Attending Mid-Coast Maine festivals and events is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the region’s traditions and culture. They offer not only fun and celebration but also a chance to enjoy great food and drinks, as well as connect with the greater community.
Our list of festivals in Camden, Rockport, and Rockland are standout examples of the vibrant Mid-Coast Maine events scene. So when planning your trip to this region, add some of these events to your itinerary to experience the essence of this region and create lasting memories.
Camden Maine Events & Festivals
Jazz in June
Camden Maine’s Jazz in June is an annual music festival that celebrates the vibrant and diverse world of jazz. Held over three days, this event transforms the picturesque town into a bustling hub of music and culture.
Attendees can enjoy a variety of performances by renowned jazz musicians at different venues across the town, ranging from intimate indoor settings to lively street scenes.
Harbor Arts & Book Fair
The Harbor Arts & Book Fair at the Camden Public Library’s Harbor Park and Amphitheatre is a celebration of creativity and literature, set against the stunning backdrop of Camden Harbor. This event features a wide array of artists and authors, showcasing their work in various mediums.
It’s an ideal gathering for art enthusiasts and book lovers, offering the chance to explore unique art pieces, discover new books, and engage with local and visiting creatives.
BONUS: This festival happens TWICE a year — July and October.
Camden Windjammer Festival
The Camden Windjammer Festival is a maritime highlight honoring Maine’s rich sailing heritage over Labor Day weekend. This event brings together the largest gathering of windjammers in the region.
Spectators can witness these majestic ships up close, enjoy maritime activities — like a team treasure hunt and making your own mini race boat — and partake in local food and entertainment. It’s a family-friendly event that encapsulates the spirit of Maine’s seafaring history.
Camden International Film Festival
The Camden International Film Festival is a renowned event in the world of documentary film. Every September, it showcases a diverse selection of thought-provoking documentaries from around the globe, offering film enthusiasts a platform to view and discuss contemporary issues and artistic perspectives.
The event includes screenings, workshops, and discussions in Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, making it a significant event for filmmakers and audiences alike.
Christmas by the Sea
Christmas by the Sea is a festive December celebration that captures the essence of the holiday spirit across Camden, Rockport, and Lincolnville Maine.
This three-day event features a series of activities, including caroling, parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and even a Lincolnville Beach bonfire. It’s a time for community gathering, spreading cheer, and enjoying the festive season’s warmth and joy.
U.S. National Toboggan Championships
The U.S. National Toboggan Championships at the Camden Snow Bowl offers a thrilling blend of sport and fun in the winter season. It attracts competitors from across the country to participate in toboggan races down a historic, wooden chute.
The tournament is not just for professional racers, and teams often dress in creative costumes, adding a festive and humorous touch to the competition. And, prizes are awarded to teams with the best costumes and well-crafted toboggans, as well as the oldest teams and more.
Rockport Maine Events & Festivals
Donut Festival
The Donut Festival in Rockport Maine is a delightful event that celebrates the popular sweet treat — doughnuts! It celebrates the rich history of the doughnut in Rockport and kicks off the summer in June with an event filled with music, food, and fun suitable for all ages.
This festival features an array of donut varieties from classic glazed to inventive new flavors — all made by local bakers. Families and foodies alike can enjoy taste tests, doughnut-themed games, and contests for a fun-filled day and unique experience.
Happenings on the Harbor
In July, August, and September, Happenings on the Harbor is a vibrant concert series that showcases the lively spirit of Rockport’s waterfront. It includes a series of activities, such as live music, boat parades, and seafood fare. It’s an ideal opportunity for locals and visitors to engage in various water-based activities and enjoy the scenic views.
Holiday on the Harbor
Holiday on the Harbor at the end of December is a festive event that marks the beginning of the coming year. It’s characterized by a warm and joyous atmosphere, featuring holiday decorations, food trucks, music, and fire pits. Plus, there are fireworks in the evening!
Rockland Maine Events & Festivals
North Atlantic Blues Festival
The North Atlantic Blues Festival in Rockland Maine is a must-visit event for blues music enthusiasts. This annual festival brings together some of the most talented blues musicians from across the nation and the globe.
Attendees can expect the July weekend to be filled with live music stages, soulful performances, and vendors with beverages, food, and crafts. It’s a celebration of blues music set against the scenic backdrop of Rockland’s coastal community.
Friendship Sloop Days
Also in July, Friendship Sloop Days celebrate the maritime heritage of the area with a focus on the iconic Friendship sloop. This event features a regatta of these traditional sailing vessels, offering a glimpse into Maine’s sailing past.
Spectators can enjoy watching the sloops race, participating in nautical-themed activities, and eating local seafood, making it a perfect event for sea lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Maine Lobster Festival
The Maine Lobster Festival is one of Rockland Maine’s most famous summer events, attracting seafood lovers from around the world every August. It’s a celebration of Maine’s lobster industry, offering a chance to enjoy fresh lobster dishes in a variety of preparations.
Along with the delicious food, the festival includes parades, live music, cooking contests, and fun activities for all ages. It’s a quintessential Maine experience that wraps up the end of summer before the back-to-school season.
Maine Boat & Home Show
The Maine Boat & Home Show in August showcases the best in nautical design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle. This event features an array of boats — from classic wooden models to modern innovations — along with home decor and outdoor living products. It’s a great opportunity for enthusiasts and professionals to connect, explore new trends, and enjoy the coastal charm of Rockland.
Festival of Lights
“You know Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen. Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. But do you recall? The most famous reindeer of all?” The U.S. Coast Guard!
The Festival of Lights at the end of November (after Thanksgiving) is a magical event that jump-starts the holiday season. It includes a stunning display of holiday lights, a boat parade, tree-lighting ceremonies, and various seasonal activities — like a Christmas tree auction, horse-drawn carriage rides, and visits with Santa.
This holiday event is a time for the community and visitors to come together and enjoy the festive atmosphere, shopping, and holiday cheer in the heart of Rockland.
More Notable Mid-Coast Events & Festivals
Union Fair
The Union Fair — also known as Maine’s Wild Blueberry Festival — is a classic example of a traditional agricultural fair, showcasing the state’s rich farming and rural heritage but with a focus on wild blueberries. It features a variety of agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and competitions.
Along with these activities, the annual event in Union Maine offers carnival rides, local food stands, and live entertainment, making it a family-friendly celebration that provides educational experiences and fun for all ages in July or August.
Belfast Harbor Fest
Belfast Harbor Fest in August is a celebration of the town’s maritime heritage and culture. It’s held at the scenic Belfast Harbor and includes activities like boat-building competitions, nautical-themed races, and maritime demonstrations. Attendees can also enjoy live music, local food, and arts and crafts.
Common Ground Country Fair
The Common Ground Country Fair (locally referred to as just The Fair) is a renowned event that focuses on sustainable living, agriculture, and organic farming. Organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, it brings together farmers, artisans, and sustainability enthusiasts.
This fair features organic food, live demonstrations, workshops on eco-friendly practices, and a marketplace for local, organic produce. This celebration of Maine’s commitment to environmental stewardship and healthy living draws visitors who are passionate about natural and sustainable lifestyles.
Gardens Aglow
Gardens Aglow in November and December transforms the Boothbay’s Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens into a winter wonderland of lights during the holiday season. This spectacular event features hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights artfully arranged throughout the gardens to create a magical and festive atmosphere.
Visitors can stroll through the illuminated paths, enjoy the stunning light displays, and experience the gardens in a unique and enchanting way. It’s a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and joy of the holiday season in Maine.
While you’re in town for these fantastic local festivals, you’ll also enjoy discovering top attractions and activities in Camden. It’s also a good time to visit some of the excellent locally-owned restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Convenient Lodging Near Mid-Coast Maine Festivals & Events
As you partake in the vibrant annual events and festivals around Camden Maine, we invite you to enhance your experience by staying with us at The Country Inn at Camden Rockport.
Our main house, which is open all year, offers an inviting heated indoor pool and a breakfast experience that elevates the traditional continental offering. From the bloom of May to the russet tones of October, you can also nestle into one of our 11 charming cottages, enjoying full access to all the comforts of our inn.
We’re not just guest-friendly — we’re pet-friendly too, mirroring the welcoming policy of our sister establishment in Rockport. Your furry companions are more than welcome here. Our commitment is to provide an environment where our guests feel more than just accommodated — they feel cherished and valued.
We eagerly anticipate your stay with us during your Camden adventures. See which of our rooms or cottages are available for your MidCoast Maine getaway!
Main Photo Credit: Camden Windjammer Festival