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Fairs, Festivals, Concerts, classes, and more...

Explore the authentic spirit of Maine’s Kennebec Valley through its many events, which occur year-round across the region. From outdoor adventures to artistic expressions and classic agricultural fairs, discover your next unforgettable experience. Our event calendar is filled with what you need to plan before you visit or to make that visit even better once you’ve arrived.

annual signature events

February

Maine Pond Hockey Classic

Snow Pond Center for the Arts, Sidney
Whether spectator or participant,  bundle-up and get ready for the biggest and best pond hockey-style tournament in the State of Maine.

Somerset SnowFest

Skowhegan
Celebrate all things winter with a range of activities including an ice-fishing derby, downhill kayak race, and winter triathlon.

Skijor Skowhegan

Skowhegan Fairgrounds
Attracting thousands of winter enthusiasts, this equestrian skijoring event is the first of three in Maine’s Skijor Triple Crown.

march

Maine Maple Weekend

Region-wide
Sugarhouses around the region open their doors for tastings and maple syrup-making demonstrations. Many offer games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music, and so much more.

June

Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival

Litchfield Fairgrounds
Enjoy the largest family musical event in New England, where thousands gather to hear banjos, fiddles, and those high, lonesome harmonies by bands from
all over the world.

July

Maine International Film Festival

Waterville
Every year MIFF showcases the best of American and international cinema with
world premieres and exhibitions.

Maine Artisan Bread Fair

Skowhegan Fair Grounds
A one-of-a-kind fair dedicated solely to real bread and everything associated with this most ancient and central staple. 

Ironman Triathalon  Maine

Augusta
Participants swim 1.2 miles in the Kennebec River, bike 56 miles of local roads, and run 13.1 miles to the finish line in Augusta.

August

Kennebec River Brewfest

Mill Park, Augusta
Enjoy over 100 unique local brews and a range cuisine from local eateries.

Skowhegan River Fest

Skowhegan
Annual multi-day celebration of recreation and life on the Kennebec River, a Glowstick Paddle through the Skowhegan Gorge. 

Skowhegan State Fair

Skowhegan
The oldest consecutively running Agricultural Fair in the country with exhibits, tractor pulls, live music, rides, food, and more.

Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival

Water Street, Skowhegan
Sample brews from 30 Maine
breweries, wineries, and distilleries and a variety of festival fare.

October

Swine & Stein Brewfest

Water Street, Gardiner
A unique outdoor, urban beer festival in one of Maine’s most charming main streets. Enjoy delicious pork and more from food trucks.

november

Parade of Lights & Kringleville

Downtown Waterville
This long-time holiday tradition begins with The Parade of Lights when Santa Claus arrives at his cabin in Castonguay Square. Kids can visit with Santa in Kringleville over the next three weekends until he returns to the North Pole for Christmas Eve. 

December

Gardiner Parade of Lights

Downtown Gardiner
Celebrate the holiday season in historic downtown Gardiner as the Parade of Lights moves along Water Street to Waterfront Park.

SKOW-Whoville

Downtown Skowhegan
Help grow the Grinch’s Heart with two days of SKOW-bilatious events for the entire family! This may be the most SKOW-tastic time you have all year!

Today

Beginner Clay: Wheel Throwing + Hand Building

Paul J. Schupf Art Center 93 Main Street, Waterville

Join Farmington-based ceramic artist Cherie Giampietro for a six-week beginner class designed to teach and enhance fundamental wheel-thrown and hand-building techniques. Discover how these methods can be used both individually […]

$181
Event Series Art in the Park

Art in the Park

Castonguay Square 93 main st, Waterville, ME, United States

Waterville Creates, Waterville Public Library, and the Colby College Museum of Art have joined forces to offer dynamic, creative summer programming to provide arts experiences for all. Each Thursday participants […]

Free

Bites & Sites: The Downtown Skowhegan Food Tour

Downtown Skowhegan Water Street, Skowhegan, ME, United States

New This Summer—Bites & Sites: The Downtown Skowhegan Food Tour! Take your tastebuds on a tour of Skowhegan! As part of Skowhegan River Days, we’re launching a guided Downtown Skowhegan […]

$75

Coloring with Goats

Anchor ME Harbor 584 Ridge Road, Windsor

De-stress by trying to color with the goats. Discover the benefits of using unconventional animals for therapy. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Maine International Film Festival | MIFF

Downtown Waterville Castonguay Square, Waterville, United States

10 Days | 100 Films MIFF showcases the best American and international cinema, including world premieres, classic revivals, inspiring performances, and exhibitions. We also highlight some of Maine and New […]

28th Maine International Film Festival

Maine Film Center 93 Main Street, Waterville

Founded in 1998, the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) is a project of the Maine Film Center. The 10 days of the festival showcase nearly 100 films, representing the best […]

$12 – $250

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