Must Do Fairs + Festivals

Must Do Fairs + Festivals

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.

Winter Events

Ice Sculpture, Photo Credits: Visit Freeport

Flavors of Freeport

Annually in February

February 16, 2024

Enjoy delicious samples from some of Maine’s best chefs, sample local brews and beverages, and learn about what’s new in Freeport. Best of all, the great variety will leave you delighted and coming back to Freeport for more! The event has featured an elaborate ice sculpture, ice luge, cozy fire pit, delicious BBQ, and a DJ to get you moving in past years! Learn more.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

Carnaval ME, Photo provided by: Shamrock Signature

Carnaval me

Annually in Winter

2024 DATES TBD

Carnaval ME is back and better than ever in 2024! 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

Sparkle Celebration with Santa Riding on Lit-up Float, Photo Courtesy of Visit Freeport

sparkle Celebration in freeport, maine

Annually in December

December 6th-15th 2024

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

Spring Events

Winter Warmer 2,  Photo Courtesy of Portland Chamber Music Festival


Winter Warmer Festival, Portland chamber music festival

March 7th- 9th 2024

Come in and hear the beautiful sounds of the Portland Chamber Music Festival! Visitors have the options of having two unique experiences on March 7th and March 9th and can learn more about these amazing artists. Learn more

Photo Courtesy of Portland Chamber Music Festival

Maine Bug Light Portland Breakwater Light

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

Summer Events

Bowdoin International Music Festival. Photo Credit: Tim Greenway

BOWDOIN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Annually in Summer

June 6th-August 7th, 2024

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

Red WIne Pour into Glass, Photo Credit: Wine Wise Events

Portland Wine Week

Annually in June

JUNE 10-16, 2024

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

Yarmouth Clam Festival Parade Firetruck, Photo Credit: wikimedia commons, NewTestLeper79

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

Plated Lobster Meal with Butter and Corn, Photo Courtesy of Robert Witkowski

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: World class, internationally renowned musicians performances of Bach, Photo Courtesy of Bach Virtuosi Festival

Bach Virtuosi Festival

Annually in June

June 18th-25th, 2024

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

Photo Courtesy of Portland Chamber Music Festival

Portland Chamber Music Festival

Annually in August

August 10th-17th, 2024

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

Fall Events

Cumberland Fair, Photo Credits: Serena Folding

Cumberland Fair

Annually in September/October

September 22nd-28th, 2024

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 Grounds at L.L.Bean. Photo Provided by Visit Freeport

Freeport Fall Festival

Annually in October

October 4th-6th, 2024

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

Lobster Crates and Pile of Rope on Working Waterfront, Photo Credit: Visit USA Parks and Tobey Schmidt

Harvest on the Harbor

Annually in October/November

2024 Dates TBD

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

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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