Plan Your Trip Around One of the Many Area Events.
May -
Downeast Spring Birding Festival - The annual Down East Spring Birding Festival provides a unique birding experience during spring migration and the breeding season with four days of self-guided explorations, guided hikes, boat tours and presentations led by area experts.
Four mile foot race and smoked alewife cookout – the annual Smolt Bolt will be held from the Machias Dike to East Machias along the Downeast Sunrise Trail. Register in person at the East Machias Research Center or online at www.mainesalmonrivers.org.
June through Summer - First Friday Art Walks.
Participating businesses will have bright green flags outside and maps will be available indicating where vendors and galleries are located.The event will be held rain or shine.
This year, the organizers have expanded the offerings to not only showcase local art, but to promote local farms, musicians and artisans. The Art Walk is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Art Walk is held on the first Friday of each month.
Mid-June - Annual Margaretta Days Festival, sponsored by the Machias Historical Society, will be held on the mall area of the University of Maine at Machias.
The Festival celebrates the American Revolution Downeast, specifically the Battle of the Margaretta – The first Naval Battle of the American Revolution and beginning of the US Merchant Marines- and the Battle of the Rim – when the British returned for revenge but were defeated by the Patriots and their allies, the Passamaquoddy. Activities include a parade, skits, music, food and festival. FMI www:washingtoncountymaine.com/margaretta FB: Margaretta Days Festival of Machias, Maine; carlenemholmes@yahoo.com; 207-263-5886
East Machias River Days -
Bring the kids for the only frog-jumping contest in Maine. Then stay all day for games, coloring contest and water activities, train rides, concessions, live music and homemade lemonade.
Mom and dad and all the relatives will enjoy the auction, our haddock fish fry with all the trimmings and music throughout the day.
July -
4th of July - annual carts and carriage parade and fireworks after dark.
ALL SUMMER - free Friday children's movies - outdoors at the old train station in Machias.
Summerkeys - Lubec - Music workshops (along with workshops in writing, dance, photography, etc). Various dates and locations
August -
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival - the biggest festival of the year. All weekend long - events, food, entertainment. A can't miss celebration!
Eastport Pirate Festival - another must-go event at the end of the summer
September - Harvest Fair and pumpkin chucking contest, color dash and beer and wine festival.