Invite 88 // Jun 11

If you’re like me, the weekend gets all the glory when it comes to outdoor plans. Long hikes, full-day paddles, road trips out of town. But weeknights? They tend to slip by, eaten up by long work days, cooking dinner, and compulsive streaming.

Sometimes, we just need a small reminder that the 5-9 can also be a time to get outside. Here’s your nudge: the next three evenings are going to be some of the nicest yet this summer. Light breezes, a full moon tonight, and just enough daylight to make something happen.

It’s post-work paddling weather. Moonlit walking weather. Sunset-at-the-beach weather. Small adventure season is here—don’t wait for Saturday.

✌️ Max

Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event page before heading out.

The Maine Outsider is sponsored by Amble Therapy, offering walk & talk mental health counseling at nature preserves around Portland and telecounseling statewide.

Note: My views of this sponsor are in no way influenced by the fact she's my wife, I deeply respect her work, and I've benefited from a few great walks myself.

Full Moon on Mt. Battie

Wed, Jun 11 | Camden | Free

Experience the Strawberry Full Moon from atop Mt. Battie at Camden Hills State Park. Arrive early to get set up with a good viewing spot.

​Learn more​

Guided hike at Seal Cove Shore Preserve

Fri, Jun 13 | South Bristol | Free

Explore the Seal Cove Shore Preserve on a guided hike with Naturalist Sarah Gladu. Discover diverse landscapes and learn how the estuary shapes the forest.

​Learn more​

Portland Bike Party: Pride Ride

Fri, Jun 13 | Portland | Free

Celebrate Pride on two wheels with the Portland Bike Party's Pride Ride. Enjoy a fun, inclusive atmosphere while exploring the city with fellow riders.

​Learn more​

Summer Fest

Sat, Jun 14 | York | Free

Head over to Near Point Preserve for York Land Trust's Summer Fest, which features family-friendly activities like lawn games, scavenger hunts, bird walks, and outdoor yoga.

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Maine Residents Day

Sun, Jun 15 | Statewide | Free

Explore Maine’s State Parks and Historic Sites with free admission for residents.

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Learn-to-Disc Golf

Mon, Jun 16 - Mon, Jul 7 | Portland | Paid

Learn the basics of disc golf at Payson Park with hands-on instruction covering throwing mechanics and technique. Participants receive a set of discs to keep and access to discounted rounds.

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Nomad Trail Race Series: June

Thu, Jun 19 | Oxford | Paid

Run the June leg of the Nomad Trail Race Series at Smith Bridge Preserve in Oxford. Experience a 3-4 mile trail run through scenic landscapes with a community vibe.

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Dodge Point Trail Run Club

Thu, Jun 19 | Newcastle | Paid

Throughout the summer, Waterstruck Wellness is hosting a weekly trail run at 6:45 AM with the option to reserve post-run sauna and hydrotherapy sessions.

​Learn more​

Saltwater Shindig

Sun, Jul 20 | Harpswell | Free

Experience a unique lobster bake at the Saltwater Shindig on Goslings Island, hosted by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Enjoy gourmet food, craft beer, and activities for all ages while supporting coastal conservation.

​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)

​Dusk to Dark: A Paddle on the Presumpscot | Wed, Jun 11 | Paid​

​Maine Outcast Campout | Thu, Jun 12 - Sun, Jun 15 | Pai​Paddle For A Purpose | Sat, Jun 14 | Donation Based​

​Acadia Running Retreat | Wed, Jun 18 - Sat, Jun 21 | Paid​

​Maine's High Peaks Paddlefest | Fri, Jun 20 - Sun, Jun 22 | Paid​

​Bay of Fundy International Marathon & Half Marathon | Sun, Jun 22 | Paid​

​East Bayside Trail Fest | Sun, Jun 22 |​

​Sail Maine: Youth Summer Camps | Mon, Jun 23 - Fri, Jul 4 | Paid​

​Breaking Trail Running Weekend | Fri, Jun 27 - Sun, Jun 29 | Paid​

​Maine Summer Adventure Race | Sat, Jul 12 - Sun, Jul 13 | Paid​

​Forest & Forage | Sat, Jul 19 - Sun, Jul 20 | Paid​

​MITA Daysail & Island Stewardship | Thu, Jul 24 | Donation Based​

​Peaks to Portland Swim | Sat, Jul 26 | Paid​

​Teen Sailing Trip: Casco Bay | Sun, Jul 27 - Wed, Jul 30 | Paid​

​Island Ripple Run | Sun, Jul 27 | 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.

📝 Plant Paddle at Camp Gustin - Thu, Jun 5​

📝 Community Paddle - Thu, Jun 5​

📝 Paddle the Orange River - Sat, Jun 7​

📝 Millinocket X-Stream Canoe Race - Sat, Jun 7​

📝 First Saturday Nature Walk - Sat, Jun 7​

📝 Kids Day at the Farmstand! - Sat, Jun 7​

📝 BCM Joy Ride - Sun, Jun 8​

📝 Coastal Cleanup at Willard Beach - Sun, Jun 8​

📝 Paddle for Pine Tree Camp - Sun, Jun 8​

📝 Pothole Roubaix - Sun, Jun 8​

📝 Farm to Table Yoga - Sun, Jun 8​

📝 Weekly MTB Ride - Tue, Jun 10​

📝 Full Moon Walk - Tue, Jun 10​

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

The Maine Outsider is your invitation to get outside. Our mission is to connect you with outdoor organizations offering impactful events and experiences around the state.

We monitor 300+ organizations 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 us know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!