Events to Celebrate the Maine Bicentennial

In 2020, Maine will be celebrating its Bicentennial which means 200 years of statehood! The official day is March 16th, but events and celebrations will be happening all summer long and into the fall. Whether this will be your first-time vacationing in Maine, or a return is it, this is the perfect summer to experience the state! 
We put together a list of top things do in Maine to help guide you. If you haven’t booked a place to stay, make sure to explore our Maine vacation rentals located in the stunning Boothbay Harbor area. 

Windjammer Week   

Held during the last full week of June, which will be June 21 – 30 for 2020, see magnificent ships as they sail into Boothbay Harbor! We recommend having lunch at a waterfront restaurant such as Fisherman’s Wharf and taking in the sights while enjoying fresh seafood. If you want to get closer to the action, take a trip out on one of the local charter boats, such as the Balmy Days. Sailing out onto the harbor is the best way to get an up-close view of the ships. This is truly an experience you don’t want to miss! 

Fourth of July 

While the 4th of July is always a fun celebration, this year promises to be extra special as the Boothbay region celebrates not only Independence Day, but also Maine’s bicentennial. Enjoy many different things to do including food, live music, children’s activities, and of course the fireworks over the harbor! We recommend booking one of our waterfront vacation rentals so you can see the fireworks right from your home. Also, make sure to also check out the Jazz Festival which has various events scheduled throughout the month of July. 

Boothbay Harbor Fest  

Consistently voted as one of the best New England Fall Events, Harbor Fest is held around Labor Day weekend every year. For 2020, the event will be from September 3rd through the 14th. There will be a wide variety of things to do including food and drink tastings from local restaurants, live music, competitions, a fashion show, and races including a 5k and half marathon. Harbor Fest signals the end of the summer and the beginning of the fall as we move into a new season. 

Fall Foliage Festival  

The annual Fall Foliage Festival is held on Columbus Day weekend, which will be October 12-13 for 2020. Held at the Boothbay Railway village, this event features dozens of local vendors showing off their handmade items for sale. Additionally, there will be live music, events, children’s activities, and local food favorites. The setting will allow you to explore Maine’s interesting history related to trains and railroads. This year promises to be extra special due to Maine’s 200th birthday as at state! 

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta  

Another can’t miss event happening Columbus Day weekend is the Pumpkinfest! As you probably guessed, this event is about things pumpkin. You will be able to see pumpkins dropped from great heights, giant pumpkins on display, a pumpkin derby, and eat pumpkin pie as well as other pumpkin-inspired foods. Damariscotta is located about 20 minutes north of Boothbay Harbor and makes an excellent day trip. 


Have you decided how you will celebrate Maine’s bicentennial? Book one of our Maine vacation rentals and celebrate 200 years of statehood!