MAINE

Acadia's birding community invites you and your family to celebrate the ecological wonders of the birds of the Gulf of Maine at the Acadia Birding Festival. Explore Mount Desert Island and its birds through numerous events and venues. Greet our warblers on early morning birding walks, visit with puffins and pelagic birds at sea, and observe Peregrine Falcons at an active breeding site in Acadia National Park. Our combination of lectures, walks, and adventures will connect you to Downeast Maine’s many bird species, diverse habitats and local birding experts. Information and schedule of events: http://acadiabirdingfestival.com/

Maine's Cobscook Bay Area is one of the important bird areas in the United States. The variety of habitats are home to many bird species. They include Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Shackford Head and Quoddy Head State Parks, and other wildlife areas. See two dozen warblers in their breeding plumage, boreal species, and Atlantic Puffins up close and (almost) touchable. Participants find over 150 different birds each year. Hikes, boat trips, presentations for advanced, intermediate, and beginning birders. General registration fee covers most events; some events are extra charge. Registration information is on the festival website. Information: www.downeastbirdfest.org

The Chamber Music Festival is a ten-week series of public concerts presented by a world-renowned faculty and guest artists Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m. in the historic Franz Kneisel Concert Hall. See website for full schedule. Information: www.kneisel.org

Week-long festival including the Kiwanis Karnival, street dance, Egglympics, music, basketball tournament, window painting, marketplace, Kiddie Parade, The Big Parade, display tents, artist displays, quiche/Cheesecake/pie contest and more. Daily events lead up to the parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. Community activities are free. Kiwanis Karnival ticket fees and fee at the gate of Manson Park.

The Maine International Film Festival offers nearly 100 films, representing the best of American independent and international cinema. MIFF also spotlights some of Maine and New England's most exciting and innovative filmmakers. Audiences also have opportunities to meet and talk with some of the people behind the movies - directors, producers, writers, musicians. Information and schedules: www.miff.org.

Gardiner, Augusta, Winthrop and surrounding communities come together during the Whatever Family Festival with many exciting events including Johnson Hall Waterfront Talent Show, Gardiner Rotary Fireworks, Hallowell Kayak and Canoe rides and Augusta Day in Capitol Park. See website for detailed information and schedule of events at http://www.augustamaine.com/chamber_whatever.asp

The Gorham Founders Festival brings together the best of Gorham, local groups, local artisans, local service clubs, and great food along with our amusement rides. We will have 15-20 performers and entertainers and our Auction on Saturday. The festivities are concluded with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Saturday night. Time: Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. Cost: Free to the public but there is a cost for tickets for the amusement rides. Information: www.gorhamfoundersfestival.com

The festival attracts over 40,000 people to experience some of Portland, Maine's greatest offerings such as retail, restaurants, arts, and entertainment. The festival has something for everyone, including 8 music stages, children's participatory programs and entertainment, a parade, outdoor adventure and more. Location: Old Port on the waterfront. Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: free. Information: 207-772-6828 or visit www.portlandmaine.com/event/old-port-festival/

Five captivating classical performances. The festival runs on select dates. Information and schedule: http://www.pcmf.org/

This festival is one of Maine's summer favorite. It includes a long, hilarious parade; spectacular fireworks; clam shucking contests; a firefighter's muster; road, kayak, and bike races; a pancake breakfast; concerts; and, of course, a delicious array of food. Schedule of events at www.clamfestival.com.

Celebrate the Woopie Pie with samples, races, a pie eating contest, live entertainment, crafts, family activities, and more. Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5, free for kids under 12. Information: mainewhoopiepiefestival.com

Each spring the Moosehead Lake Region hosts a month long celebation honoring the region's favorite resident - the moose! Some of this year's events include the Moose River Canoe Race, Kid's Fun Day, Moosterpiece Craft Fair and Famous Moose Tales. Information: www.mooseheadlake.org

The Mystic Pirates sail into the scenic midcoast towns of Damariscotta and Newcastle. The pirates invade at high noon, complete with a pirate ship laying down a barrage of cannon fire. Pirate activities, beginning at 10 a.m., including games, re-enactments and music, will continue until 4 p.m. Children will be involved in a drama to find the Lost Treasure of the Mystic Pirates. Special pirate-themed menus will be featured at local restaurants during the event and into the evening. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free Information: www.piraterendezvous.com

Enjoy the beauty of fully rigged windjammers sailing into Boothbay Harbor. Four days of family fun, sailboat race, golf tournament, pancake breakfasts, waterfront concerts, art & craft fair, hometown street parade, antique boat parade and fireworks over the harbor. Time: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Admission: Free Information: www.boothbayharbor.com/windjammer-days/

Kennebunkport hosts its annual festival of good food, art, and music, June 5-9. Several dining opportunities will include Art of Dining Dinners, a series of dinner events in private residences. Featured events include cocktail party and an intimate evening at Art of Dining Dinners on June 5; cocktail party and choice art show or Art of Dining Dinners on June 6; Hinckley Reception and Pop the Kennebunks on June 7; Art. Works. reception and dine around the Kennebunks and grand cru dinner and Maine Home+Design Dinner and On the Rocks Dinner on June 8; and galleries at morning walk and grand tasting & Art. Works. and Brews & Tunes and An Evening at Earth on June 9.
Information and schedules: www.kennebunkportfestival.com.

Old Home Days is a two-day town fair celebrating small town life with fireworks, a parade, live music, Alumni Day, food and Historical Society programs. Little Castle Library hosts a book signing of "Feldspar, Families and Feuds." Mine tours are available to Mount Mica on June 3. Climb a rock wall or dare to trapeze. Music performances feature Peter Allen and Hurricane Mountain and Monsta. View the outstanding stained glass in local churches. Information: Send e-mail to imvine@aol.