Maine's Capital Area

The Greater Gardiner River Festival kicks off of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual summer celebration of our riverfront communities, affectionately known as the “Whatever” Family Festival. The Greater Gardiner River Festival takes place on Saturday, June 23rd. Activities run from 9am until 10pm. Gardiner's annual free, familiy-fun community festival. Highlights include an open-air craft fair on historic Water Street, live music and entertainment all day, active outdoor “field day” events for all ages, talent show, and the Gardiner Federal Credit Union Fireworks!

The Greater Gardiner River Festival which features arts and entertainment, games and giveaways, and local foods galore all taking place at the beautiful Waterfront Park set along scenic Kennebec River. In a day-long celebration on Gardiner’s Historic Water Street and beautiful Waterfront Park, Gardiner Main Street present live music and entertainment on two stages, a craft fair, and activities for all ages on, near, and in the Kennebec River. The event is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area. 

Festival organizers have continued to find ways to celebrate life on the Kennebec River – both from land and from the shore. Most activities are free to the public thanks to the area’s generous sponsors. Again this year, watch Josh Landry create amazing sculptures with his chainsaw, blacksmith demonstrations, and a story walk leading down the path to the fairy village. Historic Water Street in Gardiner will be transformed into a pedestrian mall with artists, crafters, and specialty food vendors exhibiting their products from 10am-4pm. Throughout the day, there will be entertainment and childrens’ activities at Gardiner’s Waterfront Park.