Portland Schoonerfest & Regatta. | Portland, Maine Events
Photo Credit : Cheryl Briscoe
No, you really don’t need an excuse to visit Maine’s biggest city. But these Portland, Maine, events speak to the fun and special flavor of one of the Northeast’s most dynamic and beautiful destinations.
The historic Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth | Portland, Maine, Events Photo Credit : Pixabay
June
While there are many Portland, Maine, events to choose from, this one should definitely be on your list. The culmination of the four-day Old Port Weekend, this festival brings tens of thousands to the historic Old Port district for the ultimate summer kick-off party. Amid the cobblestoned streets and 19th-century buildings, revelers enjoy live music, food from local restaurants, Maine-made arts and crafts, and the 90-foot Casco Bay Eye Ferris wheel.
June
Signaling the start of the season’s summer sailing season, SchoonerFest is a Portland, Maine, event that stars five large, traditional schooners in Portland Harbor. Races are held throughout the weekend. Reserve a spot aboard one of these magnificent ships or take them in from Portland’s Eastern Promenade at Fort Allen Park.
Portland Schoonerfest & Regatta. | Portland, Maine, Events Photo Credit : Cheryl Briscoe
July
Billed as the state’s biggest beer festival of the year, this is the premier showcase for Maine craft brewers, more than 70 of whom will be on site to talk the finer points of brewing with attendees. Worthy out-of-staters make an appearance, too, with past guests including Massachusetts cult favorite Tree House. Factor in the live music and delicious fare from local food trucks, and this Portland, Maine, event is a summer day in beer heaven. (But get your tickets early, as this event has been known to sell out.)
Summer Session Beer Festival | Portland, Maine, Events Photo Credit : Andrew Foster
August
The sweet sounds of summer come alive at this cherished concert series. Enjoy the intimate setting of the Abromson Center at the University of Southern Maine as nationally acclaimed performers present a wide range of programs.
Portland Chamber Music Festival | Portland, Maine, Events Photo Credit : Tonee Harbert
October
Foodies converge as Portland celebrates its talented chefs, sustainable seafood, craft beverages, music, and more. Proceeds help to feed the hungry in Maine.
Sustainable Seafood Supper, Harvest on the Harbor | Portland, Maine, Events Photo Credit : Sarah Gagnon
July
Over 100,000 people are expected to descend on Yarmouth for this homage to the clam, and they’ll be bringing their appetites: From start to finish, more than 6,000 pounds of clams (along with 6,000 lobster rolls, 2,200 pancake breakfasts, and 400 homemade pies) are expected to be consumed this weekend, making it one of the most delicious Maine summer events on record. There’s more to the fun than the food, though, thanks to live music on four stages, a clam-shucking contest, a parade and street dancing, fireworks, a professional bike race, and a firefighters muster.
Yarmouth Clam Festival | Portland, Maine, Events Photo Credit : Michael Leonard
September
It’s a family-friendly week of entertainment and agricultural education. Harness racing, livestock shows, a pumpkin contest, and Saturday-night fireworks are just a few of the events that will be a part of this year’s fair.
What are some of your favorite Portland, Maine, events?
Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.
