Summer Festivals & Gatherings
worth the drive
Map drawn by Ron Draddy
Declaration of Independence Tour · May–November
The Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence will be on view at Maine Historical Society in Portland through July 4. From July to October, the Declaration will travel across Maine to all 16 counties with special events. mainehistory.orgRangeley Birding Festival · Rangeley · June 5–7
Along with migrating species, enjoy this unique opportunity to see and learn about birds that are difficult to find in other parts of Maine. rangeleybirdingfestival.comNative Plants Festival & Sale · Falmouth · June 6
Surround yourself with native gardening enthusiasts and chat with experts to choose the perfect plants for your garden at the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center.
events@maineaudubon.orgAcadian Village 50th Anniversary · Van Buren
June 12–14 · A full schedule of live music, demonstrations, genealogy seminars, and story telling. Come for ployes and chicken stew and visit the living history of our Franco American history. visitaroostook.comThrottle Car Club’s Motorcar Auction · Scarborough
June 19–20 · Live Auction featuring 100 collectible cars and motorcycles on-site. With over 500 attendees expected, online viewing & bidding this event is a must see for car aficionados. throttlecarclub.comMaine Windjammer Days · Boothbay Harbor
June 21–27 · The 64th Annual Windjammer Days theme proudly honors the past, present, and retired members of the United States Navy who have served our nation with dedication and distinction. boothbayharborwindjammerdays.orgMidnight Madness · Houlton · July 3
Market Square comes alive with local vendors, live music, and a thrilling road race that brings the community together in celebration, leading up to the fireworks display over the Gateway Bridge at 9:30 p.m.Independence Day Parade · Bar Harbor · July 4
This year’s cherished tradition is especially meaningful as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. In honor of this historic milestone, we are thrilled to welcome a United States Army musical unit. visitbarharbor.comSaint Albans Summerfest · St. Albans · July 10–12
Nestled in a valley with Great Moose Lake and mountains as a photogenic backdrop, this annual event features canoe and kayak races, chicken BBQ, music, a horseshoe tournament, pie-eating contest, and a parade. sebasticookvalleychamber.comMaine International Film Festival · Waterville
July 10–19 · Over 10 days, the festival showcases nearly 100 films, representing the best of American independent and international cinema, and spotlights some of Maine and New England’s most exciting and innovative filmmakers. miff.orgHarbor House Flamingo Festival · Southwest Harbor July 11–13 · The flamingo is a symbol of celebration! This annual family festival and parade is whimsical, lighthearted, and decidedly pink, with something for everyone to enjoy. harborhousemdi.org
Clam Fest · Yarmouth · July 17–19
A local clambake started in 1965 has grown into Maine’s largest free-admission festival. A weekend full of food, entertainment, and meaningful community impact. clamfestival.comKneading Conference · Skowhegan · July 22–24
The flagship event of the Maine Grain Alliance is full of hands-on workshops, inspiring demos, and deep dives into the art and science of grain growing, milling, baking, and community-building. kneadingconference.comJapanese Woodworking Festival · Mercer · July 24–26
Be immersed in the traditions of Japanese woodworking through hands-on workshops and demonstrations. wabisabischool.orgThe Maine Lobster Festival · Rockland · July 30–Aug 3
What started as a local marine festival to revive Midcoast communities has turned into an internationally-recognized celebration of local seafood. mainelobsterfestival.comMachias Wild Blueberry Festival · Machias
August 14–16 · Centre Street Congregational Church rolls out the blue carpet each August with crafts, food, entertainment, contests, and all things blueberry.
Free and open to the public. machiasblueberry.com
