When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Maine has something for everyone. Whether it’s honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Maine celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round. For a complete list, log on to www.visitmaine.com.
January:
Bethel WinterFest
Spectacular ice and snow sculptures will be built under a 140-foot-long refrigerated tent on the Bethel Common. Other winter events will be held throughout the region as well. Location: Bethel. www.bethelmaine.com
Mushers Bowl Winter Carnival
Snow-dog racing competitors from throughout the northeastern United States and parts of Canada will take part in this annual event. Location: Bridgton. www.mushersbowl.com
Rangeley Snowmobile SNODEO
One of the largest annual gatherings of snowmobilers in western Maine with more than 150 miles of well-groomed trails to explore. Location: Rangeley. www.rangeleymaine.com
February:
Moosehead Lake Wilderness Sled Dog Race
Spectators learn about the sport of dog sledding and see them in action during this 100-mile race. Location: Moosehead Lake region. www.mooseheadlake.org
March:
Maine Maple Sunday
Always held on the fourth Sunday in March, maple syrup farms across the state demonstrate first-hand how sap is magically turned into that favorite sugary topping. Location: Statewide. www.getrealmaine.com.
April:
Sugarloaf Reggae Festival
This annual event is held in April each year at Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley. The lineup includes Reggae and hip-hop musicians. Fireworks top off the event.
May:
Moose Mainea
Each spring the Moosehead Lake Region hosts a month-long celebration of the area’s favorite resident – THE MOOSE! The events take place during the time of the year when moose are most visible. Location: Greenville. www.mooseheadlake.org
June:
Various locations host “art walks” in their downtowns as a way to bring music, art, and cultural events to the downtown experience.
Maine Blues Festival
Father’s Day weekend marks the start of summer in the Sebago Lake Region in Naples and the Maine Blues Festival is a good way to celebrate! Since 2006 this rain or shine, family friendly event has been showcasing Maine’s blues artists.
Trek Across Maine
Trek Across Maine is the “largest American Lung Association cycling event in the country.” The Trek begins in the shadows of the mountains of the Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry and ends on the other side of Maine on Belfast’s waterfront.
Kingfield POPS Music Festival and Festival of the Arts
“Mountains. Moon. Music. Magic” is the motto for the Kingfield POPS Festival. In addition to the evening musical celebration at Kennedy Farm, an Arts Festival takes place in downtown Kingfield.
July:
Yarmouth Clam Festival
This yearly three-day event includes a parade, an art show, carnival, and a variety of free family-oriented activities. As always, clams are the featured menu item in the locally run food court. Location: Yarmouth. www.clamfestival.com.
August:
Great Falls Balloon Festival
This festival is one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in Northern New England with activities for all ages and fireworks on Friday evening. Location: Lewiston/Auburn. www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org
September:
Open Lighthouse Day
Lighthouses across the state open for visitors on this one day to help increase awareness of Maine’s maritime heritage and learn about the rich history of its lighthouses and lighthouse keepers.
Location: Statewide. www.lighthouseday.com
Crossroads International Celtic Festival
Charming towns and villages of western Maine become home to a unique celebration of music and culture as the inaugural Crossroads International Celtic Festival presents dozens of concerts, an extensive line-up of community events including art and historic walking tours, railroad rides, quilt show, and jam sessions. International and domestic musicians and artists join the finest of Maine’s musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers for this lively fall celebration.
Location: Oxford and Franklin Counties. http://crossroadscelticfestival.com/
Bethel Harvestfest & Chowdah Cookoff
Celebrate the harvest and the beginning of fall foliage season with arts, crafts, music, a farmers’ market, a chowder and apple pie cookoff, and much more on the town common. Always the third Saturday in September. Local businesses and nonprofits join in the fun by hosting events and building their best scarecrows around the area. Don’t miss the Chowdah Cookoff – hundreds of hungry tasters line up as many of your favorite restaurants vie for Peoples’ or Judges’ Choice! Location: Bethel. www.bethelharvestfest.com
Bike Maine 2014
Cyclists experience Maine history, natural beauty, local cuisine, people, places, and culture as never appreciated before — on a bicycle. This 400-mile, 7-day rolling celebration of Maine passes through multiple host communities — rural and in-town, inland, island, and shore.
Location: Multiple towns. www.bikemaine.org
October:
Annual Fryeburg Fair
A beautiful setting in prime foliage time, Maine’s largest fair includes livestock, an exhibition hall, farm museum, craft demonstrations, harness racing and nightly entertainment. Location: Fryeburg. www.fryeburgfair.com
Maine Craft Weekend
Enjoy creative Maine-made arts and crafts throughout the state during Maine Craft Weekend. Local artisans, food vendors and music can be appreciated during the exquisite fall foliage season.
Location: Statewide. www.visitmaine.com
November:
Country Christmas in Bethel
Activities during this event include the Taste of Bethel, Christmas tree lighting and the arrival of Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, along with shopping specials and open houses. Location: Bethel. www.bethelmaine.com
December:
Bridgton Festival of Lights
Take a candlelight stroll up Main Street and get yourself in good position to watch the Festival of Lights parade. The event also includes the lighting of the Christmas Tree, caroling, a visit with Santa, candy canes and prizes for the most creative float.
Village Christmas Fair
An old-fashioned village Christmas fair at the Raymond Village Community Church at 12 Main Street. The holiday event includes breakfast, baked goods, handcrafts, wreaths, raffle/silent auction, gingerbread decorating & Santa.
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