Apr 7, Maine Festivals 2015
People living in Maine love to find reason for celebration. And when they find it, they don't hesitate to share their fun with others. Regardless of the time of year, winter, spring, summer or fall, Maine festivals are taking place all across the state.
Many are perfectly timed to take advantage of the changing seasons... ...some coincide with the bountiful harvests produced by the land and sea...
...others commemorate historical and cultural events, and year-long...
...annual holiday celebrations in Maine provide a unique atmosphere in which to unwind!
From around the globe...
...tourists travel to "Vacationland" to be part of the most popular Maine events, many visitors making them the centerpiece of their Maine vacation.
Read hotel reviews and check best rates for Maine hotel deals.
Most Popular and Best Festivals in Maine Nowhere, but in places that enjoys a four-season climate will you find people so quick to fully embrace each season. That is exactly what happens in Maine!
The winter blues and long dark nights are fought
off with statewide Winter Carnivals and hot chocolate, while spring festivals are a time for celebrating rebirth.
Summer events in Maine include dozens of festivals that honor favorite Maine foods. Strawberry Festivals, Blueberry Fests, a Clam Festival, and the ever popular Maine Lobster Festivals often steal the limelight!
Fall festivals are traditional. Many include cornstalks, scarecrows, pumpkin patches and hot apple cider, all of which help justify the crisp autumn air.
As you read the list of festivals in Maine below, keep in mind...
...this is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of things to do in Maine.
Fairs, carnivals, arts and crafts shows, road races, ski races, lobster boat races, car shows and boat shows, fireworks displays...
...and many other fun family friendly events are scheduled year-round.
For full monthly listings check out Maine activities and events.
Please note... Many listings still reflect 2014 dates. The 2015 Maine Festival dates are updated as information is available.
Summer Festivals in Maine
Most of the Maine festivals in summer are outdoor activities, which is perfect...
...given the typically gorgeous weather in Maine in June, July and August.
Yes, there are periods of rain, and/or fog...
...fog in particular along the coast of Maine...
...and there are the occasional days with high humidity, but overall, it's a pretty nice time of year for enjoying outdoor events! And you won't be alone, as summer is peak time for Maine tourist season!
To see a festival location map, get driving directions and for event details, please visit the Maine Activities and Events page (by month).
Note: Be sure to check May listings for events that may carry over! Kennebunkport Festival - Kennebunkport, Maine - June 7-13, 2015
Bethel, Maine Moose Festival and Moose Lottery - Bethel, Maine - June 12-14, 2015
Margaretta Days Festival - Machias, Maine -
June 13, 2015
Old Port Festival - Portland, Maine - June 14, 2015
Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Music Festival - Litchfield, Maine - June 17-20, 2015
Whatever Family Festival - Augusta, Maine - June 17-July 4, 2015
Maine Blues Festival - Naples, Maine - June 19-21, 2015
Midsommar Festival - New Sweden, Maine - June 19-21, 2015
Bangor Beer Festival - Bangor, Maine - June 20, 2015
PeaksFest - Peaks Island, Maine - June 19-21, 2015
Boothbay Windjammer Days Festival - Boothbay Harbor, Maine - June 21-27, 2015
La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival - Saco and Biddeford, Maine - June 26-29, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 dates)
Kingfield Pops Festival of the Arts - Kingfield, Maine - June 27, 2015
Maine Whoopie Pie Festival - Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, Maine - June 27, 2015
Saco Spirit Sidewalk Art Festival - Saco, Maine, Maine - June 27, 2015
South Berwick Strawberry Festival - South Berwick, Maine - June 27, 2015
Windham Summerfest - Windham, Maine -
June 27, 2015
Bowdoin International Music Festival - Brunswick, Maine - June 27 - August 8, 2015
Bar Harbor Music Festival- Bar Harbor, Maine - June 28-July 26, 2015
Note: Be sure to check June listings for events that may carry over!
Acadian Festival - Madawaska, Maine - July 2-5, 2015
Festival of Independence- Camden, Maine - July 2-July 5, 2015
Bar Harbor Seafood Festival, Craft Fair, 4th of July Fireworks - Bar Harbor, Maine - July 4, 2015
Atlantic Music Festival - Waterville, Maine July 6-August 2, 2015
Rangeley Strawberry Festival - Oquossoc Park - Rangeley, Maine - July 9, 2015
East Millinocket Summerfest Celebration - East Millinocket, Maine July 10-12, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 dates)
Maine Yogafest - Portland, Maine July 10-12, 2015
Moxie Festival - Lisbon Falls, Maine July 10-12, 2015
Maine International Film Festival - Waterville, Maine July 10-19, 2015
North Atlantic Blues Festival - Rockland, Maine - July 11-July 12, 2015
Maine Potato Blossom Festival - Fort Fairfield, Maine July 11-19, 2015
Central Maine Egg Festival - Pittsfield, Maine - July 13-18, 2015
Alfred Festival - Alfred, Maine - July 17-19, 2015
Kingfield Festival Days - Kingfield, Maine - July 17-19, 2015
Yarmouth Clam Festival - Yarmouth, Maine July 17-19, 2015
Quietside Flamingo Festival - Southwest Harbor, Maine July 18-19, 2015 Ossipee Valley Music Festival - July 23-26, 2015
Bucksport Bay Festival - Bucksport, Maine - July 24-26, 2015
Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival - Grand Lake Stream, Maine - July 25-26, 2015
Northern Maine Fair and Music Festival - Presque Isle, Maine - July 25-August 2, 2015
Farmington Summer Fest - Farmington, Maine - July 25, 2015
Festival of Nations - Portland, Maine - July 25, 2015
York Days Festival - York Beach, Maine - July 26-August 2, 2015
Rockland Maine Lobster Festival - Rockland, Maine - July 29-August 2, 2015
Note: Be sure to check July listings for events that may carry over...
Picnic Music and Arts Festival - Portland, Maine - August 1, 2015
Kennebunk Antiques Festival - Kennebunk, Maine - August 1-2, 2015
Northeast Acadian Harvest Fest - Northeast Harbor, Maine - August 1-2, 2015 Sweet Chariot Music and Art Festival - Swan's Island, Maine - August 4-6, 2015
Wilton Blueberry Festival - Wilton, Maine - August 7-8, 2015 Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival - Bar Harbor, Maine - August 7-9, 2015
Maine Antiques Festival - Union, Maine - August 7-9, 2015
Frenchboro, Maine Lobster Festival - Frenchboro, Maine - August 8, 2015
Winter Harbor Lobster Festival - Winter Harbor, Maine - August 8, 2015
Portland Chamber Music Festival - Portland, Maine - August 13-22, 2015
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival - Machias, Maine August 14-15, 2015
Belfast Harbor Fest - Belfast, Maine - August 14-16, 2015
MS Harborfest Weekend - Portland, Maine - August 14-16, 2015
Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival - Brunswick, Maine - August 15, 2015
Scarborough SummerFest - Brunswick, Maine - August 16, 2015 Great Falls Balloon Festival - Lewiston-Auburn,
Maine - August 21-23, 2015
Royal River Music Fest - Yarmouth, Maine - August 22, 2015
WCSH 6 Sidewalk Art Festival Portland - Portland, Maine - August 22, 2015 Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Music Festival - Litchfield, Maine - August 26-29, 2015
Crown of Maine Balloon Festival - Presque Isle, Maine - August 27-30, 2015
American Folk Festival - Bangor, Maine - August 28-30, 2015
Wells Chili Fest - Wells, Maine - August 29, 2015
Fall Festivals in Maine
Some people think of fall as the best time of
year to visit Maine - for several reasons.
Once Labor Day passes summer crowds are gone, Maine fall weather is usually delightful (with warm days and cool evenings)...
...and there is still plenty to do.
Along with the Maine agricultural fairs and the harvest festivals that are plentiful during September and October...
...many seasonal Maine tourist attractions remain in operation until Columbus Day (typically the 2nd weekend in October), providing for even more vacation fun!
To see a festival location map, get driving directions and for event details, please visit the Maine Activities and Events page (by month) listed below.
Note: Be sure to check August listings for events that may carry over!
Camden Windjammer Festival - Camden, Maine - September 4-6, 2015
Lewiston-Auburn Greek Festival - Lewiston, Maine - September 4-6, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 dates)
Boothbay Harbor Fest - Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, Maine - September 4-13, 2015
Harvest Hoot 2014 Festival - Camden, Maine - September 6, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 date)
Festival at the Falls - formerly the Franco-American Family Festival - Waterville, Maine - September 7, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 date)
Eastport Pirate Festival - Eastport, Maine - September 11-13, 2015
Bikefest on the Pier - Old Orchard Beach, Maine - September 12, 2015
Mount Desert Island Garlic Festival - Southwest Harbor, Maine -
September 12, 2015 Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival - Bar Harbor, Maine - September 12-13, 2015
Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival - Wells, Maine - September 12-13, 2015
Alfred Shaker Hill Apple Festival - Alfred, Maine - September 13-14, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 dates)
New Portland Lions Agricultural Fair and The Maine Crafts Festival - North New Portland, Maine - September 18-20, 2015
Harvest Fest and Chowdah Cook Off - Bethel, Maine - September 19, 2015
Acadia Night Sky Festival - Bar Harbor, Maine - September 25-29, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 dates)
Maine Lakes Brew Fest - Casco, Maine - September 26, 2015
Punkinfiddle Festival - Wells, Maine -
September 26, 2015
Pemaquid Oyster Festival - Damariscotta, Maine - September 28, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 date)
Note: Be sure to check September listings for events that may carry over!
16th Annual Freeport Fall Festival - Freeport, Maine - October 4 -5, 2014
Harvestfest and Hill 'n the Ville - Waterville, Maine - October 5, 2014
Acadia's Oktoberfest Food Crafts Festival - Southwest Harbor, Maine - October 10-11, 2014
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta - Damariscotta, Maine - October 10- 13, 2014
Fall Food and Wine Festival - Blue Hill and Deer Isle, Maine - October 10-19, 2014
Fall Festival at Wolfe's Neck Farm - Freeport, Maine, Maine - October 11, 2014
Boothbay Railway Village Fall Foliage Festival - Boothbay, Maine - October 11-12, 2014
Fall Festival Weekend - Newry, Maine - October 11-12, 2014
Waterford Fall Foliage Road Race and Chili Festival - Waterford Village, Maine - October 12, 2014
Maine Wildlife Park Halloweenfest - Gray, Maine - October 17-18, 2014
Ghostport Festival - Bucksport, Maine - October 18, 2014
Harvestfest and Kidfest - York Beach, Maine, Maine - October 18, 2014
OgunquitFest - Ogunquit, Maine, Maine - October 23-26, 2014
Note: Be sure to
check October listings for events that may carry over!
Maine Harvest Festival - Bangor, Maine - November 14-15, 2015 Festival of Light Celebration - Rockland, Maine, Maine - November 28-30, 2014
Winter Festivals in Maine
There is nothing like the first snowfall of the season to get a true New Englander excited and in the mood for holiday celebrations.
Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day certainly gain attention...
...as do Valentine's Day. President's Day, and the school winter vacation week.
Although winter weather in Maine may not seem conducive to outdoor activities, you may be surprised at how many winter Maine festivals take place both inside AND out.
Mainers' know how to make great use of snow and ice, and with an extra layer and a hot toddy, you are sure to enjoy their idea of a good time!
To see a festival location map, get driving directions and for event details, please visit the Maine Activities and Events page (by month).
Note: Be sure to check November listings for events that may carry over!
Bridgton Festival of Lights - Bridgton, Maine - December 6, 2014
York Festival of Lights - York Beach, Maine - December 6, 2014
Annual Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights - Boothbay Harbor, Maine - December 6-7, 2014
Note: Be sure to check December listings for events that may carry over!
Sugarloaf Children's Festival Week - Carrabassett Valley, Maine - January 12-16, 2015
Sunday River Children's Festival Week - Newry, Maine - January 12-16, 2015
Welcome to Winter WinterKids Festival - Portland, Maine - January 17, 2015
Winter West Festival - Westbrook, Maine - January 17, 2015
Winterfest 2015 - Scarborough, Maine - January 17, 2015
WinterFest 2015 - South Portland - January 30, 2015
New England Pond Hockey Festival, NEPHF - Rangeley, Maine - January 30-February 1, 2015
Banff Film Festival World Tour - Ellsworth, Maine - January 30-February 1, 2015
Camden Winterfest - Camden, Maine
- January 31 -
February 8, 2015
Note: Be sure to check January listings for events that may carry over!
Banff Film Festival World Tour - Bangor, Maine - February 3-4, 2015
Banff Film Festival World Tour - Rockport, Maine - February 6-7, 2015
Kennebunk Winterfest - Kennebunk, Maine - February 6-7, 2015
Auburn Winter Festival - Auburn, Maine - February 6-8, 2015
Winterfest in Biddeford - Bidderford, Maine -
February 6-8, 2015
Mount Abram White Grass Festival - Greenwood, Maine - February 7, 2015
New England Telemark Festival - Greenwood, Maine - February 7, 2015
Banff Film Festival World Tour - Ellsworth, Maine - February 8-9, 2015
NEVI Ski Festival - Carrabassett Valley, Maine - February 8-12, 2015
Mellie Dunham Snow Shoe Festival - Norway, Maine - February 13-15, 2015
Annual Chocolate Festival - Greenville, Maine - February 15, 2015
Ice Festival of Lewiston-Auburn - Lewiston, Maine - February 20-22, 2015
Black Mountain of Maine Winterfest - Rumsford,
Maine - February 27-March 1, 2015
Spring Festivals in Maine
Even during early spring (known to locals as mud season in the Northeast), there are interesting festivals taking place in Maine.
As spring progresses and the weather improves, events become notably more summer like.
And although too early in the season for sun bathing (however, not unheard of on an occasional April or May day), everyone is anxious to return to their favorite Maine coastal vacation spots...
...or to visit Maine's lakes and mountains in hopes of enjoying them for something other than skiing, snowmobiling and ice-fishing!
To see a festival location map, get
driving directions and for event details, please visit the Maine Activities and Events page (by month).
Note: Be sure to check February listings for events that may carry over!
Maine Jewish Film Festival - Portland, Maine - March 14-21, 2015
Maine Science Festival - Bangor, Maine - March 20-22, 2015
Curran Homestead Maple Syrup Festival and Irish Celebration - Orrington, Maine - March 21, 2015
Mid-Coast Model Festival - Owl's Head, Maine - March 28-29, 2015
Note: Be sure to check March listings for events that may carry over!
Sunday River Parrothead Festival - Newry,
Maine - April 3-5, 2015
Emerge Fim Festival - Various venues in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine - April 9-12, 2015
Sugarloaf Reggae Festival - Carrabassett Valley, Maine - April 9-12, 2015
Boothbay Fishermen's Festival - Boothbay Harbor, Maine - April 25-27, 2014 (Waiting for 2015 update)
Green Neighbor Family Fest - Portland, Maine - April 25, 2015
Note: Be sure to check April listings for events that may carry over!
Maine Fiddlehead Festival Local Food Day - Farmington, Maine - May 2, 2015 Kennebunk May Day Festival - Kennebunk, Maine - May 2, 2015 Kid's Central Festival - Kennebunk, Maine - May 2, 2015
Chowderfest on the Pier - Old Orchard Beach, Maine - May 9, 2015 Rise Above Fest - Bangor, Maine - May 9, 2015
Old Orchard Beach Beerfest on the Pier - Old Orchard Beach, Maine - May 16, 2015
Maine Comic Arts Festival - Portland, Maine - May 17, 2015
Downeast Spring Birding Festival - Cobscook Bay area of Downeast Maine - May 22-25, 2015 Sanford International Film Festival - Sanford, Maine, May 27 - 30, 2015
Acadia Birding Festival - Various locations Mount Desert Island, Maine - May 28-May 31, 2015
Spring Festival at Wolfe's Neck Farm - Freeport, Maine - May 30, 2015
Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival - Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, May 29 - 31, 2015
...as event cancellations can occur and dates may change due to weather conditions. Contact information for events is available on monthly Activities and Events in Maine pages.
Finding Places to Stay in Maine With the exception of Maine's largest cities, much of the state consists of smaller towns and villages that for the most part do not have large-scale hotels.
Instead, in many areas you will find a nice selection of quaint country inns and bed and breakfasts, along with mom-and-pop motels and intimate hotels...
...which during the biggest Maine festivals, especially those held during the summer months, receive room
reservations well in advance!
For instance, according to the organizers of the Rockland, Maine Lobster Festival that event in itself draws over 60,000 people to Rockland, over a 5-day period!
My recommendation is to begin your search for the best places to stay in Maine, long before your Maine vacation begins!
...or, find Maine Vacation Home Rentals, perfect for families and groups.
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