Invite 117 // Apr 1

I've internalized the rhythms of Maine's outdoor event calendar after writing this newsletter for three years. I don't need data to say this confidently: the first two weeks of April are the quietest time of year, rivaled only by the first two weeks of December.

Last issue, I hit you with the sappy vernal re-frame—a call to action to view mud season in a new light. This week, my heart is in Florida. Or anywhere where the sun touches green.

This gray soup weather can wear you down.

I'm not admitting defeat, just my humanity. I'll still be hyping myself up to get out there, and eyeing those rubberized boots most Mainers have that let you hit the mud carefree.

Outside of hard-headed optimism, one thing that helps me this time of year is planning ahead. So this week's Outsider is heavy on future events.

Load up your calendar with canoe races and lakeside marathons. And when you're done, go outside and seek beauty in those increasingly large puddles.

✌️ Max

Sponsored: Join Teens to Trails for Bow Ties & Bean Boots on April 9th, 5-7 pm at The Cellars at Allagash Brewing in Portland! An evening of live music, local food and drink, and a raffle with amazing outdoor gear and experiences, all in support of expanding outdoor access for Maine youth. ​​ ​Grab your tickets here​

Reach 1,000 Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community resource. View sponsorship opportunities.

Beginner Bird Walk

Fri, Apr 3 | Holden | Free

Join beginner-friendly bird walks around Fields Pond's diverse habitats each week with binoculars available to borrow.

​Learn more​

Frost Heave Fondo

Sun, Apr 12 | Union | Paid

Ride 44 miles of hilly Midcoast gravel roads with sweeping views hosted by Maine Gravel Series with proceeds supporting local trail building and Midcoast Trails Stewardship.

​Learn more​

Southern Maine Field Day: Vernal Pools

Tue, Apr 14 | Cape Elizabeth | Free

Monitor vernal pools and learn how to engage youth in tracking seasonal wetlands that support fairy shrimp, wood frogs, and salamanders while contributing data to a regional network.

​Learn more​

Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race

Sat, Apr 18 | Bangor | Paid

Paddle 16.5 miles of class II and III whitewater from Kenduskeag to downtown Bangor, navigating two mandatory portages in this competitive race organized by Bangor Parks & Recreation.

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Machias River Race

Sat, Apr 25 | North Washington | Paid

Navigate this 10.5-mile race course from First Machias Lake through scenic flatwater and Class II/III rapids, with registration and food truck at the Wilderness Lodge in Cherryfield.

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Moosehead Marathon

Sun, Apr 26 | Greenville | Paid

Lace up for a marathon or half-marathon through rolling hills, paved back roads, and dirt stretches along the shores of Moosehead Lake and through downtown Greenville.

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Maine Needs: Walk and Race

Sat, May 23 | Portland | Donation Based

Run or walk a 5K to help stock essential goods for thousands of Mainers in need. Early-bird pricing ends today.

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Maine Canoe Symposium

Fri, May 29 - Sun, May 31 | Woodstock | Paid

A three-day celebration of canoeing with on-water instruction and land-based workshops at Bryant Pond, with all canoes, paddles, and gear provided. Early bird pricing ends soon.

​Learn more​

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)

​Queer + BIPOC Maine Guide Prep Course | Fri, Apr 17 - Sun, Apr 19 | Paid​

​Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K | Sun, May 17 | Paid​

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.

📝 Vernal Equinox Concert - Fri, Mar 20​

📝 Tracks and Trees Snowshoe - Sat, Mar 21​

📝 Guided Hike at Dodge Point - Sat, Mar 21​

📝 Maple Sugaring and Sauna - Sat, Mar 21 - Sun, Mar 22​

📝 Maine Maple Sunday Weekend - Sat, Mar 21 - Sun, Mar 22​

📝 Drawing Nature for Kids - Sun, Mar 22​

📝 Outdoor Studio - Fri, Mar 27​

📝 World Trails Film Festival - Sat, Mar 28​

📝 Pond-A-Palooza - Sun, Mar 29​

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 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!