The Kennebunkport Festival is all about fabulous food, wine and art, which pours out in generous portions in early June. This seaside setting is and always has been… a party town. This Maine foodie fest is the culmination of all things #KPT (K-kennebunkport P-party T- town) and a perfect kick off to summer. But aside from the magical Maine setting and culinary extravaganza, there is an undeniable undercurrent of fashion that flows through the week at each elegant seaside Chef’s dinner, cocktail soiree and dance party on the River. 2018 marks a new Kennebunkport Festival, as locals take back the management of this fun week, making it more about fundraising and locals friends and businesses, but still plenty of drink raising.
Kennebunkport is a pretty preppy place, so a predictable but always appropriate wave is wearing navy, nautical stripes, and seersucker. The Hinckley Yacht Marina Party had the most knots at last year’s fest, as jet setters decked in boat shoes and blue stripes walked the docks and drooled over the famous Maine-made jet drive yachts.
Heidi Kirn brought an unexpected, fun and festive tropical theme to the Hinckley party, props to her (jet drive boat pun). Tim Harrington similarly rocked bright Caribbean pants at Burleigh’s cocktail party at Kennebunkport Inn. No one brightens a room like Tim, his smile and energy are inimitable. 
Similar style was seen at his glamping gala at Sandy Pines – Kennebunkport’s new camping resort near Goose Rocks Beach. A dozen designer tents showcased local talents like Ingunn Jorgensen, Nicki from Spaces Kennebunkport, and Louise Hurlbutt Design.
The weekend following The Kprt Fest is Launch – Kennebunkport’s Maritime Fest. Did we mention this town knows how to party?!
Bright reds, oranges and yellows made a festival fashion statement by the sea – especially at The Colony Party on a gorgeous summer day at this century old grand hotel. Proof positive that Kennebunkport is not your typical LBD (little black dress) kind of place. KPT is vibrant and so are its residents – happy to shake off any residual cabin fever from winter and wear popping summer colors while popping bottles! Speaking of The Colony, John Martin is always spot on with his attire, but his lobster tie with sienna overtones was an instant classic on this Kennebunkport hotel 
proprietor.
Couple outfit coordination is a #kptfest thing… call it cutesy, matchy matchy or totally obvi – but we love the effort especially when it appears effortless. Maine Art Gallery owner John Spain and Trisha Winslow are pros at putting their fashion together. Ditto to dynamic duo Chris Kast and Byron Bartlett for always being beautiful and bold in their thematic dress.
The Spirit of Maine party at the Pilot House tent was farmed themed, with a country band and some western cowgirl outfits to boot.
The 13th annual KptFest in early June may have commenced on an unseasonably cool tone at Gratitude On the Marsh, 48-degrees in this 43-latitude town with attitude, but weather never tempers the fashion sense of festival go’ers. These are the clever kids of Kport ~ who know how to dress to impress, dance, eat and drink like rock stars for a fun-infused week.
By the festival week’s end, Kennebunkport was sunny with temps in the 80’s – ideal for the casual kid-friendly Maine Craft Music Festival, now Music on the Lawn, held on the sweeping River Green lawn in front of Captain Lord Mansion. Fashion wise, this outdoor music venue, formerly called Brews and Tunes, is the most boho of the fest – graphic tees for the men and flowy sun dresses for the gals were go tos. Folks chilled on blankets, snacking from Food Trucks, relaxing to the soulful rhythms of Ghost of Paul Revere and Spencer Albee, while kids danced to Maine rock music, and rolled in the lush green grass.
Margaret & Joe Ybarra are a stunning couple, with spectacular fashion sense…not surprisingly this fashionista has her own style blog – 5th and Magnolia. Much respect to Margaret for bringing not one but two fabulous outfits to Thursday’s Spirit event and rockin’it on the dance floor under the tent and again under the stars at the Grand Finale. This girl’s got style, and spirit for #shore! Margaret and Joe get our vote for Best Dressed of the Fest.
We must give kudos to Sergio Aguilera, who was best dressed at last year’s fest. Sergio gets serious street cred for coming on crutches this year, still looking stylish in seersucker with a not-so-complementary foot cast. His adorable son accompanied him to the Grand Tasting and Maine Craft Music Festival, sporting his dad’s impeccable sense of style. 
The Kennebunkport Festival for 2018 is being re-imagined, to be more local and inclusive, without the involvement of Maine Media Collective, so stay tuned for details here. We’ll #sea you at this year’s 2018 Kennebunkport Fest!
For lodging in Kennebunkport for the Kenenbunkport Festival, see our Kennebunkport Lodging Guide. Also see our Kennebunkport Events Page for all the fun coming up including Launch Father’s Day weekend.
Photos courtesy of The Kennebunkport Festival, and Greg Burke of VisitMaine.net
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