Featured July Events:

Little Hunters Beach by American artist and environmentalist,
Clyde Butcher. See his work at the College of the Atlantic,
Bar Harbor, from July 6-31.

July 6, 2008: Bar Harbor
Clyde Butcher: America the Beautiful Gallery Opening and Lecture
In cooperation with the College of the Atlantic, the Friends of Acadia presents a special exhibition featuring large-scale black and white contact prints by American artist and environmentalist, Clyde Butcher. In the tradition of Ansel Adams, Butcher has said about his own work, "I want to show people that there is a unity between all undisturbed natural places, whether the peak of a renowned mountain range, or a stream-bed in an urban watershed. My hope is to educate and inspire ... to let people know our land is a special place, and the way we take care of it determines the future qualify of life for our society." Lecture with the artist in the Gates Center followed by a book signing. Exhibit runs through July 31. 7:00 pm in the Ethel H. Blum Gallery, 105 Eden St., North Entrance. Tickets: call for more information. 207-288-5015; www.coa.edu

Compass Project Boat Building Festival

July 13 - 15, 2008: Portland
5th Annual Boat Building Festival
In this popular annual fundraiser, presented by The Compass Project, families, friends and co-workers experience hands-on boat building with the help of professional boatbuilders. Over two-and-a-half days, 20 teams of five people each build a 12-foot Bevins Skiff. Registration fees cover all tools, materials and professional instruction. After an exciting launch at East End Beach, teams return home with their very own skiff. Monument Square.
www.compassproject.org

A naval ship arrives to celebrate July 4th in Eastport.

July 1 - 4, 2008: Eastport
Eastport's 4th of July and Old Home Week
Home to the largest 4th of July festival in the state of Maine, Eastport invites you to celebrate the beauty of this land in this historic port city on the Atlantic Ocean. Four days full of celebration and revelery, music, parades, food, crafts, and contests, plus fireworks display over the bay. 207-853-2930; www.eastport4th.com

July 2 - 27, 2008: Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor Music Festival
The festival, in its 47th year, is one of New England's most popular, presenting recitals, a string orchestra, opera, tea, pops, jazz, and a free outdoor concert by this country's top young artists. Included in the festival is the Annual Acadia National Park Outdoor Concert.
207-288-5744; www.barharbormusicfestival.org

July 2 - August 28, 2008: Rockport and Rockland
Bay Chamber Concerts' Summer Music Festival
Bay Chamber Concerts has been presenting the finest classical, jazz and world music performances in the beautiful backdrop of Midcoast Maine for more than 45 years. The year-long season includes a Summer Music Festival every July-August, and the Performing Arts Series from September-June. The organization is committed to providing educational activities to children and adults. Venues include the Rockport Opera House, the recently renovated 350-seat Strand Theatre in Rockland (where a Wednesday night summer series and selected winter events are offered), the 500-seat Camden Opera House, and the 800-seat Strom Auditorium in Rockport.
207-236-2823; www.baychamberconcerts.org

July 3 - 6, 2008: Bath
Bath Heritage Days
Bath's 37th annual maritime heritage festival in Liberty Park features three days of entertainment, attractions, and special events including road races, one of Maine's longest parades, a carnival, arts and crafts show, music in the waterfront park, a strawberry shortcake festival, triathlon, antique car show, and fireworks. Maine's largest free, open-air concert weekend with over 20 bands. Free admission.
207442-7291; www.visitbath.com/heritagedays/index.html

July 5, 2008: Portland
Radiance Arts and Culture Fest
Held at Lincoln Park, this gathering is a community supported celebration of summer, independence and sustainability through an urban, yet, green lifestyle. Free music provided by live bands and DJs plus creative goods, art, apparel and great local food and beverages. Auction, and raffle to benefit Arts and Rec Park in Portland. For info phone (207) 233-0742.
evolve2advance.com/ate

July 5, 2008: Bar Harbor
Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market
This annual festival and market invites you to celebrate the Wabanaki Indians as they display and sell baskets, carvings, beadwork, dolls and other hand-made items with native music, dance, drumming, storytelling, food and craft demonstrations, as well as a silent auction. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the College of the Atlantic Campus, 105 Eden Street (Route 3). Free and open to the public. For further info phone (207) 288-3519.
www.coa.edu

July 5 - 6, 2008: Owls Head
'50s, '60s and '70s Cars and Antique Aeroplane Show
Relive the days of fuzzy dice and big fins at the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s fabulous annual show. See the Golden Age of autos, enjoy a classic car rally, engine room demos, Model T rides, children's activities and more. Also, marvel at one of America's finest flying museums in action. Owners of autos from the industry’s most stylish decades are invited to exhibit their vehicles on Runway 17, the museum’s family-friendly outdoor exhibit area. Exhibitors admitted free. Phone (207) 594-4418 for more details. 9:30 am. www.ohtm.org/50s60s.html

Little Hunters Beach by American artist and environmentalist,
Clyde Butcher. See his work at the College of the Atlantic,
Bar Harbor, from July 6-31.

July 6, 2008: Bar Harbor
Clyde Butcher: America the Beautiful Gallery Opening and Lecture
In cooperation with the College of the Atlantic, the Friends of Acadia presents a special exhibition featuring large scale black and white contact prints by American artist and environmentalist, Clyde Butcher. In the tradition of Ansel Adams, Butcher has said about his own work, "I want to show people that there is a unity between all undisturbed natural places, whether the peak of a renowned mountain range, or a stream-bed in an urban watershed. My hope is to educate and inspire ... to let people know our land is a special place, and the way we take care of it determines the future qualify of life for our society." Lecture with the artist in the Gates Center followed by a book signing. Exhibit runs through July 31. 7:00 pm in the Ethel H. Blum Gallery, 105 Eden St., North Entrance. Tickets: call for more information. 207-288-5015; www.coa.edu

July 6, 2008: Rockland
"Between the Tides" at Strand Theatre
This is a 12-part series of documentary short films by Emmy award-winning director D’Arcy Marsh, highlighting unique slices of life in Midcoast Maine. The first five films in the series will premiere on Sunday, July 6 at the Strand, running continuously during the theatre’s three-year anniversary celebration and open house. The films will then be shown every Sunday at 5:30 pm before the theatre’s regular film screenings throughout July and August. The "Between the Tides" screenings are free and open to the public.
www.rocklandstrand.com

July 11 - 13, 2008: Lisbon Falls
25th Annual Moxie Festival
Moxie is the oldest carbonated beverage continuously on the market, and it was invented in Union, Maine, in 1876. The Moxie Festival celebrates this beloved drink with a firemen's carnival and fireworks Friday night, followed by the largest parade in the state on Saturday. There will also be plenty of Moxie products and memorabilia, games, a car show, and a Moxie recipe contest.
207 353-5354; www.moxiefestival.com

July 11 - 20, 2008: Waterville
Maine International Film Festival
The Maine International Film Festival features nearly 100 films, representing the best of American independent and international cinema. Also in the spotlight, some of Maine and New England's most exciting and innovative filmmakers. In addition, MIFF's Fireflies Program offers children's films from around the world as well as workshops and related arts events for children and teens. Venues are Waterville Opera House and Railroad Square Cinema. This year, MIFF will present the 2008 Mid-Life Achievement Award to one of independent cinema's finest actors and directors, John Turturro. Turturro is a Golden Globe Nominee, an Emmy Winner and a Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award Winner and has appeared in over 60 movies.
207-861-8138; www.miff.org

July 12, 2008: Portland
Portland Peace Festival
The 2nd Annual Portland Peace Festival features music, vendors, food and fun on the East End Promenade in Portland with the mission to unite the people of Portland and beyond in a day of peace-filled events. Striving to provide a family-friendly, non-political event that encourages people to engage in peaceful activities throughout the day, including surpassing the Festival's own record of the largest human peace sign, recetly submitted to the Guiness Book of World Records.
www.portlandpeacefestival.com

July 12 - 13, 2008: Rockland
North Atlantic Blues Festival
The North Atlantic Blues Festival is set in Harbor Park, overlooking Rockland Harbor. A prestigious event with famed performers from throughout the U.S. and abroad. Saturday night in downtown Rockland offers a Blues "Club Crawl" with more than 15 clubs featuring Blues bands. Rain or shine. Tickets can be ordered online.
207-596-6055; www.northatlanticbluesfestival.com

July 13 - 15, 2008: Portland
5th Annual Boat Building Festival
In this popular annual fundraiser, presented by The Compass Project, families, friends and co-workers experience hands-on boat building with the help of professional boatbuilders. Over two-and-a-half days, 20 teams of five people each build a 12-foot Bevins Skiff. Registration fees cover all tools, materials and professional instruction. After an exciting launch at East End Beach, teams return home with their very own skiff. Monument Square.
www.compassproject.org

Juy 18 - 20, 2008: Belfast
Maine Celtic Celebration
The Maine Celtic Celebration is committed to renewing the rich Celtic history, culture, and hospitality found along the coast of Maine. Planned events will take place along the waterfront in scenic Belfast and in various other places around the town and general area. Live Celtic music, storytelling and dance, sporting events with Highland Games, a rugby scrum, gold tournament, and a 5k road race, contests such as a "Celtic Iron Chef," Men in Kilts," "Cheese Roll," and a kilted run and row. Also find children's activities, events of interest to seniors, history, arts, and literary experiences, a parade, and Piping in the Park.
www.mainecelticcelebration.com

July 18 - 20, 2008: Southwest Harbor
Quietside Flamingo Festival
Every year on the weekend after the 4th of July, Southwest Harbor holds this fun-filled family festival that truly has something for everyone. Events include a kids carnival, craft fair and of course the grand Flamingo Parade on Saturday morning that must be seen to be believed. The weekend ends with the infamous Polo & Yacht Club cocktail party at the Causeway Club Barn. It is important to note that attendees need not play polo or own a yacht, just festive attire and a desire for some fun. See calendar listings for times and locations at: www.harborhousemdi.org/events.php or phone the Harbor House Community Center at (207) 244-3713.

July 18 - 20, 2008: Northeast Harbor
Morris Boat Show
Morris Yachts will host the fourth annual Morris Boat Show at their service yard in Northeast Harbor. Open to the public for three days, dozens of Morris Yachts will be on the docks and in the sheds. It is truly a unique opportunity to board the largest variety of Morris Yachts.
207-244-5509; www.morrisyachts.com

July 18 - 20, 2008: Yarmouth
Yarmouth Clam Festival
The 43rd Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival includes a parade, free performances, juried craft show, an art show, sports contests, a carnival and a variety of free family-oriented activities. As always, clams are the featured menu item in the locally run food court. Proceeds benefit local Yarmouth non-profits.
207-846-3984; www.clamfestival.com

July 19 - 20, 2008: Camden
Summer Harbor Arts Juried Arts & Crafts Show
A fine art and fine handcraft exhibition featuring the work of over 100 artists from Maine and beyond. Shop now for the holidays. The white tents stretching throughout Harbor Park and set against the backdrop of scenic Camden Harbor are truly a sight to see.
www.camdenme.org

July 19, 2008: Westbrook
Presumpscot River Watershed Coalition River Fest
Celebrate the Presumpscot River at the PWRC River Fest on the banks of the river at Main Street and Riverbank Park for live music, food, speakers, guided walks, childrens' activities, educational booths, and an opportunity to launch boats. Also learn about what is going on in the surrounding area to promote the recovery and long-term health of the Presumpscot River and its tributaries in a family-oriented way. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more info phone Margaret Chabot at (207) 822-6331.
www.presumpscotcoalition.org

July 20, 2008: Stonington
Fishermen's Day
The Fishermen's Day celebration has become a popular event with a wide variety of activities for the whole family on and around the Stonington Fish Pier. These range from Coast Guard demonstrations to Wacky Rowboat Races to a very spirited Codfish Relay Race.
207-348-6980; www.deerisle.com/calendarofevents.html

July 22 - August 19, 2008: Northeast Harbor
45th Annual Mount Desert Festival of Chamber Music
The Mount Desert Festival of Chamber Music presents chamber music at its best in an intimate setting. Much of the aura, both informal and serious, is due to the ambiance of the Neighborhood House, whose fine acoustics and old world charm add much to the intimacy of communication upon which chamber music thrives. Tuesday evenings at 8:15 pm, Neighborhood House on Main Street. For info phone (207) 276-3988.
www.mtdesertfestival.org

July 23 - 28, 2008: Damariscotta
Wabanaki Days
Wabanaki Days aims to honor the Native presence in the Pemaquid and Damariscotta region and to emphasize the peaceful, family-centered and ancestor-honoring traits of these earliest stewards of the land. By offering authentic educational and participatory events, the organizers of Wabanaki Days hope to instill an understanding and appreciation for Maine's First People. The public is invited to walk in their footsteps and join in the celebration of their ancient land with demonstrations of Native crafts, field trips to ancient sites, and storytelling and concerts by performers of Native descent. Friday evening Castlebay will present their historic drama," The Grand Design," which chronicles the true story of a group of Scots-Irish coming to the new world in 1741 and their encounters with Native people. Throughout the celebration, restaurants will feature traditional Native dishes and local shops will have special sales and displays.
207-563-8340; www.wabanakidays.org

July 25, 2008: Boothbay Harbor
Portland Symphony Orchestra Summer Serenade Concert & Picnic at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The Orchestra, with Matthew Fritz conducting, will perform on the Great Lawn at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens on Friday, July 25. Relax and enjoy magnificent music, including Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” amid spectacular surroundings. A deluxe picnic supper is available (extra charge) and will make your evening complete. 6:00 pm. Order tickets online or call the garden office at (207) 633-4333.
www.mainegardens.org

July 25 - August 3, 2008: York
York Days and Lighting of the Nubble
Centered at Short Sands Beach, York Days features local concerts, tournaments, sandcastle building and fairs. Christmas in July and the annual Lighting of the Nubble is on York Beach on July 27. Fireworks on Sunday, August 3. Phone (207) 363-1040 for details.

July 26, 2008: Portland
Festival of Nations
The Annual Greater Portland Festival of Nations at Deering Oaks Park is a day of food, music, dance and other performing arts, representing cultural traditions and exotic cuisines from across America and the world. Two stages of non-stop music and dance performances with an audience of about 15,000, and ethic food from around the world. This event showcases Maine's ethnic diversity, perpetuates traditions, encourages ethnic understanding, and promotes unity.
207-761-9464; www.wini.us/festival.htm

July 26 - 27, 2008: Grand Lake Stream
Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival
Set in one of the most spectacular and pristine wilderness areas of New England, the small Washington County village of Grand Lake Stream will again come alive for this unique gathering of talented folk artists, craftsmen, canoe and boatbuilders, quilters and musicians. Over the years, this event has established its reputation as one of the premier gatherings in New England. The festival was selected by the Governors Conference on Tourism Award as the recipient of the 2006 Excellence in Tourism Award in the category of Attractions. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily. Admission is $5.00 for one day or $8.00 for both. All displays and activities are under large tents, so a rainy day isn’t a problem. For more information contact the Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival Committee at (207) 796-8199. www.glsfaf.org

July 26 - 27, 2008: Blue Hill
WERU Full Circle Summer Fair
Come celebrate community radio with 20-year-old WERU-FM at its biggest party and fundraising event of the year. Featuring hundreds of vendors including artists, crafters, dozens of music performances, a wide variety of foods, and non-profit exhibitors. Enjoy the fun and support community radio. Blue Hill Fairgrounds. 207-469-6600; fair.weru.org

July 26 - 27, 2008: Wells
Native American PowWow
5th Annual Native American PowWow at Harbor Park featuring drumming, dancing, crafts, jewelry demonstrations, story telling, food and more. 9:00 am. 603-528-3005; www.wellschamber.org

July 26 - 27, 2008: Milbridge
Renaissance Faire
This two-day Renaissance Faire is to complement Milbridge Days 2008, whose theme is "Medieval Times." Held in back of Milbridge Elementary School, Autumn Tree Productions will put on five great acts three times per day, including Armored Combat, Sheriff Bracken, Pretentious Wenches, and more. Lots of activities, food and fun! 207-483-9770; www.milbridgedays.com

July 26 - 27, 2008: Marblehead, MA to Castine, ME
Marblehead to Castine Race
The Castine Yacht Club (CYC) and Eastern Yacht Club (EYC), with the assistance of Sparkman & Stephens and Doyle Sails, are sponsoring the 2008 Marblehead to Castine Race, designed to bring Classic and Spirit of Tradition yachts down east for a week of camraderie and great sailing on Penobscot Bay. Saturday, July 26 will kick-off the festivities with a reception and cook-out at 6:00 pm at Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead. The race begins at 10:35 a.m. the following morning. The 145 nm course will run east to Monhegan Island and then north into East Penobscot Bay to Castine. Go to www.castineyachtclub.org to register and for more information on other events during Marblehead Race Week visit: www.easternyc.org.

July 28 - August 10, 2008: Winter Harbor
Schoodic Arts Festival
The Annual Schoodic Arts Festival is a two week celebration of arts and culture, including 65 workshops, 26 evening performances, free brown bag lunchtime performances, an art show, a silent auction, and much, much more. Most events occur at Hammond Hall.
207-963-2569; schoodicarts.org/festival.html

July 28, 2008: Belfast
National Boat Building Challenge
Teams of two build real boats in record time, then row them to win. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors and demonstrations. The competition is open to all: housing contractors, plumbing inspectors, paper-pushers, professional wooden boat builders, and general lay-abouts welcome.
www.nationalboatbuilding.com or www.belfastmaine.org

July 30 - August 3, 2008: Rockland
Maine Lobster Festival
Held in Harbor Park, the world-famous "original lobster festival" is now in its 61st consecutive year. Enjoy steamed Maine lobsters served along with pageantry, waterfront activities, maritime displays and demonstrations, Maine arts and crafts, visits to Navy and Coast Guard ships, harbor cruises, contests, lots of wonderful entertainment, a giant parade, international lobster crate race, children's activities and much more.
207-596-0376; www.mainelobsterfestival.com