Events

Explore Maines Seasonal or Ongoing Events and Activities

Baby goat cuddles Tide Mill creamery! Events in Maine
Baby goat cuddles Tide Mill creamery!

Winter

Aroostook County

  • Houlton Holiday Light ParadeMarket Square, Houlton, ME 04730
    • Yearly parade held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving featuring Mr. & Mrs. Claus!
  • Long Lake Ice Fishing DerbyLong Lake, Sinclair, ME 04779
    • Usually held in January, this huge ice fishing derby draws competitors from all over. Thousands of dollars in prizes are awarded to the winners!
  • Moosestompers128 Main St, Houlton, ME 04730 (January)
    • Numerous outdoor winter activities such as a snow run 5k, snow dance, light parade, antique sleds and more!
  • Can-Am Crown Dog Sled Races65 3rd Ave, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (207) 543-7515  (February) 
    • International dog sled races that are great to watch or race in. There are three types of races: 20 miles, 100 miles, and 250 miles. The 250-mile race is a qualifier for entry into the Iditarod and Yukon Quest races.
  • Winter Carnival and Snowmobile Festival Caribou, ME 04736
    • This event takes place in February and includes a variety of fun activities including skiing, shows, dinners, dances, snowmobile drag racing, parades, bonfires, family events, fireworks, and more

DownEast Maine

  • Healthy Island Project: WinterfestIsland Community Center, 6 Memorial Ln, Stonington, ME 04681 | (207) 367-6332 (January)
    • Held on the third weekend in January every year, this fun event is welcome for everyone and most activities are free! Activities include ice skating, bonfires, fireworks, and all kinds of family events.

Western Maine

  • Winter and Snowshoe FestivalNorway, ME 04286 (December)
    • This event celebrates Norway’s snowshoe-making heritage and lovely winter weather with snowshoe races and games, a Valentine’s Day dance, and live music!

Spring

Aroostook County

  • Southern Aroostook Trade Show 94 Randall Ave, Houlton, ME 04730 (April)
    • Comprised of displays from about 45 local vendors!
  •  Top ‘O Maine Trade ShowMadawaska Multi-Purpose Center, 160 7th Ave, Madawaska, ME 04756 (April)
    • This is one of the largest trade shows north of Bangor, with over 75 exhibitors displaying products and services from various trades.

DownEast Maine

  • Downeast Spring Birding Festival40 South Edmunds Rd, Dennysville, ME 04628 | (207) 733-2233 Ext 330 (May)
    • This event, held every Memorial Day Weekend, offers bird enthusiasts the opportunity to see a cross-section of area bird species during the spring migratory season with guided tours, boat tours, or exploring the area on your own.
  • Wings, Waves, & Woods420 Sunset Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627 | (207) 348-2455 (May)
    • This annual festival is held on the third weekend in May and is a great opportunity for those interested in birding and art. The whole weekend is packed with different birding activities.

Western Maine

  • Denmark Sheepfest 50 West Main St (Rte 160), Denmark, ME 04022 | (207) 581-2953 (April)
    • What started as a gathering for shearing local sheep has evolved into a big event including demonstrations, workshops and lessons, a fundraiser lunch, and more for those interested in raising sheep and working with wool. Held annually in April.
  • Oxford Plains Speedway785 Main St, Oxford, ME 04270 | (207) 539-8865 (May)
    • The Oxford Plains Speedway is the mainstay of downtown Oxford and is home to the Oxford 250 race series as well as other racing events. Whenever races are happening, thousands of spectators gather at the Speedway, with some even camping outside, to enjoy the show.

Summer

Aroostook County

  • City-Wide Yard SaleCaribou, ME 04736 (May)
    • Annual city-wide yard sale and arts and crafts fair in May. People wishing to participate in the yard sale can fill out a form and will be put on a map with every yard sale. For those wishing to buy from the yard sales, just find the map online and start shopping!
  • Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race From New Limerick to the Riverfront Park, 49 North St, Houlton, ME 04730 | (207) 532-4216 (May)
    • This annual spring event has taken place for over 35 years. About 100 paddlers will enter the river in New Limerick, and race 9.5 miles to the Riverfront Park where they’ll also enjoy lunch after finishing.
  • Midsommar FestCaribou, New Sweden, Stockholm, and Woodland, ME 04736 (June)
    • “Swedish culture comes alive in New Sweden’s annual Midsommar Festival in Northern Maine. This traditional Swedish festival holds true to its roots with a colorful three-day event marked by gathering flowers and lighting bonfires to mark the summer solstice.”
  • Freedom FestivalNorthern Maine Fairgrounds, 84 Mechanic St, Presque Isle, ME 04769 
    • A 3-day event during the 4th of July weekend with an Independence Day celebration, monster truck throwdown, live music, family and kids games, animals, and more.
  • Ashland Area Summer Festival Ashland, ME 04732
    • Fourth of July weekend the town of Ashland throws a great celebration, including live music, fireworks, a parade, and a wide array of festival games and activities.
  • Northern Maine Agricultural FairNorthern Maine Fairgrounds, 84 Mechanic St, Presque Isle, ME 04769 (July)
    • A 6-day event at the end of June – early July with events including truck and tractor pulling, demolition derby, harness racing, car show, lumberjack roundup, livestock competitions, and fireworks!
  • Midnight Madness109 Main St, Houlton, ME 04730 (July)
    • During the 4th of July weekend, this festival takes place in Market Square with vendors, food, and fun with a street fair vibe. There are fireworks sponsored by area businesses as well.
  • Houlton Agricultural Fair128 Main St, Houlton, ME 04730 | 207-694-1395 (July)
    • Come enjoy a day at the Houlton with rides, games, photo /painting contests, and concession stands (food and merchandise). There’s also a pig scramble, mud runs, farm animals, pony rides, and much more. The event takes place on the 4th of July weekend.
  • Island Falls Kayak/Canoe Race(At Birch Point) Merriman Rd, Island Falls, ME 04747 (July)

    • All are welcome to participate at this exciting event taking place on August 1st (sponsored by the Island Falls Lake Association)!
  • Island Falls Summerfest68 Houlton Rd, Island Falls, ME 04747
    • A summer celebration (typically at the end of July, early August) with numerous events, activities, sales, and fireworks!
  • International Muskie Fishing DerbyPO Box 222, Fort Kent, ME 04743| (207) 834-3102 (August)
    • During the second weekend in August, this annual event is a large fishing derby for a native fish. The St. John Watershed is a unique muskie habitat, and muskie fishing is considered one of the greatest freshwater sports fish challenges in North America.
  • Acadian Festival328 St. Thomas St, Madawaska, ME 04756 (August)
    • This festival occurs every August as a four-day event celebrating Acadian culture with many fun activities including vendors, food, parades, live music, and more.
  • County Bluegrass Festival119 West Limestone Rd, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 (August)
    • “Do you love the idea of camping out beneath the stars to the sound of Bluegrass music? County Bluegrass is the largest public concert venue in the area that features a large camping area and Bluegrass music festivals. Reserve your campsite with family and friends and witness the top bluegrass bands in the country!”
  • Crown of Maine Balloon FestNorthern Maine Fairgrounds, 84 Mechanic St, Presque Isle, ME 04769 (August)
    • Annual event the weekend before Labor Day weekend. It offers a weekend of hot air balloons, kids events, and other family-friendly fun. This event celebrates 1978, the Double Eagle II launching from Presque Isle and making the first successful crossing of the Atlantic.

DownEast Maine

  • DIS FridayOdd Fellows Hall, Stonington, ME 04681| (207) 385-0042 (June-October)
    • On the first Friday of every month from June through October, there is a pop-up market featuring artisans and food vendors. Local restaurants offer specials, and galleries and studios are open to explore. Participating venues would be marked with red DIS Friday flags.
  • Bay of Fundy International Marathon PO Box 101, Lubec, ME 04652 | (207) 619-1887 (June)
    • “Held during the weekend on the fourth Sunday in June every year, this event has attracted runners from more than 30 countries and has been tagged by various premier running magazines as ‘a small town wonder’, a ‘bucket list event for every Canadian runner’, and similar.”
    • It starts in West Quoddy Head, Lubec, ME to East Quoddy Head, Campobello Island, Canada, and back to Lubec.
  • Margaretta Days FestivalUniversity of Maine at Machias, 116 Obrien Ave, Machias, ME 04654 | (207) 263-5886 (June)
    Margaretta Days festival in Machias

    Margaretta Days magazineMargaretta Days Festival

    • This June festival celebrates the American Revolution Downeast, specifically the Battle of Margaretta, the first naval battle of the American Revolution. You can find soldier re-enactors, period demonstrators, and children’s activities.
  • Monteux School & Music Festival42 Melody Ln, Hancock, ME 04640 | (207) 422-3280 (June-July)
    • Known for being one of the best summer training schools and festival!
  • Bold Coast Sea and Sky Festival Middle River Park, 94 Main St, Machias, ME 04654 (July)
    • Fun festival in July with a triathlon, boat races, music, kites, drone flying, huge kids’ area, touch tank, and more!
  • Deer Isle 4th of July ParadeDeer Isle-Stonington, ME 04681 (July)
    • The day starts with a parade beginning around 10 am in the Deer Isle Village. At 9 pm, there are fireworks starting at Stonington Harbor. In between these two events, feel free to take the chance to explore Deer Isle by visiting the restaurants or walking around the island and visiting the shops. There are also usually smaller events like magic shows for the kids.
  • Eastport 4th of July CelebrationVarious locations in Eastport, ME 04631
    • This annual Independence Day celebration includes fun events including a 7-mile road race, blueberry pie-eating contest, pet show, parade, cod fishing relay race, and of course fireworks! The events start off on July 1st with Canada Day and end with the 4th of July
  • West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Celebration South Lubec Rd, Lubec, ME 04652 (July)
    • On the first Saturday after Independence Day, you can admire the candy-striped lighthouse with tours, food vendors, art in the park, music, and raffles.
  • Stonington Lobster Boat RacesStonington Commercial Fish Pier, Stonington, ME 04681 | (207) 266-5113 (July)
    • They hold a standard race, the John Bay Boat Company Exhibition Race, and the Jimmy Stevens Cup awarded to the Fastest Working Lobster Boat. Signups begin at 7 am, and the race starts at 10 am.
  • Eastport Salmon Festival141 Water St, PO Box 254, Eastport, ME 04631 | (207) 853-4644 (August)
    • In this annual summer event, try a piece of delicious grilled Atlantic salmon! “Come for the music, arts and crafts, galleries, gift shops and museums, locally brewed beers, a farmers’ market, flea market, delicious seafood, and a fabulous salmon barbecue dinner.”
  • Machias Wild Blueberry FestivalCentre Street Congregational Church, 9 Center St, Machias, ME 04654 | (207) 255-6665 (August)
    • This fun event takes place the third week and weekend in August in downtown Machias. It celebrates the Maine wild blueberry industry with parades, races, musicals, hundreds of vendors, and more.
  • Blue Hill Fairgrounds233 Ellsworth Rd, Blue Hill, ME 04614 | (207) 374-3701 (August)
    • The Blue Hill Fair is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Maine! Come visit to have the classic county fair experience, complete with all kinds of food carts and rides, as well as a vibrant agricultural scene.
  • Sipayik Indian Days CelebrationPassamaquoddy Tribe, 190 Pleasant Pt, Perry, ME 04667 | (207) 853-2600 (August)
    • This annual event just outside of Eastport is held in early August and celebrates the Passamaquoddy ways of life. It features traditional Native American dancing, canoe races, crafts, and fireworks.

Western Maine

  • Wilton Farmers Market430 Main St, McGillicuddy Park, Wilton, ME 04294 | (207) 860-0324 (June-September)
    • Offering the best produce and handcrafted items from area farmers, bakers, and craftspeople, Saturday mornings June-September.
  • Pleasant Mountain Fiber Art Workshops 394 Hio Ridge Rd, Denmark, ME 04022 | (207) 452-2687 (June)
    • This annual event held in Denmark in June offers a variety of fiber skills workshops and an opportunity to meet other fiber work enthusiasts!
  • Bethel Art FairBethel Town Common, Broad St, Bethel, ME 04217 | ​(800) 442-5826 (July)
    • This annual event takes place every first Saturday in July and features over 50 artists and artisans at over a dozen locations around town with art openings, film, gallery open houses, youth art shows, and hands-on create-your-own-art activities for all ages.
  • Wilder Waters Community Thorne Mt Rd, Canton, ME 04221 | (207) 320-9228 (July)
    • This amazing community is working to conserve Maine’s wild forests and waters by teaching sustainable practices and ways of living. They hold events, classes, and offer apprenticeships on their beautiful land!
  • Norway Triathlon Norway, ME 04286 (July)
  • This exciting biking, swimming, and running race celebrates Norway’s natural beauty while promoting healthy lifestyles.
  • Waterford World’s Fair36 Irving Green Rd, Waterford, ME 04287 | (207) 595-1601 (July)
    • is ambitiously-named fair has been an annual highlight for Waterford and surrounding communities for more than 150 years! Many classic fair events and treats are available, all highlighting rural, agricultural skills and lifestyles
    • This local art collective offers gallery space highlighting Western Maine artists, as well as a variety of lessons, events, and performances in downtown Norway.
  • Ossipee Valley Music Festival291 South Hiram Rd, Hiram, ME 04041 | (207) 468-3952 (July)
    • Amazing multi-day music festival highlighting bluegrass music, local food and beer, and good times! Musicians can also attend their string instrument camp
  • Old Home Days (August)
    • This week-long event held the third week of August is the highlight of Phillips’ community calendar! The celebration includes bathtub races, bike races, running races, a parade, a street dance, a lumberman’s competition, a flower show, a quilt show, a photo contest, and a Duck Derby, and more.

Fall

Aroostook County

  • Caribou Marathon55 Bennett Dr, Caribou, ME 04736 (September) 
    • Most Northeastern Marathon in the United States; a Boston Qualifying Marathon!
  • Linneus Haunted HayrideLinneus, ME 04730
    • Be prepared to be spooked! This popular event takes place annually in October at the Linneus Fire Department.
  • Caribou Arts and Crafts FairCaribou, ME 04736 (October)
    • Held every autumn, this fair features artwork from local artisans and supports the local economy.
  • Annual Veteran’s Day Breakfast (at Hodgdon High School) 175 Hodgdon Mills Rd, Hodgdon, ME 04730 | (207) 532-2413
    • Free breakfast for Veteran’s and their families put on by the Hodgdon JMG!

DownEast Maine

  • Machias Harvest FairStation 1898, 27 East Main St & Lee Pellon Ctr, 90 Main St, Machias, ME 04654 | (207) 255-4402 (September)
    • Traditional fall festival on the last Saturday in September at the town’s historical railroad station from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Here you can find the Seagull Calling Contest, a rubber ducky race over Bad Little Falls, pumpkin tossing, chili, fudge and cornbread contest, and live music.
  • Eastport Pirate FestivalEastport, ME 04631 | (207) 853-0727 (September)
    • Every September, the pirates invade Eastport! Join them for fun events including a parade, fireworks, vendors, games, and more.
  • Baileyville’s OctoberfestBaileyville, ME 04694 | (207) 214-3349 (October)
    • This is a multi-week celebration in Baileyville, with lots of fun events!
  • Peninsula PottersDeer Isle, ME 04627 (November)
    • During Indigenous People’s Day Weekend, there is a tour of talented local potters who open their studios to visitors. On the site above, there is a map of all the potters participating in this event.

Western Maine

  • Bethel Harvestfest & Chowdah Cookoff Bethel Town Common, Broad St, Bethel, ME 04217 | (207) 824-2282 (September)
    • “Celebrate the harvest and the beginning of fall foliage season with arts, crafts, a farmers’ market, an apple pie contest, live music, and much more on the town common of Bethel, Maine’s most beautiful mountain village.”
  • Bonaventura Vineyards 355 Berry Mahoney Rd, Hartford, ME 04220 | (207) 332-4140 (September)
    • Bonaventura hosts weddings and other large gatherings in their beautiful historic barn and expansive vineyard grounds looking down on Little Bear Pond.
  • Farmington Fair 292 High St, Farmington, ME 04938 | (207) 778-6083 (September)
    • The Farmington Fair is an annual week-long event that takes place in mid-September with events including a truck and tractor pull, demolition derby, rides, food, and more.
  • Oxford County Fair68 Pottle Rd, Oxford, ME 04270 | (207) 739-2204 (September)
    • This classic Maine fair, usually held in September, offers exhibits, contests, live concerts, classes, and tons of family fun! The fair showcases Oxford’s agricultural heritage and supports the many small farmers and producers in the area.
  • Canton Historical Society25 Turner St, Canton, ME 04221 | (October)
    • This highly active historical society runs a museum, gift shop, and public event space for the local community!
  • Fryeburg Fair Rte 5, Fryeburg, ME 04037 | (207) 935-3268 (October)
    • Fryeburg Fair, the oldest and largest agricultural fair in Maine, is by far the biggest event in Fryeburg’s calendar. Complete with a long list of events and contests, exhibitions in agriculture, gardening, crafts, history, and business, tons of local shops, and a wide variety of fair foods, the Fryeburg Fair is not to be missed!
  • New England Cornhole ChampionshipSunday River, 15 South Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261 | (207) 824-2292 (October)
    • Another of Sunday River’s unique offerings, come play or witness this under-appreciated sport at its regional annual competition!
  • North American Wife Carrying ChampionshipSunday River, 15 South Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261 (October)
    • Looking for a unique event? Head over to Sunday River for the Wife Carrying Championship, where couples cross a 278-yard obstacle course over hurdles, through a watery mud pit, and up an unsteady sandhill, competing to win the wife’s weight in beer and five times her weight in cash.
  • Rangeley Oktoberfest Rangeley, ME 04970 | (Early October)
    • The Rangeley Oktoberfest takes place in early October and is a four-day celebration featuring food, entertainment, and beers from local restaurants, pubs, shops, and museums.
  • Sunday River Fall Festival WeekendSunday River, 15 South Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261 | (207) 824-2292 (October)
    • This fun-filled weekend features the North American Wife Carrying Championship, kids’ pumpkin pie eating contest, the New England cornhole championship, and the Blue Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair. There are also concerts, scenic chairlift rides, free wagon rides, and more.

Aroostook County Event Calendars:

DownEast Maine Event Calendars:

Western Maine Event Calendars:

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