a signed archival print of a Jerri Finch original oil painting, “Burning Off," and a variety of other art works, food and craft items.

"Mr. Drew and His Animals Too will delight both children and adults when Drew Desjardins brings a group of exotic animals to visit the Cushing Community School on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m.," said a Cushing Public Library news release.

This collaborative community event, co-sponsored by Cushing and Thomaston public libraries, is free and open to the public.

The Waldoboro Fire Department will host its annual Open House on Friday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m.

Everyone is invited to the fire station at 1600 Atlantic Highway in Waldoboro. There will be fire truck rides, popcorn, games, and an opportunity to meet Sparky the Fire Dog. 

During the event you can view the department's history through photos and news stories throughout the years. 

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, at noon, Gabriel LeMay, an entomologist with the Maine Forest Service, will present the latest news on the Emerald Ash Borer’s journey through Maine. This free presentation, sponsored by the Belfast Garden Club, will be held at the Abbott Room of Belfast Free Library. Everyone is invited to attend.

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect pest that threatens health and survival of our native ash species, according to a Garden Club news release. It was first detected in Belfast in 2025.