Our Must Do Maine Fairs and Festivals: Summer, Spring, Winter, and Fall Festivals in Maine

Our Must Do Maine Fairs and Festivals: Summer, Spring, Winter, and Fall Festivals in Maine

Across Greater Portland we are bringing the fun with fairs and festivals in Maine all year long, perfect for all ages. From spring in Maine with the kite festivals to the abundant fall festivals in Maine, there’s something for every season. And, of course, that means plenty of seasonal bites and brews to go along with it. Whether it’s a Portland, Maine festival or a statewide celebration, there’s always a reason to celebrate in every season!

Maine Winter Festivals and Celebrations

Maine winter festivals celebrate the season with festive lights, local crafts, and community gatherings. From Portland, Maine festivals to other winter celebrations across the state, these Maine festivals highlight the beauty and charm of winter in the region. Whether you’re enjoying holiday events or ice sculptures, Maine winter festivals offer unique experiences to make the most of the season.

Sparkle Celebration with Santa Riding on Lit-up Float, Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

sparkle Celebration in freeport, maine

Annually in December

December 6th-15th 2024

Visitors seeking a town-wide holiday celebration in a Maine seaside village will find it here. Each year, Freeport presents one of Maine’s most popular holiday celebrations with everything from a Parade of Lights down Main Street to their famous Talking Christmas Tree.  Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

Chef's Signature Series Sampling / Flavors of Freeport, Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

Flavors of Freeport

Annually in February

All February, 2025

Enjoy delicious samples from some of Maine’s best chefs, sample local brews and beverages, and learn about what’s new in Freeport. Best of all, the great variety will leave you delighted and coming back to Freeport for more! The event has featured an elaborate ice sculpture, ice luge, cozy fire pit, delicious BBQ, and a DJ to get you moving in past years! Learn more.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

Enjoy Spring in Maine at Fun Festivals!

Spring in Maine brings a fresh wave of excitement with festivals celebrating the season’s beauty. From blooming gardens to lively Portland, Maine festivals, spring celebrations across the state showcase local arts, food, and culture. These Maine festivals are perfect for welcoming warmer weather and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that spring brings to the region.

Makers on Main - Photo Credit: Visit Freeport

Makers on main freeport, maine

Annually from May through September

May 3rd – September 6th 2024

Come by and enjoy our favorite artists, makers and food trucks along Main Street! Enjoy browsing for just the right piece, plus sample all the fun of a day in Freeport! First Saturday of each month from 10am-4pm, rain or shine. Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

Maine Bug Light Portland Breakwater Light

Bug Light Fun Fly (formerly the Bug Light Kite Festival)

Annually in May

May 18th, 2024

On the third weekend of May the sky above Bug Light Park is lit-up with kites of all shapes and colors. Bring your own or buy a kite while there and take advantage of their BBQ lunch fundraiser. Hosted by South Portland Historical Society and Nor’Easters Kite Club and Kites Over New England. Learn More

Summer Festivals in Maine

Summer festivals in Maine are a highlight of the season, offering everything from music and arts to food and outdoor adventures. Portland, Maine festivals, along with events across the state, celebrate the best of summer with lively gatherings, local vendors, and exciting performances. These Maine festivals are the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and vibrant community spirit that summer in Maine brings.

Bowdoin International Music Festival. Photo Credit: Tim Greenway

BOWDOIN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Annually in Summer

June 24th-August 2nd, 2024

Each summer, musicians from the world’s finest conservatories and ensembles gather in Brunswick at the Bowdoin International Music Festival. Founded in 1964, the Festival engages exceptional students and enthusiastic audiences through world-class education and performances. Learn More.

Photo Credit: Tim Greenway

Red WIne Pour into Glass, Photo Credit: Wine Wise Events

Portland Wine Week

Annually in June

JUNE 10-16, 2024

Portland’s week long wine festival and celebration includes pairing and performance events, incredible wine dinners, tastings, educational classes and seminars, special menus, a passport tour of dozens of local restaurants and their wine lists. Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Wine Wise Events

Bach Virtuosi Festival: World class, internationally renowned musicians performances of Bach, Photo Courtesy of Bach Virtuosi Festival

Bach Virtuosi Festival

Annually in June

June 19th-25th, 2024

Our world class, internationally renowned musicians will bring you the brilliance performances of Bach with both skill, passion and love. Watch last years concert on the Bach Virtuosi Festival YouTube channel. Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Bach Virtuosi Festival

The Maine Oyster Festival - Photo Credit: Visit Freeport

The Maine oyster festival

Annually in June

June 28th-29th, 2025

Check out delicious raw oysters available from sea farms & mobile shuckers. Learn to shuck, soak up some oyster education, get up close and personal with oyster farm tours. Watch the pros in their own shucking contest, The Big Shuck and enjoy live music! Learn more.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

Yarmouth Clam Festival Parade Firetruck, Photo Credit: wikimedia commons, NewTestLeper79

Yarmouth Clam Festival

Annually in July

July 19th-21st 2024

Always the third Friday in July, the Yarmouth Clam Festival attracts visitors from all over Maine and beyond, as well as locals who line up their beach chairs on the side of the main drag a few days before the parade for the best possible seat. Learn More.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons, NewTestLeper79

Plated Lobster Meal with Butter and Corn, Photo Courtesy of Robert Witkowski

Maine Lobster Festival

Annually in August

July 31st-August 4th 2024

The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine! This annual event takes place during the first weekend of August, from Wednesday through Sunday. Learn More.

Photo Credit: Robert Witkowski

Photo Courtesy of Portland Chamber Music Festival

Portland Chamber Music Festival

Annually in August

August 8th-17th, 2024

Celebrating 100 years! The Portland Chamber Music Festival aims to enhance the cultural life of Southern Maine. It brings artists from around the globe to the Greater Portland region to perform a wide range of innovative classical and contemporary chamber music. Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Portland Chamber Music Festival

Fall Festivals and Fairs in Maine

Fall festivals and fairs in Maine celebrate the beauty of the season with events featuring harvest fairs, local crafts, and seasonal foods. From Portland, Maine fairs and festivals to rural towns, fairs in Maine highlight the changing leaves, crisp air, and the best of local traditions. Whether you’re enjoying pumpkin patches or apple harvests, Maine Fairs and Festivals are the perfect time to experience the state’s rich culture and vibrant celebrations.

Portland Maine Comedy Festival - Photo Courtesy of Portland Maine Comedy Festival

Portland Maine Comedy Festival

Annually in September

September 5th-8th, 2024

Prepare to laugh until you cry at the annual Portland Maine Comedy Festival.  The festival has a over forty shows across various venues all over Portland. Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Portland Maine Comedy Festival

Cumberland Fair, Photo Credits: Serena Folding

Cumberland Fair

Annually in September/October

September 22nd-28th, 2024

Get in touch with Maine’s agricultural roots at the Cumberland Fair. The epitome of tradition, this historic event started in the 1800s and today it has everything you would expect from a local fair: carnival rides, a petting zoo, and of course lots of indulgent fair foods. Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Serena Folding

Freeport Fall Festival Grounds at L.L.Bean. Photo Provided by Visit Freeport

Freeport Fall Festival

Annually in October

October 3rd-5th, 2025

The Freeport Fall Festival attracts thousands of people to Freeport for a day of art, music, and fun. Over 100 artists exhibit works ranging from photography, oil, watercolor, mixed media, fine craft, and jewelry set to the tunes of live musical performances throughout the day.  Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

Lobster Crates and Pile of Rope on Working Waterfront, Photo Credit: Visit USA Parks and Tobey Schmidt

Harvest on the Harbor

Annually in October/November

October 24rd-26th, 2024

Harvest on the Harbor™ is Portland, Maine’s annual food & spirits festival featuring a delicious, diverse and engaging line up of events. The event curates experiences and partnerships that hope to appeal to foodies of all kinds, offering a taste (and sip) for every appetite.  Learn More.

Photo Courtesy of Tobey Schmidt via Visit USA Parks

upcoming events

your #1 resource for everything happening in Greater Portland

The Greater Portland region hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Find seasonal and annual fairs and festivals in Maine celebrating music, food, beer, history, dance, ethnic heritage, communities and more. View the Events Calendar.

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