Maine - Fairs and Festivals

• For more fun activities, see Maine Events page

Acadia Night Sky Festival
Around Acadia National Park
Mount Desert Island, ME

September 9 - 12, 2010

The Acadia Night Sky Festival will take place this September beginning on the evening of Thursday the 9th, with events continuing through sunrise on Monday the 12th. Centered on Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, the Festival celebrates the protection and enjoyment of Downeast/Acadia's stellar night sky through education, science, and the arts. From an Ecotourism panel discussion to day-time hands-on activities to stargazing in Acadia National Park to, the public is invited to share the inspiration of Maine's spectacular night sky. Times and Fees vary; see website for details. Information: 207-244-9477 or visit www.nightskyfestival.org.

Bar Harbor Summer Arts & Craft Festival
College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor, ME
Phone: 603-332-2616

July 31-August 1, 2010

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This festival features 75 juried craftsmen displaying and selling their American made works. Specialty food sampling, craft demonstrations and live music complete this perfect summertime event. Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Cost: free. Information: www.castleberryfairs.com.

Blue Hill Fair
Route 172
Blue Hill, ME
Phone: 207-374-3701

September 2 - 6, 2010

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Among the many attractions featured at the fair is a large livestock area, full of the usual farm animals, as well as the llamas and alpacas on display and Draft Horse and Oxen Pulling. On Saturday and Monday the Blue Hill Fair features demonstration Harness Racing. On Saturday and Sunday the immensely popular Sheep Dog Trials are a featured part of the day's program. Time: Thursday, 4 p.m.; Friday - Sunday, gates open at 8 a.m. Cost: $1 - $5. Information: 207-374-3701 or visit www.bluehillfair.com.

Crown of Maine Balloon Festival
Northern Maine Fairgrounds, Mechanic Street
Presque Isle, ME

August 26 - 29, 2010

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This hot-air balloon festival features 15 hot-air balloons, balloon rides, entertainment, and a street fair; something for everyone. Time: rides start at 5:30 a.m. Cost: varies depending on balloon pilot. Information: 207-764-6561 or visit www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org.

Northern Maine Fair
Northern Maine Fairgrounds, 84 Mechanic Street
Presque Isle, ME

July 30 - August 7, 2010

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This fair has it all, including a music festival, a BMX stunt show, Bengal tigers, a transportation show, three nights of harness racing, livestock demonstrations, many new cooking contests, and the return of Olde McDonalds Farm. Time: see website for full schedule. Cost: NA. Information: 207-769-2258 or visit www.northernmainefairgrounds.com.

Clinton Lions Fair
1450 Bangor Road
Clinton, ME
Phone: 207-426-8013

September 9 - 12, 2010

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Here you’ll find a large agricultural exhibit with many farm animals, animal pulling, exquisite examples of almost every imaginable food variety and one of the best truck and tractor pulling events in the area.  Also, a great midway with rides and games for all age groups, a parade, and much more. Time: TBA. Cost: TBA. Information: 207-426-8013 or visit www.clintonsfair.com.

Country-Fest
Litchfield Fairgrounds, Plains Road
Litchfield, ME
Phone: 207-737-0920

August 7 - 8, 2010

Country-Fest 2010 is a 2-day country, bluegrass, and folk music festival showcasing some of the Northeast's best musicians; plus two special shows by the legendary Leroy Van Dyke on Saturday.. Time: Saturday, 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. Cost: 46 per day pass; $10 for both days; children under 12 are free. Information: 207-737-0920 or visit www.potpourrimusic.com/countryfest.

Harmony Free Fair
177 Chadbourne Road
Harmony, ME
Phone: 207-683-5873

September 3 - 6, 2010

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Harmony's fair is the only agricultural fair in the State that does not charge admission. As with all agricultural fairs, there are many judged events, exhibitions, and other contests. We offer a full schedule of events, including horse pulls, a demolition derby, and doodlebug pulls. New events, such as the Woodsman Competition, will be expanded, while old favorites such as the Truck Pull remain. Time: Friday, 3 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. Cost: free. Information: 207-683-5873 or visit www.harmonyfreefair.org.

Litchfield Fair
44 Plains Road
Litchfield, ME
Phone: 207-353-8105

September 10 - 12, 2010

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The Litchfield Fair includes all the good old-fashioned elements of a country celebration; animal exhibits, antique cars and farm equipment, vegetable competitions, homemade baked good, rides and games for the kids, live music and more. Time: Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. Cost: adults, $6; youth ages 12 - 17, $2; children under 12, free. Information: 207-353-8105 or visit www.litchfieldfair.com.

Skowhegan State Fair
Madison Avenue / Route 201
Skowhegan, ME
Phone: 207-474-2947

August 12 - 21, 2010


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Are you ready for the 192nd edition of the Skowhegan State Fair? This year promises to provide fun entertainment for the whole family, with 3 Demolition Derbies, 2 Truck Pulls, 2 days of Tractor Pulling, Harness Racing, Livestock Shows, a Tribute to the Troops Concert, a Battle of the Bands, daily Magic Shows and so much more. Time: gates open daily at 7 a.m. Cost: $4 - $8. Information: 207-474-2947 or visit www.skowheganstatefair.com.

Windsor Fair
Ridge Road
Windsor, ME
Phone: 207-549-7121

August 29 - September 6, 2010

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This fair has everything from gigantic vegetables, to rides and games, truck pulls, animal exhibits, a beauty pageant, and more. Time: see website for schedule. Cost: adults, $6; youth 16 and under, free. Information: 207-549-7121 or visit
www.windsorfair.com.

Cumberland Fair
197 Blanchard Road
Cumberland, ME
Phone: 207-797-2789

September 26 - October 2, 2010

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Animals, agricultural booths, giant pumpkin and squash contests, plus a midway, lots of activities for kids and live music--something for everyone. Time: see website for schedule. Cost: $7 - $9; children 12 and under, free. Information: 207-797-2789 or visit www.cumberlandfair.com.

Bowdoin International Music Festival
Bowdoin College, 6300 College Station
Brunswick, ME
Phone: 207-725-3000

June 26 - August 7, 2010

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The Bowdoin International Music Festival brings renowned artist instructors, performers, soloists, and gifted pre-professional classical musicians from around the world to beautiful Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine each summer for six weeks of intensive chamber music study, collaboration, and performance. Musicians from groups such as the New York Philharmonic and Cleveland Orchestra, the Ying and Shanghai quartets, and major conservatories including Juilliard, Eastman, Indiana, Shanghai, and London’s Royal College collaborate with summer study participants and present more than 80 concerts each season in seven concert series. For full schedule and and tickets costs, visit www.bowdoinfestival.com.

Common Ground Country Fair
294 Crosby Brook Road
Unity, ME
Phone: 207-568-4142

September 24 - 26, 2010

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The Fair allows fairgoers to make connections with a rapidly expanding base of organic farms in the state of Maine. Hundreds of vendors, exhibitors and demonstrators, more than 1,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of fairgoers will gather to: share knowledge about sustainable living; eat delicious, organic, Maine-grown food; buy and sell beautiful Maine crafts and useful agricultural products; compete in various activities; dance; sing and have a great time. Time: gates open daily at 9 a.m. Cost: adults, $10; children under 12, free. Information: 207-568-4142 or visit www.mofga.org.

Maine Lobster Festival
Harbor Park, Water Street
Rockland, ME
Phone: 800-562-2529

August 4-8, 2010

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Tons of steamed Maine lobsters served along with pageantry, waterfront activities, maritime displays and demonstrations, Maine arts and crafts, visits to Navy and Coast Guard ships, harbor cruises, contests, lots of wonderful entertainment, a giant parade, international lobster crate race, children's activities and much more. Information: www.mainelobsterfestival.com

Topsham Fair
Topsham Fair Grounds, Route 196
Topsham, ME

August 8 - 14, 2010

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If you like truck pulls, demo derbies, wrestling, 80’s hair bands, pig scrambles, country music, harness racing, and food that tastes good but is probably bad for you, this fair is for you. Time: gates open daily at 8 a.m. Cost: NA. Information: 207-798-0892 or visit www.topshamfair.net.

Union Fair
523 Western Road
Union, ME
Phone: 207-273-2465

August 21 - 28, 2010

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Enjoy games, rides, raffles, parades, live music, livestock shows, a midway and more. Time: gates open daily at 8 a.m. Cost: adults, $8; children 12 - 14, $4; children under 12, free. Information: 207-273-2465 or visit www.unionfair.org.

Acton Fair
178 Nason Road
Acton, ME

August 26 - 29, 2010

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Come to the fair and enjoy livestock exhibits, a pig scramble, horse and ox pulls, a beauty pageant, a parade, a midway, and more. Time: gates open daily at 9 a.m. Cost: $5 - $6. Information: 207-324-1250 or visit www.actonfair.net.

Celebrate MAINE Festival
Raitt Homestead Farm Museum, 2077 State Road
Eliot, ME
Phone: 207-748-3303

August 7-8, 2010

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Held in conjunction with the Mainely Grillin' & Chillin' State BBQ Competition the entire family is sure to find something to tickle their fancy. From great food including Bean Hole Beans and homemade strawberry shortcake, Shipyard Brew Garden, continuous live entertainment, artisans, barrel tractor rides, bouncy house, and face painting. The children’s crafting table, climbing rock wall and wagon rides are free for the entire family. Live music by Four Baritones Barbershop Quartet, Don Campbell Band, Matt & the Barnburners, and Simons & Goodwin. Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost: $5 per person; children age 12 and younger, free. Free onsite parking.

Eliot Bicentennial Celebration
Eliot, ME
Phone: 207-439-6247

August 7-14, 2010

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A week of bicentennial celebrations kicks off on August 7 with a parade starting at 11 a.m. on Pleasant Street. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, including best decorated house, best decorated business, best vehicle, best bicycle, best neighborhood float, best period theme, best youth entry, best business entry, best local entry, and best overall theme entry. Children are encouraged to dress up in period costumes and walk or ride their decorated bikes. For more information about the bicentennial celebration and a full schedule of daily events, visit www.eliothistoricalsociety.org.

Town of Eliot Bicentennial Week
Eliot, ME

August 7-14, 2010

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Events include photo exhibits, open house tours of key locations around town, historic re-enactments, discussions about important local families, a coastal cruise, vintage auto and bicycle shows, picnics, parties, dances, music and more. Information: Visit www.eliotmaine.org to view the complete week-long schedule. Highlights include:
Eliot Bicentennial Parade on August 7 at 11 a.m. Step off at Pleasant Street and Main Street. Town residents will be decorating their homes as part of the festivities. A community lunch will be served at the Congregational Church from 1 to 3 p.m. with barbershop music by the Bowtie Guys.
Bicentennial Ball on August 7 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Regatta Room, 28 Levesque Drive (Route 236) in Eliot Commons. About an hour of the evening will be devoted to line and square dance instruction, hosted by Jim Mayo. Admission is $20. Information: 207-748-0040.
Revolutionary War encampment on August 7-9 at Raitt Farm, 2077 State Road.
Green Acre Day on August 8 from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at the Baha’i School and Conference Center, 938 Main Street. Events include a picnic, Peace Flag raising, a lively historical dramatization, and tea served by volunteers in period costumes. Information: 207-439-7200 or visit www.greenacre.org.
Car Show on August 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Eliot Commons on Route 236.
Sanctuary Arts Open House at the former South Eliot Methodis Church, Route 236, on August 14 from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to tour the classrooms, Sculpture Garden and the bronze, iron and aluminium casting facility, the Green Foundry. Information: 207-438-9826 or visit www.sanctuaryarts.org.
Family Picnic on August 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Raitt Farm, 2077 State Road. Food, entertainment, booths, vendors, games for the kids and more. Information: 207-439-6892 or visit www.eliotmaine.org.

Fryeburg Fair
Route 5 near Route 302
Fryeburg, ME
Phone: 207-935-3268

October 3 - 10, 2010

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This fair, now in its 160th year, has it all; extensive exhibition halls, museum craft demonstrations, fiber demonstrations, harness pulls, live entertainment, a midway, animal exhibits and contests, a parade, contests, games, baked goods, and million more things. Time: gates open daily at 8:30 a.m. Cost: adults, $10; children under 12, free. Information: 207-935-3268 or visit www.fryeburgfair.com.

Oxford County Fair
68 Pottle Road
Oxford, ME
Phone: 207-743-9594

September 12 - 18, 2010

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This is a large-scale county fair with tractor pulls, an agricultural show, a demo derby, contests, a fair museum, a midway, and much more. Time: see website for schedule. Cost: $1 - $5; children under 10, free. Information: 207-743-9594 or visit www.oxfordcountyfair.com.