Old Port Festival in early June closes the Old Port to cars across Exchange Street with three live-music stages, food and craft-beer vendors and a long day.
Tip: Free admission. Food and drink purchased at vendor stalls. Best entry point is Exchange Street at Middle.
Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, 75 minutes northeast of Portland, runs Wednesday to Sunday around the first weekend of August (29 July to 2 August 2026).
Tip: 75-minute drive from Portland; the Coastal Trolley provides shuttle service. Single-day admission tickets via the operator site.
Portland Craft Beer Festival at Thompson's Point runs the first weekend of July annually, featuring 60-plus Maine and US craft breweries pouring samples.
Tip: Tickets via the operator site; food trucks at the venue. Sun shelter limited, dress for the day.