August is one of the best times to experience Maine, with communities across the state celebrating the season through festivals, agricultural fairs, live music, and waterfront traditions. From the world-famous Maine Lobster Festival to Wild Blueberry Weekend, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of the final weeks of summer. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, here's your guide to the must-see events happening across Maine this August.
Maine Lobster Festival
July 29-August 2, 2026
Rockland, Maine
The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine! This annual seafood festival takes place during the first weekend of August, from Wednesday through Sunday. What started as an idea for a local marine festival to revive Midcoast Maine communities has turned into an internationally recognized celebration of local seafood. The Maine Lobster Festival attracts visitors from as near as our local communities to those from countries around the globe. Learn more here.
Eggemoggin Reach Regatta
August 1, 2026
Brooklin, Maine
Sail into tradition at the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta in Brooklin, the "Wooden Boat Building Capital of the World." Home to renowned institutions like the Brooklin Boat Yard and the WoodenBoat School, this Blue Hill Peninsula community is celebrated for its rich maritime heritage. Join the festivities this August and experience an unforgettable regatta that showcases exceptional craftsmanship, classic wooden boats, and the spirit of the Maine coast. Learn more here.
TD Beach to Beacon 10K
August 1, 2026
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
The TD Beach to Beacon 10K is an iconic coastal road race in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, starting near Crescent Beach State Park and finishing at the historic Portland Head Light. Founded by an Olympic champion, this major event features a pre-race Expo on Thursday and Friday at Southern Maine Community College, followed by kids' and youth events on Friday evening. Learn more here.
Bangor State Fair
July 30 - August 8, 2026
Bangor, Maine
The Bangor State Fair is a historic summer tradition held at Bass Park and the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, expanding to a continuous 10-day schedule packed with family-friendly entertainment. The event features agricultural exhibits, midway carnival rides, and a unique mobile museum. Learn more here.
Wild Blueberry Weekend
August 1-2, 2026
Participating farms, businesses, and venues across Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, and Washington Counties.
Wild Blueberry Weekend is an annual statewide celebration held during the first full weekend of August in honor of Maine’s wild blueberry harvest. Because wild blueberries are harvested just once each year in late summer, the weekend offers a special opportunity to experience the harvest firsthand. Across the state, farms and participating businesses open their doors to offer fresh berry picking, tours, demonstrations, kids’ activities, special menu items, and more! It’s a fun, family-friendly way to support Maine’s wild blueberry community. Learn more at Wild Blueberry Weekend in Maine.
Maine Red Hot Dog Festival
August 8, 2026
Downtown Dexter, Maine
The 2026 Maine Red Hot Dog Festival is a free, family-friendly event taking place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in downtown Dexter, Maine. Celebrating the state's iconic "Red Snapper" hot dogs, this rain-or-shine community festival features over 100 food and craft vendors, five stages of live musical entertainment, and a dedicated KidZone with children's games and magic shows. Learn more here.
Topsham Fair
August 11-16, 2026
Topsham, Maine
When you’re looking for fun things to do in Topsham, Maine, consider making a stop at the fair for your entertainment. Topsham Fair has all the bells and whistles, from harness racing and truck pulling to the demolition derby. At the Topsham Fair, our goal is to celebrate Maine’s thriving agriculture. This year marks 172 years of that celebration. You’ll find family-friendly fun at the fair. Learn more here.
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
August 14-16, 2026
Machias, Maine
Celebrate the powerful little fruit that put this corner of Downeast Maine on the map at the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival. Held each August by Centre Street Congregational Church, UCC, the festival features crafts, food, live entertainment, contests, and plenty of blueberry-themed treats. Admission is free. Located along Maine's beautiful, rugged Downeast coast, Machias is within easy driving distance of Bangor, Bar Harbor, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, and offers access to whale watching, lighthouses, hiking, kayaking, eagles, and, of course, fresh lobster rolls. Learn more here.
Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival
August 21-23, 2026
Simard-Payne Park, Lewiston, Maine
The 32nd Annual Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival takes place from August 21 to August 23, 2026, along the scenic Androscoggin River. As Lewiston's largest annual event, this free-admission festival expects over 100,000 spectators and showcases over a dozen vibrant hot-air balloons, including unique special shapes. The patriotic 2026 theme, "Red, White & Balloons," honors America's 250th birthday and celebrates the opening of the new Maine MILL museum. Learn more here.
Maine Lobster Boat Races
August 8 – Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races (Winter Harbor)
August 9 – Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races (Pemaquid/Bristol) — held during Olde Bristol Days
August 15 – Long Island Lobster Boat Races (Long Island, Casco Bay)
August 16 – MS Harborfest Lobster Boat Races (Portland Harbor)
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Maine Lobster Boat Races! Be part of one of Maine’s most unique and entertaining spectator events on the coast! Lobster boats go bow-to-bow for points, cash, and prizes in these exciting and highly competitive yearly races. The 2026 Maine Lobster Boat Races will be an event you, your friends, and your family won’t forget! Learn more here.
No matter where your August adventures take you, these events offer the perfect opportunity to experience the traditions, communities, and unforgettable experiences that make Maine such a special place to call home or visit.
