MAINE

Explore Mount Desert Island and its birds through numerous events and venues. Greet our warblers on early morning birding walks, visit with puffins and pelagic birds at sea, and observe Peregrine Falcons at an active breeding site in Acadia National Park. Lectures, walks, and adventures.Information and schedule of events: http://acadiabirdingfestival.com/

Maine's Cobscook Bay area is one of the important bird areas in the United States. See warblers in their breeding plumage, boreal species, and Atlantic Puffins up close and (almost) touchable. Hikes, boat trips, presentations for advanced, intermediate, and beginning birders. Registration information is on the festival's website. Information: www.downeastbirdfest.org

The festival is considered Maine's largest annual gathering of Native American artists. Meet the artists while learning about and purchasing Wabanaki baskets, carvings, beadwork, dolls and other of handmade items. The day-long event includes Native music, dance, storytelling, craft demonstrations and food. Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: Free Information: www.abbemuseum.org

Events include art workshops, warbler walks, birding for beginners, guided puffin boat trips, birding on Marshall Island, outdoor sketching workshop, eagle spotting, live owl demo, shore bird walk, art show reception, owls & peepers evening and backyard birding with Leslie Clapp. Fees vary by activity. Information: www.deerisle.com

With banjos, fiddles, and those high, lonesome harmonies converging in Litchfield twice a year, this event features many national and local bands. June 2013 performers include The Gibson Brothers, Little Roy & Lizzy Long, Sierra Hull, The James King Band, White Mountain Bluegrass, Bluegrass Diamonds, The Corey Zink Band, Wilf Clark & The Misty Mountaineers, Michelle Canning & Rough Edges, CPS Express, Blistered Fingers. Time: Gates open Thursday at 5 p.m. Cost: $10 to $70, depending on length of pass. Information: www.blisteredfingers.com.

Come enjoy a day of old-fashioned, kite-flying fun at Bug Light Park! Members of the Noreasters Kite Club and Kites Over New England will offer a fantastic display of fun and fanciful kites, will offer many activities like bol racing and a candy drop for the kids. Kites will be available for purchase in the museum gift shop at the park. Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (aka Bug Light) will be open to the public during the festival. Rain date is May 25. Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free. Information: www.sphistory.org

The festival attracts over 40,000 people to experience some of Portland, Maine's greatest offerings such as retail, restaurants, arts, and entertainment. The festival has something for everyone, including 8 music stages, children's programs and entertainment, a parade, outdoor adventure and more. Featured events are Portland's own Shoestring Theater Puppet Company, and the highlight of the festival, a fun and festive foot-powered parade down Exchange Street. Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: www.visitportland.com/old-port-festival.aspx

The Portland Performing Arts Festival is a new summer festival presenting nationally-renowned performances in music, dance and theater. A range of performances will be presented at venues all over Portland’s Arts District. Information and schedules: www.portlandfestival.org.

Celebrate the Woopie Pie with samples, races, a pie eating contest, live entertainment, crafts, family activities, and more. Dozens of bakers present hundreds of variations on this venerable treat. Lots of good snacking. Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5, free for kids under 12. Information: mainewhoopiepiefestival.com

Each spring the Moosehead Lake Region hosts a month long celebation honoring the region's favorite resident - the moose! Some of this year's events include the Moose River Canoe Race, Kid's Fun Day, Moosterpiece Craft Fair and Famous Moose Tales. Information: www.mooseheadlake.org

The Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival is a celebration of local talent in arts, trades, crafts, agriculture, the work of non-profit organizations. Live music, movie night, fascinating trades demonstrations, balloon glows and much more! Information: www.piscataquisballoonfestival.org

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.

The festival now includes a three-day Pow Wow; live entertainment an fireworks on Friday night; parade; races, a family festival; and Moxie Concert in the Park and on Sunday, The Moxie Car Show and the Chief Worumbo Androscoggin River Race. Information: www.moxiefestival.com.

Fully rigged windjammers sail into Boothbay Harbor for the festival that has been a tradition here for more than 45 years. Events of the two-day festival include pancake breakfast, craft fair, boat parade, shipyard tours, street parade, live musical entertainment and of course a visiting fleet of historic windjammers. The events end with a fireworks extravaganza. For more information visit: www.boothbayharbor.com

Kennebunkport hosts its annual festival of good food, art, and music. Highlights include Intimate Evening at The White Barn Inn, Art of Dining Dinners, Art of Dining Dinners, Hinckley Reception, Art. Works. Opening Reception, Pop the Kennebunks, and various after parties.
Information and schedules: www.kennebunkportfestival.com.

The Strawberry Festival is a yearly event filled with entertainment, food, artisans and strawberry shortcakes. The festival grows every year and manages to keep its small-town country flavor, with 20,000 visitors each year. Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Information: www.southberwickstrawberryfestival.com/

Featuring 70 of the finest artists and artisans of Western Maine, this event features a line up of wonderful performing arts entertainment including Bethel's Got Talent and the Bethel Performing Arts Project Porch Plays. Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: free. Information: www.mahoosucarts.org/artfair.html.

Street dance, live music, sidewalk art show and much more. Art and fun for all ages. See detailed schedule at http://norwayartsfestival.org/schedule.html