McGill’s Community Band stands as an unrivaled musical tradition, proudly holding the distinction of being one of the premier and most celebrated large-scale community ensembles in Northern Maine. Drawing talented musicians from all across the state and neighboring Canada, this magnificent cross-border orchestra represents the absolute pinnacle of grassroots cultural expression. The band transforms the local landscape into a vibrant open-air concert hall throughout the summer season, bringing neighbors and travelers together beneath the evening sky. Serving as a definitive cornerstone of the region's warm hospitality, it creates a timeless, multi-generational space where a shared love for live music fosters a deep sense of community unity and international friendship.
What elevates this extraordinary ensemble to the absolute peak of local entertainment is its incredible musical versatility and historic presence. The band takes the stage at the Houlton Amphitheater each Thursday, June through August, at 7 P.M. to deliver a masterfully curated repertoire that spans everything from high-energy pop hits and stirring Sousa marches to sweeping classical masterpieces. Their celebrated weekly concerts have earned the group numerous prestigious community awards and widespread civic recognition. Seamlessly uniting the majestic power of a full-scale concert band with the cozy, welcoming charm of a classic New England summer tradition, McGill’s Community Band delivers the definitive, must-experience cultural escape for music lovers of all ages.
Houlton is the Shiretown of Southern Aroostook and a welcoming gateway to the Maine's Aroostook County for family vacations, road trips, and outdoor adventures. The town sits between two national scenic byways, the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Scenic Byway and the St. John Valley/Fish River National Scenic Byway, and connects directly to US Bike Route 501 and the historic Pine Tree Trail. Visitors will recognize the Boy in the Boot statue, Houlton’s most photographed landmark and a symbol of local pride and tradition. The John A. Millar Civic Center hosts hockey tournaments, community events, and touring entertainment, while the town also keeps its traditions alive with annual Soap Box Derby races and a landscape of farmland, forests, and lakes that defines Southern Aroostook.
Aroostook County hosts a variety of vibrant events throughout the year. From the world-renowned Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race in winter to the lively Northern Maine Fair in summer, there's always something exciting happening. Other highlights include the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, Potato Blossom Festival, and the Scandinavian Houlton Arts and Crafts Fair. These events celebrate the region's culture, heritage, and natural beauty, offering unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Places to go, things to see and what to do—all neatly laid out. Begin your Aroostook adventure with the official travel guide to ensure the only surprises during your trip are the good ones.
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