Maine events and festivals take place year-round, from coastal holiday celebrations and summer seafood festivals to fall fairs and family-friendly parades that showcase the state’s seasonal charm and community spirit.
Christmas Prelude - Kennebunkport
A very popular Maine event consists of the Christmas Prelude. It is one of Maine’s most iconic holiday festivals, held annually in early December and centered in the heart of Kennebunkport. The town transforms into a coastal winter village filled with lights, decorated storefronts, and festive waterfront scenery. Families can enjoy the annual tree lighting in Dock Square, holiday parades, Santa’s arrival by lobster boat, and evening fireworks over the harbor. The event is highly walkable, making it easy for all ages to explore shops, restaurants, and decorated historic streets throughout the celebration.
Christmas by the Sea – Ogunquit
Christmas by the Sea is a beloved annual coastal holiday festival held each December in Ogunquit. The event brings together the entire town for a fun-filled weekend of celebrations along the oceanfront. Visitors can experience a festive parade downtown, tree lighting ceremonies, beach bonfires, and seasonal fireworks over the Atlantic. Christmas by the Sea brings Ogunquit to life each December, combining seaside scenery, holiday spirit, and festive traditions into a memorable holiday weekend.
OgunquitFest- Ogunquit
Every October, OgunquitFest brings the town to life with a full weekend of fall celebrations, seasonal activities, and festive coastal charm during Maine’s peak foliage season. This fun-filled Maine festival is best known for its Halloween parade, classic car show, pumpkin decorating, and the crowd-favorite Dogtober costume parade featuring dogs dressed in seasonal outfits.
With coastal fall scenery, community events, and a lively atmosphere throughout downtown Ogunquit, OgunquitFest has become a favorite autumn tradition for visitors returning to southern Maine each year.
Maine Lobster Festival – Rockland
The Maine Lobster Festival is one of the state’s most well-known annual summer events, held every August in Rockland. Centered at Harbor Park, the festival celebrates Maine’s seafood heritage with fresh lobster dinners, live music, artisan vendors, and a large community parade. Families will find a wide range of activities, including carnival rides and waterfront entertainment, all set against the backdrop of Rockland’s scenic harbor. It remains one of Maine’s most recognizable and widely attended summer traditions.
Common Ground Country Fair – Unity
Held every September, the Common Ground Country Fair is an annual celebration of Maine’s agricultural and rural heritage, hosted in Unity. Organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the fair focuses on sustainable living, organic farming, and traditional crafts. The event is spacious, outdoor-focused, and highly family-friendly, offering a lively fall festival atmosphere that brings together food, music, crafts, and crowds enjoying a classic Maine harvest celebration.
HarborFest - Wells
Kick off summer on the beautiful Maine coast at HarborFest. This fun-filled family event features live music, delicious food, local vendors, games, and activities for all ages. Spend the day enjoying the waterfront atmosphere, making memories with friends and family, and taking part in one of Wells’ favorite summer traditions. HarborFest is the perfect way to experience community spirit, coastal charm, and a full day of summer fun by the harbor.
