The Fall Festival to End Hunger stands as an unrivaled autumn tradition, proudly holding the distinction of being the premier seasonal charity festival hosted at the base of BigRock Mountain. This massive, action-packed day brings together residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers from all across the region to celebrate the changing seasons while supporting Maine Credit Union’s Campaign to End Hunger. The event represents the absolute height of community goodwill in Aroostook County, transforming the majestic mountain landscape into a bustling hub of entertainment and charity. It serves as a powerful multi-generational gathering where every ticket sold directly benefits local food pantries and regional Meals on Wheels programs, making it a cornerstone of local impact and seasonal celebration.
What elevates this spectacular weekend to the absolute pinnacle of fall entertainment is its incredible blend of high-energy excursions, live entertainment, and outdoor hospitality. The festivities feature an extraordinary lineup of events, including scenic group ATV rides originating from multiple historic towns, competitive charity golf scrambles, and breathtaking chairlift rides that offer unmatched panoramic views of the region's famous autumn foliage. At the base of the mountain, the grounds come alive with an exceptional music festival atmosphere featuring a diverse lineup of live bands, a sprawling collection of popular local food trucks, a lively beer garden, and a massive community bonfire under the stars. Seamlessly uniting outdoor adventure with a festive, welcoming backyard vibe, this landmark event delivers the definitive, must-attend autumn experience for anyone looking to enjoy the very best of autumn in Northern Maine.
Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Mars Hill Country Club for the 3rd Annual Charity Golf Scramble, proudly hosted by The County Federal Credit Union. Registration begins at 8:00 AM with a 9:00 AM shotgun start, and the $70 per golfer ($280 per team) entry fee includes green fees, a cart, lunch provided by the Mars Hill Country Club, and entry to The County’s Fall Festival to End Hunger. Golfers will enjoy exciting contests such as Closest-to-the-Pin, Longest Drive, a 50/50 raffle, and two separate Hole-In-One prize opportunities. More than just a great day of golf, this event supports local food pantries and the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program, making every swing count toward a stronger, healthier community. Register now for the golf scramble or at the event.
Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for the 3rd Annual ATV/UTV Charity Ride, proudly hosted by The County Federal Credit Union, with departures from Mars Hill, Caribou, Fort Fairfield, and Presque Isle. Registration begins at 9:00 AM with rides starting at 10:00 AM, and the $30 driver and $5 rider entry fee includes a safety orientation, guided ride with planned stops, and lunch provided by the Star City ATV Club. Riders will enjoy a scenic journey with a photo opportunity at the top of BigRock, along with fun contests such as ATV/UTV decorating, a costume competition, and a 50/50 raffle. The day’s schedule features registration and orientation in the morning, a mid-ride stop at the Aroostook Centre Mall, lunch at the Star City ATV Clubhouse, and a finale at BigRock before wrapping up with live music and a silent auction at The County’s Fall Festival to End Hunger. More than just a ride, this event helps support local food pantries and the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program. Register now for the ATV Ride or at the event.
Mars Hill, Maine, incorporated in 1867, sits in the shadow of Mars Hill Mountain less than two miles from the New Brunswick border and holds the distinction of being the first place in the continental United States to see the sunrise for nearly half of the year, from late March through mid-September. The town celebrated that distinction on July 4, 1960, when the first 50-star American flag to be touched by the morning sun was raised at the summit at 4:33 a.m. with a 50-gun salute. Today the mountain is home to Big Rock Mountain, which features 1,800 feet of vertical, 26 trails, and a new Sunrise Quad chairlift installed in 2024 - named for the very phenomenon that puts Mars Hill on the map. The summit of Mars Hill Mountain is the final peak on the International Appalachian Trail before the route crosses into Canada, drawing hikers, sunrise chasers, and adventurers to the rolling potato fields and farmland that define this small-town corner of Aroostook.
Aroostook County hosts a variety of vibrant events throughout the year. From the world-renowned Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race in winter to the lively Northern Maine Fair in summer, there's always something exciting happening. Other highlights include the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, Potato Blossom Festival, and the Scandinavian Houlton Arts and Crafts Fair. These events celebrate the region's culture, heritage, and natural beauty, offering unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Places to go, things to see and what to do—all neatly laid out. Begin your Aroostook adventure with the official travel guide to ensure the only surprises during your trip are the good ones.
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