By Jonathan Abel, Senior Correspondent
The Common Ground Country Fair will return to Unity, Maine, from September 19–21, 2025, marking its 48th annual gathering dedicated to organic agriculture, sustainable living, and rural heritage. This beloved New England event, hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), brings together thousands of attendees each fall to celebrate traditions that emphasize harmony with the earth.
A Cornerstone of Organic Culture
Since its founding in 1977, the fair has grown into a regional institution, attracting visitors from across the Northeast and beyond. Held at the Common Ground Education Center, this celebration of rural values promotes the sharing of knowledge, skills, and practices that support healthy communities and sustainable environments.
From its picturesque setting in Unity’s countryside, the fair has evolved into a dynamic space where ecology, craftsmanship, and activism meet. Participants can explore a wide variety of attractions and experiences over three vibrant days.
Diverse Programming for All Ages
Each year, the Common Ground Country Fair offers an impressive lineup of educational sessions and demonstrations. For 2025, attendees can expect:
Over 150 workshops on topics like soil health, composting, energy independence, and natural medicine.
Traditional craft demos, including spinning, pottery, woodworking, and leatherworking.
Organic farming displays, including seed saving techniques and compost systems.
Heritage livestock shows, featuring goats, sheep, pigs, and oxen with interactive presentations.
Live music stages featuring folk, bluegrass, and acoustic performers.
Children’s areas with nature-based play, storytelling, and eco-friendly crafts.
Locally sourced food vendors, showcasing organic, plant-based, and gluten-free fare.
Handmade artisan markets, featuring Maine-made wares from soap to sculpture.
These experiences are designed to foster deeper connections between individuals and the land, and to provide inspiration for living more sustainably.
Community at the Heart of the Fair
The fair thrives on volunteerism. Each year, hundreds of individuals help power the event—from coordinating workshops and greeting guests to recycling efforts and managing parking. In appreciation, volunteers receive free admission, meals, and behind-the-scenes access to fair operations.
The fair also maintains a commitment to low-impact practices. Single-use plastics are prohibited on the grounds, and guests are encouraged to bring reusable containers and take part in composting programs. Shuttle services and group travel incentives are offered to reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
A Hub for Sustainability Advocacy
Beyond its festivities, the Common Ground Country Fair serves as a vital forum for environmental discourse. Each day of the event includes panels and keynotes that delve into food justice, land conservation, and ecological resilience. Experts from across the region join farmers, researchers, and policy makers to discuss strategies that support a more equitable and climate-conscious food system.
In past years, the fair has hosted talks on seed sovereignty, forest preservation, and green infrastructure. The 2025 lineup is expected to address pressing issues such as regenerative agriculture, farmworker rights, and climate adaptation.
Plan Your Visit
Fairgoers can begin purchasing tickets in July 2025 via MOFGA’s official website. Prices are affordable, with discounts for seniors, teens, and free admission for children under 12. Camping is available at nearby sites, and area hotels often offer special rates during the fair weekend.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full slate of events. Gates open daily at 9 a.m., with programming running until 6 p.m.
Event Details:
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Location: Common Ground Education Center, Unity, Maine
Tickets: Available online starting July 2025
Volunteer Opportunities: Open to individuals and groups with sign-up in advance
A Living Legacy
In an age of rapid urbanization and digital saturation, the Common Ground Country Fair provides an antidote: a return to authenticity, simplicity, and stewardship. It is a place where farmers, families, and future changemakers gather not just to learn, but to reconnect—with the land, with their values, and with each other.
