Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty happening across Central and Southern Maine. From art walks and live music to hot air balloons, bluegrass, and classic agricultural fairs, the next few weeks offer plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the final stretch of the season.
Portland Chamber Music Festival
August 13–22 | Portland
The Portland Chamber Music Festival returns for its summer season at Stevens Square Theater, bringing together acclaimed musicians for a series of performances spanning classical favorites and contemporary works. Concerts take place throughout the festival, making it an easy addition to a summer evening in Portland.
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Portland Chamber Music Festival
Kennebunk Art Walk
August 14 | Kennebunk
Spend a summer evening exploring downtown Kennebunk during the seasonal Art Walk. Galleries, studios, local businesses, and artists open their doors throughout Main Street, with live music, exhibits, and other activities adding to the atmosphere. The event is free and runs from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
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Kennebunk Art Walk
Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival
August 21–23 | Lewiston & Auburn
One of the area's most colorful summer traditions returns to Simard-Payne Memorial Park. The three-day festival features morning and evening hot air balloon launches, live entertainment, local food, vendors, family activities, and a parade, with events happening on both sides of the Androscoggin River.
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Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival
Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival
August 27–30 | Litchfield
Bluegrass fans can enjoy four days of live music at the Litchfield Fairgrounds during the late-summer edition of the Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival. The event brings together local and national performers for concerts, workshops, camping, and a relaxed festival atmosphere.
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Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival
Windsor Fair
August 29–September 7 | Windsor
Just outside Augusta, the Windsor Fair carries the summer season into Labor Day with more than a week of agricultural exhibits, livestock, harness racing, pulling events, midway rides, live entertainment, crafts, and classic fair food. With events scheduled daily, there are plenty of opportunities to make a visit.
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Windsor Fair
More Ways to Enjoy Late Summer
Festival calendar not quite your thing? There are plenty of other ways to make the most of the season from Augusta to Southern Maine.
Portland
- First Friday Art Walk on September 4
- Outdoor concerts and events at Thompson's Point
- Portland Sea Dogs games at Hadlock Field
- Waterfront walks, farmers markets, and outdoor dining
Freeport, Brunswick & Bath
- Summer programming and outdoor activities at L.L.Bean in Freeport
- Downtown shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation in Brunswick
- Maine Maritime Museum and the Bath waterfront
- Local farmers markets throughout the Midcoast
Augusta & Central Maine
- Walk or bike the Kennebec River Rail Trail
- Visit Capitol Park and downtown Augusta
- Browse local farmers markets and seasonal outdoor events
Beyond the Event Calendar
Late August and early September can be one of the best times to enjoy Maine. Spend a day at the beach as the summer crowds begin to thin, paddle a lake or coastal waterway, explore a state park, visit a farmers market, or take advantage of outdoor dining while the evenings are still warm.
Whether you're heading to a festival, catching live music, or simply fitting in a few more summer adventures close to home, there is still plenty of the season left to enjoy.
