Experience Maine_Summer 2024

Experience maine

Experience maine conTents

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RICHARD J. WARREN

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PO Box 1329 Bangor, ME 04402-1329

Whether you’re new to Maine (welcome!) or well versed in all our state has to offer, it’s always fun planning for summer and discovering something new. This year’s Experience Maine magazine is jam-packed with a wide variety of events to keep you busy all summer long.

We carefully research dates and information, but as several events were still in the planning phase at the time of production, not all information may be accurate now. Call ahead and check websites and social media to stay up-to-date.

JUNE 5 - 22

JUNE 26 - JULY 13

JULY 17 - AUGUST 3

AUGUST 7 - 24

Maine Street: Visit the bustling heart of downtown Brunswick featuring charming shops,art galleries,cafes,and restaurants.

Bowdoin College: Discover the beauty of this prestigious liberal arts college,home to the Pickard Theater,the Bowdoin College Museum of Art,and the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum.

Summer Events: Brunswick’s vibrant summer scene includes festivals,concerts,the Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival,and an impressive farmers’ market.

Proximity to Coastal Destinations: Use Brunswick as your base for exploring Maine’s picturesque coastal towns and attractions.LL Bean’s flagship store,bustling Portland,and many scenic seaside towns are just a short drive away.

Convenient Matinee Timing: Catching a show at MSMT means you can attend a matinee performance and be back home before dark or enjoy dinner at one of Brunswick’s many outstanding restaurants.

Music &

Concerts

NORTH ATLANTIC BLUES FESTIVAL

ROCKLAND HARBOR PARK

One of the most fun, relaxed weekends in Maine has got to be the annual North Atlantic Blues Festival, which features two full days of great live music from national blues performers. In addition to all day live entertainment, the festival has vendors selling a wide array of food, drinks, and crafts. The festival returns this year July 13-14, 2024.

NORTHATLANTICBLUESFESTIVAL.COM

WATERFRONT CONCERTS BANGOR

It’s time to rock out this summer! On the docket so far for 2024 at Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor: Parker McCollum on May 26, Hootie & the Blowfish on June 14, Niall Horan on June 19, James Taylor on June 30, Jason Mraz on July 7, Hozier on July 24, The Smashing Pumpkins on Aug. 4, and much more.

WATERFRONTCONCERTS.COM

CAMDEN SUMMER SOUNDS

CAMDEN

Camden Summer Sounds, a free outdoor concert series that started in 2020, returns! Camden Opera House presents live music Sunday afternoons in August at the Camden Snow Bowl at 20 Barnestown Road. The BYO lawn seating and picnic concerts start at 4 p.m., and feature a different genre every week: Aug. 4, The Right Track; Aug. 11, Primo Cubano; Aug. 18, Billy Wylder; and Aug. 25, Midnight Breakfast.

CAMDENOPERAHOUSE.COM

MONTEUX FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA CONCERTS

SUNDAYS - 5:00 PM June 23, 30 & July 7, 14, 21, 28

MAINELY CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERTS

BANGOR BAND SUMMER CONCERT

BANGOR WATERFRONT

This year marks the Bangor Band’s 165th birthday, making it one of the oldest, continuous community bands in the United States. Enjoy a summer concert on the Bangor Waterfront on June 18 at 7 p.m. The Bangor Band is composed of a number of musically-inclined community members, eager to entertain audiences of all ages with a program of marches, standards, pop songs and more.

BANGORBAND.ORG

OSSIPEE VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL

CORNISH

Ossipee Valley Music Festival is a 4-day celebration of good food, good people, and good music. This year’s festival takes place July 2528, 2024 on the banks of the Ossipee River. The festival features four stages, food trucks, craft beer, yoga, barn dances, workshops, kids activities, craft vendors, and camping. OSSIPEEVALLEY.COM

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WEDNESDAYS - 5:00 PM June 26 & July 3, 10, 17, 24

FREE! CHILDREN’S CONCERT

Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 am

THE GREAT AMERICAN

SONGBOOK

WITH AUBREY LOGAN Saturday, June 22 | 7:00 PM

Robert Lehmann, guest conductor Aubrey Logan, vocals & trombone

Singer, trombone player, and songwriter Aubrey Logan joins the PSO for an evening of American standards and original works.

RUSTIC OVERTONES

Friday, June 28 | 7:00 PM

Eckart Preu, Music Director Rustic Overtones

Hear one of Maine’s favorite rock bands as never before as Rustic Overtones join the PSO for a unique performance! Hailing from Portland, Maine, Rustic Overtones have been captivating audiences since their formation in the early 1990s.

Saturday, July 13 | 7:00 PM

Morihiko Nakahara , guest conductor

A musical tribute to popular art forms, Symphonic Con takes you on incredible adventures. Experience music from epic quests and hero’s journeys, including favorites from Lord of the Rings, Legend of Zelda, Spider-Man, and Harry Potter.

LOGAN

Music & Concerts

JAZZ IN JUNE

CAMDEN

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Come enjoy great music in beautiful Camden. Mark your calendar for June 1416, 2024. Plus free concerts featuring the University of Maine Jazz Ensemble on June 15 and other terrific Maine artists. JAZZINJUNECAMDENME.COM

KNEISEL HALL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

BLUE HILL

The music making, community making, learning, and growing of Kneisel Hall is back in full bloom. Save the date for the 2024 festival concerts — June 15 to Aug. 25! And enjoy weekly concerts on Fridays and Sundays. KNEISEL.ORG

THOMPSON’S POINT PORTLAND

A beautiful piece of land on the banks of the Fore River, Thompson’s Point can hold up to 5,000 attendees for concerts and festivals within close proximity to downtown Portland. This summer’s show line-up so far includes: Goose on June 25 and 26, Shaky Graves & Trampled by Turtles on June 30, Counting Crows on July 14, The Flaming Lips on July 25, Lake Street Dive on Aug. 17 and 18, and much more.

THOMPSONSPOINTMAINE.COM

BAGADUCE MUSIC PERFORMANCE HALL & BLUE HILL POPS

BLUE HILL

Bagaduce Music was built and largely sustained by musicians and music lovers. The organization endeavors to preserve a vast collection of printed sheet music of varying genres for future generations and to share it with as many people and organizations as possible. Find a list of this summer’s performances online.

BAGADUCEMUSIC.ORG

BLUE HILL BACH

BLUE HILL

Blue Hill Bach presents performances and education programs that explore vocal and instrumental music of the baroque, presenting a week-long summer festival, July 1520, 2024, that brings together early music specialists from across the U.S. and musicians from the local community, including high school and college students.

BLUEHILLBACH.ORG

STOCKFORD PARK SUMMER CONCERTS

LUBEC

The LAMPS monthly Sunday afternoon summer concert series begins with Jazz in the Park on May 26, Pride in the Park on June 30, Celtic Music at the Bob Judd Memorial Concert on July 28, and the Bold Coast Variety Show on Aug 25.

LAMPSDOWNEAST.ORG

BAY CHAMBER CONCERTS

ROCKPORT

Since its founding in 1960, Bay Chamber has been committed to bringing transformative musical experiences to Midcoast Maine. The world-renowned musicians who perform in Bay Chamber Concert Series share their passion and dedication for the highest standards of performance and fearless innovation in programming and presentation. For the full calendar of concerts, visit their website. BAYCHAMBER.ORG

COUNTY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

FORT FAIRFIELD

Mark your calendar for an amazing bluegrass music-filled long weekends Aug. 29-Sept. 1. COUNTYBLUEGRASS.COM

WATERVILLE OPERA HOUSE

WATERVILLE

Since 1902, the historic Waterville Opera House has delivered the magic of the performing arts to audiences of all ages. Summer 2024 events include John Hiatt on May 28, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on June 29, and much more. WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

Music & Concerts

BAR HARBOR

MUSIC FESTIVAL

BAR HARBOR

This year the Bar Harbor Music Festival celebrates its 58th season. All summer long the group promises the unique variety and extraordinary quality for which this festival has become known and loved. The festival’s outreach programs, such as the admission-free outdoor concerts in Acadia National Park, artist-inresidence programs in American schools, colleges and universities, and its Young Audience Concerts have won new audiences for classical music and fostered music education.

BARHARBORMUSICFESTIVAL.ORG

BOOTHBAY OPERA HOUSE

BOOTHBAY HARBOR

Since 1894, this historic opera house has played host to actors and musicians from around the state and the world. The summer schedule is already stuffed with exciting performances, including the Alison Brown Quartet on June 7, Gaelic Storm on June 14, Tim Sample on June 27, The Hot Sardines on July 18, and much, much more! Tickets go on sale two months prior to each event, and space is limited.

BOOTHBAYOPERAHOUSE.COM

MONTEUX SCHOOL & MUSIC FESTIVAL HANCOCK

The Monteux School & Music Festival, the nation’s premier training ground for orchestra musicians and conductors, celebrates its 81st season this summer from June 16July 28. The Monteux Festival Orchestra concerts are presented at 5 p.m. Sundays. Mainely Chamber Music Concerts are held each Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. The annual free children’s concert will be held at 10:30 a.m. July 11. Go online for ticket info and subscriptions.

MONTEUXMUSIC.ORG BE

Visit BELFAST

Visit BELFAST

Belfast is where you'll find charm, creativity and community come together. Summer abounds with wonderful events, eclectic shops, amazing food, places to get outdoors, get on the water, and get involved! From your morning cup of coffee, to your evening cocktails, there are plenty of great places to experience. Visit our historic and walkable downtown, enjoy the sights along the harborwalk and footbridge, or follow the Rail Trail up river. Many of our green spaces are ideal for a picnic with family or playing with your four-legged companion. Live music and performances can be found at many venues by the water and throughout town. From City Park to the dog park, downtown eats to uptown treats, saltwater trips to fresh water dips, and all the fun you can have in between, make Belfast your new favorite getaway! Visit us at the Information Center!

Belfast is where you'll find charm, creativity and community come together. Summer abounds with wonderful events, eclectic shops, amazing food, places to get outdoors, get on the water, and get involved! From your morning cup of coffee, to your evening cocktails, there are plenty of great places to experience. Visit our historic and walkable downtown, enjoy the sights along the harborwalk and footbridge, or follow the Rail Trail up river. Many of our green spaces are ideal for a picnic with family or playing with your four-legged companion. Live music and performances can be found at many venues by the water and throughout town. From City Park to the dog park, downtown eats to uptown treats, saltwater trips to fresh water dips, and all the fun you can have in between, make Belfast your new favorite getaway! Visit us at the Information Center!

JOHN MCKEITH SAS

Events

Events

ARTS IN THE PARK

ARTS

IN THE PARK

JUNE 29 + 30

JUNE 29 + 30

Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce

brings you one of the most scenic waterfront events in midcoast Maine

Browse and buy unique, locally made gifts for family, friends, or yourself!

Enjoy delicious food, desserts, and free entertainment with live local music. Free admission, rain or shine. belfastmaine org/arts-in-the-park

MAINE CELTIC CELEBRATION

MAINE CELTIC CELEBRATION

JULY 19 - 21

JULY 19 - 21

A family-oriented celebration of the rich Celtic heritage, culture, and hospitality found along the coast of Maine Traditional Celtic music and dancing offered by the bay, and you can watch fireworks over Belfast Bay. With food and craft vendors as well, there is truly something for everyone! Admission by donation. mainecelticcelebration.com

A family-oriented celebration of the rich Celtic heritage, culture, and hospitality found along the coast of Maine Traditional Celtic music and dancing offered by the bay, and you can watch fireworks over Belfast Bay With food and craft vendors as well, there is truly something for everyone! Admission by donation mainecelticcelebration com

BELFAST HARBOR FEST

BELFAST HARBOR FEST

AUGUST 16 - 18

A weekend of activities honoring the maritime heritage of Maine's midcoast Evening by the Bay Auction, Pancake Breakfast and 5k Bug Run, Cardboard Boat Races, Come Boating! Regatta, Lobster Gala, live music and more! Activities for all ages! belfastharborfest com at Steamboat Landing Park

Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce brings you one of the most scenic waterfront events in midcoast Maine. Browse and buy unique, locally made gifts for family, friends, or yourself! Enjoy delicious food, desserts, and free entertainment with live local music. Free admission, rain or shine belfastmaine.org/arts-in-the-park

AUGUST 16 - 18

A weekend of activities honoring the maritime heritage of Maine's midcoast. Evening by the Bay Auction, Pancake Breakfast and 5k Bug Run, Cardboard Boat Races, Come Boating! Regatta, Lobster Gala, live music and more! Activities for all ages! belfastharborfest.com at Steamboat Landing Park

And Don't Miss Out on...

And Don't Miss Out on...

* Belfast Summer Nights - Free Live Music Every Thursday Night!

* Atlantic Challenge USA - July 21 - 28, International Contest of Seamanship! atlanticchallengeusa org

* Belfast Summer Nights - Free Live Music Every Thursday Night! facebook.com/belfastsummernights

* Holy Mackerel Fishing Tournament - July 27 + 28, Cash Prizes! Find on Facebook

* Atlantic Challenge USA - July 21 - 28, International Contest of Seamanship! atlanticchallengeusa org

* Holy Mackerel Fishing Tournament - July 27 + 28, Cash Prizes! Find on Facebook

* Annual Belfast Street Party - August 5, Live Music, Vendors, Food, Games, All Free! Find on Facebook

* Maine Wienerfest - September 8, A Celebration of All Things Dachshund! mainewienerfest.com

* Annual Belfast Street Party - August 5, Live Music, Vendors, Food, Games, All Free! Find on Facebook

* Maine Wienerfest - September 8, A Celebration of All Things Dachshund! mainewienerfest com

EaT & DRInK

food festivals

MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL

ROCKLAND

The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine! This annual seafood festival is set for July 31-August 4, 2024. The Maine Lobster Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Rockland each year with the promise of fresh, local lobster dinners, nationally renowned entertainers, cooking contests, activities for all ages, Maine craftsmen and artists.

MAINELOBSTERFESTIVAL.COM

MAINE WHOOPIE PIE FESTIVAL

DOVER-FOXCROFT

The sweetest day of the year is set for June 22, 2024, as the annual Whoopie Pie Festival returns to Dover-Foxcroft. Since 2009, the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival has been gathering the best bakers from around New England to offer samples and compete for prizes and bragging rights. “Earn Your Whoopie Pie” with a 1K kids fun run or 3K race/walk Saturday morning, then browse and enjoy the arts, crafts, and foods while listening to live music. There are also rides and games for kids of all ages, whoopie pieeating contests, and more.

MAINEWHOOPIEPIEFESTIVAL.COM

MACHIAS WILD BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL MACHIAS

Come celebrate the powerful little fruit that put this corner of Down East Maine on the map. Centre Street Congregational Church rolls out the blue carpet each August with crafts, food, entertainment, contests, and all things blueberry. There’s no admission charge. Mark your calendar for Aug. 16-18, 2024.

MACHIASBLUEBERRY.COM

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MOXIE FESTIVAL LISBON FALLS

Love it or hate it, this festival celebrates that famous Maine soft drink with the funny aftertaste. Set for July 12-14, 2024, events include a parade, 5k road race, delicious food, car show, children’s activities, Moxie chugging contest, and fireworks.

MOXIEFESTIVAL.COM

PLOYE FESTIVAL FORT KENT

The Ploye Festival is Fort Kent’s annual tribute to the iconic Acadian buckwheat pancake. Kick off summer with this June event set for the first weekend of summer. Events typically include tractor pulls, local artisans and musicians sharing their talent, and the making of the world’s largest ploye by Bouchard Family Farms. This year, Maine’s annual moose lottery is set to take place in Fort Kent that same weekend, on Saturday, June 15, at Lonesome Pine Lodge.

FORTKENT.ORG

MAINE RED HOT DOG FESTIVAL DEXTER

The 2024 Maine Red Hot Dog Festival will take place on August 10 in downtown Dexter! Enjoy this iconic Maine dish along with live music all day, kids zone, 5K Bun-Run, beer and wine tents, eating contests, food and craft vendors, plenty of red snappers, and more.

REDHOTDOG.ORG

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THE KNEADING CONFERENCE & BREAD FAIR SKOWHEGAN

Who doesn’t love bread? Bread, grains, flour, and farms are the focus of the annual Kneading Conference, coming July 25-26, 2024. The Kneading Conference brings grainiacs and bread buffs from all over the country to Skowhegan. Farmers, bakers, brewers, cooks, grain researchers, maltsters, and more gather to educate one another about the art and science of growing and milling grains, baking artisan breads, and brewing delicious beer. KNEADINGCONFERENCE.COM

THE MAINE OYSTER FESTIVAL FREEPORT

Did you know there are more than 150 oyster farms dotting Maine’s 3,500-mile coastline? Celebrate this tasty and environmentally critical bivalve in Freeport at the annual celebration June 29-30, 2024. VISITFREEPORT.COM

Maine Brew fests

GREAT FALLS BREWFEST LEWISTON

The Great Falls Brewfest is coming June 22, 2024, featuring more than 50 breweries (cider, non-alcoholic, and hard seltzer, too), food, vendors, live music, and more. This event is one of Maine’s favorite beer festivals and draws nearly 2,000 attendees each year. Presented by Baxter Brewing Co. BAXTEROUTDOORS.COM

THE BELFAST BAY BEER BASH

BELFAST

Join Marshall Wharf Brewing Co. in Belfast on Oct. 5, 2024 from 2-10 p.m. for live music, food trucks, and more than 50 beers on tap.

MARSHALLWHARFBREWING.COM

WAVY DAYS BEER FEST PORTLAND

Mast Landing’s Wavy Days Beer Fest features 50 guest breweries from all around the country, pouring their beers in Portland to celebrate summer. Mark your calendar for June 29 at Thompson’s Point. Enjoy great beers, excellent people, and a festive vibe in the heart of Vacationland.

WAVYDAYSFEST.COM

SKOWHEGAN CRAFT BREW FEST

SKOWHEGAN

The Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival marks the unofficial close of summer, annually on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, this year on August 31, 2024, in historic downtown Skowhegan. Enjoy beer tastings, food trucks, and more.

SKOWHEGANCRAFTBREWFEST.COM

1 ) H A Z Y I PA

2 ) J U I CY I PA

3 ) C L A S S I C I PA

4 ) S E S S I O N A L E

5 ) S U N S C R E E N

VARIETY PACKS NOW AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ALL SEBAGO LOCATIONS

ACtIVe & OUTDOORS

OPEN FARM DAY STATEWIDE

Open Farm Day, set for July 28, 2024, lets you see how your food is made, with many farms offering demonstrations, displays, farm-raised products for sale and animals and crops to experience. Activities may include barn and field tours, hay rides, petting zoos, tastings, nature trails and more.

REALMAINE.COM

NORDIC TRAIL FESTIVAL PRESQUE ISLE

The Nordic Heritage Sport Club hosts this outdoor adventure weekend celebrating community, trails and lifestyle. Whether you want to tackle the trails for a day of hiking, running or biking, or relax and take part in a variety of events, this weekend should not be missed. Enjoy live music, games for young and old, contests, food, racing and the awesome trails of the Nordic Heritage Center, all with the spectacular backdrop of a Northern Maine summer! The dates for this year’s festival had not yet been posted at the time of publication, but visit the website for updated info.

NORDICTRAILFESTIVAL.COM

TOUGH MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE NEWRY

Can you handle it? The Tough Mountain Challenge, set for July 27, 2024, offers a fun adventure obstacle race in the mountains of Maine at Sunday River Ski Resort. At approximately 5K in length, the course delivers mud, sweat, and beer to 3,600 competitors every year.

TOUGHMOUNTAIN.COM

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SEA DOGS MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAMES

HADLOCK FIELD, PORTLAND

It’s time to root, root, root for the home team! Maine’s very own minor league baseball team plays in Portland’s Hadlock Field. With affordable tickets and concessions, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the great American pastime with the whole family. Check online for a full schedule of games and to purchase tickets.

SEADOGS.COM

TREK ACROSS MAINE BRUNSWICK

Maine’s biggest and best family reunion is back. See old friends, make new ones, and enjoy the 40th annual Trek Across Maine, with an in-person cycle this Father’s Day weekend, June 14-16, 2024. Fundraising from this event goes to help the American Lung Association.

ACTION.LUNG.ORG

DOWNEAST SUNRISE TRAIL RELAY

ELLSWORTH TO EASTPORT

Maine’s first and only all night relay. Teams of four to eight runners begin in Ellsworth on Friday, June 19 and run the 102.7 mile scenic route in legs of 4-10 miles through the night, arriving in Eastport on Saturday, June 20.

CROWATHLETICS.COM

FORT KENT

INTERNATIONAL MUSKIE DERBY

FORT KENT

Muskie fishing is considered one of the greatest freshwater sports fish challenges in all of North America. The scenic St. John River has more than 225 miles of prime habitat for Muskie fishing. Join in this annual tradition in Fort Kent, and reel in the big one. The dates for this year’s derby had not yet been posted at the time of publication, but visit the website for updated info.

FORTKENT-MUSKIE.COM

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CROWN OF MAINE BALLOON FEST

PRESQUE ISLE

Aroostook County is steeped in ballooning history. In 1978, the Double Eagle II launched from Presque Isle and made the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. In 1984, Joe Kittinger became the first person to make the solo transatlantic balloon journey, launching from Caribou. In 2013, Jonathan Trappe launched his attempted transatlantic balloon flight using 365 individual helium balloons and established a world record for distance, when he landed in Newfoundland. Celebrate this high flying tradition Aug. 22-25, 2024 with hot air balloons, balloon rides by reservation, a street fair, children and family activities, a pancake breakfast, music, food and more. COMBF.ORG

Saturday, August 24th

Spend A Day by the Bay

ADD A VISIT TO BUCKSPORT TO YOUR SUMMER TO-DO LIST

BY EMILY BAER

BUCKSPORT may seem to some like an “on-the-way” kind of place, a throughway toward destinations north, east, south, and west. But, like so many small towns in Maine, there’s much more to Bucksport than you can see from the seat of your car.

GOOD EATS

The smell of fresh baked goods wafts through cool summer air as Edward’s Kitchen and Sweet Cheeks Bakery open for business. You can’t go wrong with a sourdough cinnamon roll in town, or an apple fritter just across the bridge. Later in the day, Carrier's Mainely Lobster and Crosby's Drive-In compete for the best lunch in town, and Macleod's Restaurant is a perennial dinner favorite.

SWEET TREATS

It wouldn’t be summer in Bucksport without a stop at The Dairy Port, Bucksport’s famous walk-up ice cream shop. No matter the weather, fans queue up daily along Main Street to consider their options. There’s hard serve, soft serve, sundaes, sandwiches, floats, and just about everything in between. Enjoy your ice cream on a nearby bench or head across the street to admire Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.

FESTIVALS

This summer, music lovers young and old will once again enjoy Bucksport’s Wednesdays on Main concert series. A celebration of musical traditions from around the world, this year’s lineup will be as eclectic as it is entertaining. The 2024 season will kick off with the Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers on June 5.

The Bucksport Bay Festival brings friends and families together for a day of free fun along Bucksport’s quaint, walkable waterfront. After the pandemic put a temporary hold on this beloved tradition, the festival made a roaring comeback in 2023. This year’s event

on July 20, promises to be even better. In addition to a parade, an interactive kids' area with bounce houses and slides, boat tours, and live music throughout the day, the festival hosts vendors peddling everything from homemade soaps and salsa to handicrafts. There are also plenty of opportunities to connect with representatives from local businesses, community groups, and nonprofit organizations along the riverwalk. Of course, no summer festival is complete without fried food and local treats, and you’ll have plenty of choices by the Town Docks.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Whether you’re looking for a beach read, a best-seller, or tall tales and local lore, Bookstacks has a fun and varied selection of books for all ages; there’s coffee and a small but mighty wine collection too. Catching your new favorite movie at the historic Alamo Theater is the perfect way to spend a rainy day or a quiet summer night. For those wishing to learn a little bit more about the town’s storied past, the Bucksport Historical Society welcomes visitors several days a week July through August, and Buck Memorial Library, a hub of ideas and imagination, has a full roster of free community events, resources, and information all year round.

PLAY

Of course, blue skies and warm weather beg for adventure. While there are plenty of hiking destinations in nearby conservation areas, the Miles Lane Trails offer easy, accessible gravel paths that almost anyone can enjoy. Closer to town you’ll hear giggles and shouts as kids run, swing, and climb on Ian’s Playground. Just next door is the newly minted Bucksport Skate Park, where beginners learn alongside old pros. On the waterfront, several local charter companies offer island tours, trips up the mighty Penobscot River, and sunset cruises.

No matter where you’re going or how long you plan to stay, this pretty little town is well worth a stop along the way.

FILM, DanCe &

Theater

PENOBSCOT THEATRE’S “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS”

BANGOR

The Penobscot Theatre presents “Little Shop of Horrors” this summer, from June 13 to July 14. First produced in 2008, PTC is bringing the show back by demand for its 50th anniversary season. This gleefully gruesome tribute to sci-fi/horror B movies, with a toe-tapping doo-wop score, is sure to be a scream.

PENOBSCOTTHEATRE.ORG.

CAMDEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

CAMDEN

Shakespeare returns to the Camden Amphitheatre with “The Comedy of Errors” from July 10 to Aug. 4. And watch for additional performances in Bath, Bowdoinham, and Monson.

CAMDENSHAKESPEARE.ORG

OPERA HOUSE ARTS AT THE STONINGTON OPERA HOUSE

STONINGTON

Opera House Arts is excited to bring a mix of returning favorites, Maine artists they’re welcoming for the first time, and nationally acclaimed performers to the historic Stonington Opera House. A full schedule can be found online.

OPERAHOUSEARTS.ORG

THE THEATER AT MONMOUTH SUMMER PERFORMANCES MONMOUTH

TAM’s 55th season celebrates and pokes fun at Shakespeare in many forms, with “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Souvenir,” “Shakespeare’s Will,” and “The School for Husbands.”

TAM’s 2024 Season is a rollercoaster of a ride through decades of comedy. Go online for show dates and times.

THEATERATMONMOUTH.ORG

MAINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

WATERVILLE

The 27th Maine International Film Festival is set for July 12-21, 2024 in Waterville. The 10-day festival will showcase nearly 100 films, representing the best of American independent and international cinema, and spotlight some of Maine and New England’s most exciting and innovative filmmakers. Go online for details.

MIFF.ORG

STRAND THEATRE

ROCKLAND

Enjoy films, concerts, and special events at Strand Theatre in Rockland. On June 20, Haley Heynderickx takes the stage with a style that recalls folk music of the 60s and 70s mixed with a love of jazz radio. ROCKLANDSTRAND.COM

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522 JUlY 17AUGUST 3 JUNE 26JULY 13 AUGUST 724

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OPERA MAINE PERFORMANCES

PORTLAND

Together with internationally recognized conductors, directors, and opera singers, Opera Maine — the state’s only professional opera company — presents original, creative, and inspiring productions. Enjoy Verdi’s “Aida” July 25 and 28. Audiences will be enthralled by Verdi’s gorgeous music as epic love transcends ancient borders.

OPERAMAINE.COM

TEN BUCKS THEATRE: SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS BREWER AND PROSPECT

Ten Bucks Theatre is excited to present William Shakespeare’s “Henry V” this summer under the stars. The show runs late July through early August at Indian Trail Park in Brewer and Fort Knox in Prospect.

TENBUCKSTHEATRE.ORG

MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATRE

BRUNSWICK

Travel to Brunswick this summer to enjoy Broadway musicals like South Pacific (June 5-22), Funny Girl (June 26-July 13), White Christmas (July 17-Aug. 3), and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aug. 7-24) right here in Maine.

MSMT.ORG

8/4:

8/11:

8/18: Billy Wylder

To BE To Be Or Not

SUMMER IN MAINE MEANS SHAKESPEARE ON STAGE

BY JUDY HARRISON

ONE OF MAINE’S MOST FREQUENT SUMMER VISITORS IS WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. THE BARD DOESN’T LITERALLY APPEAR BUT HIS PLAYS ARE PERFORMED REGULARLY IN MAINE PARKS AND THEATERS.

The tradition of performing out-of-doors goes back to Shakespeare’s time when plays had to be presented during daylight hours. This year Shakespeare will be performed outside in Brewer, Prospect, Camden, Ellsworth and Portland.

TEN BUCKS THEATRE COMPANY

Ten Bucks Theatre Company has produced one of Shakespeare’s plays outside nearly every summer for 20 years. The company started performing Shakespeare in 2004, two years after the Penobscot Theatre Company ended its Maine Shakespeare Festival, which performed for eight years on the Bangor Waterfront.

“The public consistently asked Ten Bucks to take up the mantle of producing outdoor Shakespeare,” said Julie Arnold Lisnet, a co-founder of the company. “In 2004, Shakespeare Under the Stars was born.”

The company began performing that year in Indian Trail Park in Brewer. In 2010, Ten Bucks took its show to Fort Knox in Prospect. This year the group will perform “Henry V” in late July and early August.

“I love both spaces, but the Fort is definitely easier on the actors vocally,” Lisnet said. “We're still outside, but there are these amazing granite walls that mean we don't have to work as hard to be heard. On the other hand, Indian Trail has allowed us to have a few critters wander through over the years — a black cat during our first ‘Macbeth’ in 2006 caused quite the stir.”

CAMDEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

The Camden Shakespeare Festival, which performs at the amphitheater next to the library overlooking the harbor, will perform “Comedy of Errors.” The company will also take the show to Monson for one performance.

Christopher Franklin as Petruchio and Lily Christian as Kate in Ten Bucks Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” in 2004 at Indian Trail Park in Brewer.

“The Camden Amphitheatre is not huge, but it is the most beautiful outdoor performance space that I have ever seen,” Artistic Director Stephen Legawiec said. “It is an honor and a joy to perform there. Many of our shows use the landscape of the space, which seems the point of being there, rather than cover it up with set pieces.”

AND MORE

The Theatre at Monmouth, Maine’s official Shakespeare Company, will present “Much Ado About Nothing” in Cumston Hall. The Fenix Theatre Company will perform “Love’s Labor’s Lost” in Deering Oaks Park in Portland. The Grand in Ellsworth will perform excerpts with a Downeast twist for The Bard in a city park.

The biggest challenge for outdoor performances is the often unpredictable weather. In 2006, Ten Bucks canceled no shows for rain, but in 2013, five of the 12 performances of “The Tempest” were canceled. Legawiec said that on performance days, he’s “checking the weather 10 times a day.”

“We are extremely lucky to have a rain space, which is the Parish Hall at St. Thomas’s Episcopal Church,” he said. “The challenge of performing outdoors is when to make the call to move inside based on the forecast.”

Like non-Shakepearian theater companies, those devoted to The Bard are struggling to recover from the pandemic. The Monmouth company that has traditionally produced two of Shakespeare’s plays each summer is just doing one this season along with “Shakespeare’s Will,” a one-woman show about Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife.

Prior to the pandemic, the Camden company also produced two of Shakespeare’s plays each summer, a comedy and a tragedy or history. It has stuck with one show a season since 2020.

“The reason that we are only doing one show a summer is chiefly a casting issue,” Legawiec said. “Casting two shows requires more actors.”

This year he is doing the show with nine actors compared to the 14 cast in the 2016 production.

One of the things Shakespeare’s plays allows for is casting women in men’s roles. Ten Bucks often does this and has cast a

female in the role of King Henry this summer. Women were forbidden from appearing onstage in England until 1660, 44 years after Shakespeare’s death. All the female parts prior to that were performed by men dressed as women.

“I honestly don't see any disadvantages in cross casting women in male roles,” Lisnet said. “Having played many male roles over the years in Shakespeare productions I think a woman brings a different perspective on iconic roles that audiences know well. One of my personal biggest thrills was playing Marc Antony in ‘Julius Caesar.’ His fierceness was liberating.”

The witches, portrayed left to right by Alison Cox, Julie Arnold Lisnet, and Andrea Littlefield, predict Macbeth’s future as king in Ten Bucks Theatre Company’s performance in 2018.

Husband and wife Barrett Hammond and Deb Elz Hammond portrayed Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in 2018.

ARts &

museums

MAINE CELTIC CELEBRATION BELFAST

Come enjoy a family-friendly day celebrating Celtic heritage, culture, and hospitality in Maine with lots of fun on the Belfast waterfront. Activities include highland heavy games, cheese roll, celtic music, a dog show, fireworks, and more. Coming July 19-21, 2024.

MAINECELTICCELEBRATION.COM

EASTPORT ARTFESTS

EASTPORT

The Eastport ArtFests celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage with free, all-ages, all-inclusive interactive art activities, live music, film, dance, storytelling, puppetry, parades, and more. This year’s events include Downeast Pride weekend June 28-30 in Eastport and Lubec, Eastport Mermaid Festival and Parade on Aug. 3, and Witches of Eastport on Oct. 26.

EASTPORTARTFESTS.ORG

MAINE QUILTS 2024 AUGUSTA

Pine Tree Quilters presents its annual quilting celebration July 25-27 at the Augusta Civic Center. Enjoy workshops, demonstrations, lectures, raffles, and a merchants hall, along with a variety of special exhibits.

MAINEQUILTS.ORG

SK TOURS

BANGOR

SK Tours of Maine offers tours of Derry, I mean Bangor, for folks from all over the world. Tinker gives an expert’s tour of sites in the Queen City represented in King’s novels. Plan your trip now.

SK-TOURS.COM

HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF CRAFTS SUMMER WORKSHOPS

DEER ISLE

Haystack’s 2024 season explores the intersections of craft, art, and design in broad and expansive ways. Nearly all workshops are designed for all levels of experience, regardless of your background. Writing workshops, artist talks, crafting and blacksmithing demonstrations are all on summer schedule and much more.

HAYSTACK-MTN.ORG

ARTS IN THE PARK BELFAST

Set this year for June 29-30, 2024, in Belfast’s Steamboat Landing Park along the waterfront, Arts in the Park is one of the most respected fine arts and crafts festivals in midcoast Maine. The variety of artwork and crafts is dizzying, and continuous live music and the smells of local eats add to the festival atmosphere.

SCHOODIC ARTS FOR ALL FESTIVAL WINTER HARBOR

The Schoodic Arts Festival is set for July 21-Aug. 10, 2024, with visual and performing arts workshops and performances for the Schoodic Peninsula and the surrounding region. This year’s festival will include a wide variety of workshops, lunchtime events, and evening performances. These exciting workshops cover topics ranging from painting to pottery, writing to dance, cooking, and everything in between.

SCHOODICARTSFORALL.ORG

BELFASTMAINE.ORG ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

- John Reny

ARts & museums

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

STILLWATER ARTSAPALOOZA ORONO

A date for this yearly celebration of community arts in the Orono area has yet to be posted. Venues across Orono typically showcase music, theater, dance, poetry and more, in an allday, family-friendly artistic extravaganza. The event is organized by Stillwater Community Arts. Check the website for updates!

STILLWATERCOMMUNITYARTS.ORG

MAINE MARITIME MUSEUM BATH

Experience Maine’s vibrant maritime culture on the banks of the Kennebec River. Open year-round, this 20-acre waterfront campus includes the country's only surviving historic wooden shipyard, rotating exhibits, blacksmith demos, a historic home, and more. Free admission for 17 and under.

MAINEMARITIMEMUSEUM.ORG

SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL

DOWNTOWN BANGOR

The Downtown Bangor Partnership is highlighting local artists and arts organizations through its annual Sidewalk Art Festival coming July 6, 2024. Visitors are encouraged to stroll the streets of Downtown Bangor to take in the gardens and permanent statues, visit the numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants, and explore the many art studios.

DOWNTOWNBANGOR.COM

BOOTHBAY RAILWAY VILLAGE

BOOTHBAY

Spend a fun-filled day discovering 35 acres of Maine history brought to life. Ride the rails behind an authentic steam locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos or model trains. Summer events include Cars and Coffee classic car shows on June 30 and July 28, Antique Auto Day on July 13, and Children’s Day on Aug. 11.

RAILWAYVILLAGE.ORG

VISIT A Museum

AROOSTOOK COUNTY

LITTLETON

SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM 1664 US Highway 1 • 538-9300 oldplow.net

NEW SWEDEN

NEW SWEDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM 116 Station Road • 896-5240 maineswedishcolony.info

OAKFIELD

OAKFIELD RAILROAD MUSEUM 40 Station Street • 267-1647

PRESQUE ISLE

NORTHERN MAINE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

UMaine Presque Isle 181 Main Street • 768-9482 pages.umpi.edu/nmms/museum

ST. AGATHA

STE. AGATHE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & HOUSE

Route 162, Main Street • 543-6911 ste-agathehistoricalsociety.com

ST. FRANCIS

ST. FRANCIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 872 Main Street • 398-3387

VAN BUREN

ACADIAN VILLAGE

U.S. Route 1 • 868-2691 connectmaine.com/acadianvillage

WOODLAND

WOODLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUMS 999-1890 or 493-1376

HANCOCK COUNTY

BAR HARBOR

ABBE MUSEUM

26 Mt. Desert Street • 822-3519 abbemuseum.org

BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 33 Ledgelawn Avenue • 288-0000 barharborhistorical.org

GEORGE B. DORR MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 105 Eden Street • 288-5395 coamuseum.org

MOUNT DESERT OCEANARIUM & LOBSTER HATCHERY

1351 State Highway 3 • 244-7330 theoceanarium.com

SIEUR DE MONTS SPRING & NATURE CENTER

Off Route 3 in Acadia National Park acadia.ws/sieur-de-monts.htm

CASTINE

WILSON MUSEUM

120 Perkins Street • 326-9247 wilsonmuseum.org

DEER ISLE

SALOME SELLERS HOUSE

416 Sunset Road • 367-2629 dis-historicalsociety.org/the-sellers-house

ELLSWORTH

BIRDSACRE-STANWOOD

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & HOMESTEAD

289 High Street • 667-8460 birdsacre.com

THE TELEPHONE MUSEUM

166 Winkumpaugh Road • 667-9491 thetelephonemuseum.org

WOODLAWN MUSEUM

19 Black House Drive • 667-8671 woodlawnmuseum.org

NORTHEAST HARBOR

GREAT HARBOR MARITIME MUSEUM

124 Main Street • 276-5650 greatharbor.mainememory.net

SEAL COVE

SEAL COVE AUTO MUSEUM 1414 Tremont Road • 244-9242 sealcoveautomuseum.org

SOUTHWEST HARBOR

WENDELL GILLEY MUSEUM 4 Herrick Road • 244-7555 wendellgilleymuseum.org

KENNEBEC COUNTY

WATERVILLE

COLBY MUSEUM OF ART 5600 Mayflower Hill • 859-5600 colby.edu/museum

KNOX COUNTY

CAMDEN

CAMDEN–ROCKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY CONWAY HOMESTEADCRAMER MUSEUM COMPLEX

U.S. Route 1 • 236-2257 visitmaine.com/organization/camdenrockport-historical-society

FRIENDSHIP

FRIENDSHIP MUSEUM Route 220 & Martin’s Point Road 832-4221 • friendshipmuseum.org

OWLS HEAD OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM Route 73 • 594-4418 • owlshead.org

ROCKLAND

COASTAL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 75 Mechanic Street • 596.0300 coastalchildrensmuseum.org

FARNSWORTH ART MUSEUM & WYETH CENTER 16 Museum Street • 596-6457 farnsworthmuseum.org

MAINE LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM 1 Park Drive • 594-3301 mainelighthousemuseum.com

ROCKPORT CENTER FOR MAINE CONTEMPORARY ART 162 Russell Avenue • 701-5005 cmcanow.org

THOMASTON GENERAL HENRY KNOX MUSEUM U.S. Route 1 • 354-8062 knoxmuseum.org

THOMASTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM

80 Knox Street • 354-2295 thomastonhistoricalsociety.com

UNION

MATTHEWS MUSEUM OF MAINE Heritage Union Fairgrounds matthewsmuseum.org

VINALHAVEN

VINALHAVEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM High Street • 863-4410 vinalhavenhistoricalsociety.org

LINCOLN COUNTY

BOOTHBAY BOOTHBAY RAILWAY VILLAGE MUSEUM 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay (207) 633-4727 railwayvillage.org

PENOBSCOT COUNTY

BANGOR BANGOR MUSEUM & HISTORY CENTER’S HILL HOUSE 159 Union Street • 942-1900 bangorhistoricalsociety.org

BANGOR POLICE MUSEUM 240 Main Street • 947-7384

COLE LAND TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM 405 Perry Road • 990-3600 colemuseum.org

MAINE DISCOVERY MUSEUM

74 Main Street • 262-7200 mainediscoverymuseum.org

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE MUSEUM OF ART 40 Harlow Street • Norumbega Hall 561-3350 • umma.umaine.edu

BRADLEY

LEONARD’S MILLS Government Road • 974-6278 leonardsmills.com

BREWER

BREWER HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S CLEWLEY MUSEUM 199 Wilson Street • 989-5013 brewerhistoricalsociety.org

DEXTER

DEXTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUMS 12 Church Street • 924-5721 dextermaine.info/historical-society

HAMPDEN

HAMPDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S KINSLEY HOUSE MUSEUMS 83 Main Road S. Route 1A • 862-2027 hampdenhistoricalsociety.org/ kinsley-house

INDIAN ISLAND PENOBSCOT INDIAN NATION MUSEUM 12 Wabanaki Way • 827-4153 penobscotnation.org

LEE LEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM Main Street (Route 6) • 738-5014

MILLINOCKET

MILLINOCKET HISTORICAL MUSEUM 80 Central St. • 723-5477 millinockethistoricalsociety.org

OLD TOWN

OLD TOWN MUSEUM 353 Main St. • 827-7256 theoldtownmuseum.org

ORONO HUDSON MUSEUM

University of Maine Collins Center for the Arts 581-1904 • umaine.edu/hudsonmuseum

PAGE FARM & HOME MUSEUM Portage Road • 581-4100 umaine.edu/pagefarm

PATTEN THE PATTEN LUMBERMEN’S MUSEUM 61 Shin Pond Road • 528-2650 lumbermensmuseum.org

PISCATAQUIS COUNTY

DOVER-FOXCROFT

BLACKSMITH SHOP MUSEUM

100 Dawes Road • 564-8618

GREENVILLE

S/S KATAHDIN & MOOSEHEAD MARINE MUSEUM

N. Main Street, East Cove • 695-2716 katahdincruises.com

MONSON MONSON MUSEUM Greenville Road (Main Street) 557-7769 monsonmehistoricalsociety.com

SAGADAHOC COUNTY

BATH

MAINE MARITIME MUSEUM

243 Washington Street, Bath • 443-1316 mainemaritimemuseum.org

WALDO COUNTY

BELFAST

BELFAST HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM 10 Market Street • 338-9229 belfastmuseum.org

ISLESBORO

ISLESBORO HISTORICAL SOCIETY 388 Main Road • 734-6733 islesborohistorical.org

LIBERTY

DAVISTOWN MUSEUM

58 Main Street • 288-5126 davistownmuseum.org

LINCOLNVILLE

LINCOLNVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM Route 173 • 789-5445

SEARSPORT

PENOBSCOT MARINE MUSEUM

5 Church Street & Route 1 • 548-2529 penobscotmarinemuseum.org

WASHINGTON COUNTY

CHERRYFIELD CHERRYFIELD-NARRAGUAGUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY 88 River Road • 546-2076 cherryfieldhistorical.com

EASTPORT

RAYE’S MUSTARD MILL MUSEUM

83 Washington Street • (800) 853-1903 rayesmustard.com

TIDES INSTITUTE & MUSEUM OF ART 43 Water Street • 853-4047 tidesinstitute.org

JONESPORT

MAINE COAST SARDINE HISTORY MUSEUM 34 Mason Bay Road • 497-2961 mainesardinemuseum.tripod.com

LUBEC

LUBEC HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 135 Main Street • 733-2994 lubechistoricalsociety.com

ROBERT S. PEACOCK FIRE MUSEUM 40 School Street • 733-2341

WEST QUODDY HEAD VISITOR CENTER & MUSEUM South Lubec Road • 733-2180 westquoddy.com

MACHIAS BURNHAM TAVERN MUSEUM Route 192 • 733-4577 burnhamtavern.com

MILBRIDGE MILBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

83 Main Street • 546-4471 milbridgehistoricalsociety.org

IMpacT A Paws-itIve

SUMMER FUN THAT SUPPORTS MAINE HUMANE SOCIETIES AND PET RESCUES

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

ENJOY SOME FUN IN THE SUN WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING A GOOD CAUSE THIS SUMMER. THESE EVENTS AND BUSINESSES ARE NOT ONLY A TAIL-WAGGING GOOD TIME, THEY ALSO SUPPORT LOCAL HUMANE SOCIETIES AND PET RESCUES.

TAILS & TUNES IN AUGUSTA

On Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m., Kennebec Valley Humane Society will host a celebration at their new location at The Nancy Shuman Animal Shelter on Leighton Road in Augusta. Tails & Tunes will be a jam-packed event featuring a lineup of musicians, food trucks and beverage vendors, a bounce house, and more fun for the family! To purchase tickets and find out more about this dog and family friendly event, visit give.pethavenlane.org.

WOOFSTOCK IN WATERVILLE

On Saturday, July 20 from 2-7 p.m., the Humane Society Waterville Area will be hosting their third annual Woofstock Music Festival Fundraiser at 100 Webb Road in Waterville. Aside from live music and other fun activities planned for the whole family, there will also be many food trucks and vendors. Follow Humane Society Waterville Area’s Facebook page for upcoming details.

2ND ANNUAL BLACKSTREAM CUSTOM CYCLES GOLF TOURNAMENT IN HERMON

On Saturday, August 10 at 8 a.m., Hermon Meadow Golf Club will host a golf tournament to benefit the Bangor Humane Society. Funds will go toward the many animals and operations of the BHS. There will also be games, prizes and a silent auction. Visit donations.bangorhumane.org for more info.

WIENERFEST IN BELFAST

On Sunday, Sept. 8, Wienerfest will celebrate its 19th year of having dachshund lovers unite in Belfast to support PAWS Animal Adoption Center. Enjoy a parade, costume contest, and race. The festival will be held at Steamboat Landing Park at 34 Commercial St. in Belfast from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit mainewienerfest.com.

PAWS ON PARADE IN BANGOR

The Bangor Humane Society’s annual fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28. Enjoy a tail-wagging good time on the green adjacent to The Gracie Theatre on the Husson University campus. Whether you want to fundraise or just make a donation, your support will help the BHS care for the thousands of animals that come through their doors every year. Visit bangorhumane.org for more information.

WICKY RALPH’S ICE CREAM AND MINI GOLF IN ACTON

Mini golf and ice cream go hand-in-hand, but at Wicky Ralph’s it goes hand-in-paw. This Acton seasonal attraction is great for summer birthday parties, a date night, or a night out with friends. Each purchase of an ice cream or mini golf game goes towards the ongoing operations of Grammy Rose Dog Rescue and Sanctuary, which helps rescue and rehome dogs from kill shelters across the country. For operating hours and ice cream flavors, visit their Facebook page.

THE ARK ANIMAL SHELTER THIFT SHOP IN BLUE HILL

Thrift shopping is a year-round activity, but it’s twice as fun with some ice coffee and free time on your hands. Right across from the Blue Hill Fairgrounds is a small thrift shop that helps fund spay/neuter procedures for the animals at The Ark Animal Shelter located in Cherryfield. The Ark Animal Shelter Thrift Store has antique kitchenware, holiday decorations, pet-related necessities, home decor, and other findings worth browsing through. For hours of operation and new items for sale, visit their Facebook page.

Castine Historical Society castinehistoricalsociety.org

Castine Inn castineinn.com

Castine Kayak Adventures castinekayak.com

Castine Visitor Center visitcastine.com

Compass Rose Books compassrosebookscastine.com

Gallery B gallerybgallery.com

Mary Margaret's Mercantile marymargaretsmercantile.com

Pentagöet Inn pentagoet.com

Saltmeadow Properties saltmeadowproperties.com

Wilson Museum wilsonmuseum.org

Windmill Hill Provisions

kiDS &

family

GREAT MAINE LUMBERJACK SHOW

TRENTON

Watch Timber Tina and her crew chopping, log rolling, throwing axes, speed climbing in more in this fun display of Maine lumberjack skills. Shows nightly at 7 p.m. beginning Memorial Day Weekend. Tickets available at the door and online. MAINELUMBERJACK.COM

COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS

BOOTHBAY

The grounds of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are a garden-lover’s paradise. From cultured gardens and swaths of native plants to woodland and wetland trails traversing 300 acres on the coast of Maine, there is so much to see and explore with the entire family. The buildings and central gardens are ADA compliant, making them fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Find a full list of events online. MAINEGARDENS.ORG

THURSDAYS ON SWEDEN

CARIBOU

Spend Thursdays on Sweden Street with live music, vendors, food, and fun for the whole family in downtown Caribou. Mark your calendar for June 6, June 20, July 11, July 25, and Aug. 8. CARIBOUREC.ORG

MAINE POTATO BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

FORT FAIRFIELD

The 2024 Maine Potato Blossom Festival is scheduled for July 13-21, 2024. Celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and honoring veterans, events include a parade, BBQ cook-off, horseshoe and cornhole tournaments, Tough Tater obstacle courses, live music, children’s activities, pageants, vendors, road race, golf tournament, and more.

MAINEPOTATOBLOSSOM FESTIVAL.COM

BANGOR STATE FAIR

BANGOR

The Bangor State Fair returns to Bass Park for another year of rides, food, fun, music, games, people-watching, and much more. The Bangor State Fair typically draws between 40,000 and 50,000 people each year and dates back to 1849. Mark your calendar for July 25-28 and Aug. 1-3, 2024. BANGORSTATEFAIR.COM

BELFAST HARBOR FEST AND CLASSIC BOAT SHOW

BELFAST

Celebrate the boating traditions of Belfast from Aug. 16-18, 2024, at Steamboat Landing & Heritage Park. Events include an Evening by the Bay Charity Auction, pancake breakfast, boat building challenge, music, kids’ activities, touch tank, delicious food, touch-a-truck, and much more.

BELFASTHARBORFEST.COM ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

EASTPORT PIRATE FESTIVAL

EASTPORT

Arrgh! Grab your eyepatch and head to this celebration of all things pirate. Coming Sept. 6-8, 2024 to Eastport, this funfilled event includes a scavenger hunt, pirate parade, pop-up street skits, costume contests, street dance, and more. Warm up your shanty singing voice and mark your calendar.

EASTPORTPIRATEFESTIVAL.COM

THOMAS POINT BEACH BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

BRUNSWICK

The Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival brings bluegrass music and family to the shores of midcoast Maine. This four-day event, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2024 features world-renowned acts and legendary late-night picking.

THOMASPOINTBEACH BLUEGRASS.COM

BELFAST AND MOOSEHEAD LAKE

RAILROAD TRAIN RIDES

UNITY TO BELFAST

From a scenic ride along the Sebasticook River bridge to a train offering pizza and whoopie pies, there’s something for everyone on the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad. Find a full list of events and excursions leaving from the Unity Depot online.

BELFASTANDMOOSEHEAD LAKERAIL.ORG

Photo

belfastharborfest.com

EMERA ASTRONOMY CENTER & JORDAN PLANETARIUM

ORONO

Have a hankering to explore space? With dark skies and little light pollution, Maine is one the best states to catch great views of the stars. The Emera Astronomy Center & Jordan Planetarium banks on that with weekly planetarium programs, music shows, and more. Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at 207-581-1341, or at the ticket box office prior to the show.

ASTRO.UMAINE.EDU

Caribou’s 2024 Events Lineup Includes:

June 6 & 20, July 11 & 25, August 8: Thursdays on Sweden Street 6pm- 9pm

Summer Street Festival with food trucks, live music, outdoor cafe and vendors!

July 25 to the 28: Caribou Cares About Kids

September 14:

County Oktoberfest at the Caribou Airport

October 18 & 19:

Caribou Cra Fair (50th year)

November 30:

Small Business Saturday

Weekends: Nylander Museum

9am – 1pm on Saturday and Sunday

Caribou Historical Center & Whittier Museum, 8am – 1pm Saturday

Daily

Two types of bowling Movie theater

ATV Trails Restaurant with golf simulator

Summer Season Shenanigans

Golf at the Caribou Country Club

Roller Skating

U-pick berries and produce

Awesome Autumn

Corn Maze at Goughan’s Farm

Wintertime Wonders

Christmas in Caribou Snowmobile Trails