Activities and Events in Maine
July 2010

When is the best time to visit Maine? July certainly is one of the better months for Maine vacations. Maine weather is at its warmest during July and August, sunshine is often abundant, and there are fun things to do in Maine, in nearly every city, town, and village.

The Fourth of July fireworks, parades, and other Independence Day celebrations, begin a month that is filled with outdoor activities.

Seafood festivals, lobster races, sand castle sculpture contests, band concerts...

...antique car and airplane shows, and fairs and festivals as unique as...

...the Maine Potato Blossom Festival, the Flamingo Festival, and the Yarmouth Clam Festival...

...are among the family oriented activities and events in Maine, July 2010.

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.

And what if you need a rainy day activity?

Many Maine July events are geared for outdoor fun. However, you will often find tents or other shelter nearby that can serve as a temporary refuge. If rain is forecast, just bring along an umbrella or hooded rain jacket, and remember that a few raindrops are part of the summer fun!

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, July 2010, or any other time of year. Share summer activities, things to do in Maine in the fall, winter events, or spring outings.

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

July Maine Event Calendar 2010

With all the things to do in Maine in July, 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, July 2010 may not reflect schedule changes or cancellations. Before heading out, confirm event dates and event locations.

Activities and Events in Maine, July 2010 are listed by event date. For maps and driving directions click on the Map links.

When: Friday, June 18, 2010 - Sunday, July 4, 2010
Where: Augusta, Maine - Map
More information: Kennebec Valley Chamber website, Whatever Family Festival page

"The Great Kennebec River Whatever Family Festival in Capitol Park, now celebrating 33 consecutive years! Saturday, June 26th, brings over 85 events and activities to Capitol Park, with musical presentations, dancing, balloons, hands-on activities, and much more!"

When: Thursday, July 1, 2010 - Sunday, July 4, 2010
Where: Houlton, Maine - Map
More information: Houlton Fair website

Along with an exhibit hall, midway, and concerts, the Houlton, Maine agricultural fair includes events you may not find elsewhere. An Oreo cookie stacking contest, bubble gum blowing contest, hula hoop contest, ice cream eating contest, kid's chocolate chip cookie contest, an old pig scramble, and a Mr. and Mr.s Firecracker contest, are all the fun filled schedule.

When: Thursday, July 1, 2010 - Monday, July 5, 2010
Where: Ogunquit, Maine - Map
More information: Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce website, Ogunquit Days page

"Ogunquit celebrates its 30th anniversary on July 1, 2010, and we plan to celebrate in style. Several community organizations will come together to make this a memorable and fun event for all of our residents and visitors. Come to Ogunquit and help us celebrate our birthday!"

When: Friday, July 2, 2010 - Sunday, July 18, 2010
Where: Port Clyde, Maine - Map
More information: Blue Water Fine Arts website

"A selection of fine limited edition prints by internationally recognized artist Barbara Ernst Prey produced in collaboration with U.L.A.E. Her artwork is included in major public collections including The Brooklyn Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and The White House and her paintings are on exhibit at The Kennedy Space Center and United States Embassies abroad including Paris and Madrid.'

'Included in the exhibit are prints of her NASA commissioned painting of the Shuttle Discovery:Return to Flight and Columbia Tribute, part of the Smithsonian traveling exhibit NASA ART/50 YEARS and prints from her recent Paris retrospective. An esteemed figure in the art world, she was appointed by the President to the National Council on the Arts, the advisory board for the National Endowment for the Arts. She was invited to paint the official White House Christmas Card."

When: Saturday, July 3, 2010 - Sunday, July 4, 2010
Where: Owls Head, Maine - Map
More information: Owls Head Transportation Museum website, Events page

"An old standard that just never gets old. Featuring more than 400 classic autos from the industry’s most stylish decades."

More Activities and Events in Maine, July 2010...

When: Saturday, July 3, 2010 - Sunday, July 4, 2010
Where: Bar Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website, July 4th Celebration page

Celebrate July 4th in Bar Harbor with a weekend long celebration that includes a blueberry pancake breakfast, a craft fair, an Independence Day parade, a seafood festival, the annual MDI lobster races, a free concert, and a fireworks display over Frenchman Bay.

When: Saturday, July 3, 2010 - Monday, July 5, 2010
Where: Old Orchard Beach, Maine - Map
More information: Old Orchard Beach website, Activities and Events page

"Come enjoy a parade (July 5) and band concert with line and square dancing. Family sand sculpture contest (July 4) on the beach . Fun for the entire family."

When: Thursday, July 8, 2010 - Sunday, July 11, 2010
Where: South Hiram, Maine - Map
More information: Ossipee Valley Fair website

"We're a true country fair with oodles of livestock events, competitions, demonstrations and exhibits."

When: Friday, July 9, 2010 - Sunday, July 11, 2010
Where: Saco, Maine - Map
More information: Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce website, Calendar of Events page

"Live Greek band (The Hellenic & Near East Musical Society Ensemble) Friday & Saturday from 5-9 pm. Greek dance ensemble (V.E.V.A.) on Saturday at 4 & 7 pm. Narrated church tours and Greek culture lectures and videos (at posted times); bookstore, religious items, Greek grocery store, souvenirs, Greek coffee house, Loukoumathes (Greek fried dough balls), Baklava ice cream sundaes, and much, much more."

More Activities and Events in Maine, July 2010...

When: Saturday, July 10, 2010 - Sunday, July 18, 2010
Where: Fort Fairfield, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Potato Blossom website

"The Maine Potato Blossom Festival(TM) celebrates the regions agricultural heritage and honors our veterans' service to the country. Hosted annually by and in the Town of Fort Fairfield, Maine the festival is The County's premier, don't miss, summertime event."

When: Saturday, July 10, 2010 - Monday, July 12, 2010
Where: Southwest Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Harbor House website

"Every year, Harbor House holds this fun-filled family festival that truly has something for every one. While it is whimsical, lighthearted and decidedly hot pink, the annual Harbor House Flamingo Festival is integral to our mission of community building. Over the years, it has become a way for the community to come together to celebrate the treasured value of small town life. Young, old and in-between, locals, summer people and tourists, all participate in the festivities, and our lawns, store windows and buildings proudly display the plastic pink creatures."

When: Thursday, July 15, 2010, (Decorator Showhouse Tour - July 15 and July 16)
Where: Camden and Rockport, Maine - Map
More information: The Camden Garden Club website

One of Yankee Travel Guide's "Top Maine Events," the Camden Garden Club's annual House and Garden Tour is one of "Maine's oldest and most famous summer tours." In addition to visits to lovely homes and/or gardens, the event includes the first Decorator Showhouse, where "local decorators, and decorators from as far away as New Orleans, will spin their magic and transform a Historic House and Guest Cottage on High Street in Camden." Showhouse events include a gala party, a twilight tour, and a meet-the-decorators party.

When: Friday, July 16, 2010 - Sunday, July 18, 2010
Where: Yarmouth, Maine - Map
More information: Yarmouth Clam Festival website

"The Yarmouth Clam Festival takes place every summer, during the third weekend in July in the charming coastal village of Yarmouth, Maine. This summertime tradition draws visitors from all over the country who come to enjoy the music and arts, events and competition, and of course, the delicious food."

More Activities and Events in Maine, July 2010...

When: Saturday, July 17, 2010 - Sunday, July 18, 2010
Where: Owls Head, Maine - Map
More information: Owls Head Transportation Museum website, Events page

"One of our oldest and most popular events. Features more than 250 antique pick-ups, delivery vans, tractor trailers and military vehicles."

When: Saturday, July 17, 2010 - Sunday, July 18, 2010
Where: Owls Head, Maine - Map
More information: Owls Head Transportation Museum website, Events page

"All things wings and wheels. Pre-1990 vehicles—any make or model—are welcome to exhibit. Features a world-class aerobatic airshow you'll never forget."

When: Saturday, July 24, 2010 - Sunday, August 15, 2010
Where: Port Clyde, Maine - Map
More information: Blue Water Fine Arts website

"Exhibit showcases the virtuoistic hand and delicate sensibilities of internationally recognized artist Barbara Ernst Prey who has painted powerful, vibrant views of her surroundings for three decades. On display are 30 poignant watercolors, Soliloquies, unspoken reflections on island life as a microcosm of sustainability: islands telling a story of sustainable life.'

'Also included are her early works for The New Yorker Magazine and paintings exhibited in her recent Paris retrospective, which the Wall Street Journal selected as their Paris museum choice."

Barbara Ernst Prey's artwork is included in major public collections in the U.S. including The Brooklyn Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the New York Historical Society, The White House. The Kennedy Space Center and United States Embassies.

"An esteemed figure in the art world, she (Barbara Ernst Prey) was appointed by the President of the United States to the National Council on the Arts, the advisory board for 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."

When: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - Saturday, July 31, 2010
Where: Monmouth, Maine - Map
More information: Monmouth Grows website, Monmouth Fair page

"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: Friday, July 30 - Sunday, August 8, 2010
Where: Bangor, Maine - Map
More information: Bangor Maine State Fair website

With a Swampmaster's Gator Show and Exhibit, an Aussie Kingdom, the Backyard Circus (back by popular demand), the Great American Duck Races, and magic, music, and group drumming by Buffalo and Brandy, the Bangor Maine State Fair is sure to provide family fun for every age group.

More Activities and Events in Maine, July 2010...

When: Friday, July 30 - Saturday, August 7, 2010
Where: Presque Isle, Maine - Map
More information: Northern Maine Fairgrounds website

"It's that time of year again - and planning for the 156th Annual Northern Maine Fair is well under way. We have some exciting events in the works, as well as, Vicenta's White Tiger Show already solidified."

When: Friday, July 30 - Sunday, August 8, 2010
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 7th and 8th. But perhaps that most highlighted event is Christmas in July in York Beach, with the Lighting of the Nubble...

..."The Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring the 18th Annual Christmas in July celebration on Sunday, August 1st. Our summer residents and vacationers will have a chance to see the Nubble as it appears each year during the Christmas season. A spectacular view from Sohier Park features the keeper’s house and tower entirely outlined in white lights. The Seacoast Wind Ensemble, beginning at 8:00 pm, will provide entertainment."

When: Saturday, July 31 - Sunday, August 1, 2010
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Women in Need Industries website, Festival of Nations page

The best part of the festival will be enjoying the beautiful Deering Oaks Park while sampling exotic, delicious food from around the globe, and dancing into the night to the drumming and music of diverse musicians. The festival also offers guests a great opportunity to get an early and unique start on holiday shopping, and this year will include an expanded children's entertainment area with clowns, face painting, train rides, crafts, and exciting games.

Come, and taste the fantastic spices and flavors of Maine's ethnic communities....

Participating in the 2009 Festival of Nations were African American, Armenian, Bosnian, Cambodian, Caribbean, Congolese, French, Finnish, Greek, Hispanic Nations, Irish, East Indian, Italian, Native American, Nigerian, Polish, Romanian, Somalia, Sudanese, Thai, Uganda and Vietnamese vendors.

"Admission is FREE and the Festival is FAMILY ORIENTED."

When: Saturday, July 31 - Sunday, August 1, 2010
Where: Bar Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website, Summer Arts and Crafts Festival page

"Over 100 Juried Craftsmen will display and sell their American made works. Specialty food sampling, craft demonstrations and live music complete this perfect summertime event."

When: Saturday, July 31, 2010
Where: Burlington, Maine - Map
More Information: Maureen Collins, 207-732-7019

A Pancake Breakfast (blueberry and plain) at the Historical Tavern at the Four corners in Burlington, Maine, (Route 188 and Long Ridge Road) just 13 miles from of Lincoln, Maine via Transalpine Road, or 45 minutes from Bangor, Maine via Route 2 to Route 155 to Route 188.

"Well worth the beautiful ride through the countryside!! Enjoy a wonderful breakfast of hot blueberry or plain pancakes served with sausage, juice and coffee!! Children $2.00and Adults $4.00!!! 6:30 am to 9:30 am!! The 4 historical museum buildings will be open for tours at the same time!! All Welcome!!! "

You may also be interested in:
Activities and Events in Maine
Detailed State of Maine Map
Maine Tourist Attractions
Maine Weather Forecast

Are you Planning Events in Maine?

...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, July 2010, other summer events in Maine, fall and winter activities, or things to do in the spring!

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