Castine Historical Society Summer Exhibit
Castine’s Devoted Women: Social Change and Public Service
The Castine Historical Society’s 2018 Summer Exhibit focuses on Mary W. (Molly) Dewson and Mary G. (Polly) Porter and their 50-year partnership that spanned an era of progressive change. Their causes reverberate in the daily news today. The exhibit explores Molly’s role in 1930’s American politics and looks at other Castine women who devoted their lives to public service, politics, and marriage equality. For more information visit castinehistoricalsociety.org.
Exhibit opens Monday, June 11. Admission is free.
June 11 – Labor Day | Monday – Saturday 10 AM-4 PM | Sundays 1-4 PM
Labor Day – Columbus Day | Friday, Saturday, & Monday 10 AM-4PM | Sunday 1-4PM
Fourth of July Celebration
Family, friends and visitors join in a classic celebration that begins with a parade followed by festivities on the town common (tug-o-war, sack races, pie eating contest). A day full of activities all around town culminates with an evening concert and an amazing fireworks display over the bay!
Make your reservations early and stay in one of our inns, cottages, or homes for rent. The Castine 4th of July Celebration will soon become a family tradition. (Check the town calendar for a schedule of events.)
Bastille Day Celebration – July 14, 2018
Join Castine and our Blue Hill peninsula neighbors for the 4th annual Bastille Day Celebration on Saturday, July 14th. You and your family will learn the art of French Acadian cooking during the noontime chef’s demonstration of cooking ployes with a taste of fresh Maine lobster. For the more adventurous, kayaking and historic walking tours will get you moving or, later in the afternoon, climb the 52 steps to the top of lighthouse and don’t forget your camera! Immerse yourself in our international lecture series on our rich history at Emerson Hall, or head over to Wilson Museum to enjoy hand cranked ice cream and children’s painting with the French Masters, while being serenaded by world-class fiddler Gus LaCasse.
At our signature event, the Picnic en Blanc, 400 white-clad festival goers will be seated at long white tables in front of Town Hall, under the elms, while listening to Franco-American music and watching jugglers and stilt walkers. Order a picnic from MarKel’s or The Manor, or bring your own French cuisine. End your evening with a concert with the Bangor Symphony Brass Quartet on our historic Town Common.
For a schedule of events click here.
This event is hosted by the Town of Castine’s Bastille Day Celebration Committee and sponsored by the many generous sponsors listed below.
Bastille Day Historic Kayak Tours for July 14th
Day Tours: 9am-12pm and 1-4pm
Celebrate Bastille Day from the seat of a kayak! We’ll paddle to multiple French sites, including the first French fort, and experience what it must have felt like to the French arriving in these beautiful waters. Every trip includes instruction geared toward each individual’s skills, for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. All necessary gear provided!
Day Tours: $55 per person
BOOK HERE online or call 207-866-3506
Bastille Day Sunset/Bioluminescent Night Paddle
Night Tour: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Delta Aquarids Meteor Showers!
Experience an unforgettable evening paddle in Castine Harbor under a blanket of stars and in the midst of bioluminescent organisms of the water that swirl and light up with every stroke of your paddle. We’ll explore the constellations of the stars of the night sky immersed in the bioluminescent stars of the water!
Night Tour: $65 per person
BOOK HERE online or call 207-866-3506
Plein Air Festival – July 19-21, 2018
The Castine Arts Association 2018 Plein Air festival will take place over three days, from July 19 to 21. Plan to visit Castine during this exciting opportunity to see artists in action, painting in historic Castine where many famous artists have painted before and purchase a work directly from your favorite artist. Be sure to get your accommodation reservations early as the community will be fully booked during this event!
For more information go to www.castinearts.org.
July 21 | Reception Exhibition and Art Sale | ABS Center, Maine Maritime Academy, Pleasant St. | 4:00 – 6:00 PM | Open to the public
Castine Classic Yacht Race – August 1-2, 2018
Please join us for the 19th annual Castine Classic Yacht Race to Camden on August 1st and 2nd, kicking off three days of spectacular racing on Penobscot Bay.
On August 1st we will honor some of the world-class sailboat builders from our home waters, including Brooklin Boat Yard, Rockport Marine, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, Artisan Boatworks, Gannon and Benjamin, and French & Webb, at an exhibition at the Town Dock and a symposium at Maine Maritime Academy. The symposium will be chaired by Gary Jobson. Race start is on August 2nd at 11:50am.
For more info see website CastineClassic.com or contact David Bicks at (917) 331-5482 or committee@castineclassic.com.
Fort George Fortification – September 8-9, 2018
1779-1783 Fort George – Disputed Territory: Encampment and Events Volunteer reenactors at Castine’s historic Fort George will demonstrate what life was like when British Crown troops protected the American Loyalists.
The weekend will be filled with music, food, history, presentations and entertainment for the whole family. For more information and a schedule of events visit the Friends of Castine Fortification website.
