Kennebunkport hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, which feature Kennebunkport history, tradition and culture.  Locals and visitors alike enjoy the small-town feel of these celebrations. The arts, romance, the winter holidays, Maine industries and local history are some of the attractions of these annual festivities.

REVISIT | December 2011 | Christmas Prelude
For 30 years, Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude has been known as the prominent New England winter festival. When local families, business owners and visitors all gather in Dock Square for the annual tree-lighting, the welcoming feeling of holiday cheer is palpable.  You'll know you're in Kennebunkport when Santa arrives by lobster boat.  From craft fairs to caroling in the Square, holiday concerts to special menus at the local restaurants, there is something for everyone.

The Historic Inns of Kennebunkport host a Holiday Open House Tour, on the second Saturday of Prelude each year.  Experience a little history as you visit these historic homes, many built in the 1800s by sea captains or ship builders.  The halls are decked, the fires are lit and Christmas cookies abound.

REVISIT | June 5-June 9, 2012 | Kennebunkport Fine Living Festival sponsored by Maine Magazine
Ask your Historic Inn about the Special Festival Packages that are available!

The Kennebunkport Fine Living Festival , an early summer fine food, art and wine festival in New England’s quintessential Southern Maine Coast village by the sea, invites you to celebrate the spectacular creativity and hospitality of Kennebunkport and Southern Maine’s artists and art galleries, chefs and fine restaurants, and historic and romantic bed and breakfast inns and hotels.

This event is a collaboration between Kennebunkport inns, galleries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and resorts to add exciting activities to Southern Maine’s summer events calendar. Artists, chefs, innkeepers, gallery owners and musicians share their passions for fine food, fine art, fine wine and fine living. Art shows, cooking demonstrations, live music, inn tours, and food and wine tastings are incorporated into a format in which all types of artists interact, work together, and share their creations with festival guests.

The Maine coast is a perfect place to enjoy the first getaway weekend of your summer vacation. Kennebunkport offers all that families and couples on romantic holidays can desire. Fine restaurants, luxury day spas, and full amenity accommodations will all allow you to spend quality time together in the magnificent surroundings of our harbor village. Once you are here, leave your car, walk to town, peruse the eclectic galleries, enjoy a fireside meal, spend the afternoon at our white sand beaches and of course take advantage of this terrific Festival.

During this week, many of the Inns host a celebrated artist-in-residence and offer special packages that include tickets to exclusive festival events.