Invite 135 // Aug 19

This week, I thought it would be fun to start with a roundup of good news in the outdoor world. Here are some exciting developments that happened this summer, while you were hopefully out on the water, in the woods, or atop a mountain.

• ​The gap is gone — A new 1.6-mile segment of the Eastern Trail opened in South Portland/Scarborough, creating 16 continuous off-road miles from Bug Light Park to downtown Saco.
• ​78,000 acres permanently protected in western Maine — A four-group coalition closed a historic deal in the Magalloway region, connecting over 500,000 acres of conserved land across western Maine and New Hampshire.
• ​Dam removal begins on the Royal River — Crews started tearing out Yarmouth's Bridge Street Dam in late July, the first step in restoring fish passage to the river.
• ​New trail network opens in Liberty — Volunteers with the Hills to Sea Trail Coalition completed 5.5 miles of new footpaths across 1,100+ conserved acres at Bolen Hill.

That's only a sample, but enough to get me excited. Now, on to this week's events.

✌️ Max

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Arts on the Hill: Hot Suppers

Wed, Aug 19 | Rockport | Free

Pack a picnic dinner and climb to the top of Beech Hill Preserve for an evening of live music from a local band blending rock, blues, and Americana.

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Concert on the Cove

Wed, Aug 19 | Stonington | Paid

Gather at Burnt Cove for a lobster boil paired with live music and community celebration on the waterfront.

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Yoga in Payson Park

Wed, Aug 19 | Portland | Paid

Stretch through a full-body yoga flow in Portland's Longfellow Arboretum, an all-levels class held on grass with fresh air and city park views.

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Weekly Community Paddle

Tue, Aug 25 | Portland | Paid

Paddle with local sea kayakers on early morning group sessions at East End Beach, free with your own boat or membership.

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August Full Moon Dark Dip

Wed, Aug 26 | South Portland | Free

Get out for an ocean dip in the dark at Willard Beach with the Two Maine Mermaids crew.

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Packraft RoundUp

Fri, Sep 4 - Mon, Sep 7 | Millinocket | Paid

Packraft the West Branch Penobscot at this multi-day campout featuring evening programs, safety talks, and optional guided outings.

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Volunteer Overnight Experience

Tue, Sep 8 - Wed, Sep 9 | Carrabassett Valley | Free

Clear trails around Flagstaff Lake Hut to prep for a Make-A-Wish event, with a free overnight stay and gear shuttle included.

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Spud Spin Gravel Ride

Sun, Sep 27 | Saint Agatha | Donation Based

Ride 25 or 34 miles of gravel roads and ATV trails through northern Maine potato country with a climb offering views of Long Lake, free entry with donations supporting local athletics.

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Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Maine Summer Hiking Series | Wed, May 13 - Sat, Sep 26 | Donation Based​

​Women at Sea: Expedition on Casco Bay | Tue, Aug 18 - Thu, Aug 20 | Paid​

​Concert in the Woods | Wed, Aug 19 | Free​

​Firebird Trail Races | Sat, Aug 22 | Donation Based​

​Pemaquid Beach Triathlon | Sun, Aug 23 | Paid​

​Freeport Summer Ride | Tue, Aug 25 | Donation Based​

​Fireweed: Women's Mountain Bike Retreat | Fri, Aug 28 - Sun, Aug 30 | Paid​

​Rooting for Climate Resilience | Sat, Sep 12 | Free​

​Maine Lighthouse Ride | Sat, Sep 19 | Paid​

​Maine Woods Rambler | Sat, Sep 26 | Paid​

​Harvest at the Huts | Sat, Sep 26 | Paid​

​Farm to Farm Ultra | Sun, Sep 27 | Paid​

​Pleasant Mountain Race | Sun, Sep 27 | 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!