Fall brings crisp coastal air, changing leaves, and one of Ogunquit’s signature annual celebrations: OgunquitFest. This October festival fills town with crafts, costumes, live entertainment, seasonal activities, and plenty of reasons to spend a fall weekend on the southern Maine coast.
For anyone staying in our Ogunquit, Maine, vacation rentals, OgunquitFest makes it easy to combine classic Maine sightseeing with a full schedule of autumn fun.
What Is OgunquitFest?
OgunquitFest is an annual fall festival organized by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce. The event brings together family activities, Halloween traditions, shopping, entertainment, and special events at locations throughout Ogunquit.
The 23rd annual OgunquitFest is scheduled for October 23 through 25, 2026. Signature events announced by the Chamber include a classic car show, artisan craft fair, children’s trick-or-treating, Dogtoberfest costume parade, and the High Heel Dash.
When and Where OgunquitFest Takes Place
OgunquitFest takes place each October, with activities spread throughout downtown Ogunquit, Perkins Cove, Main Beach, and other locations around town. The Chamber schedules the festival for the second weekend after Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend. Because activities happen in several areas, plan on exploring more than one part of town during your visit.
What to Expect During the Festival
OgunquitFest combines traditional autumn celebrations with the coastal character that makes Ogunquit special. Visitors can expect family events, Halloween activities, crafts, live entertainment, and seasonal displays.
The exact lineup changes from year to year. The Chamber notes that the detailed schedule is generally posted about three to four weeks before the event, so check the official schedule as your trip approaches.
Explore the OgunquitFest Craft Fair
The artisan craft fair is one of the festival’s major attractions and a great addition to your list of things to do in Ogunquit.
For 2026, the Chamber says the fair will be held October 24 and 25 at the Dunaway Center and adjacent Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common. It is expected to feature roughly 50 to 60 vendors, with both indoor and outdoor shopping.
Visitors can browse locally made and handcrafted items while enjoying the festival atmosphere. It can also be a good opportunity to get an early start on holiday shopping.
See the Scarecrows Around Ogunquit
Scarecrows have a long history as part of OgunquitFest. Past festivals have featured creative displays from local businesses and organizations, turning a walk around town into another seasonal activity. Each year is a little different, so seeing all the scarecrows is always a unique experience that can turn into a yearly tradition.
Scarecrow Contest and Displays
The scarecrow contest has appeared in OgunquitFest celebrations for many years. Displays have traditionally been placed around town, giving visitors another reason to explore on foot.
Because individual events can change each year, check the current OgunquitFest schedule before planning specifically around the scarecrow contest. It is one of several fall activities in Ogunquit that may be part of the broader October celebration.
Enjoy OgunquitFest’s Family Activities
Families are a major part of OgunquitFest. The 2026 festival is scheduled to include children’s trick-or-treating and other Halloween-themed events.
Activities for Kids
The festival provides opportunities for children to participate. Seasonal crafts, costumes, and other family-focused activities have been featured in festival schedules over the years. Check age guidelines, locations, and any registration requirements on the current schedule before attending individual activities.
Halloween Fun
Halloween plays a big role in OgunquitFest. For 2026, the Chamber lists children’s trick-or-treating downtown on Friday night and in Perkins Cove on Saturday morning. Dogtoberfest adds another costume-filled event to the weekend. Costumes and a trick-or-treat bag are smart additions to the packing list when visiting with children.
Explore Downtown Ogunquit During the Festival
Leave time between scheduled events to explore downtown. OgunquitFest activities take place throughout town, so walking between events can become part of the experience.
Browse local shops, stop for a meal, or head toward the coast between festival activities. Perkins Cove and Main Beach also host signature events, giving visitors several areas of Ogunquit to experience during the weekend.
Tips for Planning Your OgunquitFest Weekend
A little preparation can make festival weekend easier.
- Check the official schedule shortly before your trip.
- Pack layers for changing October temperatures. By this time of year, it’s starting to get chilly in Maine!
- Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Review event locations before leaving your rental.
- Allow extra time when moving between popular festival areas.
- Confirm outdoor activities in case weather affects the schedule.
Booking our vacation rentals in Ogunquit, Maine ahead of time can also give your group a comfortable home base for the weekend.
Final Thoughts
OgunquitFest is a chance to experience Maine’s coast during one of its most colorful seasons. The artisan craft fair, costumes, children’s events, classic cars, entertainment, and Halloween traditions create a full weekend of activities for visitors of different ages.
Plan ahead, follow the current Chamber schedule, and give yourself time to explore Ogunquit beyond the scheduled events. A vacation home makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the full weekend at your own pace.
Book Your Ogunquit Vacation Rental with Jean Knapp Rentals
Jean Knapp Rentals has years of experience helping guests find vacation homes in Ogunquit and across southern Maine. Our team is committed to personalized service and can help you choose a rental that works for your group and travel plans. Browse our Ogunquit vacation homes and start planning a Maine getaway around OgunquitFest.