When it comes to planning summer activities with kids, it can feel like navigating a maze of options. This is particularly true when seeking enriching experiences that cater to the whole family.
Amidst the abundance of choices, one common challenge stands out: finding events that seamlessly blend entertainment, cultural immersion, and family-friendly fun.
Fairs and festivals in Maine offer a multitude of options, but finding the perfect ones can be overwhelming.
As a parent, I know how frustrating it can be to scroll through countless event listings, unsure of which ones will truly captivate my children while also offering a meaningful experience for adults.
That’s where this article steps in as your trusted guide.
Our curated selection of Summer Fairs and Festivals in Maine is tailored for families with kids, making it easier to plan your trip.
From Hot Air Balloon Festivals to exciting State Fairs brimming with agricultural wonders, each recommendation promises a memorable adventure that will leave both young and old with hearts full of joy and cherished memories.
Maine hosts annual fairs and festivals that showcase the diverse and delectable flavors that represent the state’s culinary landscape. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to indulge in the fresh lobster by the coast or the sweet tang of wild blueberries and take you on a delightful journey through Maine’s culture.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to experience Maine’s summer season, be sure to add these fairs and festivals to your itinerary.
Dive into June: Fairs and Festivals in Maine
Get ready for a day of sweetness at Piscataquis County’s largest annual event. Since 2009, families from across the state have flocked to the annual Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, in Dover-Foxcroft, ME
Get ready for a fun-filled family day out! Start your sweet celebrations by joining the “Earn Your Whoopie Pie” 3K run/walk, which is suitable for all ages.ย
After that, explore the booths of over 100 uniqueย local vendorsย that offer a variety of arts, crafts, and delicious food items that will surely delight yourย entire family.
Stroll over to the live chainsaw carving demonstrations, where you and your kids can witness art being brought to life in front of your eyes.ย
Don’t forget to check out the magic shows, a great way to entertain your little ones. And for those who love a challenge, cheer on the participants in the Whoopie Pie eating competition.ย
This is aย family-friendly event, so come and enjoy a day of fun and sweet treats with your loved ones.ย
This event is held Rain or Shine.
Love Maineโs festivals for the food? Keep the flavors going with these iconic Maine food gifts.
Set sail for maritime adventure as Boothbay, ME welcomes the summer with Windjammer Days.
The festivities begin with the mesmerizing Harbor Aglow Boat Parade. On Sunday, June 23rd, at 9 p.m., you can watch the boats parade through Boothbay Harbor in all their illuminated glory. Find an open space and enjoy the creativity and music that make it an exciting Sunday night for your family.
If you have a group of Pirate enthusiasts, make sure to mark your calendar for June 25th and 26th. This event offers a unique experience that is filled with pirate-themed activities. You can enjoy pirate stories, treasure hunts, cannon firing lessons, pirate ship tours, and much more. It’s a perfect opportunity to dive into the world of scoundrels of the sea! Childrenโs activities generally run from 10 am- 5 pm.ย
The week of events includes a pancake breakfast, lobster eating contest, farmerโs market, ghost walks, cod fish race, vintage boat parade, live entertainment, a pier party, parade, grand fireworks display, and so much more! It is a truly unmissable June event in Boothbay, ME.
Celebrate the 48th anniversary of the South Berwick Strawberry Festival, a one-of-a-kind event run entirely by volunteers.
Lace-up your shoes and start your morning with a 5K race/walk from Marshwood Great Works School. Then, enjoy a day of artisan crafts, live music, games, rides, arts and crafts for kids, an abundance of strawberry delights, and the beloved strawberry shortcake.ย
All the action unfolds on the grounds of Central School in South Berwick. With free trolley service and parking, this community-driven festival promises a fun day for theย whole family.
Celebrate July in Style: Fairs and Festivals in Maine
Immerse your family in Maine’s most unique oceanfront music festival, Maine Folk. A three-day weekend at Thomas Point Beach and Campground in Brunswick, ME, offers stunning water views and family-friendly folk music.
Purchase a weekend ticket to secure a campsite and access to days filled with folk music. The festival also has a dedicated family camping section close to a playground, and children under 12 get free entry.
Perfect for families who love camping andย live music, this Brunswick-based festival promises a wonderful weekend bonding over folk music.
If your family loves camping, be prepared with myย Printable Family Camping Checklist!
For one of the more unique fairs and festivals in Maine, head to Lisbon, ME for the Moxie Festival
The weekend kicks off on Friday, July 12th, with a community fireworks display, and things only get more exciting from there.
Enjoy the Moxie Chugging Challenge, Moxie Recipe Contest, “Touch a Truck” hands-on exhibit, and the whoopie pie eating contest.
Your family can enjoy a variety of culinary delights from different food vendors, including the famous Moxie ice cream.
The Moxie Festival Parade is a weekend highlight that sets the town ablaze with the fiery hue of Moxie orange! Attendees are encouraged to unleash their creativity and dress in the brightest and boldest Moxie colors.
Steeped in history since 1947, theย annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival is an action-packed, fun-filled week of community events in Fort Fairfield, Maine.
On Saturday, July 13th, kick-start your weekend with a community-wide event featuring a yard sale, BBQ cooking contests, blacksmith demonstrations, a quilt show, a horseshoe tournament, live music, and much more.
Sunday, July 14th, begins with a breakfast hosted by the Fort Fairfield Snowmobile Club from 7-10 am, followed by a cornhole tournament, blacksmith demonstrations, craft shows, live entertainment, and an exciting alumni basketball game.
Sunday continues with Family Day traditions unfolding at Riverside Park from 5 to 8 p.m., offering inflatables, lawn games, a potato picking contest, potato sack races, tractor train rides, horse rides, and even ending with a movie under the stars.
On Monday, July 15th, the town will host the first annual Pool Party Day from 12 to 4 at the Fairfield Municipal Pool. It’s free for all, and there will be free hot dogs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuesday- Thursday are filled with fun community events like the Pitch, Hit and Run Competition, a pet show, a community swim meet, a bike parade and beauty pageants.
On Friday, July 19th, start the day with the annual Bike Rodeo at 9 am, followed by a lineup of live entertainment, a paint and sip class, and the all-new Barrel Rolling Contest.
Saturday, July 20th, starts with a pancake breakfast from 7-10 am on Depot St, a live horse show, blacksmith demonstrations, arts and crafts shows, a 5K race, and the spectacular Maine Potato Blossom Festival Parade at 1:15 pm.ย
Concluding the festivities, on Sunday the 21st, enjoy a classicย car show, rubber ducky race, horse show, blacksmith demonstrations, River Regatta,ย live entertainment, and end your day with a dazzling firework display over the Aroostook River at 9 pm.
An annual family tradition since 1965, theย Yarmouth Clam Festival is a free-to-enter clam extravaganza. The festivities kick off with a spectacular parade featuring floats, antique cars, marching bands, and musical entertainment.ย
Wander through over 130 artisan booths showcasing handcrafted items, wood carvings, jewelry, clothing, collectibles, and more.
Enjoy an “all you can ride” wristband for a plethora ofย carnival ridesย and delight in the dedicated kids zone at Merrill Memorial Library.
They offer face painting, mask making, art classes, hula hoops, sing-alongs, magic shows, science demonstrations, and more. Over 40 local musicians and performers grace the two stages during this fun-filled weekend.
Don’t forget about the clams! Engage in the Maine State Clam Shucking Contest, a must for shucking enthusiasts.
Car shows, Fun Runs, police training demonstrations, and many activities await you at one of the best fairs and festivals in Maine.
One of the oldest fairs and festivals in Maine is the Bangor State Fair. It is a much-loved annual event that takes place over two weekends at Bass Park in Bangor, ME. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and fun that draws visitors from all over the Northeast.
The fair has a long history dating back to the 19th century. Today, it is a lively showcase of traditional agricultural fairs, complete with carnival rides, live music, and a variety of food vendors.
One of my favorite things at the Bangor State Fair is the agricultural exhibition, where local farmers proudly display their prized livestock, produce, and handcrafted goods.
Let’s not forget about the Demolition Derby, a huge crowd favorite. It’s a heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled event that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
But that’s not allโthe fair has diverse events catering to a wide range of interests. From truck and tractor pulls to antique car shows, there’s something for the whole family at this annual extravaganza.
After a day of fair fun, nothing beats unwinding by the water. Check out these Oceanfront Stays in Maine for the ultimate coastal escape.
August Adventure: Fairs and Festivals in Maine
Theย Maine Lobster Festival has been a beloved annual tradition since 1947 and is the premier event for lobster lovers. This Maine festival is held at Rockland’s Harbor Park with over 1,300 volunteers supporting the local fishing communities.ย
Enjoy arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food vendors, cooking demonstrations, and more.
The Big Parade on August 3rd at 10 am is an absolute blast! You won’t want to miss the sight of King Neptune and His Court on a magnificent float, making their way down Main Street.
On Sunday, August 4th, bring the kids for Children’s Day, which includes a Children’s Parade, Cod-Carrying contest, Lobster-Eating Contest, and more.
Finally, the festival will conclude on Sunday afternoon with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor those lost at sea.
Come and witness the magic ofย hot air balloonsย soaring through the sky at theย Great Falls Balloon Festivalย held annually in the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine.ย
Over the three-day weekend, hot air balloons will take off twice daily at Simard-Payne Memorial Park at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., creating a stunning, sky-filling spectacle.
Friday’s festivities kick off with beautiful balloons in the sky and an abundance of delicious local food vendors.
In addition to the hot-air balloons flying in the sky on Saturday, your family will love to watch the annual GFBF parade. Line up on Elm Street for the best view of the parade coming down and finishing at Longley Bridge.
On Sunday, you can look forward to Family Fun Day, which includes a Children’s Fun Run, Toddler Trot, Diaper Dash, Hay Rides, Face Painting, andย Live Entertainment, all of which make for an unforgettable family experience.
The Skowhegan State Fair held annually in August in Skowhegan, Maine, is one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the United States. This festival offers ten days of exciting activities for the whole family.
The Skowhegan State Fair has something for everyone to enjoy! At the livestock shows, you can get up close and personal with cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and other animals. You can also watch the top big and strong animals in the area compete for prizes.
If you’re a tractor fan, you’ll want to check out the tractor pulls, where drivers compete to see who can pull the heaviest weight the farthest. For those who love the thrill of a ride, carnival rides are abundant, and there are food vendors everywhere, offering tasty treats and meals.
The demolition derby is a must-see event, with drivers competing to see who can survive the longest in a high-speed collision. Live entertainment is a highlight, with musicians and performers from across the region taking the stage.
Horse racing fanatics can’t miss the harness racing event, where horses and their drivers compete in exciting races that will get your heart racing.
Additionally, the Skowhegan State Fair is not just a fun family event but also an educational one, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about agriculture and farming in an interactive way.
If you’re near Skowhegan, Maine, in August, don’t miss the Skowhegan State Fair. Experience the excitement for yourself!
Did you know that Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberries in the United States?ย
Machia’s Wild Blueberry Festival was created to bring families together and celebrate the annual wild blueberry harvest.
Experience a fun-filled long weekend festival with your family and enjoy a range of activities including craft fairs, food vendors, live entertainment, a blueberry fun run, a children’s parade, a blueberry pie eating contest, comedy shows, and much more.
The festival takes place in Downeast, Maine, and most activities are held at the Centre Street Congregational Church. Best of all, attending is completely free, making it the perfect way to spend time with your loved ones without breaking the bank.
Not ready to say goodbye to Maine after summer? Hereโs What to Do in Maine This Fall when the crowds thin and the landscapes glow.
Summer in Maine is like capturing magic in a bottle, and theseย annual festivalsย and fairs will bring you even closer to the greatย state of Maine. Let me know your favorite family-friendlyย Maine Events!
