The autumn equinox passed this last week, marking the official end of summer. Don’t despair, the University of Maine and the surrounding area have plenty of fun things to do as the months get colder.
UMaine Fall Traditions
UMaine has plenty going on in the fall, ranging from traditional events to Halloween shenanigans. Here’s a list of the biggest and most popular events going on.
Homecoming
Taking place on Oct. 13 and 14, UMaine’s Homecoming welcomes back Alumni while having a slew of activities for current students. The two members of homecoming royalty will be crowned. There’ll be plenty of tailgating in the parking lots, and the football team will play against Monmouth Hawks. To learn more about different events taking place during homecoming, visit https://www.umainehomecoming.com
Field Hockey, Ice Hockey and Football
Furthermore, some of UMaine’s biggest sports seasons happen in the fall. Football is underway and will continue through November 18. Get to a game while you can! Men’s and women’s ice hockey will also be getting started. Keep an eye out for the UNH rival games, with the men’s being on Dec. 1 and the Women’s on Oct. 13. Students should also show their pride at a women’s field hockey game in their new complex. The team’s tournaments are in early November.
Planetarium shows
The Versant Power Astronomy Center will also switch to their October shows. The show “Halloween: Celestial Origins” will take you through the history of All Saint’s Day, Samhain and into our modern Halloween. There’s also the music show “Monster Mash: A Halloween Spooktacular!” The music show puts your typical planetarium show in a lineup of thematic music.
If you want something less Halloween-themed, there’s also the weekly show “Black Hole- First Picture.” This science-based show covers the first image of a black hole and the technology that went into it.
Human vs. Zombies
Ever wanted to play a campus-wide game of manhunt? You’re in luck. This year’s game of Humans vs. Zombies is coming up. As a human, you’ve got two hours to survive the zombies hunting you, with only your wits (and maybe a projectile) to keep you alive. Look out for future information and be ready to meet at the mall on Oct. 27 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Terrell House Halloween Party
The Terrell House, located on College Ave., throws a Halloween party for students. If you’re looking for a good place to show off your costume, feel free to stop in. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram and look out for information on this year’s event.
Halloweekend Union Takeover and Trick or Treat Trail
Everyone loves a good Halloween party, and UMaine is no different. The Union will be decked out for the weekend before Halloween, Oct. 28 and 29. Stop in for a costume contest, music, refreshments and more. This year, a new tradition is in the works. A trick-or-treat trail will be available on Saturday, Oct. 28. It will be located around the mall and library. No one can pass up free candy.
Off-Campus
UMaine isn’t the only place to enjoy the fall season. If you’re looking for something to do on the weekends, try looking around the community.
Treworgy Family Orchards corn maze
Bangor’s Treworgy Family Orchards has the longest-running corn maze in Maine. It’s been active since 2001 and gets more elaborate each year. This year’s maze is “Farming for 40” and depicts a tractor to honor the 40 years the farm has been open. The maze is available during the day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Running the maze isn’t your only goal, as puzzles are hidden within that can get you a free ice cream. The maze will be open for nighttime runs on Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28.
Also at the farm are fresh apples and pumpkins, as well as other in-season crops, making it a good stop for all the fall needs.
Fall foliage
If you want to witness all that Maine’s foliage has to offer, plan a trip in mid-October. This is when you’ll see the most changed leaves. Acadia, Baxter State Park, Camden and Mt. Katahdin all have lovely views during the autumn.
This is far from a comprehensive list of things to do in the fall. Take a look at the Union and CAB schedules to find what events are being run, as well as local orchards and haunted houses.
