Must Do Fairs + Festivals
upcoming annual events
Across Greater Portland we are bringing the fun with fairs, festivals, and exciting events all year long and for all ages. You’ll find events fitting every season from kite festivals in the Spring to plenty of harvest festivals in the Fall. And of course that means plenty of seasonal bites and brews to go along with it.
Carnaval me
Annually in Winter
2024 DATES TBD
Carnaval ME is back and better than ever in 2023! Taking place in Portland’s Old Port at their new location on Commercial Street! This fun outdoor winter event will feature live music on the Norway Savings Bank Snow Stage, a heated igloo, family-friendly activities, Bites & Brews, and a whole lot more! Learn More
Photo Courtesy of Shamrock Signature
Bug Light Kite Festival
Annually in May
2024 DATES TBD
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
Portland Wine Week
Annually in June
2024 DATES TBD
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
BOWDOIN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Annually in Summer
2024 DATES TBD
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
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
Maine Lobster Festival
Annually in August
July 31st – August 3rd 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
Bach Virtuosi Festival
Annually in August
2024 DATES TBD
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
Portland Chamber Music Festival
Annually in August
2024 DATES TBD
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
Cumberland Fair
Annually in September/October
September 24-October 1, 2023
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
Annually in October
October 6-October 8, 2023
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
Harvest on the Harbor
Annually in October/November
October 24th – 26th 2023
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
MAINE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Annually in November
November 4–November 11, 2023
Join us for MJFF’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and Festival! The first in-person festival in over three years. Opening Night, November 4th, we’ll be hosting a festive celebration of our 25 years as one of the country’s few independent Jewish film festivals. Learn More.
Photo Courtesy of Maine Jewish Film Festival
sparkle Celebration in freeport, maine
Annually in December
December 1st- 10th 2023
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
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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