Vacationers looking for fun, out-of-the-ordinary ways to make memories should, without a doubt, check out the plethora of festivals that Maine offers throughout the year. There is something for everyone, for every season, for every interest, for every age group.
Note: Events are listed in chronological order from spring to winter
Spring Festivals and Events
Old Port Festival—This festival is a celebration of the beginning of summer. Bring the whole family to downtown Portland and enjoy music, arts and crafts, a parade, and food from local businesses.
June 9, 2013
Portland, Maine
St. Patrick’s Day parade in Portland
Irish-American Club of Maine will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17. The parade starts at the Fish Pier on Commercial Street and progresses past the Fish Pier all the way to the State Pier. This year’s parade is sure to be bigger and better with two pipe bands, the Stillson School of Irish Dance, Portland Hurling Club and also the Maine Gaelic Sports Alliance. This is going to be a great event in our lovely city of Portland Maine.
March 17, 2012
Commercial Street
Portland , Maine 04104
Phone: (207) 232-7786
Annual Spring Fling & Maple Syrup Festival at Curran Homestead
Be a part of the annual Curran Homestead Spring Fling and Maple Syrup Festival with an Irish celebration and egg hunt. Watch maple syrup being made and help your children search for colored eggs, while eating eating delicious Irish food and being serenaded by Irish music. There’ll be farmyard animals and also prizes. The Curran Homestead is a nonprofit education center that seeks to preserve the culture and values of Maine families farm life in rural Eastern Maine.
March 24, 2012 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
372 Fields Pond Road
Orrington, Maine 04474
Phone: (207) 745-4426
Summer Festivals and Events
Windjammer Days Festival—A fun-filled adventure for the whole family, the Windjammer Days Festival is a celebration of Maine’s maritime history. Beautiful antique ships sail into Boothbay Harbor and kick off a festival full of events that will make lasting memories—sailboat races, a street parade, fireworks, concerts and kids’ programs and games.
June 25-26, 2013
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Maine Lobster Festival—Come to Rockland’s Harbor Park in August for the the 5-day Maine Lobster Festival! All the lobster you can eat (plus many other varieties of seafood and summer fair food), a cooking contest, musical entertainment, a parade, and children’s activities make this a festival for the whole family to enjoy.
July 31-August 4, 2013
Harbor Park, Rockland, Maine
Great Falls Balloon Festival—Hot air balloons from all over the U.S. and Canada can be seen at this fun, family-friendly festival in Lewiston, Maine. Attracting over 100,000 visitors every year, the Great Falls Balloon Festival is one of the highlights of summer in Maine. Food of all varieties is for sale in the area, or you can bring your own food and have a picnic on the grass while watching the balloons go up.
August 16-18, 2013
Lewiston, Maine
Chalk on the Walk—This festival in Biddeford, Maine, celebrates Biddeford’s rich cultural history. Beautiful chalk drawings will be displayed in downtown Biddeford, and there are plenty of fun activities for kids—games, kids’ chalk area, bounce houses, a touch tank, and pony rides. Restaurants and food specialties from the area will also be there.
Sept. 22, 2012
Main St., Biddeford, Maine
Shaker Hill Apple Festival—Benefiting homeless children of York County Shelter Programs, Friends of the Alfred Shaker Museum, and Giles Family Farm, the Shaker Hill Apple Festival also offers a glimpse into the past and into life as a Shaker. The Shaker Museum offers exhibits and demonstrations, and scattered around the village are and arts and craft fair, book sales, yard sales, wagon rides, apple and pumpkin picking, live music, children’s activities, and much more.
Sept. 22-23, 2012
Shaker Hill Rd, Alfred, Maine
Fall Events and Festivals
Camden International Film Festival—If you like the rugged coast of Maine, spending time at the Camden International Film Festival is a great reason to visit. The festival is going on its eighth season, and is considered one of the top 25 film festivals in the world for documentary films and filmmakers. It was created by Benjamin Fowlie in 2004, to arouse interest in independent documentary films. Come for the weekend and enjoy unique documentary films, Q&A sessions, music, parties, photographic exhibits, and much more.
Sept. 27-30, 2012
Camden, Maine
Berwick Annual Touch a Truck—This festival at Noble High School benefits the Berwick PTO. Featuring the RE/MAX hot air balloon, monster trucks, emergency vehicles, race cars, and construction equipment, the Touch a Truck is a hands-on experience that kids will love. Earplugs, maps, and snacks for kids are provided; and fresh-cooked burgers and hot dogs are available to buy.
Oct. 2, 2012
Noble High School, North Berwick, Maine
17th Acadia Oktoberfest—Celebrate fall at the Smuggler’s Den Campground in Southwest Harbor! There will be delicious food, music, and a crafts tent showcasing the work of Maine’s artisans. Sample wine and locally produced cheese, and well as beer brewed right in Maine.
Oct. 6-7, 2012
Southwest Harbor, Maine
Fall Festival at Sunday River
Sunday River’s home to some of the Northeast best skiing conditions and it is also home to some of the best festivals around. The Fall Festival at Sunday River kicks off the soon approaching winter season. Featuring live music from bands such as Entrain and bronze Radio Return, a great wine tasting venue, and always exciting North American wife carrying championships, the mountain at the peak to peak challenge, the 29th annual blue Mountain arts and crafts fair and huge selection of activities fit for the whole family. You’ll be sure to find epic Maine lakes and mountains fall foliage beautiful. This year’s Fall Festival at Sunday River is a sure to be a great time.
The festival is located at the South Ridge Base Lodge.
Festival starts October 6, 2012 through October 7, 2012
Newry, Maine
Winter Events and Festivals
25th Annual Harbor Lights Festival—A magical Christmas experience for the whole family! Come to Boothbay Harbor and watch Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat. Enjoy holiday craft fairs, horse-drawn wagon rides, a silent auction, festival of trees display at the Opera House, a live nativity scene, and a beautiful lighted boat parade.
Dec. 1. 2012
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
International Snowmobilers Festival—This three-day winter festival is held in Madawaska, Maine, and Edmonton, New Brunswick. Offering 400 miles of marked trails on both sides of the Maine/New Brunswick border, as well as socials and dances, this occasion is a must for winter sports lovers.
Event dates TBA
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