Boothbay, Maine, really comes to life in the summer months. The temperatures have risen, the sun is shining, and everyone is ready to celebrate everything that makes Boothbay special. Have you ever traveled to attend a festival or special event? If you have not, there are lots of reasons to add special events to your travel bucket list.
- Festivals are a great way to learn about local culture. Boothbay and the surrounding area have a long maritime and fishing history. That lifestyle is portrayed in the events and opportunities available at many festivals.
- Most festivals are extremely family friendly. If you are looking for something that everyone can enjoy, a festival is a great choice.
- Many festivals and special events happen outside. Bring your sunscreen and your floppy hat and breath in the fresh air while learning, laughing, and having fun.
- Looking for festivals can help you expand your travel horizon. Not sure where to go for your next vacation? Start looking for festivals that match with your hobbies. You will quickly discover a new destination to add to your list.
- There is always great food and it is a proven fact that vacation calories do not count.
Ready to book that festival vacation? Check out the top four summer festivals in Boothbay.
Claw Down – June 13, 2024
Maine is known for lobster and this is one of the best ways to try it prepared in lots of different ways. Remember that festivals and events always have the best food.
- Foodies and seafood lovers have made this event so popular that it is now in its 11th year.
- Local chefs compete to create the best lobster bite. The winner, as decided by the judges, will compete again in October in Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor.
- The official judges are not the only ones that get to savor the delectable creations. Attendees are given the option to vote in the People’s Choice Award.
- VIP and general admission tickets just went on sale. Plan now to enjoy Maine’s favorite food.
- Looking for a weekend full of events? Attend the Fishin’ for Fashion show on June 15.
Be sure to keep your eye on the Five Gables Specials page and the Boothbay Chamber of Commerce page for other foodie events.
Windjammer Days – June 23-29, 2024
Volunteers make Windjammer Days happen because of a “collective passion for the sea and for keeping traditions alive for future generations.” It is easy to get swept up in the Boothbay passion for their maritime history. The Friends of Windjammers community organization sure loves Boothbay as this is the 62nd Annual Windjammer Days. The week is full of events for all ages:
- Harbor Aglow – Sunday, June 23. Have you ever watched a parade at night? Captains decorate their boats with lights and parade them through the harbor once the sun goes down. Prizes are given for the best boats in the parade so you can expect a great show.
- Pirates Invade on Tuesday and Wednesday. Aaaarrrggghhh! Join in the pirate fun with a puppet show, pirate bazaar, tours of the pirate ship Must Roos, cannon lessons, and a weapons show. Do not miss the battle at high noon on Wednesday to see if the British or the pirates will win.
- Gathering of the Fleet – Wednesday, June 26. While there are many events throughout the week, this one truly celebrates the essence of the windjammers. Watch in awe as they enter the harbor under full sail.
- Cod Fish Race – Wednesday, June 26. Remember how we said that vacation calories do not count? That is because you will be laughing so hard and burning all those calories while watching teams of four people trying to carry two slippery fish through a race.
- Street Parade – Wednesday, June 26. Another parade, this one during the daytime hours, that pays homage to the Boothbay community.
- Vintage Boat Parade – Friday, June 27. The citizens of Boothbay sure like a parade. This one features a fleet of boats that are each at least 25 years old.
Five Gables has an Events and Specials webpage with information about festivals in the area. You can also find more Boothbay events on the Chamber of Commerce webpage.
Boothbay Harbor YC Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge – July 20-21, 2024
Boothbay knows how to keep a good thing going. This regatta is celebrating its 50th year!
- The challenge brings in sailors from all over the area to compete. You can see the entries on the race website. Last year, more than 60 classic and modern racing boats traversed two different courses.
- Landlubbers can see the participating boats in a parade of sail on Sunday, July 21 as they enter the inner harbor for all to see. These boats are simply beautiful to see on the water.
- Interested in racing yourself one day? This year they are planning a “casual cruising division” for first timers who just want to see what it is like to sail the course.
Boothbay has lots of boating events throughout the year. Stay at Five Gables and check their events page for more information.
Salt Bay Chamberfest – August 6-17, 2024
Music fills the air as this festival celebrates its 30th year. The theme for this year is Music In Blue and they are reveling in the influence of jazz and blues on classical chamber music. There are both ticketed and free events.
- The Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta will host four main events during Chamberfest. Each concert will begin at 7:30pm with a pre-concert lecture at 6:30pm. Do not miss the premiere of a newly composed work, partially commissioned by SBC, on August 6. The piece honors the Gershwin masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue.
- The Strand Theatre in Rockland will feature two solo violin recitals.
- We also promised outdoor activities and there are many free community events including an informal violin concert overlooking the Damariscotta River in Newcastle.
Five Gables loves supporting the arts and will feature local events on their Specials page. The Boothbay Chamber of Commerce also promotes music events on their events page.
