10 Free Things to Do in Maine This Summer
Summer is such a great time to get out and explore but it can be expensive to live an Instagram worthy life in the sunshine. Luckily for us, Maine has a whole bunch of free activities you can partake in this summer. Make great memories without spending a lot of cash!
Here’s my picks for the top 10 free summer activities in Maine!
Yoga in the Park: Starting July 5th, you can enjoy a free morning yoga session Monday through Friday at 8AM at Discovery Park in Freeport. Bring your own mat, some water, and get your Ohm on. All ages, all abilities. Sponsored by L.L Bean. Need more info? Click here!
Hit the trails: Portland has a huge network of well maintained trails and of course, Maine has some crazy hikes. If you’re looking for a walk around town, check out the Portland Trails network, here! Want to escape the city and head into the woods, check out AllTrails - the app I use to find and plan hikes.
Portland Summer Film Series: Catch a classic film every Sunday at dusk at Congress Square Park starting in June! Check out the full list of offerings here! You’ll find me at screenings of The Goonies and Mary Poppins Returns for sure!
Shakespeare in the Park: Spend an evening with The Bard in Deering Oaks Park. Check out this summers offerings here!
L.L Bean Summer Concert Series: In previous years, I’ve caught Guster and The Head and the Heart. This year? Gavin DeGraw. I’m excited. And it’s totally free! Get to Freeport early to put down your chairs and spend the day exploring the shops. Then head back to spend a night with some of your favorite artists! Click here for a full list of concerts this year!
First Friday Art Walk: Explore the many shops, boutiques, museums, and art shops that Portland has to offer with the First Friday Art Walk. On the first Friday of every month (all year long!), you’ll have the chance to explore many of Portland’s gems for free! Monthly offerings change frequently - free theatre, music, and comedy can be expected. Click here for complete listings!
Spend the day in a Portland Park: There are over 60 public parks in the city of the Portland. Hit one up for kite flying, picnicking, dog walking, sunbathing, or reading. My favorite park? Eastern Promenade and Fort Allen parks! Check out all the parks here!
Take a Float Down the Saco: Sure, you could hire out canoes or kayaks or you could find your own flotation device and hit the waters for free. I’ve done it on an inflatable donut from Target. Spend a day floating down the river with friends or make new friends a long the way. The slow flowing river will bring you on a beautiful journey through Maine’s great out doors! Day drink is not only allowed, but encouraged! Just remember to leave the river cleaner than you found it.
Portland Museum of Art: Admission is free on Fridays from 4-8PM. Take a stroll around their many exhibits before heading down the the Old Port for the evening.
Head to the beach: Not all beaches are created equal. When it comes to Maine beaches, there’s something for every one. If you want to sunbathe and people watch and have access to real bathrooms, there’s a beach for that (think Old Orchard, Kennebunk, and Crescent Beach State Park). Need something more secluded? Check out Long Sands Beach in York. You’ll have to walk and there are no bathrooms but you always won’t find yourself accidentally in the middle of a wet tee shirt concert (I’m looking at you OOB!).
