Submitted by Jessie Ford
(September 18, 2026) — Get ready for a day of food, music, family fun and community spirit! The All Things Killingworth Picnic returns on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Deer Lake Outdoor Center. This year’s event has something for everyone and is brought to you by the Killingworth Women’s Organization (KWO) and Deer Lake Outdoor Center.
Families and visitors from near and far are encouraged to come spend the day at Deer Lake Outdoor Center to enjoy the many free activities and entertainment, shop local vendors, grab some great food, and most importantly, help us give back to two causes that support local children and families.
Event Details
Live music will fill the picnic grounds with performances from the John Spignesi Band, Brother Sal Blues Band, and Fork in the Road. Families can also enjoy a magician, a special snake and turtle program with Ranger Russ from Meigs Point Nature Center, Kids Markets featuring young entrepreneurs, and a variety of outdoor exhibits and activities. Deer Lake will will have pedal boats available to cruise the lagoon.
The popular Cowboy Valley tribute will return as well, giving visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a piece of Killingworth history. The area will also include a General Store housing Snag-a-Bag, and the KWO Juniorettes Pop-Up Thrift Shop.
Visitors can also enter the picnic raffle and take part in the first Photo Contest. The photo contest will showcase the creativity of photographers in our community, with awards including Best in Show, Most Creative, Best Killingworth Image, and People’s Choice.
There will be plenty to eat, too, with food and treats from Cafe Laurel, Fire in the Kitchen, James Madison House, Maple Coast Creamery, Moovin’ Scoops, Poppa Lou’s Lemonade, and Sweet Emilia Ice Cream.
Local businesses, artists, community organizations, nonprofits, and exhibitors will be on hand throughout the picnic, offering visitors the opportunity to shop, learn about local organizations, and connect with the people who make our community special.
For a Good Cause
Proceeds from the 2026 picnic will benefit Deer Lake Outdoor Center’s summer day camp scholarship program and the HK Backpack Program.
Deer Lake’s Campership Program helps make it possible for children who might not otherwise be able to afford summer camp to experience everything camp has to offer, from outdoor adventures and new friendships to the confidence and independence that come with being part of a summer camp community.
The HK Backpack Program, part of the Killingworth Women’s Organization (KWO), helps children who are at risk of weekend hunger by providing child-friendly, nutritious, nonperishable food that is easy to prepare and enjoy.
The event is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, volunteers, vendors, community organizations, and partners who continue to believe in the importance of bringing people together. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for helping make the All Things Killingworth Picnic possible! A special thank-you to our Diamond Sponsor, BarrelHouse, whose continued support means so much to this event and to our community.
We’d also like to thank Edward Jones – Ann Pellegrini, Cafe Laurel, Colandrea Design LLC, Coldwell Banker, CT Rental, Heather Fenn – Sunset Creek Realty, Ginger Jett, House 104 Industries, IN. Killingworth, Interstate Batteries, Julie Mendez and Family in honor of Larry Brundrett, Killingworth Family Pharmacy, Killingworth Garage, Killingworth True Value, Langer Landscapes, Long Hill Energy LLC, Lovers Lane Farm, Northeast Diesel, RWC, LLC, Attorneys and Counselors at Law, The Law Office of David J. Cutillo, LLC, and WJ Financial and Killingworth Community Fund. We truly appreciate every one of these local businesses, families and organizations for supporting the picnic and helping us give back to our community!
At its heart, the All Things Killingworth Picnic is about community. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, local businesses supporting local causes, and creating a day where everyone has a place to come together. So grab your family and friends and make a day of it. Come for the music, food, activities and fun—and stay because you know that by being there, you’re helping make a difference. Parking is $5.00 and all the activities are free. For more information, event updates, vendor information, and ways to get involved, visit https://allthingskillingworth.com/all-things-killingworth-picnic/
There is a call out for volunteers, so please reach out to picnic@allthingskillingworth.com if you’re interested in being a part of the success of this event.
