signature Events
Enjoy year-round events in the maine beaches
All year long, the cities and towns of the Maine Beaches roll out the red carpet for visitors with an amazing array of events to tantalize the senses and delight the kid in all of us. Check out our events, and you will see that the folks in the Maine Beaches never need a reason to celebrate. From cultural and heritage celebrations each spring to arts events or a dazzling summertime display of sky-bound color, there is something here for all. Then come back around the holidays to see a collection of winter displays like no other in New England. Be sure to visit our Facebook page for all new and updated event information throughout the year.
You will learn why this region is the most romantic in Maine when you Paint the Town Red in February. Indulge your inner Francophile at La Kermesse in Biddeford. June is like a summery amuse-bouche that sets the stage for an unforgettable cast of warm-weather events.
As summer heats up, Main Streets come alive with parades of brightly colored floats spouting confetti and lively music. Cheering them on are crowds of visitors and locals alike. Celebrate our nation’s independence with an explosion of brilliant color and sound filling the night sky over nearly every town along our sandy coastline and inland lakes.
We would like to suggest some of the region’s one-of-a-kind summertime events that you should not miss: BonAire! A Celebration of Ogunquit showcasing a variety of visual and musical artists in a festive atmosphere; the annual Wells Chili Fest an International Chili Society sanctioned event; the Summer Lighting of the Nubble in Cape Neddick, and then Illumination Night in OOB.
In August, Sanford On Tap returns to The Runaway at Sanford Airport—where visitors can enjoy a variety of live music, comedy, and entertainment in the outdoor pavilion all summer long.
Whether it’s just the two of you or the whole crew along, the weather during September and October in The Maine Beaches is beyond compare. Along with that spectacular weather and foliage, the region’s autumn calendar of events gets filled with countless delightful and memorable days.
Peep the brilliantly colored classic rides at the very popular Annual Car Show in OOB or head to Ogunquit to watch as Plein Air artists capture oceanside beauty in this former artist’s colony. Later in the Fall as the leaves drop and things cool down, come back for the many Harvest Festivals in York, Kennebunk, Ogunquit and Saco.
Once the weather turns chilly and the first snow flies, it seems as if Summer and Fall might have been simply a prelude to the Holidays in The Maine Beaches. Music fills streets draped in evergreens and twinkling lights making our towns and villages feel all warm and cozy.
Honestly, there are too many holiday events to mention them all here. If you haven’t visited before, consider planning a getaway during one of the seasonal classics, including Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude, the Lighting of the Nubble, or Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea.
To top off a year full of events, join us for a New Year’s swim at the Annual Lobster Dip in Old Orchard Beach. Those choosing to simply observe are also welcome.