Boasting more than 8,850-km (5,500-mile) long coastline of harbours, bays, and inlets, Maine is truly the land of the great outdoors. Add to that, some 6,000 glacial lakes, thousands of miles of rivers, and lush forests. Plus, some quaint little villages, lively cities, and a stunning scene overall amplify the experience. Visitors can also stay in one of the luxury resorts and hotels in Maine. What takes it further up a couple of notches are the several brilliant festivals hosted in the state. While some are downright entertaining, others are a fantastic source of learning Maine’s history. All in all, a thoroughly amazing experience. Read below to find out the popular festivals in Maine, USA.
1. Old Port Festival [Last event in 2019]
Held around the second week of June, Old Portland Festival is a one-day affair that takes place annually in the Old Port district of Portland. It sees a footfall of thousands of visitors, and is a fabulous melange of arts and crafts, culinary delights, games and entertainment, as well as live musical performances. Hundreds of exhibitors put up their stalls for visitors to browse through and even purchase what they like. You can pick up from a variety of artisanal crafts and fresh produce, or sit back and enjoy the bustling atmosphere around. Remember to don your most comfortable footwear and outdoor-friendly outfits, since this is an open-air event.
Old Port Festival
Address: 360 Fore Street 04103 Portland, ME, US
Website: Old Port Festival
Takes place: June
2. Maine Lobster Festival
The Maine Lobster Festival is a celebration of the local favourite seafood – lobster. Expectedly, you will be able to try some of the most smashing lobster preparations here. Local businesses setup stalls, so aside from food, you can also invest in some great artisanal products, and also participate in fun games or food contests. Carnival rides and live musical performances are also part of this brilliant festival, making it ideal for visitors of all age groups. While admission is paid for the first four days, Sunday (final day) is a “Family Fun Day” for which admission is free for visitors across all age groups. Free shuttle bus rides are also offered from several parts of Rockland – check out details on the official website.
Maine Lobster Festival
Address: Harbor Park, Harbor Lane, Rockland, ME 04841, United States
Website: Maine Lobster Festival
Takes place: August
3. Great Falls Balloon Festival
Maine’s famous hot air balloon festival, Great Falls Balloon Festival, is a huge attraction. It is held annually for a two-day period in August, along the banks of Androscoggin River. Although hot air balloon rides are the key feature of this festival, joyrides, musical performances, shopping plazas, and an array of other entertainment make the scene even better. Balloonmeisters (trained balloon pilots) accompany visitors during rides, making it an entirely safe affair. Since this activity is largely weather-reliant, launches are scheduled twice a day - one at 6am and another one at 6pm for the best experience. These are priced at about 10 - 15 USD per person. A fabulous light show in the dark, Moonglow, is another attraction of the festival. It takes place around 9pm. Pets, consumption of alcohol, and smoking is a strict no-no here.
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Address: Simard-Payne Memorial Park, Beech St, Lewiston, ME 04240, United States
Website: Great Falls Balloon Festival
Takes place: August
4. Fryeburg Fair
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Considered one of the most popular agricultural fairs in the USA, Fryeburg Fair is among the largest exhibitions of livestock that include cattle, poultry, rabbits, horses, sheep, goats, etc. All events (animal shows, auctions, demonstrations, vendor displays, etc.) here are centred around agriculture and these animals, plus some interesting contests and games are held here. Visitors can also browse through memorabilia and antiques to learn about area’s agricultural history. There’s also a petting zoo and some amusement rides to entertain the younger visitors. Fryeburg Fair is usually scheduled for eight days around the first week of October; exact dates are available on the fair’s official website.
Fryeburg Fair
Address: 1154 Main St, Fryeburg, ME 04037, United States
Website: Fryeburg Fair
Takes place: October
Maine Tour Guide
Naim Benmayor
As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this uniq... Read more
5. Windjammer Days
Maine has a dynamic seafaring scene and commemorating this most aptly are Windjammer Days, a festival and celebration that kicks off around late June each year, in the Boothbay Harbor region. Sailing enthusiasts from far and wide gather here to relish the best of the outdoor season and seafaring conditions in the company of thousands of enthusiastic attendees. Aside from sailing, Windjammer Days are also a centre of farmers’ markets, music concerts, Red Cloak tours, artists’ exhibition, parades, fireworks’ displays, food fairs, and lots of other fun. Some nautical-themed games and activities for kids are also arranged during the festival. The daily schedule of events is put up on the festival’s official website, so you can plan your activities in advance.
Windjammer Days
Address: 24 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, United States
Website: Windjammer Days
Takes place: June to July
6. Annual Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Every year, December 14th is a grand affair on Portland Harbour, as the Annual Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights sets sail. You can either stay back at the waterfront or hop aboard a cruise, and witness some of the most spectacular fireworks’ displays, set against a backdrop of Portland’s harbour and a glittering skyline. While witnessing the show from the harbour itself is free, cruise tickets start at 10 USD per person.
Annual Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Address: Casco Bay Lines, 56 Commercial St, Portland, ME, US 04101
Takes place: December
7. Machias Blueberry Festival
Machias Blueberry Festival, as the name suggests, celebrates Machias’ one of the most popular offerings – blueberries. This event is hosted by Centre Street Congregational Church. It is largely a blueberry-themed celebration, with arts and crafts, foods and beverages, contests, and lots of other fun centred around the little fruit. Several kid-friendly activities, such as parades, joyrides, games, magic shows, etc. are held here, thus making the festival a hit with young visitors, too. Peppy musical performances infuse a sense of gaiety, and enthusiastic visitors enjoy themselves to the fullest. Tours of Welch Farm – a working blueberry farm – are also organized around this time.
Machias Blueberry Festival
Address: 9 Center Street, 04654 Machias, ME, US
Website: Machias Blueberry Festival
Takes place: August
8. Sugarloaf Reggae Fest
The three-day annual spring skiing and music event, Reggae Fest is probably one of Sugarloaf Mountain’s biggest draws around the month of April, which is when the mountain receives the second-highest snowfall every year. The fest features some of the top DJs, who pump out some of the most groovy tunes, filling the stunning scenery with an air of headiness. Although, don’t let the headiness get your head because skiing awaits, too. The music floor is set against a backdrop of Sugarloaf’s white peaks, making it a thoroughly magical experience. Thousands participate in the fest, so be prepared to negotiate a bit of human traffic around this time. It is recommended that you stay in one of the nearby hotels or resorts for the best experience.
Sugarloaf Reggae Fest
Address: Sugarloaf Mountain, 5092 Access Road, Carrabassett Valley, ME, US 04947
Takes place: April
9. Harvest on the Harbor
Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor is organized to promote local food and beverage businesses, bringing hundreds of vendors together. Right from reputed restaurants to local eateries set shop during this festival, selling a variety of ready-to-eat delicacies. Fresh produce, carry-home food items, and cooking essentials like oils, spices, ingredients, etc. are also available for purchase here. Some of the many brands that you’ll find here are MaineFlavor, SugaSuga, North Circle Studio, Thyme And Honey Bakery, and Pretty Flours, among others. It is quite a gastronomic extravaganza.
Harvest on the Harbor
Address: 100 W Commercial St, Portland, ME 04102, United States
Website: Harvest on the Harbor
Takes place: Usually held in October
10. Yarmouth Clam Festival
Much like Rockland’s Lobster Festival is the Yarmouth Clam Festival, held usually around the third weekend of July every year. The festival brings together an array of vendors and restaurants that set up shop, selling some of the most exquisite clam delights, along with other dishes, too. Additionally, a host of events, contests, demonstrations, sporting events, and music performances add an air of exuberance to this event. Participate in the clam-shucking contest for some fun. Arts and crafts exhibits are also set up during the festival. Don’t also forget to witness the festival’s hour-long parade that spans the city’s Main Street – quite an impressive sight!
Yarmouth Clam Festival
Address: 494 US-1 #3, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Yarmouth Clam Festival
Takes place: July
Fun for all
Maine offers a plethora of fun things to do and places to visit. You may be travelling as a group or solo, a foodie or a sports enthusiast, music lover or adrenaline junkie, these popular festivals in Maine, the USA, have got you covered. Sync your visit with whichever festival that stands out most to you and be prepared for some serious fun. You’ll not regret it!
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