Right around Memorial Day weekend, you start to hear people in Maine say things like “THIS is why we live in Maine.” The weather is getting warmer, the restaurants are opening their outdoor patios, and the out of state license plates are popping up around town.
Summer in Maine is like no other. There’s a reason our license plates say “Vacationland.” Despite the long winter and yucky mud season, summertime seems to remind everyone why they stay in the state.
The following events are typically the highlights of my family’s summer here in Brunswick, Maine. I post them here for you (and me!) as a quick reference since it’s hard to find a website that lists them on one page. I used the Times Record summer guide as a reference. (Inevitably, I keep this guide around to reference later, and it ends up collecting dust in my office. Hence, the blog post.)
June 10 – October 14 (Fridays): Second Friday ArtWalk Sponsored by the Five Rivers Arts Alliance, this event is Brunswick and Topsham’s answer to Portland’s popular First Friday ArtWalk. More than 30 studios and galleries in Brunswick and Topsham, along with the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, open late on the second Friday of each month. Grab a map and take a self-guided tour. Many sites have fun events. Some even have wine. Free. [5:00 pm – 8:00 pm] More Info
June 16 – 19 (Thursday – Sunday): St. John’s Bazaar Held at the school grounds of St. John’s Catholic School, this is your typical summer carnival with rides, games and fried food. The cool kids come out in the evening. Admittedly, my main reason for going to this event is that it is around the corner from my house. My kids love the rides and fried dough. Free admission. Bring money for food, games and rides. Not much info online, but you can visit the school’s website for location.
June 18 (Saturday): Taste of Brunswick Presented by the Brunswick Downtown Association (BDA) and held on the Brunswick Mall in the center of town, this event features more than 20 of Brunswick’s amazing restaurants, a beer and wine pavilion, live music and more. Benefits the BDA and Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program. $5 in advance; $7 at the gate [11:00 am – 4:00 pm] More Info
June 29 – August 31 (Every Wednesday): Music on the Mall Another BDA event, Music on the Mall brings a variety of musical talents together each Wednesday during the summer at the gazebo on the Brunswick Mall. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on and a few bucks to buy some ice cream at Cote’s across the street. Perfect family event. Free. Dancing is encouraged. [6:00 pm] Get the schedule
July 1 – 4 (Friday – Monday): Bath Heritage Days Bath does it right for Independence Day. Tons of activities going on throughout the first few days of July including concerts, Art in the Park, a carnival, and lots of food vendors. We always attend the parade on the 4th, grab some fried food and eat in the park while watching the boats on the Kennebec River. Capped off by fireworks, of course. Fun for everyone. Bring money for good food, carnival rides and buying local art. Get the full festival schedule
July 15 – 17 (Friday – Sunday): Yarmouth Clam Festival My husband and I have been going to this festival since we moved to Maine in 2000 and lived right in the middle of it. The only time we missed it was when I was giving birth to my son, G, on the same weekend in 2005. Food, carnival, parade, music, art, races. Did I mention food? The kids love the Firefighters’ Muster. I love the craft and art show and the lime rickeys. Bring money for food, local art and carnival rides. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. Get the full festival schedule
August 7 – 14 (Sunday – Sunday): Topsham Fair An agricultural fair with events like harness racing, demolition derby and redneck truck pull. My son participated in the pig scramble last year. Worth the price of admission just to watch a bunch of kids chasing piglets. Tons of farm animals for the kids to view, feed and pet. Also a carnival and lots of food vendors. $10 admission. More Info
August 20 (Saturday): Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival Presented by the BDA and set up along Maine Street, this arts festival features more than 80 fine artists and craftspeople, musicians, theatrical performances and other fun activities for all ages. Definitely my favorite arts event in the area. Fun and free. [8:00 am – 5:00 pm] More Info
August 26 – 28 (Friday – Sunday): Great State of Maine Air Show The Navy’s Blue Angels come back to Brunswick for the first time since decommissioning the Brunswick Naval Air Station. There’s a whole weekend of events at the new Brunswick Executive Airport that include aviation performances, a business aviation expo, concerts and more. But, really, it’s all about the Blue Angels. If you don’t get excited by their performance, you just might be dead. Various ticket prices. More Info
While these events certainly only scratch the surface of all the fun events and festivals in the Bath / Brunswick area, they are my most favorite. They are the ones I recommend to people when they come up to visit. Have more events to add to the list? Please add the info in the comments section. I’m sure there are things going on that I haven’t tried yet, but should.
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