Get Ready for 2024 MidCoast Summer Festivals!

Summer is the time for great outdoor festivals and events in the MidCoast. There’s a festival to celebrate nearly every taste in music, food, and simply having fun in the sun. And in many towns and villages, you’ll find weekly art walks, outdoor music performances, and farmers’ markets. With so many things happening in the region, we highlighted just a few of our favorites.

 

 

All Roads Music Festival

Belfast, May 17–18
The music festival season kicks off in Belfast May 17-18 with a celebration of local and indie music at different venues and on the waterfront in town. This popular event will showcase over 40 artists, including award-winning performers, Caroline Cotter and the Mallet Brothers Band. Get your All Roads music pass for one or both days!

 

 

Jazz in June

Camden, June 14–16
For anyone who loves great jazz, few events rival the renowned Jazz in June festival in Camden. Top jazz artists will play at the beautiful waterfront, on the town green, and at the magnificent Camden Opera House. There will be free lunchtime concerts and cocktail-hour sets in town.

 

 

Windjammer Days

Boothbay Harbor, June 23–29
Summer unofficially begins with a lively week-long celebration of Boothbay’s maritime history. The parade of windjammers under full sail is a majestic event. You can also enjoy a lighted boat parade at night and another parade of beautiful vintage boats. A colorful street parade, tug of war, fireworks on the water, and a zany codfish relay race are just part of the action along the harbor.

 

 

North Atlantic Blues Festival

Rockland, July 13–14
One of the most popular blues festivals on the East Coast takes place for two days on the waterfront in Rockland. Marking its 30th year, the festival features world-renowned blues artists and draws thousands of visitors. The festival has remained true to its roots focusing on authentic blues music and touching on soul, jazz, and rock. Plan on the Saturday evening club crawl when Main Street is for blues fans.

 

 

Union Fair and Blueberry Festival

Union, July 7–14
This popular festival will be celebrating 154 years of agricultural heritage, especially wild blueberries. ‘Everything Blueberries’ will include cooking contests, foods and desserts, and the Blueberry Queen Coronation. There will be agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, music shows, a demolition derby, and a demonstration of timber sports skills by the Axe Women Loggers of Maine.

 

 

Maine Lobster Festival

Rockland, July 31–August 4
The 77th annual Lobster Festival is a five-day event that celebrates the maritime heritage of the MidCoast. Visitors can indulge in lobster rolls, bisque, lobster mac and cheese, and of course, steamed lobster. Local musicians and bands will perform daily. There are seafood cooking contests, carnival rides, arts and crafts made by local artisans, and the not-to-be-missed Lobster Crate Races on the water.

 

 

Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival

Brunswick, August 24–September 1
As one of the longest-running bluegrass festivals in New England, visitors can anticipate hearing performances by renowned musicians and bands from across the country. The festival’s main stage throughout each day while fans can also enjoy workshops and jam sessions in informal settings. The natural beauty of the Thomas Point Beach Campground is a stunning backdrop for the festival.

 

 

Maine Highland Games

Brunswick, August 17
Whether you’re Scot or not, everyone is welcome to enjoy this day of traditional Scottish athletics, piping, and highland dance events. Maine has the largest per capita number of Scottish ancestry residents in the U.S. which is why the games draw thousands of people each year. The stone put, hammer throws, and caber tossing contests are exciting to watch.

 

 

Belfast Harbor Fest

August 16–18
The annual Belfast Harbor Fest celebrates boating and maritime culture at Steamboat Landing and Commercial Park on the town’s beautiful waterfront. The weekend features a boat-building competition, a classic boat show, and the very popular Cardboard Boat Challenge. This family-friendly event includes music, kids activities, arts and crafts fairs, shipyard tours, and the 5K Bug Run/Walk.

 

 

Camden Windjammer Festival

August 30–31
Every Labor Day weekend, Camden hosts the arrival of the windjammer fleet into Camden Harbor. Enjoy the Schooner Talent Show, Bay Winds Ensemble Concert at Harbor Park, fireworks Friday night, a pancake breakfast and chowder challenge, the Lobster Crate Race, Pirates of the Dark Rose, First Fish Relay Race, Schooner Open House, the Nautical Dog Show, and yes, even more!

 

 

Common Ground Country Fair

Unity, September 20–22
From its start in 1977, the Common Ground Country Fair has become one of the most anticipated fairs in Maine. Organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the fair celebrates rural living and organic farm practices. There will be workshops, music, livestock exhibits, kid’s activities, and over 1000 exhibitors. The fair draws large crowds which lends to a lively and friendly experience.

 

For other MidCoast summer activities to look forward to, read up on great places to camp, or consider exploring the Maine Oyster Trail.