Events & Specials

A PERFECTLY MAINE WEEKEND
Join us for The Claw Down & Fishin’ for Fashion—two beloved annual events celebrating our coastal heritage and vibrant fishing industry.
The Claw Down | June 12, 2025
Seafood lovers and foodies alike flock to Boothbay Harbor for an unforgettable night of lobster indulgence. Watch as talented local chefs go head-to-head, crafting exquisite lobster bites for the chance to win the coveted People’s Choice Award and Judges’ Choice Award—with the top Winner earning a spot at Portland’s renowned Harvest on the Harbor in October.

Official Website: The Claw Down

This festival marks the kick off to summer in our region and is a time to reconnect with family, friends, and neighbors after the long winter, an opportunity to support local businesses and welcome visitors. It is a time to honor our maritime history and celebrate the vital role it plays in the lives of all who live here. Events include grand sailing vessels featured in an awe-inspiring Parade of Sail, the rollicking Cod Fish Race where teams transport a fish through town in full foul weather gear, a street parade, art shows, waterfront concerts, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Highlights: Street Parade (June 25), Crab Cake Cook-Off (June 23), Gathering of the Fleet, fireworks, and more

Official Website: Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days.

“Superb Salt Bay festival brims with star power”

This season, we celebrate the musical GODDESS, through a festival that is centered on powerful female figures from myth or history and the composers and performers who draw inspiration from their stories. Flutist and MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient Claire Chase will appear at SBC to present works written especially for her, coupled with Schubert’s poetic Death and the Maiden String Quartet. Tenor Nicholas Phan breathes new life and meaning into songs by Baroque women composers, complemented by a dream team of Baroque music specialists including Italian violinist Riccardo Minasi, harpsichordist Paolo Bordignon, and gambist Arnie Tanimoto. The Brentano String Quartet returns with a program of quartets by Fanny Mendelssohn and Beethoven (Opus 130). Finally, I am particularly proud to present this year’s newly commissioned work by composer Dawn Avery, Grandmother Moon (Ahsonthehnéhkha Karáhkwa) for two violins and two cellos. This will be featured in a program with soprano Kate Aldrich singing Respighi, and Dvořák’s tuneful String Sextet performed by artists Cynthia Phelps, principal violist of the New York Philharmonic, and Susie Park and Sean Lee, violinists of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

I want to take a moment to thank all of you who make this festival possible from year to year. Our donors, board, and wonderful community all work together to help bring incredible artistry and meaningful arts experiences to the region each year, serving a broad range of concert goers. We look forward to sharing these exciting performances with you in August!

Theme: “Earth Song” – celebrating the festival’s 30th anniversary

Official Website: Salt Bay Chamberfest

Come to beautiful midcoast Maine for a celebration of all things pumpkin. This festival is a fun-packed week of events including a pumpkin paddle boat relay and pumpkin motor boat regatta, pumpkin polo, and the Maine Pumpkin Growers Organization-sanctioned giant pumpkin weigh-off. There’s also pumpkin catapulting, a pumpkin drop, underwater pumpkin carving, a giant pumpkin parade, 60 giant pumpkins lining Damariscotta’s main street, and a pumpkin derby.
Pumpkinfest was delighted to be named Best Fall Festival in Maine by Travel and Leisure magazine!

Highlights: Giant decorated pumpkins, pumpkin boat races, pumpkin derby, and a festive parade

Official Website: Damariscotta Pumpkinfest.

Enjoy all things oysters at this year’s festival held at Mine Oyster Restaurant, located at 16 Wharf Street in downtown Boothbay Harbor

Official Website: Pemaquid Oyster Festival.

The Museum’s Village Green welcomes dozens of vendors of handmade items and fabulous food along with a wide variety of live entertainment for the Fall Foliage Festival. The sound of the train’s steam whistle resonating throughout the crisp fall air reminds guests that this is not your typical craft show.

The beautiful crafts are center stage on the Village Green surrounded by the historic buildings and structures of the Boothbay Railway Village. Rides on the narrow gauge steam train and the opportunity for guests to explore exhibits detailing Maine’s railroad heritage, interpreting village life, and displaying more than 60 antique automobiles set this event apart. Artisan demonstrations and live music sponsored by the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and the Boothbay Sea & Science Center adds to the fun of this family tradition.

Highlights: Artisan crafts, vintage goods, local food, live music, and family-friendly activities

Official Website: Fall Foliage Festival.

The magic begins as darkness falls.

Join us to experience the brilliance of New England’s most beautiful light display! This year, the seasonal celebration returns to its roots as a walking event with a new, reimagined design and more than 750,000 LED lights woven through 14 acres of central gardens.

The Gardens Aglow route is approximately 1 mile of beautifully lighted pathways through our central garden areas, and we find that most guests spend between one and two hours at Gardens Aglow. Extend your visit to the region by exploring the Boothbay Region during Boothbay Lights, and seeing the entries in our  Community Lighting Contest, where participants have festively lit up their homes and businesses.

Details: Spectacular light displays, seasonal treats, and festive ambiance

Official Website: Gardens Aglow