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When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Maine has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Maine celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.

For a complete list - go the the Official Maine Tourism site -

Lobster - When the words “Maine” and “food” happen to come up in the same sentence, the first thing most people think of is lobster. After all, nearly 90 percent of the lobster that eventually ends up on our nation’s dinner plates is trapped in Maine, and lobster pounds in Maine are as easily found at the shellfish itself. There may be nothing more satisfying than cracking into a freshly steamed lobster pulled from Maine’s waters earlier that day. But Maine’s lobster culture does not stop there. Ride aboard a lobster boat as the captain pulls traps on one of the many tours offered along the coast and learn more about Maine’s iconic crustacean. In addition to telling the story of our beloved lobster there are several other options when it comes to eating Maine-style. Homegrown produce and fresh seafood are staples on many menus throughout the state. Classic, all-American diners, where home cooking and plates piled high please hearty appetites are found in many Maine cities and towns. In addition, Maine has many award-winning chefs preparing gourmet meals in world-class restaurants, charming mountain inns and even rustic sporting camps throughout the state.

Maine 2014 Top Annual Events

When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Maine has  something for everyone. From honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Maine celebrations have authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.

January:

Mushers Bowl Winter Carnival

Snow-dog racing competitors from throughout the northeastern U.S. and parts of Canada take part in this annual event. Dog sled rides, snowshoe hikes, community dance, ice fishing contest, wagon rides and a baked bean supper. Location: Bridgton. http://www.mainelakesmushersbowl.com/

Rangeley Snowmobile SNODEO

One of the largest annual gatherings of snowmobilers in western Maine. More than 150 miles of well-groomed trails to explore. Location: Rangeley. www.rangeleymaine.com

February:

February Is For Lovers

A month-long celebration of romance and indulgence in two enchanting seaside villages. Wine and chocolate tastings, gallery receptions and couples packages at B&Bs and inns. Location: Kennebunk area. http://visitkennebunkport.com/

Bethel WinterFest

Spectacular ice and snow sculptures will be built under a 140 ft. long refrigerated tent on the Bethel Common. Other winter events will be held throughout the region as well. Location: Bethel. www.bethelmaine.com

U.S. National Toboggan Championships

Two-, three-, and four-person teams from across the U.S. compete for the title of fastest sled on New England's only traditional iced toboggan run at Camden Snow Bowl. Outrageous costumes are encouraged and add to the fun. Location: Camden. www.camdensnowbowl.com

March:

Maine Jewish Film Festival

During this 9-day program, approximately 20 films from around the world are shown to enrich, educate and entertain a diverse community about the Jewish experience. Location: Various locations in Portland. www.mjff.org  

Maine Maple Sunday

Always on the fourth Sunday in March, you can travel across the state to open houses at maple sugaring operations to see how sap is turned into sweet syrup, candies and butter. Location: State-wide. www.getrealmaine.com

April:

Patriots’ Day Weekend Celebration

Patriots’ Day under the tents on the beach in Ogunquit. Bazaar, art and craft show, restaurant tastings, entertainment and casino night. Location: Ogunquit. www.ogunquit.org

Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race

Canoeists and kayakers set off from the village of Kenduskeag and battle high-water rapids on a 16.5-mile trip to downtown Bangor. The largest paddling event in New England can be as fun to watch as it is to compete in. Location: Kenduskeag and Bangor. www.bangormaine.gov

Fisherman’s Festival

Watch head-to-head lobster trap hauling, a cod fish relay, and the state's first lobster crate racing of the year. Also, an old-fashioned fish fry, the Miss Shrimp Princess Pageant, and public meals. Location: Boothbay Harbor. www.boothbayharbor.com

May:

Downeast Spring Birding Festival

Join us in the Cobscook Bay area of Downeast Maine for a special birding experience during spring migration and the breeding season. There will be a wealth of opportunities to see many bird species in their special habitats. Location: Cobscook Bay area. www.downeastbirdfest.org

Moose Mainea Each spring the Moosehead Lake Region hosts a month long celebration of the area's favorite resident - THE MOOSE! The events take place during the time of the year when moose are most visible. Location: Greenville. http://www.mooseheadlake.org

June:

Old Port Festival

A parade featuring Portland’s own Shoestring Theater Puppet Company, music, entertainment, cuisine from around the world, and children’s activities. Location: Old Port District, Portland. www.portlandmaine.com

MidsommarFest

America's longest-running traditional Midsommar celebration has kubb lawn bowling, hair wreath making, a fishing derby, tours of historic homes and museums, traditional Swedish meals and music, and dancing around a maypole decorated with local flowers. Location: New Sweden. http://www.maineswedishcolony.info/midsom/index.html

Maine Whoopie Pie Festival

Maine's State Treat is celebrated with whoopie pie samples from bakers around the state, a baking contest with judging for Most Unique and Best Traditional pies, live music, a 3K Earn Your Whoopie Pie run/walk, and a whoopie pie eating contest. Location: Dover-Foxcroft http://mainewhoopiepiefestival.com/

July:

Moxie Festival

Moxie is Maine's official soft drink, and the oldest continuously produced carbonated beverage in America. The festival has live music, a 5K road race, canoe race, parade, food vendors, fireworks, carnival games and the Moxie Chug N Challenge. Location: Lisbon Falls. www.moxiefestival.com

Maine International Film Festival

Maine's premiere annual film festival features nearly 100 selections and 50 filmmakers from more than a dozen countries. Daily showings, panel discussions and informal Q&A sessions with directors and actors. Location: Waterville. www.miff.org

Maine Potato Blossom Festival

This famous event includes mashed potato wrestling, potato picking contest, Culture Day, pageants, industry dinner, parade, live music, craft fair, fireworks, and much more. Location: Fort Fairfield. http://www.potatoblossom.org

August:

Maine Lobster Festival

Along with tons of Maine lobsters, this world famous New England summer event features maritime displays and demonstrations, Maine arts and crafts, harbor cruises, contests, lots of wonderful entertainment, a parade, and more. Location: Harbor Park, Rockland. www.mainelobsterfestival.com

Great Falls Balloon Festival

One of the largest hot air balloon festivals in New England with activities for all ages and fireworks on Friday evening. Pilots make splash and dash touchdowns on the Androscoggin River where many people view riverside launches from a canoe or kayak. Location: Lewiston and Auburn. www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org

American Folk Festival

Experience the American Folk Festival with traditional performers from across the country who will continue to celebrate the richness and variety of American culture in this free, 3-day, multi-stage event. Location: Bangor Riverfront Parks. www.americanfolkfestival.com

September:

Maine Salmon Festival in Eastport

A seaside festival celebrating the Atlantic salmon industry on the Maine coast. Music, two-day arts and craft show, great salmon dinners. Location: Downtown Eastport. Contact: www.eastport.net

Common Ground Country Fair

Come and join in the celebration of rural, sustainable living. Sample organic foods featuring Maine grown ingredients. The fair truly offers something for everyone, including a dynamic children’s area. Location: Crosby Brook Rd, Unity (MOFGA). www.mofga.org

October:

Annual Fryeburg Fair

A beautiful setting in prime foliage time, Maine’s largest fair includes livestock, an exhibition hall, farm museum, craft demonstrations, harness racing and nightly entertainment. Location: Fryeburg. www.fryeburgfair.com

Harvest Fest

Annual HarvestFest in York Village and York Beach features live bands, an ox roast, bean hole beans and crafters from all over the country. www.yorkme.org

Harvest on the Harbor

This three-day event features seminars, tastings, and exquisite dinners crafted by renowned chefs from Maine and afar. Learn from food experts. Sip fine wines, beer and spirits. Enjoy an authentic culinary experience during one of the most beautiful seasons in Maine. Location: Portland. www.harvestontheharbor.com

November:

Rockland Festival of Lights Celebration

Santa arrives by Coast Guard boat, visit historic inns holiday open houses, Parade of Lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, children’s activities, Santa’s Workshop, extended shopping hours and more. www.TheRealMaine.com

Lighting of the Nubble

Free cookies and hot chocolate, live music, Santa Claus, a lighted underwater tree raised by scuba divers, and the countdown to the turning on of the Christmas lights on the Cape Neddick Lighthouse for the holiday season. www.yorkmaine.org

December:

Christmas Prelude

The celebration so festive that a beer was named in its honor. Seven days of shopping specials, gallery receptions, tree lightings, arts and crafts shows, public breakfasts and suppers, concerts, caroling and walking tours. Location: Kennebunkport, Kennebunk and Cape Porpoise. www.christmasprelude.com

Christmas by the Sea

A weekend celebration of the holiday season with shopping, musical entertainment, community tree-lighting ceremony, horse drawn wagon rides, Holiday House Tour of private residences and inns, and Santa arriving by lobster boat. Location: Camden. www.visitcamden.com

Freeport’s Annual Sparkle Weekend

Main Street Magic Parade of Lights, carolers, Talking Christmas Tree, Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, and much more. www.freeportusa.com/sparkleweekend

Phyzgig

Top variety entertainers from across the country put on vaudeville, burlesque and phyzkidz shows with live musical accompaniment. The largest vaudeville festival on the east coast attracts jugglers, mimes, magicians, aerial artists, sketch comedians and character storytellers. Location: Portland http://www.acorn-productions.org/pages/Phyzgig2011.html