Maine Events - August Festivals
Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival
Jun 20 thru Aug 24, 2008. Blue Hill. The Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival is a chamber music school, a concert series and chamber music advocate. It is the oldest chamber music festival in America. Weekly concerts all summer long. For info phone (207) 374-2811. Report Update
Bowdoin International Music Festival
Jun 21 thru Aug 02, 2008. Brunswick. Through its concert presentations, the Bowdoin International Music Festival (at Bowdoin College) brings performers of international stature and a rich variety of musical programming to thousands of residents and summer visitors. Report Update
Bay Chamber Concerts' Summer Music Festival
Jul 02 thru Aug 28, 2008. Rockport. Bay Chamber Concerts' Summer Music Festival presents award-winning international artists every July and August in the beautiful backdrop of Midcoast Maine. Concerts are performed on Wednesday nights at the renovated Strand Theatre in Rockland (345 Maine St), and in the intimate setting of the historic Rockport Opera House (6 Central St in Rockport) overlooking Rockport harbor on Thursday nights. Map + Directions | Report Update
Sebago Long-Lake Music Festival
Jul 15 thru Aug 12, 2008. Harrison. The Sebago Long-Lake Music Festival is held on Tuesday evenings at the Deertrees Theatre. Featured composers include Schumann, Martinu, Rochberg, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Dvorak. For info and tickets phone (207) 583-6747. Report Update
Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music
Jul 22 thru Aug 19, 2008. Northeast Harbor. The Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music presents chamber music at its best in an intimate setting. Much of the aura, which is both informal and serious, is due to the ambiance of the Neighborhood House, whose fine acoustics and old world charm add much to the intimacy of communication upon which chamber music thrives. For info phone (207) 276-3988. Report Update
Northern Maine Fair
Jul 25 thru Aug 02, 2008. Presque Isle. The Northern Maine Fair is a large family fair with rides, exhibits, horse pulling, harness racing, tractor pulling, demo derby and more. At the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. For info phone Lynwood Winslow at (207) 764-2927. Report Update
Bangor State Fair
Jul 25 thru Aug 03, 2008. Bangor. At the Bangor State Fair you can enjoy outdoor concerts, demolition derby, backyard circus, midway rides, great food, a petting zoo and pony rides, exhibits, fireworks and more. For info phone Sally Bilancia at (207) 947-5555. Report Update
York Days and Lighting of the Nubble
Jul 25 thru Aug 03, 2008. York. Centered at Short Sands Beach, York Days features local concerts, tournaments, sandcastle building and fairs. Christmas in July and the annual Lighting of the Nubble is on York Beach on July 27. There are Fireworks on Sunday, August 3. Phone (207) 363-1040 for details. Report Update
Schoodic Arts Festival
Jul 28 thru Aug 10, 2008. Winter Harbor. The Annual Schoodic Arts Festival is a two week celebration of arts and culture, including 65 workshops, 26 evening performances, free brown bag lunchtime performances, an art show, a silent auction, and much, much more. Most events occur at Hammond Hall. Phone (207) 963-2569 for details. Report Update
Monmouth Fair
Jul 30 thru Aug 02, 2008. Monmouth. Annual Monmouth Fair. This is a small, family agricultural fair with midway, animal exhibits, crafts and animal pulling events. Contact Lisa Cunliffe at (207) 933-5053. Report Update
Maine Lobster Festival
Jul 30 thru Aug 03, 2008. Rockland. The Maine Lobster Festival is one of New England's great summer events. Tons of steamed Maine lobsters, waterfront activities, maritime displays, Maine arts, naval vessels, harbor cruises, entertainment and a parade. For info phone (207) 596-0376 or (800) LOB-CLAW. Report Update
Wilton Blueberry Festival
Aug 01 thru Aug 02, 2008. Wilton. The annual Wilton Blueberry Festival runs 2 days with over 80 events going on. Free Debbie Myers concert., parades, vendors, crafters and firework. For info phone (207) 778-4726. Report Update
Athens Fair
Aug 01 thru Aug 03, 2008. Athens. Small country fair with animal exhibits, crafts and midway. For info phone Donna Avery at (207) 654-2028 or Sylvia Judd at (207) 654-3265. Report Update
Festival FrancoFun
Aug 01 thru Aug 03, 2008. Lewiston. Festival FrancoFun took over from the Festival de Joie in 2006. This Franco-American cultural festival features cultural music, traditions, language and foods at The Colisee. For info phone the box office at (207) 689-2000 or the Franco-American Heritage Center at (207) 783-1585. Report Update
Upper Kennebec Valley River Festival
Aug 01 thru Aug 03, 2008. Bingham. The Upper Kennebec Valley River Festival in downtown Bingham features crafters, artisans, activities, displays and demonstrations that young and old alike will enjoy. For info phone (207) 672-4900. Report Update
Shangri-La Music and Arts Festival
Aug 01 thru Aug 03, 2008. Blue Hill. Shangri-La Music and Arts Festival at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds. This is a 3-day, multi-genre music and arts festival. Musical acts in 2008 include Josh Ritter, Steve Earle, the Avett Brothers and much more. For info phone (207) 667-2200. Report Update
International Homecoming Festival
Aug 01 thru Aug 10, 2008. Calais. The International Homecoming Festival is a week-long celebration of the friendship shared between Calais, Maine and St. Stephen, New Brunswick. The week includes pageants, concerts, parades, and other family events and ends with a great fireworks show. For info phone (207) 454-2308. Report Update
Winterport Music Festival
Aug 02, 2008. Winterport. The Winterport Music Festival is held on the first Saturday of August in Abbott Park and features 8 to 10 music acts on the main stage. Headlining in 2008 are the "Kings of Strings featuring Jay Geils and Gerry Beaudoin." There are also food vendors and a beer and wine garden. For info phone the Winterport Town Office at (207) 223-5055. Report Update
The Maine Renaissance Faire at Castle Treasure
Aug 02 thru Aug 03, 2008. Manchester. The Maine Renaissance Faire at Castle Treasure is a family friendly event. Come stroll the streets of our village and visit the artisans, merchants, vendors, entertainers at Castle Treasure. Partake of the delicious fare and join peasants, merchants, entertainers and nobility as they mingle for the weekend festivities. Activities for the young and young-at-heart abound throughout the village. Historic reenactments, sword-swallowing, fire-eating, comedy shows and games are features during the weekend as well as musical entertainment and jousting. For info phone (207) 623-1152. Report Update
Boat Builders Festival and Art Show
Aug 03, 2008. East Boothbay. The Boat Builders Festival and Art Show features tours of shipyards, tours of shipyards, historical lectures, kid's activities, an art show and music all day. For info phone the Boothbay Region Land Trust at (207) 633-4818. Report Update
Topsham Fair
Aug 03 thru Aug 09, 2008. Topsham. The Topsham Fair (at the Topsham Fairgrounds at 54 Elm Street) features agricultural exhibits, animal pulling events, 4-H, crafts, midway and harness racing. For info phone Tad Hunter at (207) 729-1544. Report Update
Taste of Greater Waterville
Aug 06, 2008. Waterville. Annual Taste of Greater Waterville. Enjoy the area's finest cuisine while dining under the stars in historic downtown Waterville. This annual festival kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with finger foods and entertainment for adults and children. Main Street is closed to traffic and as dinner hour approaches residents and tourists alike enjoy dinner on Main Street while musical entertainment serenades the crowd. No tickets are required, meals can be purchased from various restaurants that cook and serve on Main Street. Report Update
Caribou Cares About Kids Festival
Aug 07 thru Aug 09, 2008. Caribou. The Caribou Cares About Kids Festival includes a parade, games, music, strawberry festival, hayrides, foot and bike races, concerts and more. For info phone (207) 498-6156. Report Update
Skowhegan State Fair
Aug 07 thru Aug 16, 2008. Skowhegan. The Skowhegan State Fair (at the State Fairgrounds at Madison Avenue aka Route 201-N) includes Grandstand shows, Quarter Horse and other Horse Shows and much more. For info contact Rebecca Turner at (207) 474-2947. Report Update
Forest Heritage Days
Aug 08 thru Aug 09, 2008. Greenville. Forest Heritage Days falls on the on the second weekend in August annually. It is a celebration of the Moosehead Lake Region's heritage and history. Events include area woods tours, educational forestry exhibits, a craft fair and logging games with professional loggers. For info phone (207) 695-2702. Report Update
Up North Music and Art Festival
Aug 08 thru Aug 10, 2008. Hiram. The 1st Annual Up North Music and Art Festival is held at the Ossipee Valley Fairgrounds, 291 S. Hiram Road. Enjoy 3 days of music, art and camping starting Friday at noon. Report Update
Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors Show
Aug 08 thru Aug 10, 2008. Rockland. The Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors Show at Harbor Park and Buoy Park features boats in the water and on land, marine wares, the arts, and delicious food. Showcases Maine's top-notch boat builders, craftsmen and architects presenting all the essential elements for life on the coast. Hands-on demonstrations, historical exhibits, live music, children's activities and the Annual World Championship Boatyard Dog Trials. For info phone (207) 236-8622 or (800) 565-4951. Report Update
Maine Antiques Festival
Aug 08 thru Aug 10, 2008. Union. The Maine Antique Show is Maine's largest antique festival. Over 350 dealers present everything from early-period formal to 1950s furniture. For info phone (207) 563-1013. Report Update
Winter Harbor Lobster Festival
Aug 09, 2008. Winter Harbor. Every August, the Winter Harbor Lobster Festival draws a large crowd of spectators. Running from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., it is a fun filled day with many scheduled events, starting with a Maine blueberry pancake breakfast. Watch the ever popular lobster boat races, with 13 classes rated by size and power, shop at the craft fair with 80+ exhibitors, eat a Maine lobster dinner and stay for the late afternoon parade down Main Street. For info phone (207) 963-7658. Report Update
Art Show on the Green
Aug 09, 2008. Southwest Harbor. Art Show on the Green is sponsored by the Fine Arts Coastal Alliance of Maine and the Southwest Harbor/Tremont Chamber of Commerce. Two days of outstanding Maine artwork. For info phone (207) 244-9264. Report Update
Annual Art in the Park Show and Sale
Aug 09, 2008. South Portland. The Annual South Portland Art in the Park Show and Sale features original art and photography by 185 artists, plus opportunities for kids to make their own artistic creations. Afternoon music in the park gazebo plus food court. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date is on Sunday. For info phone (207) 767-7656 or 767-7605. Report Update
Celebrate Maine Festival
Aug 09 thru Aug 10, 2008. Eliot. The Celebrate Maine Festival is held at Raitt Farm on Route 103 from 10 am to 4 pm. Focusing on the uniqueness of Maine, the festival brings a variety of artisans to Southern Maine to sell their wares. Also included will be Bean Hole Beans, games and activities for families, and live entertainment. For info phone (207) 363-4422. Report Update
Native American PowWow
Aug 09 thru Aug 10, 2008. Gray. Annual Native American PowWow at Maine Wildlife Park. Representatives of several tribes will be at the park for two full days with dancers, drummers, craft vendors, singers and traditional food booths. Special events will be presented throughout each day. This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about Maine's Native Americans. Check out the Maine Wildlife Park's "summer wildlife days" calender (link above) for many more fun and educational happenings at the park. Report Update
Franco-American Festival
Aug 09 thru Aug 10, 2008. Waterville. The City of Waterville hosts its 6th Annual Franco-American Festival with speciality food vendors and artisans plus Franco-American plays and music. For info phone (207) 680-4200. Report Update
Bangor Film Festival
Aug 09 thru Aug 16, 2008. Bangor. The 1st Annual Bangor Film Festival takes place at the Bangor Opera House, 131 Main Street. The 2007 festival celebrates American short films. Program begins at 7 p.m. For info phone (207) 942-3333 or email info@bangorfilmfest.com. Report Update
BRCA Belgrade Lakes Watershed Aquafest
Aug 09 thru Aug 30, 2008. Belgrade. Aquafest is a community-wide, family event, featuring a timed 5K Race for the Lakes on a safe, rolling, out and back course; Prize Events for Kids, ages 1 to 12 years; Fun Run, Walk, Crawl or Creep for all Ages and Dogs, too; Kayak Races; GPS and kayak clinics; T-Shirt Painting; Games; Geocachings; Shopping Opportunities at Village Shops; the Farmers' Market, and Art Mart; Boat Rides, Float Plane Rides; Free Raffle and Great Prizes; Awards for summer long Fishing Derby and Raffle; Family Barbecue and Free Swim Time; and Water Events at selected spots around the Watershed. For info phone (207) 495-6039. Map + Directions | Report Update
Annual Georgetown Working League Fair and Luncheon
Aug 12, 2008. Georgetown. 95th annual Georgetown Working League Fair and Luncheon at Georgetown Central School, 52 Bay Point Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include quilt raffle, hand-crafted gifts, books, white elephant treasures, baked goods and homemade treats, stationery, jewelry, paintings by local artists, crafter's demonstrations, and children's games and activities. Rain or shine, admission free, valet parking. 100 % of fair proceeds support Georgetown scholarships and town services. For info phone (207) 371-2074. Report Update
Salt Bay Chamberfest
Aug 12 thru Aug 22, 2008. Damariscotta. Every summer, Salt Bay Chamberfest brings some of the most captivating and internationally renowned musicians to the coastal town of Damariscotta to perform great masterpieces of chamber music literature. For info phone (207) 522-3749. Report Update
Portland Chamber Music Festival
Aug 14 thru Aug 23, 2008. Portland. The Portland Chamber Music Festival is Well-known for its eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary repertoire. For info phone (800) 320-0257. Report Update
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
Aug 15 thru Aug 17, 2008. Machias. This is the 33rd Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival. The Downeast region of Maine produces some 85% of the world's blueberries. The festival features baking and pie eating contests, over 200 craft booths, foot races, a blueberry musical comedy and a variety of musical entertainment. For info phone (207) 255-6665. Report Update
Stonehedge Bluegrass Festival
Aug 15 thru Aug 17, 2008. Gray. The grass is definitely bluegrass at Stonehedge Farm for the Stonehedge Bluegrass Festival. For info phone (207) 428-3659 or 653-2197. Report Update
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Aug 15 thru Aug 17, 2008. Lewiston. The Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival is one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in Northern New England, with activities for all ages and fireworks on Friday evening. Report Update
North Berwick Mill Field Festival
Aug 15 thru Aug 17, 2008. North Berwick. Come visit the Annual North Berwick Mill Field Festival. There will be a parade, craft vendors, food vendors, picnic lunch in the park, presentations and more. Food vendors (for profit and nonprofit) are encouraged to submit an application for any of the 3 festival days. Craft vendors (for profit and nonprofit) are invited to participate on the 16th. All vendors need to fill out an application. More information and an application may be obtained on the town's website. For info phone (207) 676-3353. Report Update
Maine Highland Games
Aug 16, 2008. Brunswick. The 30th Maine Highland Games at Thomas Point Beach is an opportunity for Maine's Scottish community to come together, with bagpipers and over 30 Scottish vendors. Report Update
Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival
Aug 16, 2008. Brunswick. The Annual Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival, held the 3rd Saturday of August, on Maine Street in Downtown Brunswick, features paintings on canvas and glass, sculpture, mixed media, graphics and drawing, photography and more. Runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For info phone (207) 729-4439. Report Update
Union Fair
Aug 17 thru Aug 23, 2008. Union. The Union Fair (at the Union Fairgrounds) is a classic, rural Maine fair, one of the oldest in Maine, celebrating all aspects of agriculture, including a wild blueberry festival. Events include harness racing, old fashioned pig scramble, wild blueberry pie baking and eating contests, horse, oxen and tractor pulls, fireworks, sheep shearing contest, 4-H exhibits, carnival, entertainment and crowning of the State of Maine Wild Blueberry Queen. For info call George Field at (207) 273-2772. Report Update
Rangeley Blueberry Festival
Aug 21, 2008. Rangeley. The Rangeley Blueberry Festival features all sorts of blueberry jams, muffins and pies, along with gifts and crafts. Special entertainment for children. Runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Report Update
Frantasia Festival of Out Music and Arts
Aug 21 thru Aug 23, 2008. Livermore Falls. The Frantasia Festival of Out Music and Arts is an exploration in sound, music, movement and the visual arts. It is eclectic, improvisational and electric. Truly an auditory and visual adventure. Frantasia is the largest Out Music festival in Maine. For info phone (207) 897-6158. Report Update
Acton Fair
Aug 21 thru Aug 24, 2008. Acton. The Acton Fair features exhibits, 4-H, flower show, animal pulling events and midway. For info phone Lisa Staples at (207) 636-2026 or (207) 324-1250. Report Update
Piscataquis Valley Fair
Aug 21 thru Aug 24, 2008. Dover-Foxcroft. The Piscataquis Valley Fair features a milking parlor with home made ice cream, agricultural exhibits, crafts, midway and animal pulling events. For info phone Deanne Merrill at (207) 943-2650. Report Update
Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival - August
Aug 21 thru Aug 24, 2008. Sidney. The 31st Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival with over a dozen performers. Ticket info and performance schedules are online. For info phone (207) 873-6539. Report Update
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest
Aug 21 thru Aug 24, 2008. Presque Isle. The annual Crown of Maine Balloon Fest features hot air balloons and many more activities. At the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. For info phone (207) 764-6561. Report Update
American Folk Festival
Aug 22 thru Aug 24, 2008. Bangor. The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront is a celebration of multi-cultural traditional arts with music, dance, crafts, food and storytelling. For more info phone (207) 992-2630. Also at the Festival, the Hammond Street Congregational Church hosts its Annual Baked Bean Suppah with a menu ranging from traditional baked beans and red Maine hot dogs to Gifford's ice cream. Phone (207) 944-7860 to spill the beans about what they've got cooking. Report Update
New England Auto Auction
Aug 23, 2008. Owls Head. The cars are gorgeous and the drama intense as two hundred antique and classic autos head to the block at the New England Auction of Antique, Classic and Special-Interest Vehicles. The Boston Globe says this "just may be the finest antique auto auction in New England." Previews begin at 7:30 a.m. and auction starts at 9:30 a.m. For info phone the Owls Heat Transportation Museum at (207) 594-4418. Report Update
Down East Pirate Days
Aug 23 thru Aug 24, 2008. Rockland . Come join us at Harbor Park for a weekend full of swashbuckling fun! There will be live music and entertainment, artisans selling their wares, food, a children's activity area and more! For info phone (207) 691-2792. Report Update
Windsor Fair
Aug 24 thru Sep 01, 2008. Windsor. The Windsor Fair is a large progressive fair with extensive agricultural, crafts and art exhibits. Large midway, animal pulling events, harness racing and mechanical pulls. For info phone Lincoln Orff at (207) 549-7121. Map + Directions | Report Update
Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival
Aug 28 thru Aug 31, 2008. Brunswick. For over 25 years running, the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival has brought great bluegrass to Thomas Point Beach. Details are posted online as they develop. Map + Directions | Report Update
Blue Hill Fair
Aug 28 thru Sep 01, 2008. Blue Hill. This is a "Down to Earth" Country Fair always scheduled Labor Day Weekend. The Blue Hill Fair showcases the best of Maine Agriculture, while providing carnival thrills, a great selection of food and displays, and major entertainment (past headliners include Faith Hill, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, and Diamond Rio). For info Contact Robert Eaton at (207) 374-3701. Map + Directions | Report Update
Windjammer Weekend
Aug 29 thru Aug 31, 2008. Camden. The largest single gathering of Maine's windjammer fleet arrives in Camden Harbor for festivities throughout the Labor Day weekend. For info phone (207) 236-4404. Map + Directions | Report Update
Springfield Fair
Aug 29 thru Sep 01, 2008. Springfield. The Springfield Fair features a stage show, animal pulling events, antique auto, midway and livestock exhibits. For info phone Kirk Ritchie at (207) 738-2888. Map + Directions | Report Update
Harmony Free Fair
Aug 29 thru Sep 01, 2008. Harmony. The Harmony Free Fair is a small, licensed fair with rides, crafts, food, motor sports and animals. Fireworks Sunday evening and parade Monday morning. No admission fee. For info phone Mel Chadbourne at (207) 683-5873. Map + Directions | Report Update