20 Can't Miss Summer Fairs and Festivals

his summer come north! Experience Maine from above as you float across the vast and beautiful vistas by hot air balloon.

Experience the Top of New England from above as you float across the vast and beautiful vistas by hot air balloon. Not only does Maine's Aroostook County offer some of the most beautiful scenery and nature in the country, but it also offers a host of excellent festivals and fairs! Celebrate the history, quench your thirst for culture, or just get outside and have fun with family and friends, Aroostook County invites you!

‍Here are 20 can't miss summer fairs and festivals in The County that you need to experience!

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*Who made the worlds largest ploye That's right - we did!*

Ploye Festival, June 21 - Fort Kent

The ploye (buckwheat pancake), is a true Acadian icon and the key to this festival. The festival holds the world record for the largest ploye ever made, and includes live entertainment, vendor booths, games for all ages, a dog-a-thon, and ployes!

The summer blossoms are beautifuly on display like our Swedish roots — *The summer blossoms are beautifully on display like our Swedish roots*

‍Midsommar Festival, June 20–22 - New Sweden

Held on the closest weekend to June 21st (summer solstice), the town celebrates Swedish traditions with food, dance, costumes, and decorating the Midsommar pole. Celebrate the 152nd birthday of the Town of New Sweden during the summer solstice. Here Thomas Park will have a weekend's worth of traditional Swedish music, food, costumes, and customs to celebrate the heritage of the Midsommar pole.
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Mapleton Daze, June 23–29 - Mapleton

The entire community comes together to showcase the heart of the town. The week-long event includes a parade, antique auto show, pie sale, baked bean and hot dog fundraiser, artisans, vendors, lawn games, and fireworks!

*Nowhere does the fourth of July better than Houlton, Maine*

‍Fourth of July in Houlton, July 1–5 - Houlton

The biggest Independence Day celebration in Aroostook County! Thousands of visitors flock to Historic Market Square and Monument Park in downtown Houlton each year for a street fair, strawberry shortcake, road races, musical performances, and fireworks over the Gateway Bridge. Midnight madness fireworks are on July 3rd, the grand parade is July 4th and July 5th is the artisan show in monument park!
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Houlton Agricultural Fair, July 11-13 - Houlton

The Houlton Agricultural fair showcases the lifeblood of The County. Enjoy educational demonstrations, live entertainment, exhibit halls, and midway rides.

*Fast cars, bikes, trucks, and motors tear down the historic Loring Airforce Base Runway*

Land Speed Trials LTA, July 16-19 & September 3-6 - Limestone

Everyone is welcome to race at the LTA - 1600hp race cars and 50cc motorcycles alike. Since a lot of fans want to learn how to race, there are some important basics to follow. The event features time trials and competition on the historic runway while vendors, food trucks, and high spirits entertain the whole family.
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Potato Blossom Festival, July 12-20 - Fort Fairfield

The County's premier celebration of summer and the agricultural cornerstone of our heritage. This marks the 77th consecutive year of the festival - and it will be grand! Rolling fields of potato blossoms wrap the town of Fort Fairfield in color while parades, heritage tours, amazing foods, fireworks, antique tractors, and so much more keep the entire family entertained. Have you seen mash potato wrestling? The festival kicks off at Spud Speedway on July 12th for the Katahdin Trust 100 Race and Central Aroostook Chamber's BBQ Cookoff.
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Northern Maine Fair, July 30-August 3 - Presque Isle

This fair is fun for all and features tractor pulls, demolition derby, baby beef auction, 4H displays, crafters, kid’s games, free monster truck rides, Lumberjack Roundup, vendors, and food.
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Island Falls Summer Festival, July 25-August 3 - Island Falls

Enjoy the 153rd birthday celebration for the entire town of Island Falls! Activities include antique tractor pulls, “Aprons on the Line” & Housewares Exhibit, strawberry shortcake sales, duck race, fireworks, and so much more.

*Celebrate the Acadian Culture - there is even a poutine eating contest*

Acadian Festival, August 14-17 - Madawaska

The town shuts down Main Street for a four-day celebration of the St. John Valley Acadian traditions, history, and families. From poutine eating contests and music to artists and photography, the unique Franco-American culture of Maine’s northernmost outpost is on full display
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International Muskie Derby, August 8-10 - Fort Kent

An annual event each year, the International Muskie is Derby is fun for the entire family! Muskie fishing is considered one of the greatest freshwater sports fish challenges in all of North America. The scenic St. John River is prime Muskie fishing and the whole family will look forward to the derby.

Free ATV Weekend, August 15-17 - Maine

During Free ATV weekend a nonresident may operate in Maine on an ATV that is not registered in Maine if the nonresident's ATV has a valid registration from another state or Canadian province.
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Washburn August Festival, August 15-17 - Washburn

Join the town of Washburn as they celebrate the “Good Old Days” and the Washburn High School Alumni with a banquet and festive parade. This is an American hometown summer festival!

Mi'kmaq Nation's Mawiomi of Tribes, August 18-29 - Caribou

Today, Pow-wows or celebrations, are very much a part of the lives of many Native Americans. It is a gathering where dancing, singing, and celebrations takes place. Pow-wows bring the circle of people closer to their family, friends, and Native American culture. The Annual Mawiomi of Tribes is an excellent opportunity for the Mi'kmaq communities to share that culture with the surroundings communities, and to host Native people from other areas.
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Crown of Maine Balloon Festival, August 22 - 24, Presque Isle

We are going BIG - this is the 22nd year of the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival and that means more balloons, more music, and more fun! Each year the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival draws big crowds with a weekend full of family fun events, including hot air balloons, kid's activities, live music, and a massive craft fair.

*Race route takes place on the St. John Valley/Fish River National Scenic Byway*

Tour de la Vallee, August 26 - Fort Kent

Walk, run, or ride the grand tour. This family-friendly event has course options for all skill levels, but is largely a competitive race. The views from the race route are jaw dropping vistas of the St. John River! Proceeds from this race benefit the Edgar J. (Guy) Paradis Cancer Fund.

The County Blue Grass Festival, August 28-31 - Fort Fairfield

New England's friendliest bluegrass festival brings superstars to the fields of Fort Fairfield for a toe tapping good time. Four straight days of they very best names in music - the venue features on site camping, facilities, and stages. Tickets and reservations are sold in advance and at the gate.

Caribou DustBowl, September 25-28 - Caribou

Join us for a weekend packed with excitement, featuring the Fall Fun Zone, the thrilling Burnout Competition by Richardson's Remedies, and The GarthGuy Show: The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute show, brought to you by Machias Savings Bank. Plus, enjoy 20 rides and attractions from Smokey's Greater Shows, a spectacular car show and parade, the adrenaline-pumping Demolition Derby by Mark's Towing, Grass Drags, the Northern Maine Mud Series, and incredible Spirit of Maine Chainsaw Art! And don’t miss the return of car racing under the lights!
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Festive Downtown Concerts