New England Summer Festivals A-Z
An A-Z Guide to 2008 Summer Festivals in New England

The variety of summer festival offerings in New England is mind-boggling, and wherever you wander throughout the region's historic cities and quaint towns, you're sure to uncover unique and wonderful events with themes ranging from eating to dance from classical music to Irish culture. Here's an A to Z guide to New England's festival offerings for the 2008 summer season:

A rts & Ideas Festival - The International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, Connecticut, is a multifaceted celebration of the arts that runs June 14-28 in 2008. This year's 13th annual festival features hundreds of performances; most events are free. New for 2008, two European theater companies will present the American premieres of their productions during the festival.

B lueberry Festival - Did you know that Washington County, Maine, produces 85 percent of the world's blueberries? The 33rd Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival in Machias, Maine, celebrates the area's top crop August 15-17. The event features a children's parade, a fish fry, music, a blueberry pancake breakfast, crafts, a blueberry quilt raffle, a blueberry pie eating contest and more.

C hamber Music Festival - The Portland Chamber Music Festival marks its 15th year this summer with five wonderful classical performances in Portland, Maine. The Festival runs August 14-23 on select dates. Ticket and other information may be obtained by calling toll free: 800-320-0257. Or, order your tickets online at the festival Web site.

D iscover Jazz Festival - Burlington, Vermont, hosts 10 days of performances ranging from blues to jazz funk at a variety of venues on Lake Champlain during this May 30-June 8 festival. Jazz legend Dave Brubeck and his quartet will appear at the Flynn MainStage on Friday, June 6. Tickets for various performances may be purchased online. Some events at area restaurants, bars and clubs are free. For details, call 802-863-7992.

E gg Festival - Take part in the 36th Annual Central Maine Egg Festival, July 22-26. Pittsfield, Maine's Manson Park is the place to be for egg breakfast cooked in a 300-pound frying pan, entertainment, a car show, the "Egglympics" and egg-citing surprises. The theme for 2008 has not yet been announced, but it is an Egglection year, so it's bound to be something fun. For information, call 207-487-3520 or 207-217-4973.

F airfield County Irish Festival - Join in this three-day Irish celebration, June 13-15, at Indian Ledge Park in Trumbull, Connecticut. You'll find non-stop Irish music, dance, children's activities, sporting contests, food, drink and more. Admission is $12 for one day, $20 for the three-day weekend, $10 for students ages 16 to 21 with ID and free for children under 16. Email for more information.

G arlic and Herb Festival - No vampires allowed. The 13th annual Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival takes place August 30-31  in Bennington, Vermont. Enjoy continuous music, sample a wide variety of garlic foods, sip a garlic margarita (really!), learn about garlic and herbs and watch cooking demonstrations. You'll also want to try your hand at firing the Giant Garlic Slingshot. Call 802-368-7147 for more information.

H illsborough Balloon Fest & Fair - Watch hot air balloons lift off gracefully and color the sky during this four-day festival, July 10-13, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. This year's theme is "Celebrate Friends and Family," and other activities include an an old-fashioned fireman's muster, a parade, tractor pulls, food, fireworks and entertainment. For more information, call 603-464-0377.

I nternational Film Festival - The 11th annual Maine International Film Festival in Waterville, Maine, runs from July 11 to 20 and features a variety of American and foreign independent films, plus films made by Maine and New England filmmakers. Call 207-861-8138 for more information.

J acob's Pillow Dance Festival - With free "Inside/Out" performances Wednesday through Saturday evenings and a schedule of major performances by some of America's foremost dance companies and ensembles, Jacob's Pillow in Lee, Massachusetts, is definitely a dance lover's place to be this summer. 2008 marks the festival's 76th year; it is the longest running dance festival in the U.S. For a free brochure describing this summer's events, call 413-243-9919. For tickets, call the box office at 413-243-0745.

K neisel Hall Chamber Music Festival - From June 20 to August 24, enjoy a wide array of Friday or Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon classical concerts at Kneisel Hall in Blue Hill, Maine, as this chamber music festival celebrates its 106th year in 2008. For more information on the festival, call 207-374-2811.

L owell Folk Festival - Head for the largest free folk festival in the U.S.--three days of traditional music and dance, crafts, ethnic foods and more on six outdoor stages throughout Lowell, Massachusetts, from July 25-27. For more information, call Lowell National Historical Park, the event sponsor, at 978-970-5200.

M aine Lobster Festival - If you love lobster, you need to be in Rockland, Maine, July 30-August 3 for the 61st annual Maine Lobster Festival. There's only one word for this gargantuan celebration of Maine's beloved crustacean--Yum! Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm headlines this year, and the new, world's largest lobster cooker will be unveiled. For details, call 207-596-0376 or toll free, 800-LOB-CLAW.

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