Kennebunk May Day Festival

The Kennebunk May Day Festival is a family-friendly springtime celebration in downtown Kennebunk, Maine, marking the unofficial start of the coastal Maine summer season. The festival blends a small-town parade, live music, craft fairs, food vendors, and farmers markets — all centered on Kennebunk’s historic Lower Village and Dock Square area.

What to Expect at the Kennebunk May Day Festival

The festival runs across the first weekend of May each year, with the main day featuring a family-oriented parade through downtown Kennebunk, followed by live music performances, a craft fair with regional Maine artisans, food trucks and vendors, and the annual farmers market. Local restaurants and shops typically run weekend specials. The atmosphere is decidedly hometown — May Day is one of the events that draws Kennebunk residents and seasonal visitors alike before the summer crowds arrive.

When and Where

The Kennebunk May Day Festival takes place in early May, with festival activities centered in downtown Kennebunk and Lower Village. Most events are walkable from Kennebunk’s main intersection and the Mousam River area. Parking is available throughout downtown, with overflow parking at nearby municipal lots.

What to Do in Kennebunk Around May Day

May is shoulder season in Kennebunk and surrounding southern Maine towns, which means smaller crowds and more reasonable lodging rates than in summer. Beyond the festival itself, visitors can explore Kennebunkport just across the river, walk the beaches at Goose Rocks or Gooch’s Beach, or take in the early-spring views from Walker’s Point. Many of Kennebunk’s historic inns and B&Bs are already open for the season.

Lodging Near the Festival

Kennebunk and Kennebunkport offer a range of lodging from historic seaside inns to modern hotels and rental cottages. Booking ahead for May Day weekend is recommended — though it’s less competitive than peak summer, popular inns can fill up. See our Kennebunk visitor guide for lodging recommendations and other things to do.

Related

Looking at southern Maine for your spring or summer trip? Compare nearby towns: Kennebunkport vs Ogunquit covers the differences between two of the most popular destinations on this stretch of coast. For broader Maine event planning, see our Maine events calendar.