Midsummer Celebrations in the MidCoast 2025!

Summer in the MidCoast is filled with outdoor festivals, live music, and good vibes. From sailing festivals and food celebrations to art walks and farmers’ markets, there’s plenty to enjoy in the sunshine. With so many events along the coast, we’ve highlighted just a few of our favorites.

 

 

Camden Classics Cup — Camden

July 24-26

Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful regattas, the Camden Classics Cup showcases over ninety sailing vessels for thrilling racing. You can view all of these vintage and modern racing boats in the Parade of Sail on Saturday, July 26. The 2025 fleet will parade around Camden’s inner harbor. Excellent viewing is available from anywhere in the harbor and along the wharves. When you come for the racing, stay for the town. Described as the “Jewel of the Maine Coast,” Camden’s stunning harbor is framed by mountains that reach the sea. You can spend an entire day in town and never see everything it has to offer.

 

 

Summer Fest on The Common — Wiscasset

July 26

Plan your visit for the fourth Saturday in July when Wiscasset Common comes alive with Summerfest fun. Enjoy live music—ranging from ragtime to bagpipes—browse handmade crafts, plants, yard-sale finds, toys, and baked treats, and then recharge at the Uncommon Café with burgers, hot dogs, and stacked sandwiches. Kids’ games, a popular dog show, and a pet parade keep the fun going. Hosted by the First Congregational Church since 1983, Summerfest sends every dollar back into MidCoast outreach programs.

 

 

Maine Lobster Festival — Rockland

July 30 – August 4

As it approaches its 80^th anniversary, the Maine Lobster Festival draws visitors from around the globe to celebrate the seafood and maritime heritage of the MidCoast. The five-day event features feasting on lobster and seafood, nationally recognized entertainers, and arts and crafts activities by local artisans. Don’t miss this year’s “Dog Days of Summer” parade on Main Street, cooking contests, and the not-to-be-missed Lobster Crate Races on the water.

 

 

International Great Crate Race — Rockland Harbor

August 3

Think you’re quick on your feet? Sign up early for the Crate Race on August 3 to see how long you can run back and forth along a line of 50 floating wooden lobster crates. You need fast feet, good balance, and, most importantly, the ability to handle falling into chilly harbor waters. Starting in the 1970s, the “race” for each participant continues until they fall into the water. A remarkable record of running across 6,500 crates was set by two young runners who tied in 2014. Neither winner fell in!

 

 

Camden Windjammer Festival — Camden Public Landing

August 29-30

Every Labor Day weekend, Camden Harbor hosts a stunning fleet of windjammers. Hundreds of graceful coastal schooners line the waterfront for the three-day festival. Enjoy the Schooner Talent Show, dance to the Bay Winds Ensemble in Harbor Park, watch Friday night fireworks, and refuel at the pancake breakfast and chowder contest. Cheer on daring contestants in the Lobster Crate Race, meet the swashbuckling Pirates of the Dark Rose, support teams in the First Fish Relay, explore vessels during the Schooner Open House, and yes, there’s even a Nautical Dog Show.

 

 

Farmers’ Markets — Everywhere in the MidCoast

In the height of summer, you’ll find a bustling, friendly farmers’ market in nearly every town and village. They feature fresh-picked produce, stunning coastal flowers, baked goods, local crafts, and at some markets, fresh dairy, cheese, and meats. Be sure to explore some of our favorite farmers’ markets in Damariscotta, Belfast, Camden, and Rockland — each one offers a charming taste of the region’s rich local flavor and community spirit.

 

Summer is the perfect time for Island Hopping in the MidCoast, or to go on a Sea to Table Getaway, exploring the region’s wide variety of culinary offerings from locally farmed oysters to coffee shops to world-class dining, and everything in between. We have tips and resources for you to start planning your MidCoast adventure.