Invite 102 // Sep 17

It pains me when I discover a great event and it sells out before I can include it in the next newsletter. Such was the case with the Fall Foliage Express, a one-off train ride out of Millinocket, traversing forestlands around Katahdin on commercial tracks, benefitting youth programs on the Allagash. I heard about it last week, and by today, it was sold out.

I've developed a spidey sense for what's going to be popular and what isn't, after bookmarking 1,000 events and viewing at least 10 times that many (conservatively).

I've learned that MITA volunteer events fill up instantly, BCM marquee events like the Maine Woods Rambler sell out, and most family events with Chickadeeds waitlist in days.

So what makes some events sell out while others don't? Beyond a large audience or extensive marketing resources, here are some common ingredients of great outdoor events.

Collaborative: The best events seem to pull together different clubs, vendors, and experience providers in a novel way.

Multi-Modal: Boat to bike, bike to hike, walk to paint, ferry to run. People seem to love combining different types of movements.

Peak Moments: A surprising or celebratory moment, like Portland Bike Party's Dance Break or post-race pizza.
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A Story: People want to be a part of a story. Experiences that are designed with a shareable story in mind tend to do well.

I'm not an expert, just an observer. All props to the outdoor programmers, event coordinators, and community organizers. Keep creating the magic 🪄

✌️ Max

Climb aboard Oli’s Trolley and roll through Bar Harbor and Acadia in style! With lively guides, epic views from Cadillac Mountain, and salty tales at Thunder Hole, it’s the perfect mix of fun and history. Seats fill fast—don’t miss the ride! All aboard, book today at Olistrolley.com​

Sponsored by Oli's Trolley. Become the next sponsor to reach 850+ Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community resource.

Bike Park Skills Clinic & Outdoor Films

Thu, Sep 18 | Portland | Free

Attend a skills clinic at the new Riverton Trolley Bike Park with GPNEMBA, followed by a screening of short bike documentaries from the Maine Outdoor Film Festival.

​Learn more​

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Portland Bike Party

Fri, Sep 19 | Portland | Free

Portland Bike Party has upped its game. The next social ride starts and ends at Hi Fidelity Brewing and includes a mobile DJ on a bike for the mid-ride dance break.

​Learn more​

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Harvest Party

Sat, Sep 20 | Cape Elizabeth | Free

Celebrate fall at Turkey Hill Farm with food, live music, games, and evening hikes led by the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust.

​Learn more​

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State Parks Free Admission

Sat, Sep 20 | Statewide | Free

As mentioned in the last issue, take advantage of free admission to state parks by presenting your library card.

​Learn more​

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Fall Equinox Concert

Mon, Sep 22 | Windham | Donation Based

Experience an outdoor concert at Bumbleroot Organic Farm featuring diverse chamber music performances as you stroll through the landscape, savoring the fall equinox.

​Learn more​

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Open Farm Day

Sun, Sep 28 | Berwick | Paid

Twice a year, Hackmatack opens up its farm for open festival days, which feature outdoor live music, farm tours, and food vendors.

​Learn more​

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Fall Trail Rally

Sat, Oct 4 | Millinocket | Paid

If you're a biker or trail runner and haven't checked out the Hammond Ridge Trails in Millinocket, you're missing out. The Fall Trail Rally is your chance to experience these epic trails with multiple race options in a community setting.

​Learn more​

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Slow Leaf Peeping Class | Sun, Sep 14 - Sun, Nov 2 | Paid​

​Nature X Change | Wed, Sep 17 | Free​

​Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge | Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Donation Based​

​5th Annual Oxbow All Species Fishing Tournament | Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Paid​

​ACT Trail Fest | Sat, Sep 20 | Paid​

​Mt. A Trail Challenge | Sat, Sep 20 | Paid​

​Harvest at the Huts | Sat, Sep 27 - Sun, Sep 28 | Paid​

​Spud Spin Gravel Ride | Sun, Sep 28 | Donation Based​

​Flagstaff Foliage & Historical Weekend | Fri, Oct 10 - Sun, Oct 12 | Paid​

​Crooked River Rambler | Sun, Oct 12 | Paid​

​Run MDI: Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay | Sun, Oct 19 | Paid​

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Trail Log: Share your Experience

Have you attended any of these recent activities? Use the quick check-in links(30 seconds or less) to log your attendance and share your experience.

📝 Coastal Excursion: Sea Level Rise SUP Tour - Thu, Sep 11​

📝 Alpine Run Retreat - Fri, Sep 12 - Sun, Sep 14​

📝 Maine Lighthouse Ride - Sat, Sep 13​

📝 Rubbish Project at Coveside Coffee - Sat, Sep 13​

📝 Annual River Clean-Up - Sat, Sep 13​

📝 Big Falls Music & Cider Fest - Sat, Sep 13​

📝 Maine Apple Sunday - Sun, Sep 14​

📝 Ocean Motion & Meditation - Tue, Sep 16​

Your responses help us decide which events to feature again and motivate the newsletter's continued creation.

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 400+ 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!

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