Summer Events in Maine

Summer and the excitement of exploring new destinations and experiencing unique events are inching closer and closer. And in Maine, there are endless opportunities for cultural, culinary and outdoor experiences that will delight travellers from near and far. There is no better way to kickstart your summer adventure than by sailing aboard The CAT high-speed car ferry, travelling comfortably to the scenic wonders and vibrant festivities Maine offers.

Departing from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, The CAT isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s an experience in itself. Equipped with on board amenities like Forchu Lounge and Sip@Sea, you’ll reach your destination in style in a quick 3.5 hours, cutting through the waves of the Gulf of Maine with ease. And once you arrive, there’s so much to do! Here are a few handpicked selections of summer events in Maine for you to check out.

This year, the Bar Harbor Music Festival will celebrate its 58th Anniversary. Dive into the world of classical music this summer in Bar Harbor, Maine. Kicking off in late June and running through mid-October, this festival features performances ranging from chamber music to symphony orchestras. The festival aims to celebrate the richness of musical talent against the stunning setting of Mount Desert Island. The Bar Harbor Music Festival also hosts free outdoor concerts in Acadia National Park and Young Audience Concerts, aiming to win new classical music fans. Whether you’re a classical music connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the festival promises a unique musical experience of culture and music right by the sea.

Get ready to pedal through Maine’s scenic landscapes this summer at the 40th Annual Trek Across Maine. Happening on Father’s Day Weekend, June 14th to 16th, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of Maine by pedalling from Thomas Point Beach to St. Joseph’s College. This event is all about fun, games, family, music and supporting a great cause—the American Lung Association. Whether you’re up for the 3-day, 180-mile adventure or prefer to participate virtually, it’s a perfect way to celebrate and stay active with the whole family this summer.

Experience the vibrant sounds and dances of Celtic culture at the Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance in Bar Harbor. Founded in 2013, this weeklong celebration brings top performers, students and community members together for nightly concerts, dances and daily workshops at the College of the Atlantic. Participants can dive into intensive programs covering fiddle, dance, piano, guitar and more, or join public workshops and concerts. The festival encourages everyone to learn, share, build community and carry forward Acadian, Cape Breton, Irish, Québécois and Scottish traditions through music and dance.

This summer, treat yourself to the briny delights of Maine’s famous oysters at the 3rd Annual Maine Oyster Festival on June 29th and 30th in Freeport. Inviting seafood fans from far and wide, this celebration pays homage to the beloved oyster and its vital role in Maine’s coastal ecosystem. Maine is home to over 150 oyster farms and each shellfish boasts a unique flavour profile shaped by the cold waters and diverse environments they call home. From the nutrient-rich water of the Damariscotta River to the rocky showers of Downeast Maine, the festival aims to showcase the rich diversity of Maine oysters and the dedicated farmers who farm them. The festival features oyster shucking workshops, oyster farm tours and, yes, The Big Shuck — an oyster shucking contest you won’t want to miss.

If you’re a fan of folk music, don’t miss out on Maine Folk! This open-air music festival is the perfect place for up-and-coming folk artists to showcase their talents amidst a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to the fantastic music, visitors can explore arts and crafts vendors and local food offerings. The festival is held from July 4th to the 7th and visitors are encouraged to camp throughout the duration at Thomas Point Beach and Campground to get the whole festival experience. A beloved tradition at Maine Folk is the Fireside Jamboree, where festival-goers gather around a crackling campfire to partake in sing-alongs and jam sessions with some of the talented Maine Folk musicians. It’s a gathering that exemplifies Maine’s folk music scene’s communal spirit and musical heritage.

Chances are that when you think of Maine, succulent seafood is the first thing to cross your mind. Specifically, lobsters. This summer, indulge your taste buds in a celebration of Maine’s most iconic delicacy at the Maine Lobster Festival, held annually in Rockland, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Bar Harbor, Maine. The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting, taking place during the first weekend of August, from Wednesday through Sunday. What started as an idea for a local marine festival to re-energize Midcoast Maine communities has become an internationally recognized celebration of the delicious lobster. You’ll be able to feast on lobster rolls and lobster dinners, accompanied by live music, arts and crafts and The Big Parade. Don’t forget to attend the Great International Lobster Crate Race, where contestants will brave the chilly waters of Rockland Harbor to race across a string of lobster crates without falling. If that doesn’t sound like summer fun, we don’t know what does!

Travelling aboard The CAT opens up a world of possibilities for exploring Maine and Nova Scotia during the summer. From cultural festivals to culinary celebrations, Vacationland offers something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack your bags, book your voyage on The CAT and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure along the coast of Maine. Bon voyage!