Must-See Events in Maine

One of the most memorable of Maine's summer events, Maine Lobster Festival features fresh lobster in abundance. Thousands compete in the 10-km race from Rockland to Rockport, while others race across a bridge of lobster traps to the delight of young onlookers. Visit the Children's Tent, where special activities include the Cod Fish Carry and Diaper Derby.

What started as a celebration of the natural bounty of the sea has transformed into a thrilling family-friendly festival, complete with its own carnival. Live music, a colorful parade, and plenty of delicious food are joined by art-and-craft events and road races. This is a July weekend to add to your calendar!

Acadia National Park plays host to workshops and wintry art exhibitions each February. Children will be dazzled by the lumberjack show, awed by the birding demonstrations, and exhilarated by scenic cross-country skiing hikes. There is also live music accompanied by tasty treats your family will love.

Magic shows wow spectators at this February festival. Kids can take part in a fishing derby, be whisked away on dogsled rides, and travel settler-style in a horse-drawn carriage. There are even snowmobile rides at this dynamic event, followed by fireworks in the evening.

Birds and humans flock to Mount Desert Island each year to celebrate Maine's natural heritage. Hear the early-morning warblers on guided walks and watch peregrine falcons visit nearby breeding grounds. Bright-nosed puffins dive for fish and whales just off the shore, which you can explore by kayak and canoe.

At the intersection between outdoorsy and cinephile lifestyles lies the Maine Outdoor Film Festival. Spectacular scenery is the setting for picnicking festivalgoers entranced by the nature-focused productions by local filmmakers. Bonfires burn as ardently as Maine's moviegoers' passion for film.

An annual tribute to the rich maritime heritage of the state, Boothbay plays host to a floating parade of antique boats, a fleet of spectacular tallships, a tug-of-war, and even pirates! Nighttime inaugurates a light show on the water, with fireworks launched simultaneously over the harbor.

What would Maine be without its wintry weather? Get the most out of the winter months in Auburn. Each January, the town hosts a celebration of winter sports, spanning skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. The town is adorned with ice sculptures illuminated by a torchlight parade and animated by the sounds of live music and the yelps of delighted children.

A tidal wave of soul washes up on the shore of Rockland's harborfront each July. World-class blues performances are accompanied by a tempting array of food and drink vendors. Besides the programmed acts, there are plenty of buskers and bands performing in the streets.

The first Fryeburg Fair was held in 1851. Since then, the event has grown, adding such activities as harness racing, horse pullling, and culinary contests to the roster of special attractions. Live music features prominently among the activities, with nightly shows taking place across five separate stages.

Undoubtedly one of the jewels of Maine summertime, Old Port Festival celebrates live music and arts & crafts in the great outdoors. Street theater and musical performers vie your attention. Local and international musicians appear in the hundreds across four different stages. Pore over the local delicacies that burgeon from steaming food stalls or enjoy a birds-eye view of the bay from the Ferris wheel.