Activities and Events in Maine
August 2012

It is hard to say what the best summer events in Maine are, but when you look at the list of activities and events in Maine, August 2012, you'll definitely see lots of things to do that are on everyone's list of favorites.

What you may also notice, is how many of the activities are unique Maine events. After all, you certainly won't find lobster boat races just anywhere!

Nor, are you likely to find as large of a celebration of Maine's favorite crustacean any place other than at the Rockland Maine Lobster Festival.

And the list goes on, with a small-town Maine blueberry festival...

...a botanical garden festival honoring the famous fairy houses of Monhegan Island and other islands off the coast of Maine...

...numerous Maine State Fairs, agricultural fairs, hot air balloon festivals and music fests, arts and crafts shows, and the last Maine boat show of the season...

...are all are on the calendar of activities and events in Maine, August 2012. And if the Maine weather forecast is as good as it often is in August, you should have a wonderful time at all these events and celebrations!

Read where other travelers say the best places to stay in Maine are...

...and find the best Maine hotel deals, while comparing prices on hotels in Maine, motels, inns and B&B's.

Do you sponsor a Maine event, or know of one to share?

If so, the form at the bottom of this page is for you! Use it for Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012, or any other time of year. Share Maine summer activities, or things to do in Maine in the fall, winter, or spring.

Your event may already be included on the Great-Maine-Vacations.com Maine event calendar. If it is and you would like to update event information, please contact me and I will make the appropriate changes.

August Maine Event Calendar 2012

With all the things to do in Maine in August, this list will continue to grow. Please check back periodically to see what current events have been added.

Very important...
Activities and events in Maine, August 2012 may not reflect schedule changes or cancellations. Before heading out, confirm event dates and event locations.

Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012 are listed by event date. For maps and driving directions click on the Map links.

When: Ongoing July, 2012 through October, 2012
Where: Bath - Map, Boothbay Harbor - Map, Camden - Map, Damariscotta - Map, Wiscasset - Map
More information: Red Cloak Haunted History Tours website

Walking tours of Midcoast Maine villages, Camden, Damariscotta, Bath, Wiscasset, or Boothbay Harbor.

The Lady in the Red Cloak takes you on a 90 minute tour through back streets by lantern light, searching for ghosts and history, spirits and mystery.

Appropriate for all ages, by reservation only, $12 adults, $7 for children under 12, free for children under 5. Please check the website, or call 207-380-3806 for complete schedule. Also available for special tours or events.

Boothbay Harbor Rentals...
Camden, Maine Vacation Rentals...

When: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - Friday, August 31, 2012
Where: Port Clyde, Maine - Map
More information: Blue Water Fine Arts website

Titled, Barbara Ernst Prey, America's Artist, Forty Years of Painting, this exhibit showcases the virtuosic hand and delicate sensibilities of internationally acclaimed artist Barbara Ernst Prey, recently featured on the CBS Evening News, who has painted powerful, compelling views of her surroundings for forty years.

On display are 40 poignant never before seen watercolors, dry-brush and oil paintings which explore our complex relationship with the environment. Also included are her early works for The New Yorker Magazine, The New York Times writes about Prey’s paintings, “Prey is going where icons like Rauschenberg and Warhol have gone before.”

Barbara Ernst Prey's artwork is included in major public collections including The Brooklyn Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the New York Historical Society, The National Endowment for the Arts and The White House and her paintings are on exhibit at The White House, The Kennedy Space Center and United States Embassies worldwide.

An esteemed figure in the art world, Barbara was appointed by the President of the United States to the National Council on the Arts, the advisory board of the National Endowment for the Arts. She was invited to paint the official White House Christmas Card and is currently part of the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibit NASA Art:50 Years.

Blue Water Fine Arts, Main St., Port Clyde. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 207-372-8087. www.bluewaterfinearts.com inquiries@bluewaterfinearts.com

When: Friday, July 27, 2012 - Saturday, August 4, 2012
Where: Presque Isle, Maine - Map
More information: Northern Maine Fairgrounds website

"The Northern Maine Fair Association is dedicated to promoting agricultural education, preserving agricultural history and providing family entertainment for the citizens of Aroostook County and western New Brunswick.", and beyond!

When: Friday, July 27, 2012 - Sunday, August 5, 2012
Where: Bangor, Maine - Map
More information: Bangor Maine State Fair website

With a 4-H Dog Show, oxen, sheep, goat, horse and steer shows, livestock auction, plenty of live entertainment and food, the Bangor Maine State Fair provides family fun for every age group. The 2012 Bangor State Fair Senior Day on Tuesday.

When: Saturday, July 28, 2012 - Sunday, August 5, 2012
Where: York Beach, Maine - Map
More information: York Parks and Recreation Department website, Special Events and York Days page

Music, crafts, food, and fun family activities are scheduled during this week long celebration that leads up to the York Days Craft Fair on August 4th and 5th. But perhaps that most highlighted event is Christmas in July in York Beach, Maine with the Lighting of the Nubble on Sunday, July 29th.

From Sohier Park enjoy the festivities as the York Maine Parks and Recreation Department sponsors the Annual Christmas in July celebration.;

The innkeeper’s house and Nubble tower will be entirely outlined in white lights, just as they are at Christmas. The event runs from 8:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a fun family evening of entertainment and countdown to 'lights on' at around 9:00 p.m. The lights remain lit the entire week of our annual York Days celebration

York Beach, Maine Lodging...

More Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012...

When: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Saturday, August 4, 2012
Where: Monmouth, Maine - Map
More information: Monmouth Fair website

"A little fair with a lotta pull." The Cochnewagan Agricultural Society sponsors the Monmouth Fair, which is "a small family oriented fair whose goal is to entertain and educate the public in agricultural matters through shows, displays, demonstrations, participation, and a great celebration of rural life - past and present".

When: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Sunday, August 5, 2012
Where: Rockland, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Lobster Festival 2012 page Great-Maine-Vacations.com, Maine Lobster Festival website

At the Rockland, Maine Lobster Festival in Harbor Park, Rockland, see what is acclaimed to be the world's largest lobster cooker, various arts and crafts vendors, U.S. Coast Guard Station tours, seafood cooking contests, road races, carnival rides, games and activities for the kids, along with great live entertainment, and the Big Parade - featuring a variety of bands, floats, marching units, and the newly crowned Sea Goddess and her Sea Princesses.

And, as a special treat, the United States Navy will be sending The USS Mahan (DDG 72) to visit Rockland during the week of the 2012 Maine Lobster Festival!

Rockland, Maine Bed and Breakfasts...

When: Friday, August 3, 2012 - Saturday, August 4, 2012
Where: Wilton, Maine - Map
More information: Wilton Blueberry Festival website

The 30th Annual Wilton Blueberry Festival will provide two full days of non-stop family entertainment. Events include sidewalk and yard sales, food and crafts, a lobster roll bag Lunch, boat tours, a chicken BBQ, a parade, a quilt and rug show, the Wilton Fireman's Muster, a chili tasting contest, and...

...lots and lots of blueberries with a Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, a Blueberry Cook-Off, Blueberry picking at the Wilton Blueberry Farm, and a Blueberry Bazaar, all ending on Saturday evening with a boat parade and fireworks.

When: Friday, August 3, 2012 - Sunday, August 5, 2012
Where: Boothbay, Maine - Map
More information: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens website, Maine Fairy Festival page

For three days in August, magic spreads across the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens as the Maine Fairy House Festival takes place. A fantasy for boy, girls and adults alike, the festival includes a fairy house village, activities, crafts, performances, workshops and a Fairy Tea in the Lemer Garden of the Five Senses.

Boothbay Harbor Rentals...

When: Sunday, August 5, 2012 - Sunday, August 12, 2012
Where: Topsham, Maine - Map
More information: Topsham Fair website

As one of Maine's popular agricultural fairs the 2012 Topsham Fair will offer a wide variety of educational exhibits, livestock and fun family entertainment.

More Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012...

When: Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Where: Southwest Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Harbor House website, Lobsters on the Sound page

"This laid back, boat casual event features a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres from many local restaurants, a Downeast style lobster bake, live and silent auctions, and music and dancing under the stars..."

For reservations or more information please contact Diana Novella at 207-244-3713, extension 102.

When: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 - Thursday, August 9, 2012
Where: Swan's Island, Maine - Map
More information: Sweet Chariot Music Festival website

"The Sweet Chariot Music Festival: not for the faint of heart. Bring your boat, your voice, your moxie, your mojo."

When: Thursday, August 9, 2012 - Monday, Sunday 12, 2012
Where: Madawaska, Maine - Map
More information: Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce website, Events page

The Acadian Festival, "Maine's largest cultural festival" is held each year in conjunction with a huge family reunion. The Family being honored for 2012 is the Talbot-Gervais Family.

Acadian Festival events for 2012 include a re-enactment of the first northern Maine Acadian landing, traditional Acadian cultural display and a Acadian supper, a parade, golf tournament, Family Fun Day and much more.

When: Thursday, August 9, 2012 - Sunday, August 12, 2012
Where: Bangor, Maine - Map
More information: KahBang Music Festival website

The 2012 KahBang Music Festival in Bangor, Maine will combine music, art and film into a wonderful multi-venue event.

When: Thursday, August 9, 2012 - Saturday, August 18, 2012
Where: Skowhegan, Maine - Map
More information: Skowhegan State Fair website

The Skowhegan State Fair 2012 schedule of events should be available soon. Please check back for information on the nation's oldest continuously run agricultural fair!

More Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012...

When: Friday, August 10, 2012 - Saturday, August 11, 2012
Where: Rangeley, Maine - Map
More information: Saddleback Mountain website, Bluegrass Festival page

In 2010 and 2011 "almost 4,000 people came to listen, dance, camp and enjoy a wonderful time" at the Bluegrass Festival at Saddleback Maine.

The music begins at 3:30 PM on Friday, and at 11:00 AM on Saturday, with the "sights and sounds of some of the best national Bluegrass performers".

"The concert will take place on the slopes of Saddleback Mountain. Food vendors, the Food Court, Saddleback Express, Saddleback Barbeque and a beer garden will be available. Camping is available on a first come first serve basis beginning at 9:00 AM on Friday."

When: Friday, August 10, 2012 - Saturday, August 11, 2012
Where: Greenville, Maine - Map
More information: Forest Heritage Days website

"Since 1991, when the Maine Forest Service observed its 100th anniversary protecting Maine forests, a group of Moosehead Lake region individuals has organized Forest Heritage Days, dedicated from the start to providing the public a singular opportunity to learn about the working forests of Maine - the history, the present practices, and what’s in store for the future."

Today, Forest Heritage Days continues to combine education and entertainment in a unique fashion, featuring displays, tours, discussion forums, music, humor, crafts, food and the Game of Logging, "an exciting and highly skilled competition between Certified Logging Professional Level 4 loggers".

When: Friday, August 10, 2012 - Sunday, August 12, 2012
Where: Union, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Antiques Festival website

The 31st Annual Maine Antiques Festival, "Maine's largest antiques event" will feature "Dealers from across the US and Canada offering for sale antiques from Formal to Folk Art."

When: Friday, August 10, 2012 - Sunday, August 12, 2012
Where: Rockland, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors website, Boat Show page

At the last Maine Boat Show of the season...

Boat builders, artists, architects, craftsmen, marine gear vendors, and musicians will all be at Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine for the only in-water boat show in the state. With 70 boats in the water and 150 exhibitors on land, fine food, live music, a children's area, zucchini boat racing, and the running of the Annual World Championship Boatyard Dog Trials, this can be a great family event.

Bed and Breakfast Rockland, Maine...

When: Saturday, August 11, 2012
Where: Frenchboro, Maine - Map
More information: Frenchboro Online website

Eight miles offshore, In the town of Frenchboro, Maine on Long Island, 2012 will mark the 51st year of the Frenchboro Lobster Festival. A gorgeous boat ride will take you to the home of some of the best lobster in Maine!

Using the Maine State Ferry for Frenchboro Lobster Festival...

Typically the Maine State Ferry offers a special Frenchboro Lobster Festival ferry that runs between Bass Harbor and the town of Frenchboro on August 13th. You may find additional information at...

...Frenchboroonline.com and maine.gov/mdot/msfs/frenchboro.htm

Additionally, moorings and anchorage may be available in Lunt Harbor for the Frenchboro Lobster Festival by calling 334-2922 or 334-2902.

More Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012...

When: Saturday, August 11, 2012
Where: Winter Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Great-Maine-Vacations.com website, Maine Lobster Boat Races page

Many boat owners follow the lobster boat "race circuit" from mid-June to late August as it makes its way from Midcoast, Maine, to Downeast, Maine.

Also see Maine Lobster Boat Races listed for August 12th and 19th.

When: Saturday, August 11, 2012
Where: Winter Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Schoodic Chamber of Commerce website, Winter Harbor Lobster Festival page

Every year, the second Saturday of August draws a big crowd to Winter Harbor, Maine for a fun family day of lobster boat racing, a crafts fair -with more than 80 exhibitors, lobster dinner, and a late afternoon parade. This same family fun will be part of the 48th annual Winter Harbor, Maine Lobster Festival.

When: Saturday, August 11, 2012 - Sunday, August 12, 2012
Where: Eliot, Maine - Map
More information: Raitt Farm Museum website, Mainely Grillin' and Chillin' Festival page

Two great events will be held at the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum in Eliot - the Mainely Grillin' and Chillin' Barbeque Festival along with the Mainely Grillin' and Chillin' State BBQ Competition. Event proceeds go toward restoration and preservation of the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum.

When: Sunday, August 12, 2012
Where: Merritt Bracket, Pemaquid, Maine - Map
More information: Great-Maine-Vacations.com website, Maine Lobster Boat Races page

Many boat owners follow the lobster boat "race circuit" from mid-June to late August as it makes its way from Midcoast, Maine, to Downeast, Maine.

Also see Maine Lobster Boat Races listed for August 11th and 19th.

When: Thursday, August 16, 2012 - Sunday, August 19, 2012
Where: Rockland, Maine - Map, Camden, Maine - Map, Thomaston, Maine - Map
More information: Penobscott Bay Rendezvous website

Sponsored by Wayfarer Marine and Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding...

The Penobscot Bay Rendezvous proved to be the regatta of the season during its inaugural event in 2011. The 2012 event promises to equally as spectacular with a large fleet of yachts ranging from super yachts, to classics to performance racers, Picnic Boats, and lobster yachts.

Camden, Maine Vacation Rentals...
Rockland, Maine Bed and Breakfast...

More Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012...

When: Friday, August 17, 2012 - Sunday, August 19, 2012
Where: Lewiston - Auburn, Maine - Map
More information: Great Falls Balloon Festival website

Located on the banks of the beautiful Androscoggin River, the Great Falls Balloon Festival, attracts "crowds of approximately 100,000 visitors annually. The river, with its backdrop of the rocky Great Falls, provides a picturesque setting for the thirty to forty Balloons which visit annually, including some special shape balloons."

In addition to balloons, the Festival features food booths, craft and trade booths, a children's area with entertainment for toddlers to teens, live music, a carnival, a parade and various demonstrations and contests.

When: Friday, August 17, 2012 - Sunday, August 19, 2012
Where: Machias, Maine - Map
More information: Machias Wild Blueberry Festival website

"A seriously fun festival" ...with Blueberry Musical Comedy, the Blackfly Ball, 5-mile and 1-mile foot races, baking and pie eating contests, varied musical entertainment, historical and cultural exhibits, tours and lectures, children's entertainment, a kid zone, children's parade, a community worship service, blueberry pancake breakfast, fish fry, bean supper, a blueberry dessert bar and more!

When: Friday, August 17, 2012 - Sunday, August 19, 2012
Where: Belfast, Maine - Map
More information: Belfast Harbor Fest website

They had a lot of fun at the Belfast Festival in 2010 and 2011, with the Belfast National Boatbuilding Challenge and the people in Belfast plan to have a lot of fun again in 2012 when teams handcraft 12-foot skiffs and then race to the finish line...

...hold a "5K road race along the waterfront, an open house at French & Webb, maritime exhibits, demonstrations and speakers, a blueberry pancake breakfast, children’s nautical activities, local vendors, a judged Classic Small Boat Show, live music and, of course, delicious food!"

When: Friday, August 17, 2012 - Sunday, August 19, 2012
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: National MS Society website, Portland MS Harvestfest Weekend page

The Portland, Maine, MS Harvestfest Weekend will be a three day event to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The festival will include the Harborfest auction, MS Regatta, MS Tugboat Muster and Races, Maine Lobster Boat Races...

...and on Sunday, a Shoreside Festival and 5K Run Walk at Allen Park on the Eastern Promonade, with food vendors, children's activities and more!

Portland, Maine Hotels...

When: Saturday, August 18, 2012
Where: Brunswick, Maine - Map
More information: Brunswick Downtown Association website, Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival page

The 2012 Brunswick Maine Arts Festival will take place on the sidewalks of Maine Street and on the Mall (the town green). Over 80 artists will be featured with their paintings, sculpture, mixed media, graphics, drawings, photography and crafts. Also on hand for the Festival will be live music, theater and dance performances, and other family entertainment.

More Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012...

When: Saturday, August 18, 2012 - Sunday, August 25, 2012
Where: Union, Maine - Map
More information: Union Fair website

"Join us at this classic event celebrating agriculture in the state of Maine. The fairgrounds are nestled among the rolling hills and beautiful farmlands in Union, Maine. There are activities and entertainment for all age groups...".

When: Sunday, August 19, 2012
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Great-Maine-Vacations.com website, Maine Lobster Boat Races page

Many boat owners follow the lobster boat "race circuit" from mid-June to late August as it makes its way from Midcoast, Maine, to Downeast, Maine.

Also see Maine Lobster Boat Races listed for August 11th and 12th.

Portland, Maine Vacation Rentals...

When: Monday, August 20, 2012 - Thursday, August 23, 2012
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Mysterious Destinations website

Join the adventure with Mysterious Destinations as we tour the Haunted Lighthouses of Maine this August! Your trip will not only include tours of 7 Maine lighthouses, but 3 haunted Maine villages as well and a trip to the Maine Lighthouse Museum.

On a tour that begins in Portland, Maine , travels up the coast to Boothbay Harbor, then Rockland and back to Portland...

...you’ll learn about history as well as hauntings, and if you find yourself curious about the unknown and unexplained, Mysterious Destinations will provide paranormal detection equipment that you can use. We’ll also provide training on how to use the equipment, and even your own camera, to capture evidence of paranormal activity around you.

Additional Comments: Your adventure will include all lodging, transportation, and breakfasts, as well as a donation to the American Lighthouse Foundation, so you’re helping preserve these historic beacons while enjoying them.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse...

...one of Maine's most scenic beacons and the light featured on the Maine state quarter.

As just one of many stops during the Haunted Lighthouses of Maine motor coach tour from Mysterious Destinations...

...you can climb the lighthouse tower and visit the haunted Pemaquid Fisherman's Museum...

...but beware the apparition of a lady in a red shawl!

Portland, Maine Hotels...

When: Thursday, August 23, 2012 - Sunday, August 26, 2012
Where: Acton, Maine - Map
More information: Acton Fair website

Bring the whole family for horse and ox pulling, 4-H animal events, a pig scramble, the Ms. Acton Pageant, a parade, and much more!

When: Thursday, August 23, 2012 - Sunday, August 26, 2012
Where: Litchfield, Maine - Map
More information: Blistered Fingers website

"Some of the Greatest Bluegrass music you can see and hear at one of the largest family musical events in New England! This Bluegrass Festival takes place twice every year bringing thousands of Music lovers from all over the World converging in Litchfield, Maine to hear banjos, fiddles, and those high, lonesome harmonics."

More Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012...

When: Thursday, August 23, 2012 - Sunday, August 26, 2012
Where: Presque Isle, Maine - Map
More information: Crown of Maine Balloon Fest website

In addition to the colorful balloons floating overhead, the Presque Isle Balloon Festival will include a craft fair, city-wide yard sale, kids events, and food and entertainment.

When: Friday, August 24, 2012 - Sunday, August 26, 2012
Where: Bangor, Maine - Map
More information: American Folk Festival website

Produced in Bangor by the Bangor Folk Festival, this three day downtown Bangor music event "presents the music and dance from the many cultures that make up America today".

When: Saturday, August 25, 2012
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Picnic Music & Arts Festival website

Lincoln Park on Congress Street and Franklin Arterial, in Portland, Maine will again be home to the annual Picnic Music & Art Festival. The all day event will feature fine arts, clothing, vintage goods, jewelry, prints, photography and much more, and will be accompanied by live music and great food.

Bed and Breakfast Portland, Maine...

When: Saturday, August 25, 2012
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: WCSH6 website, Sidewalk Art Festival article

WCSH6 will host the annual Portland, Maine Sidewalk Arts Festival. With as many as 300 artists and 40,000 visitors, the Portland Art Festival is said to be the largest of the New England art shows. Streets are car free and small white tents with artists and their artwork decorate the city streets.

Portland, Hotels...

When: Sunday, August 26, 2012 - Monday, September 3, 2012
Where: Windsor, Maine - Map
More information: Windsor Fair website

"A family tradition since 1888"... the Windsor Fair is an agricultural, crafts and arts event, complete with Pig Scramble, a Farmer's Ox Pull, a Farmer's Horse Women's Skillet Throwing Contest, a Horse Twitching Contest, a Demolition Derby, horse racing, a Giant Midway, and much, much more!

You may also be interested in:
Fryeburg Fair Maine
Maine Coastal Vacations
Maine Tourist Attractions
Maine Weather Forecast

Are you Planning Events in Maine for 2012?

...or know of one that should be shared? Just send me the details and I will be happy to include it in the appropriate section. You can send additions to Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012, other Maine summer activities, or Maine things to do in the fall, winter or spring!

Please note...

Great-Maine-Vacations.com does not post political events, including fundraisers. I may have a dedicated page for that purpose in the future, but in the interim, I do not have the resources to accommodate them. I appreciate your understanding.

Activities and Events in Maine, August 2012 coming...