In addition to the countless things to do in and near Wells on any given day, there are a number of annual events that take place in Southern Maine each year. Check out these festivals that are held in Wells, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, and surrounding towns on the southern seacoast.
Spring Maine Events and Festivals on the Southern Coast
Ogunquit’s Annual Patriots Day Weekend Celebration
Summer Maine Events & Festivals
Launch: A Maritime Festival | Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel, ME
The Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses, host this 5-day nautically themed festival that celebrates the community’s lobstering, commercial fishing, and shipbuilding. Held in early to mid-June, it includes a boat parade, Rock the Dock party, 5k race, cook-offs, lobster bake, live music, blessing of the fleet, and more.
Above Board Annual Gala | Kennebunkport, ME
Organized by volunteer committee of proactive community members looking to support initiatives that directly affect the greater York County community, the Above Board Gala is a party with a cause. Held in late August, it is the perfect way to cap the summer.
September Maine Events and Festivals on the Southern Coast
Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival | Wells, ME
More than 100 New England craftspeople display their jewelry, pottery, paintings, clothing, and photography at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. 342 Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells, ME
Summer Solstice Craft Show | Wells, ME
Traditional, country and contemporary arts and crafts are featured from 70 of New England artists, including stained glass, graphics, herbs & everlastings, jewelry, pottery, folk art, photography, etc. Held at the Wells Junior High School, 1470 Post Road (US Route 1), which is new location this year . FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING.
Maine Open Lighthouse Day | Statewide
One of the largest events of its kind, lighthouses across the state open to visitors for tours of the towers and keeper’s houses. It offers a rare opportunity to climb and learn about over two dozen historic Maine lights.
Return of the Belgian Beer Fest | Portland, ME
Belgian beer and its global influence, the founders of BeerAdvocate are putting a new take on their popular festival that ran for many years in Boston. This 1 day, 2 session event (1:00–4:30 pm and 6:00–9:30pm), will feature hundreds of authentic Belgian beers and Belgian-inspired offerings. Sponsored by Allagash Brewing. 58 Fore Street, Portland, ME
Wells Annual Family Jamboree | Wells, ME |
Sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, this day of family fun features games, crafts, food. Event will take place at Wells Harbor Park, 331 Harbor Road, Wells, ME. FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING.
Pumpkin Patch Trolley Rides | Kennebunkport, ME
Ride a Streetcar to the Pumpkin Patch where you can choose a pumpkin to decorate and play carnival games. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport, ME
Punkinfiddle | Wells, ME |
A family festival hosted by Wells Reserve at Laudholm that features old-fashioned games, hands-on learning, music, traditional crafts, food, and farm animals. Kids can press apples, churn butter, decorate pumpkins, build scarecrows, and play games such as, egg-and-spoon relays, sack races, three-legged races, and wheelbarrow races. 342 Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells, ME
October Maine Events and Festivals on the Southern Coast
Freeport Fall Festival | Freeport, ME
New England’s best artists and makers of fine craft come together for a two-day festival on the L.L.Bean campus and in Freeport Village Station.
Kennebunk HarvestFest | Kennebunk, ME
Celebrate Fall with costumes, crafts and good food. HarvestFest activities include a pancake breakfast, farmers’ market, costume parade, pumpkin decorating, Scarecrow scavenger hunt, live bands, craft fairs and more.
Harvestfest & Kidsfest | York Beach, ME
This festival on Short Sands Beach in York includes a variety of activities including, local food vendors, juried crafters, live bands and performers (such as Don Campbell Band and local favorite Skyler), bean hole beans, and marketplace vendors from all over New England. For kids, there are pony rides, games, a roaming railroad, face painting and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Harvest on the Harbor | Portland, ME
This annual food and spirits festival, which includes 7 seperate ticketed events, has brought nearly 28,000 foodies to Portland since it began in 2008 and proves that the city as a culinary destination.
OgunquitFest | Ogunquit, ME
A weekend of autumn-themed events in Ogunquit, ME. Activities include a classic car show, craft bazaar, pumpkin and cookie decorating, costume parade, Halloween fun house, high heel race, bed race, ghost tours, wagon rides, storytelling, and a scarecrow contest.
Maine Holiday Events and Festivals on the Southern Coast
Lighting Of The Nubble | York, ME
Annual lighting of the Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse which is adorned with white lights each year. Festivities kick-off at 5:00 PM in Sohier Park and will include cookies, hot chocolate, music, Santa Claus, and a countdown to the lighting. The lighthouse remains lit after dark through New Year’s Day.
Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude | Kennebunkport, ME
A holiday festival that takes place in Kennebunkport during the first two weekends of December. The entire community gets involved and the event schedule is PACKED with activities that will delight children and adults alike. In fact,
HGTV named Kennebunkport as 1 of the top 10 Christmas towns in America. Form more information, read our blog post, Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude: A Fantastic Way to Get into the Holiday Spirit.
York Festival of Lights | York, ME
Christmas by the Sea Celebration in Ogunquit | Ogunquit, ME
Christmas Boat Parade of Lights | Portland, ME |
Held on the 2nd Saturday of December, the Boat Parade of Lights brings the holiday spirit out to sea where Portland Harbor is illuminated with lit boats and fireworks.
Freeport’s Annual Sparkle Weekend | Visit Freeport for a town-wide holiday celebration featuring a Talking Christmas Tree, a Parade of Lights, visits from Santa, dynamic light shows, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and more!
Annual Southern Maine Christmas Parade | Wells, ME |
Sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, the parade will begin at 2:00 PM and proceed North up Post Road from Wells Plaza to the Wells Junior High School.
Maine Winter Events on the Southern Coast
Winter Carnival in Old Orchard Beach
Ogunquit’s Annual Mardi Gras Weekend Celebration
Wells Vacation Rental 