Kennebunkport’s Launch – A Maritime Fest in Kennebunkport-Kennebunk-Arundel is typically held annually mid June.
The annual waterfront celebration first launched in 2016 brings together locals, fishermen, lobster fishermen, local chefs, pirates, mermaids, kids and grands, and visitors alike! 2024 Launch is not happening, stay tuned for the possibility of Launch 2025
Kennebunkport is such a seafaring, fun loving, festival throwing kind of town. Everything in the Kennebunks centers around the water, the beaches, the maritime history and the love of Maine’s nautical heritage. Even in the heart of winter, when Kennebunkport celebrates Christmas Prelude and February for Lovers. So where better in Maine than to have a lively marine celebration? Old salts in town will recall that for many years Kennebunkport had a Blessing of the Fleet in June to christen the boating season. “LAUNCH” a Kennebunkport Maritime Festival is typically held mid June.
Typical Launch Calendar of Events:
Thursday & Friday
Historic Tours at Brick Store Museum, learn about the history of seafaring and shipbuilding in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Live music at Old Vines Wine Bar.
Pirate Scavenger Hunt Pub Crawls
Saturday
KBIA Cove Walk 10am -Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association, more info
Historic Walking Tour of Kennebunk Beach
Claws for a Cause on the Green – Buy a lobster roll, each lobster roll sold will be donated to the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
Historic Tours at Brick Store Museum, learn about the history of seafaring and shipbuilding in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Costumed Interpreters stroll Kennebunk and Kennebunkport
Saturday live music at Old Vines Wine Bar.
River Lights Boat Parade – LAUNCH’s signature event on the Kennebunk River at 7pm Saturday, local boat owners are invited to deck their boat decks with lights and lavish decorations and parade in formation from Colony Beach up the Kennebunk River while spectators line the River banks to enjoy the flow and show of lights floating past (might plan your spot now at Stripers at The Breakwater Inn, Nonantum Resort, Arundel Wharf or The Boathouse).
Sunday morning mid June of LAUNCH weekend concludes with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet at Cape Porpoise Pier, a local pastor blesses ships and wishes captains and crew a safe and bountiful season.
Sunday live music at Old Vines Wine Bar.
Father’s Day music & cocktails at Old Vines Wines Bar
See our Top 10 Reasons We LOVE LAUNCH! Other LAUNCH events during the weekend include Cove Walks, Goat Island Lighthouse Boat Tours, a Shipping Village visit, historic maritime tours with costumed characters by The Brick Store Museum and White Columns – Kennebunkport Historical Society, and a Buoy Bounce.
Leave it to the locals to launch such a fun festival. Any excuse to party in your preppy nautical attire!
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport’s deep nautical history and passion for the ocean are what make this Maine seaside community such a special place.
For seaside lodging during the Launch festival, see our guide to inn and hotels in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. For the best places to eat in the Kennebunks, see our restaurant guide. For boat charters, sailing and whale watching, see our guide to boating on the Kennebunk River.
Photos and Content Copyright KennebunkportMaineLodging.com
