Looking for the coolest and best music festivals in Maine in 2024? Well, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to Maine festivals that are guaranteed to impress.
Known for its rugged coastlines, fresh lobsters, and historic lighthouses, Maine is a serene travel destination. Hidden coves and scenic stretches of beach establish it as the ultimate getaway spot perfect for music festivals surrounded by breathtaking viewpoints.
From outdoor adventures and hiking opportunities to experiencing outstanding music festivals, Maine is waiting to be explored! Also, be sure to read my guides to the Best Music Festivals USA, Country Festivals, Folk Festivals, and Metal Festivals for more festival inspiration!
1) Atlantic Music Festival
Credit: Atlantic Music Festival
When: June 24 – August 4, 2024
Where: Waterville, Maine
https://atlanticmusicfestival.org/
https://www.facebook.com/experienceamf/
The Atlantic Music Festival is a festival that runs a little over a month in Waterville, Maine. Its purpose is to showcase and promote American music by hosting live performances, fostering creativity, and enabling musicians to learn from accomplished professionals. At the Atlantic Music Festival, attendees can enjoy a wide range of performances by both established and emerging artists. The concerts held by the Atlantic Music Festival are free and hosted at Colby College for easy and affordable access to all ages. Listen to the contemporary ensemble showcase their passionate skills or an exceptional performance by the flute and string quartet at the Atlantic Music Festival!
2) Bowdoin International Music Festival
Credit: Bowdoin International Music Festival
When: June 24 – August 4, 2024
Where: Brunswick, Maine
https://www.bowdoinfestival.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Bowdoin.International.Music.Festival/
One of the established music festivals in Maine, the Bowdoin International Music Festival is also one of the world’s premier music institutes. The institute was founded in 1964 and since its founding, it has continued to promote and provide world-class performances and education to its students and the public. During the summer, 250 students from the United States, and more than twenty countries, travel to the Bowdoin International Music Festival to learn from distinguished guest artists. The public can access 175 free events throughout the Bowdoin International Music Festival, including community concerts, student performances, family events, and masterclasses.
3) Portland Chamber Music Festival
When: June, 2024
Where: Portland, Maine
https://www.facebook.com/portlandchambermusicfestival/
The Portland Chamber Music Festival fosters connections through the power of music, breaking down barriers. The shared experiences from artists to audiences at the Portland Chamber Music Festival make it one of the most celebrated music festivals in Maine. The main summer festival hosted by Portland Chamber Music Festival features four core stages where concerts are held. This festival also has artist interviews and stage talks for artists and audiences to share their passion for music.
4) Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival
Credit: Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival Maine
When: June & August, 2024
Where: Litchfield, Maine
https://www.blisteredfingers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BlisteredFingersFamilyBluegrassFestivals/
“Held twice in summer, in June and August, the Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival is one of the top bluegrass music festivals in Maine. The Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival is one of New England’s largest family music-based events. All ages are welcome at this charming festival. Many family-friendly activities are available to make memories. So spend time with family and friends while enjoying the banjos and fiddles played in harmony. Attending the Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festivals, visitors can jam out to local and nationally-renowned bands from across the globe in one vibrant festival. Camping options are available for tents, RVs, and the like for a genuine taste of the bluegrass community.”
5) Kingfield Pops Festival
Credit: Kingfield Pops Festival
When: June 24, 2024
Where: Kingsfield, Maine
https://www.facebook.com/KingfieldPOPS/
By far one of the most popular summer music festivals in Maine, the Kingfield Pops Festival goes above and beyond as a celebratory event! The annual event has done wonders in supporting the local arts community and support of musical education in youth. The Kingfield Pops Festival showcases talented young performers, regional artists, and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra to represent the local community’s commitment to education, expertise, and encouragement. All of this occurs outdoors at the foot of Mount Abram at Kennedy Farm for a wondrous experience intertwining the beauty of nature and music.
6) All Roads Music Festival
When: May 17-18, 2024
Where: Belfast, Maine
https://allroadsmusicfest.org/
https://www.facebook.com/AllRoadsMusicFest/
A two-day event, the All Roads Music Festival is a come-together celebration of indie music at its most unique! The city of Belfast is known for its prominent support of local talent and art. The All Roads Music Festival is an opportunity for a celebration of up-and-coming new artists. The festival welcomes a range of music genres, including indie folk, pop, rock, bluegrass, and so on, to broaden its reach of support of indie artists. At the All Roads Music Festival, attendees can listen to more than forty artists in one invigorating open-armed festival experience.
7) Trails End Festival
When: September 13-15, 2024
Where: Millinocket, Maine
https://trailsendfestival.org/
https://facebook.com/trailsendfestival/events/
“The Trails End Festival in Millinocket, Maine, offers three days of free live concerts! The annual Trails End Festival celebrates many boisterous and beautiful things: the Katahdin region, the end of the Appalachian Trail, music, celebration, and the outdoor recreation community. These merge with skillful performances of musical mastery and entertainment paired with thrilling activities, exceptional food, and loads of fun for a world-class festival celebration. From locals to tourists, this festival lures them all to a one-of-a-kind event. Yard sales, a parade, musical performances, and BBQs – you name it, you can find it at the Trails End Festival!”
8) Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival
Credit: Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival
When: August 29 – September 2, 2024 (Labor Day weekend)
Where: Brunswick, Maine
https://www.thomaspointbeachbluegrass.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thomaspointbeachbluegrass/
Established in 1979, the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival was initially dedicated to bringing traditional bluegrass music to the area of coastal Maine. Now, it has become one of the most popular music festivals in the area. On the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival stage, internationally renowned acts perform along with new talent showcasing their skills. The father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe, played at the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival for four different years the festival was hosted. The festival is reputed for being well-managed and very family-friendly, welcoming all to get a taste of the addictive quality of bluegrass music in Brunswick, Maine.
9) Sweet Chariot Music Festival
Image: Maine Magazine
When: August, 2024
Where: Swan’s Island, Maine
https://sweetchariotmusicfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sweetchariotmusicfestival/
Hosted in August in Swans Island, Maine, the Sweet Chariot Music Festival focuses on ensemble, instrumental, and vocal musical arts and theater. Original compositions are a common feature at the Sweet Chariot Music Festival, where artists share their musical talents. Musicians travel from all over the world to join the Sweet Chariot Music Festival. A highlight of this festival is the traditional folk singing of sea shanties. The special event occurs at the festival where sea shanties resonate from the sailboats that wander across the Burnt Coat Harbor. It makes for a magical experience, though the entire Sweet Chariot Music Festival is one of the most unique musical festivals in Maine!
10) Ossipee Valley Music Festival
Credit: Ossipee Valley Music Festival Maine
When: July, 2024
Where: Hiram, Maine
https://www.facebook.com/OssipeeValleyMusicFestival/
Set on four stages, the Ossipee Valley Music Festival is overflowing with entertainment and fun along the Ossipee River. The Ossipee Valley Music Festival welcomes all to unpack and unwind in the beauty of Hiram, Maine, surrounded by the rejuvenating resonance of music. From barn dances to yoga and camping to craft beer, this festival has it!
11) Guster’s On The Ocean Fest
When: August, 2024
Where: Portland, Maine
https://www.ontheoceanfest.com
“Guster brings a host of talent to this 3-day extravaganza, kicking things off with a prom-themed bash at State Theatre! Then the party moves to Thompson’s Point Saturday and Sunday, with an eclectic lineup of folksy-rock feel-good summertime bands. On top of music right on the waterfront, food trucks and events for all ages are also available to round out the 3-day adventure.”
![Guster's On The Ocean Weekend 2022 [Recap]](https://www.jonesaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fb3JfXkFNsr8%2F0.jpg)
12) ARME Boot Camp
When: August, 2024
Where: Searsmont, Maine
“A.R.M.E. Boot Camp is a two-day outdoor music festival happening this weekend at Threshers Brewing Co. in Searsmont, which is about a 90-minute drive from Portland.”
https://www.facebook.com/ARMEGROUP/
13) Fam Fest
When: June 7-9, 2024
Where: Harmony, Maine
https://bassfaceproductions.com/fam-fest
“This electronic music festival in Harmony is a 3-day showcase of over 30 talented DJs and producers from all over the U.S., many hailing from New England and playing a wide variety of bass-centric music. The event is headlined by Lab Group, and features local vendors selling crafts and food.”
14) Paris Hill Music Festival
When: August, 2024
Where: Paris Hill, Maine
https://parishillmusicfestival.com
“Located in the historic and scenic Paris Hill, Maine, we produce a weekend of music for our community.”
Am I missing any amazing music festivals in Maine?
This New England gem is often overlooked for music festivals, but it’s got an awesome live music scene and more festivals are popping up around the state! So if you know of any particular music or any fun festivals in Maine missing from this list – please do reach out and let me know!
Looking for more music festivals in the USA?
My blog is filled with articles and festival guides just like this! Be sure to save and read some of my favorites below so you can keep the party going all year long!
- Chicago Music Festivals
- Music Festivals in ARIZONA
- Music Festivals in FLORIDA
- Music Festivals in New York
- Music Festivals in Colorado
- Boston Music Festivals
- California Music Festivals
- San Diego Music Festivals
- Music Festivals in Texas
- Music Festivals in OREGON
- Music Festivals in LAS VEGAS
- Music Festivals in MICHIGAN
- Music Festivals in UTAH
Thanks for reading about the best Maine music festivals! Share this article with your festival crew!
