Kittery Trading Post’s 50th Septemberfest Is More Than a Sale

This is my fav place. If you've ever gone into Kittery Trading Post for one thing and somehow come out two hours later with a bag of beef jerky, a new pair of boots, and something you didn't know you needed, you already understand the appeal.

Credit: Garret Doll

Did I get your attention with the cow picture?  Now imagine petting and taking your picture with mini Highland cows, listening to live music, winning free stuff giveaways, and saving a whole bunch of money lot on their sale.

Kittery Trading Post is celebrating its 50th annual Septemberfest, Now through September 13, 2026.

They are giving us plenty of excuses to make the drive over the bridge.

Septemberfest has a full week of activities, product demonstrations, food, and special giveaways. There are also free KTP gift cards being given away every 15 minutes, with 50 prizes a day ranging from $25 to $500.

Credit: Kittery Trading Post via Facebook

No purchase is necessary for the gift card giveaway, which is nice because I can absolutely find a way to spend money in that store without any additional encouragement.

Mini Cows, Wolves, and a Little Live Music

“Mini Highland cows? That's not a shopping event. That's an emotional support field trip.”

The schedule is where things get interesting. On Wednesday, September 9, Stone Broke will be playing '70s, '80s, and '90s music from 4–7 p.m., and there's a York Police K9 demonstration earlier in the day. Thursday brings Stillwater Mini Highland Cows from 3–6 p.m., along with a working honeybee hive demonstration and a Patagonia clothing repair tent.

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If you are thinking about going on the weekend... Wolves of the World will be there Friday and Sunday with a viewing trailer featuring five types of wolves. Saturday includes a KUHL Unimog vehicle display, live music from Tim Theriault, a Bear Archery test-shooting trailer, and a traditional Japanese fish-printing demonstration.

There Are Some Serious Giveaways, Too

Beyond the gift cards, there are drawings for things like a Carhartt outfit, a GCI rocker, a Sitka apparel package, a Muddy Bull XL hunting blind, and even free Crocs for a year. That last one is one pair every month, which feels like enough Crocs to become a completely different person by next September.

Friday also has a Columbia tent with a chance to win tickets to a Patriots home game or a Red Sox game. Do you have an old Septemberfest T-shirt? Friday is the day to wear it because KTP is offering a gift card for previous years' shirts, plus an additional prize for the oldest one.

And Yes, There's Plenty of Shopping

The sale side of Septemberfest is worth a look if you're getting ready for fall. There are deals on fishing equipment, select kayaks, outdoor clothing, footwear, camping gear, and more.

If you're like me, the ability to put your name on something makes it approximately 40% harder to leave the store without it. So this is where I tell you that there is free engraving opportunities with select YETI drinkware on Wednesday and Thursday, Hydro Flask on Saturday, and Benchmade purchases over the weekend.

Go for the deals. Stay for the cows. Leave with something you now have to explain to your spouse.

Make a Day of It

Septemberfest runs through Sunday, September 13, at Kittery Trading Post on Route 1 in Kittery, Maine. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, though individual events have their own schedules.

My advice? Check the schedule before you go, wear comfortable shoes, and maybe don't tell yourself you're only stopping in for one thing.

The phrase ‘I'm just looking’ has never survived a trip through the outdoor department.

Get the complete schedule, sale flyer, and giveaway details on the official Septemberfest page.