From Lauren —
A handpicked list of what’s happening in Camden, Rockport, and Rockland while you’re here. Updated quarterly — ask us for anything happening this specific week.
May 2026
May
12
–16
Camden Festival of Poetry
Camden Opera House & venues
The first annual poetry festival featuring readings, music, and keynote speaker Richard Blanco — National Endowment of Humanities medalist.
June 2026
Jun
12
–13
Rockport Donut Festival
Rockport Village
Rockport is home to the inventor of the donut hole — this quirky, beloved festival celebrates that legacy with music, food, and an absurd amount of donuts.
July 2026
Jul
3
46th Great Schooner Race
Penobscot Bay
The largest annual gathering of traditional schooners in America — at least 12 tall ships race from Islesboro to Rockland. Spectacular to watch from shore or the harbor.
Jul
4
July 4th Fireworks & Music
Harbor Park, Camden
Music by the Sea hosted by the Camden Rotary, followed by fireworks launched from the water between Curtis Island and Dillingham Point. One of the best small-town Fourth celebrations in Maine.
Jul
11
–12
Harbor Arts Fair
Harbor Park & Amphitheatre, Camden
A long-running two-day outdoor art exhibit and sale right in Harbor Park — local and regional artists, live music, the Camden Library’s used book sale, and a free community art project. 9am–5pm both days.
Jul
11
–12
North Atlantic Blues Festival
Public Landing, Rockland
Two days of national blues performers at the harbor — one of the most prestigious blues festivals on the East Coast. Saturday night the main street closes for the Club Crawl.
Late July – August 2026
Jul
29
–Aug 2
Maine Lobster Festival
Harbor Park, Rockland
Five days of fresh lobster, entertainment, the Lobster Crate Race, live music, and the Sea Goddess Coronation. Free admission. The quintessential Maine summer event.
Aug
28
–29
Camden Windjammer Festival
Camden Harbor & Public Landing
Labor Day weekend’s signature event. Watch the entire windjammer fleet sail into Camden Harbor, followed by fireworks, lobster crate race, chowder challenge, and open schooner tours all weekend.