We’re here to help you keep track of some of the biggest events happening for the rest of the year in Maine. Get ready to mark up your calendar and enjoy the best the state has to offer.
SUMMER FUN
June 14. Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds, Dover-Foxcroft. mainewhoopiepiefestival.com.
Maine’s official state treat has a festival all its own, and for good reason. Few treats check as many boxes as a Maine whoopie pie. Between a pair of cloud-like chocolate cookies is just the right amount of creamy filling. Every bite is a symphony of sweetness, and you can get your fill at the annual festival. The day also includes live music, a road race and several arts, crafts and food vendors.
June 22-June 28. Boothbay Harbor. boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org.
The 63rd year of Windjammer Days sails into Boothbay with several events and activities, including the Parade of Sail, Pirates of the Dark Rose, Gathering of the Fleet, Cod Fish Races and Artist’s Alley marketplace. For even more adventure, book a ride of one of the majestic windjammers.
Dave Smith, left, assembles a gyro while Chris Jasonides flips strips of gyro meat — a mixture of beef and lamb — on a griddle during the 40th annual Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland. Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald
June 26-28. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant St., Portland. htrinityportland.org/greek-festival.
The Greek Festival in Portland always delivers, offering up an array of savory and sweet Greek cuisine. The spanakopita, moussaka, gyros are among our favorites. For those with a sweet tooth, feast on baklava, koulorakia (cookies) and as many loukoumades (honey puffs) as you can handle. As you eat, you’ll be regaled with live Greek music beneath the giant white tent.
June 28 (rain date June 29). The Ballpark at Old Orchard Beach, $10. porttix.com.
Batter up for the annual charity softball game featuring Maine Game Wardens vs. West Virginia Game Wardens. Maine Operation Game Thief is partnering with the West Virginia Natural Resources Police Officers Association and International Wildlife Crimestoppers for an exciting afternoon of softball. All funds raised will pay for confidential and anonymous tips on illegal poaching, youth lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, sponsoring of youth hunting and fishing events and safety equipment for game wardens.
July 11-13. Lisbon High School, Worumbo waterfront and Main Street, Lisbon. moxiefestival.com.
People may have mixed opinions on the unusual taste of Moxie soda, but don’t let that stop you from heading to the Moxie Festival, which has drawn thousands of revelers for more than four decades. Events and activities include live music and entertainment, fireworks, car show, a 5K road race, a Moxie chugging contest and much more.
Josh Tillman performs and records under the name Father John Misty. Photo by Bradley J. Calder
July 12. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $49.50 in advance, $55 day of show, free for 3 and under. statetheatreportland.com.
Singer-songwriter Josh Tillman, better known as Father John Misty, has released six albums under the stage name with a sound tapestry of folk rock, indie rock and pop. The most recent is last year’s “Mahashmashana,” which was mastered in Portland by Adam Ayan of Ayan Mastering. The show has a pair of singer-songwriter openers, with Hamilton Leithauser, formerly of The Walkmen, and multiple Grammy winner Lucinda Williams, who has sold out the State Theatre more than once. She’ll be performing with her band. Williams’ latest album is “Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart.”
July 18-20. Downtown Yarmouth. yarmouthclamfestival.com.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Yarmouth Clam Festival. It started out as a community clambake and has grown into a must-attend event for thousands of Mainers and tourists. From the kick-off parade to the shucking contest, entertainment, craft fair and clams as far as the eye can see, the Yarmouth Clam Festival is a highlight of the summer.
July 30- Aug. 3. Harbor Park, Rockland. mainelobsterfestival.com.
You’ll have a cracking good time at the Maine Lobster Festival. It’s been going strong since 1947, and is run entirely by volunteers. Highlights include lobster dinners, cooking contests, a wide range of entertainment, family-friendly activities and a Maine artist, crafts and maker marketplace. Be ready to put on a bib and claw your way to a great time.
Aug. 7. Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor, $67.50-$237.95. waterfrontconcerts.com.
The final episode of the iconic sitcom “Seinfeld” aired 27 years ago, but its star is still cracking people up with his quirky observational humor. One of Seinfeld’s most recent projects is a starring role in the comedy “Unfrosted,” which he also directed and co-wrote, based on the history of Pop-Tarts breakfast pastries. But what Seinfeld does best is stand-up, so don’t miss your chance to see him live at a big outdoor venue.
AUTUMN VIBES
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Rice awaits a new group of visitors to the top of Portland Headlight at Fort Williams Park on Maine Open Lighthouse Day in 2022. Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald
Sept. 13. Statewide. lighthousefoundation.org.
Shine a light on the second Saturday in September and take part in Maine Open Lighthouse Day. Maine has 67 lighthouses and several of them will be open to visitors around the state. It’s a rare opportunity to climb to the top and get a close-up look at giant lenses, not to mention sensational ocean views.
Oct. 4-5. Statewide. mainecraftweekend.org.
The annual weekend is when many artists around the state invite the public into their studio spaces. Some will offer demonstrations of their creative process, and there will be some pop-up shopping opportunities. An interactive map on the event’s website will help you make a plan.
Oct. 11. Water Street, Gardiner. swineandsteinbrewfest.com.
The annual Swine & Stein Brewfest will have a steady flow of food, beer and live music in the heart of the city’s downtown. Stand-out events include the frozen T-shirt race, beard and moustache competition and the epic Maine State Rock Paper and Scissors Championship. We’ll hoist a pint to that!
Oct. 10-13. Main Street Damariscotta. mainepumpkinfest.com.
It’s a pumpkinpalooza during the whimsical event, which includes pumpkin derby races with cars crafted from pumpkins, a food court, street performers and a pumpkin pancake breakfast. Be sure to carve out time to enjoy it.
Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply. Photo courtesy of the artist
Oct. 17. Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $97-$470. porttix.com.
Australian soft rock titans Air Supply will breeze into Portland for a night of 1980s tunes you know and secretly love. This year marks the duo’s 50th anniversary, when singers Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock first met and Air Supply came to be. Their hits include “The One That You Love,” “All Out Of Love” and “Every Woman in the World,” among others. Secure your seat now, so you don’t end up all out of luck.
Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Portland. harvestontheharbor.com.
Tickets will go on sale this summer for the annual fall event, when, over three days, Maine’s culinary creativity takes center stage. The Maine Cocktail Classic, Maine Lobster Chef of the Year and Maine Oysterfest are among three of the mouthwatering elements of the event.
