Invite 93 // Jul 16

A thoughtful reader recently pointed out that the tight spacing between events made it hard to tell which maps matched which events. Looking back at past issues, I realized they were 100% right and even spotted a few more formatting issues I fixed.

After 93 newsletters, I've probably developed some blind spots about what could work better. Fresh perspectives help me improve this as a community tool.

I'd love to hear from you:

• What would make your experience even better?
• Are there any small annoyances that bug you while reading?
• Is there anything you wish was included but isn't?

No feedback is too small - sometimes the little things make a big difference! Just hit reply and let me know what you think.

✌️ 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.

Summer Paddle Series on Fields Pond: Look Out for Loons!

Thu, Jul 17 | Holden | Paid

Paddle Fields Pond to observe loons and learn about their conservation with Maine Audubon, bringing your own kayak or canoe or reserving one for a small fee.

​Learn more​

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Sunrise Paddle at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge

Sat, Jul 19 | Old Town | Paid

Start your day with a peaceful sunrise paddle at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, where you'll watch nature wake up and hopefully spot eagles, beavers, and deer. Boats are included in the price.

​Learn more​

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Guided Walk @ Tidewater Farm

Sun, Jul 20 | Falmouth | Free

Explore the gardens and riverfront at Tidewater Farm with a guided walk led by a Maine Master Naturalist, open to all and free of charge.

​Learn more​

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Monday Music: The Sugarsnaps

Mon, Jul 21 | Hancock | Free

Enjoy an evening of live music at Tidal Falls Preserve, where you can relax with food from local trucks while the Sugarsnaps perform against a scenic backdrop.

​Learn more​

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MilliKAT 5K Trail Race

Sat, Jul 26 | Millinocket | Paid

Join the second annual MilliKAT 5k Trail Race for an exciting day of trail running, family fun, and community spirit with Katahdin Area Trails.

​Learn more​

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Crooked River 5k

Sun, Jul 27 | Harrison | Paid

Take part in a 5k trail run through the scenic Crooked River Forest, hosted by Loon Echo Land Trust to support local conservation efforts.

​Learn more​

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Pemaquid Beach Triathlon

Sun, Aug 24 | Bristol | Paid

Challenge yourself in "Maine's most beautiful triathlon" with an ocean swim, coastal bike ride, and village run at Pemaquid Beach while supporting a great cause.

​Learn more​

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Maine Lighthouse Ride

Sat, Sep 13 | Portland | Paid

Cycle past iconic Maine lighthouses and stunning coastal views with route options from 25 to 100 miles, all while supporting the Eastern Trail.

​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)

​Nomad Trail Race Series: July | Thu, Jul 17 | Paid​

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

​Hills and Thrills 2025 | Sat, Jul 19 | 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​

​Maine Lobster Festival: Road Race | Sun, Aug 3 | Paid​

​2025 Farm to Fork Weekend Getaway | Fri, Aug 8 - Sun, Aug 10 | Paid​

​West Forks Riverfest | Sat, Aug 9 - Sun, Aug 10 | Free​

​Casco Bay Swim Run | Sun, Aug 10 | Paid​

​Gravel Grand Slam: The Ploye Pedaler | Sat, Aug 16 | Donation Based​

​Firebird Trail Races | Sat, Aug 23 | Donation Based​

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

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

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

📝 Mushroom ID Walk with North Spore - Sat, Jul 12​

📝 Rubbish Project at Lay Day Roasters - Sat, Jul 12​

📝 July Volunteer Work Day - Sat, Jul 12​

📝 Looking for Sasquatch - Sat, Jul 12​

📝 Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga - Sat, Jul 12​

📝 Island Fieldtrip: Casco Passage Islands - Sat, Jul 12​

📝 Arts on the Hill: MoJO Jazz - Mon, Jul 14​

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!

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