The Maine Outsider is a free newsletter curating outdoor events across the state. Our mission is simple — help you find the fun and help great organizations find you.
Invite 120 // May 6Things are coming to life out there, folks. Green grass is emerging, buds are starting to form, and peepers are calling. It's a fun time to be outdoors as each day brings something new. This week's slate features a balance of upcoming activities, like birding and citizen science projects, as well as future summer events worth getting on your calendar right now. Now, on to the good stuff. ✌️ Max Reach 1,000+ Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community resource. View sponsorship opportunities. Fish Count at NequassetFri, Apr 24 - Mon, Jun 8 | Woolwich | Free Count fish at the Nequasset fish ladder for two 10-minute periods during a two-hour volunteer slot, contributing to local estuary monitoring. Rubbish Project at Tandem CoffeeSat, May 9 | Portland | Free Pick up trash around Portland's Congress Street neighborhood, then stick around for coffee and raffle prizes from local businesses. Wings, Waves & Woods FestivalWed, May 13 - Sun, May 17 | Deer Isle | Donation-based Attend this five-day birding festival on Deer Isle featuring guided boat trips to spot puffins and seabirds, nature walks for warblers and shorebirds, and a mix of talks and waterfront activities for all skill levels. Beavers of the Wells ReserveWed, May 13 | Wells | Paid Walk along the Merriland River to observe beaver lodges, dams, and forest signs while learning about the North American Beaver's life history and ecology from a Maine Master Naturalist. Women's Spring Skills DaySun, May 17 | Mount Desert | Paid Learn fly fishing, foraging, sea kayaking, and wilderness skills across multiple hands-on workshops designed for women 18 and older seeking to build confidence in Maine's outdoors. Alewife Migration WalkThu, Jun 4 | Westbrook | Free Explore Mill Brook Preserve during the alewife spawning run to observe fish migration patterns and learn how scientists collect ecosystem data from GMRI researchers. This one fills up fast. Millinocket X-Stream Canoe RaceSat, Jun 6 | Millinocket | Paid Race 7.4 miles down Millinocket Stream's class II/III whitewater rapids from the Millinocket Lake Dam into downtown Millinocket in this annual canoe and kayak race. Intro to Kayaking Weekend WorkshopSat, Jun 13 - Sun, Jun 14 | Portland | Paid Learn sea kayaking fundamentals, including rescues, tidal conditions, and open water crossings, during this two-day beginner workshop on Casco Bay. Dates run throughout the summer and fill quickly. Breaking Trail Running WeekendFri, Jun 19 - Sun, Jun 21 | Carrabassett Valley | Paid Spend a weekend at the off-grid Flagstaff Lake Hut, combining guided trail runs, yoga, strength training, and lakeside activities at this all-inclusive running and wellness retreat for beginners to experienced runners. Coming Up (Previously Featured)Intro to Rock Climbing in Maine | Fri, May 1 - Sun, May 31 | Paid Spring Novice Ride Series | Thu, May 7 - Thu, Jun 11 | Paid Baskahegan Stream Canoe Race | Sat, May 9 | Paid Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K | Sun, May 17 | Paid Maine Needs: Walk and Race | Sat, May 23 | Donation-Based Trail Festival at Pineland Farms | Sat, May 23 - Sun, May 24 | Paid Maine Canoe Symposium | Fri, May 29 - Sun, May 31 | Paid John Andrews Memorial Eastern Trail 5K | Sat, May 30 | Paid Breaking Trail Running Weekend | Fri, Jun 19 - Sun, Jun 21 | Paid 👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state. I monitor 300+ newsletters, but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let me know. Thanks for reading. Now, get out there! |
The Maine Outsider is a free newsletter curating outdoor events across the state. Our mission is simple — help you find the fun and help great organizations find you.