Common Ground Country Fair Guide
Visiting the COMMON GROUND COUNTRY Fair from Camden & Midcoast Maine
Each September, tens of thousands of visitors gather in central Maine for one of the most celebrated agricultural events in the country: the Common Ground Country Fair.
Held in the town of Unity and organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the fair is a three-day celebration of organic farming, sustainable living, rural traditions, and Maine’s vibrant agricultural culture.
If you’re planning to attend, this guide will help you experience the fair—from what to see and expect to the best places to stay nearby. Just a short scenic drive away, Camp DeForest offers a peaceful coastal retreat for fair-goers, combining the experience of rural Maine with the comfort of a classic Midcoast getaway.
What Is the Common Ground Country Fair?
The Common Ground Country Fair is one of the largest and most respected agricultural fairs in the United States. Organized annually by MOFGA, the event celebrates organic farming, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and traditional rural skills. Many consider it to be the first organic fair in history!
Each year, more than 60,000 visitors attend the three-day fair, which features hundreds of exhibitors, demonstrations, and educational events focused on sustainable agriculture and rural living.
The fair is known for its welcoming atmosphere and its mission of promoting a healthier relationship between people, food, and the land.
Where It Happens: Unity, Maine
The fair takes place at the MOFGA Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine, about 35 minutes from Camp DeForest.
The fairgrounds include open fields, demonstration areas, barns, and wooded trails that host a wide variety of activities and exhibits. Visitors spend the day exploring different sections of the fairgrounds while learning about organic farming and sustainable living.
Because the fairgrounds are large and the event draws tens of thousands of attendees, many visitors plan multi-day visits to fully experience everything the fair offers.
What to See at the Fair
Agricultural Demonstrations
One of the core elements of the fair is its focus on agricultural education. Visitors can watch demonstrations on topics such as:
Organic gardening and farming techniques
Seed saving and plant breeding
Sustainable forestry and homesteading
Beekeeping and livestock care
These demonstrations make the fair especially appealing to farmers, gardeners, and sustainability enthusiasts.
Livestock & Farming Exhibits
The fair features barns and exhibition areas showcasing traditional livestock breeds and farming practices.
Visitors can see:
Heritage cattle, sheep, and goats
Draft horse demonstrations
Sheepdog herding exhibitions
Poultry and small livestock displays
These exhibits highlight Maine’s agricultural traditions and the importance of preserving heritage breeds.
Maine Food & Farm Vendors
Food is a major highlight of the fair, with vendors serving dishes made from locally grown organic ingredients.
Popular offerings include:
Wood-fired pizza
Organic vegetarian meals
Fresh apple cider and baked goods
Local cheeses and farm products
Many visitors come specifically to experience the wide range of farm-based foods available at the fair.
Crafts, Artisans, and Sustainable Living
Hundreds of exhibitors showcase handmade goods, traditional crafts, and tools for sustainable living.
Visitors can explore booths featuring:
Handcrafted furniture and woodworking
Natural fiber clothing and textiles
Herbal products and natural health goods
Agricultural tools and homesteading supplies
The marketplace atmosphere gives visitors a chance to meet farmers, craftspeople, and producers from across Maine.
Why Visitors Travel for the Fair
The Common Ground Country Fair attracts a wide range of visitors, including:
Organic farmers and gardeners
Sustainability advocates
Families interested in rural traditions
Travelers seeking authentic Maine experiences
The fair has become a national gathering point for people interested in organic agriculture and sustainable living.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Fair
Because the Common Ground Country Fair attracts more than 60,000 visitors, accommodations near Unity often book quickly.
Many visitors choose to stay along the Midcoast Maine shoreline, where they can enjoy both the fair and the scenic beauty of the Maine coast.
Located about 35 minutes from the fairgrounds, Camp DeForest offers a peaceful coastal retreat for fair-goers.
Instead of staying in crowded inland areas, guests can return each evening to a relaxing setting among the pine forests of Lincolnville.
Camp DeForest offers:
Cozy cabins and lodge rooms
Campfires and s’mores under the stars
Easy access to Camden, Belfast, and Rockland
A quiet retreat after a busy day at the fair
For visitors attending the fair, it’s the perfect balance between rural Maine culture and a comfortable Midcoast escape.
Plan Your Visit
Common Ground Country Fair
📍 Unity, Maine
📅 Late September
The fair is held annually over three days and typically takes place during the last weekend of September, making it one of the highlights of Maine’s fall season.
Early fall foliage in the surrounding countryside makes the drive from the coast especially beautiful.
Stay at Camp DeForest
Make Camp DeForest your basecamp for the Common Ground Country Fair.
Enjoy the fair by day and return to the quiet woods of Midcoast Maine each evening.