Invite 89 // Jun 18

This weekend is the summer solstice, which gives you roughly 15 hours and 26 minutes of sunlight to play around with in Portland (add ~30 minutes for Aroostook County).

This week's lineup leans into the solstice magic with a golden hour concert series, a dusk firefly walk, and full-day summit hikes. Happy solstice to all who celebrate. Now on to the good stuff.

✌️ 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.

Tidepooling at Reid State Park

Fri, Jun 20 | Georgetown | Free

Explore the intertidal world at Reid State Park with KELT as part of this family-friendly tidepooling adventure for all ages.

​Learn more​

Vigorous Tenderness: a summer solstice concert

Fri, Jun 20 | Windham | Donation Based

Experience the summer solstice at Vigorous Tenderness, an outdoor concert featuring chamber music in a natural setting.

​Learn more​

Puzzle Mountain Hike

Sat, Jun 21 | Newry | Free

Trek up Puzzle Mountain with the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust as part of this challenging 7.2-mile guided hike.

​Learn more​

Outdoor BIPOC Meditation

Sat, Jun 21 | Portland | Free

Join the Portland Yoga Collective for a free meditation gathering in the pines of Baxter Woods for the BIPOC community.

​Learn more​

Canoeing on the Orange River

Sun, Jun 22 | Whiting | Free

Paddle the Orange River with Maine Outdoor School for a day of wildlife watching and canoeing. Beginners are welcome, and gear is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

​Learn more​

Open Farm Day Jubilee

Sun, Jun 22 | Berwick | Paid

Head over to Open Farm Day Jubilee at Hackmatack Farm, which features live music, food vendors, farmyard tours, and activities for kids.

​Learn more​

Spa Days at Smithereen Farm

Sun, Jun 22 | Pembroke | Paid

Soak in a seaweed tub and relax in a shared sauna overlooking Cobscook Bay at Smithereen Farm's spa days throughout the summer.

​Learn more​

Firefly Walk

Tue, Jun 24 | Scarborough | Free

Explore the world of fireflies at Pleasant Hill Preserve with a science educator.

​Learn more​

Quarry Road Trails Summer Running Race Series

Tue, Jun 24 | Waterville | Paid

The Quarry Road Trails Summer Running Series offers weekly trail races for all abilities, ranging from 3 km to 8 km. Each Tuesday evening features a fun atmosphere with race options for all ages and fitness.

​Learn more​

Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge

Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Carrabassett Valley | Donation Based

Tackle a 23.4-mile hike through the western mountains, which raises money to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

​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)

​Learn-to-Disc Golf | Mon, Jun 16 - Mon, Jul 7 | Paid​

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

​Nomad Trail Race Series: June | Thu, Jun 19 | Paid​

​Dodge Point Trail Run Club | Thu, Jun 19 | 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 | Paid​

​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​

​Saltwater Shindig | Sun, Jul 20 | Free​

​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.

📝 Dusk to Dark: A Paddle on the Presumpscot - Wed, Jun 11​

📝 Full Moon on Mt. Battie - Wed, Jun 11​

📝 Maine Outcast Campout - Thu, Jun 12 - Sun, Jun 15​

📝 Guided hike at Seal Cove Shore Preserve - Fri, Jun 13​

📝 Portland Bike Party: Pride Ride - Fri, Jun 13​

📝 Paddle For A Purpose - Sat, Jun 14​

📝 Summer Fest - Sat, Jun 14​

📝 Maine Residents Day - Sun, Jun 15​

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!