Updated October 2026
On Maine Maple Sunday, maple producers across the state open their sugarhouses to visitors. It is one of the easiest ways to see how Maine maple syrup is made, and it comes at the end of winter when a day out is welcome. The Maine Maple Producers Association called 2026 its 43rd annual Maine Maple Sunday weekend.
When Is Maine Maple Sunday?
- The rule: the fourth Sunday in March, every year.
- 2026: March 21 and 22, per the association.
- 2027: Sunday, March 28, with Saturday, March 27 for sugarhouses that open both days. This is our calculation from the rule.
- Saturday: some sugarhouses hold events on both days, and each listing gives its own hours.
What to Expect at a Sugarhouse
Most sugarhouses offer syrup samples and show how pure Maine maple syrup is made. According to the association and VisitMaine, you may also find:
- Sap-boiling demonstrations
- Tours of the sap lines and the sugarbush
- Pancakes, syrup on ice cream and other maple treats
- Hayrides, face painting, games and music at some farms
Every sugarhouse runs its own event, so what you get depends on where you go. Read each listing before you set out.
How to Find a Sugarhouse
The association keeps an interactive map of participating sugarhouses with their hours and activities. VisitMaine says nearly 100 sugarhouses take part across the state. It also notes that Somerset County is the largest maple syrup-producing county in the country, so western and central Maine are good places to start. If you are staying near the coast, pick two or three sugarhouses close to each other and build the day around them.
Tips for the Day
- Check hours first. Opening and closing times vary by sugarhouse and by day.
- Expect mud. Late March is thaw season in Maine, and some sugarhouses are on dirt roads.
- Plan on food. Many sugarhouses sell pancakes or treats, but menus and prices differ, so check the listing.
- Bring a cooler or a bag if you want to take syrup home.
The Fall Maple Event
The association also runs the Maine Maple Fall Fest, when producers open their sugarhouses again. The 2026 event was October 10 and 11, its 7th year. If you like fall trips, see our best fall activities in Maine page.
Looking at the rest of the cold season? See our Maine in winter guide.
Maine Maple Sunday FAQ
When is Maine Maple Sunday in 2027?
The fourth Sunday in March, which is March 28, 2027. Many sugarhouses also open on Saturday, March 27. The association had not posted 2027 details as of October 2026.
What is Maine Maple Sunday?
A statewide event where maple producers open their sugarhouses to visitors for samples, demonstrations and other activities.
Is it free?
The association does not state an admission price, and it varies by sugarhouse. Check each listing for costs, meals and any reservation rules.
How do I find participating sugarhouses?
Use the association’s interactive map, which lists hours and activities for each participating sugarhouse.
Is there a fall version?
Yes. The Maine Maple Fall Fest was held October 10 and 11 in 2026.
Our details come from the Maine Maple Producers Association event page and interactive map and the VisitMaine Maine Maple Sunday article, checked in October 2026. Dates and sugarhouse lists change every year, so confirm on the association’s site before you go.