At Spectrum News Maine, we want to be your community connection. Whether you are a local or just visiting Maine, there’s sure to be something to do near you — it’s ‘Vacationland’ after all. 

Bundle up and venture outside to explore Maine this weekend. From cross country skiing to ice fishing derbies, Mainers are embracing the winter season with outdoor events across the state. 

Here are 10 events happening this weekend:

Friday

Winter Carnival
Noon at Maine Craft Distilling in Portland
Head to Maine Craft Distilling this weekend for an afternoon of fun for the whole family. From ax throwing to a pig roast, a lot is happening at Portland’s distillery. Featuring live music, a distillery tour, food trucks, an ice bar and Nordic-inspired food and drinks, this is the place to eat, drink and be merry this weekend. Advanced registration is required for this free event. Secure your spot on Eventbrite today. 

Note this is a recurring event. Maine Craft Distilling is hosting its Winter Carnival through Feb. 26. 

Fairytale Castle Weekend Adventure
3 p.m. Friday-3 p.m. Sunday at Norumbega Inn in Camden
Take a staycation this weekend with Maine Yoga Adventures and relax at the Norumbega Inn in beautiful Camden. Overlooking the Penobscot Bay, enjoy a weekend of ‘snowga,’ skiing, hiking and, of course, eating your way through Camden’s foodie spots. Don’t miss out on a weekend adventure at Maine’s iconic ‘castle.’ Pre-registration is required. For event details and a full itinerary, click here

Saturday

Family Scavenger Hunt — Great Maine Outdoor Weekend
9 a.m. at the Carter’s XC Ski Center in Bethel
Grab your cross country skis or snowshoes and spend the afternoon looking for animal track signs for a chance to win prizes in Carter’s XC Ski Center’s scavenger hunt. Trail passes are required. Don’t have gear? Don’t let that stop you from venturing outdoors — the center has equipment you can rent. For more information, click here

Steambox Family Workshop: Make Your Own Logbook
10:30 a.m.-Noon at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine
Calling all future captains and crew — prepare for your next adventure and learn how to keep a logbook this weekend. Take inspiration from real logbooks from Maine Maritime Academy’s museum collection or create your own from scratch. This workshop is free and includes free admission to the museum. However, advanced registration is required.

Freezing For A Reason
1 p.m. at Highland Lake Beach in Bridgton
I don’t know why anyone would want to jump into a bitter cold lake in the middle of February, but I guess if it’s for a reason? The lake plunge is back as part of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Winter Carnival. A minimum pledge of $50 is required to nosedive. The cost of registration comes with a free sweatshirt and all proceeds benefit the Harvest Hill Animal Shelter. Jump time is at 1 p.m. and registration ends at noon. Share with your friends or RSVP on Facebook

Sunday

Somerset SnowFest Ice Fishing Derby
6 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lake George in Canaan
This weekend features free ice fishing throughout the state and communities are celebrating in typical Maine fashion – with a fishing derby. Grab your gear and hit the ice at Lake George for the derby. Registration for adults is $15 and $5 for kids. The weigh-in station will be located at the boat launch starting at 6 a.m. Winners of the derby will be announced at 3:30 p.m. To secure your spot, click here

 

Annual Children’s Ice Fishing Day
9 a.m.-2 p.m. at LeVasseur Pond at the Penobscot County Conservation Association in Brewer
Fun for the whole family, this event is perfect for your toddlers or teenagers. Pre-drilled holes and pre-placed ice fishing traps will be available, as well as bait. Children must be accompanied by an adult and all activities will be supervised by experienced fishers, sportsmen and women. Cast a reel and if your flag tips down, bring home your catch! Warm beverages and snacks will be available by donation. Click here for directions. 

Seventh Annual Winterpalooza
10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Haley Pond in Rangeley
Western Maine is celebrating the winter season with a plethora of outdoor activities during the seventh-annual Winterpalooza. Featuring cardboard sled races, ice skating, saucer bowling, pond hockey and curling – enjoy a day of playing in the snow this weekend. If you’ve got a competitive side, enter the dog keg pull or firewood toss to win a grand prize. The events kick off at 10 a.m. Don’t want to pack food? Hot lunches will be available starting at 11 a.m. at Haley Pond Park. Click here for directions or to register for a competition. 

Wood Pallet Couple or Singles Paint Night
2-5 p.m. at Bath Ale Works in Wiscasset
Paint as a couple on two pallets or fly solo – regardless, you’ll have fun during paint night with Nicole from Artful Nights Maine. A stencil and materials will be provided. Purchase your tickets on Eventbrite.

Can’t make it to paint night but still want to get crafty? Buy your materials and tune in to Nicole’s YouTube channel for at-home instruction. Click the video below to start painting.  

Maine Mariners vs. Trois-Rivières Lions
3 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland
Grab your foam fingers and head to the home of the Maine Mariners as they face off against the Trois-Rivieres Lions. The puck drops at 3 p.m. Secure your seats online on Ticketmaster or at the ticketing desk. 

Have an event that you’d like mentioned? Please email me at maddison.raynor@charter.com, and we’ll include it in our weekly list.