The Camden Windjammer Festival returns to Camden Public Landing on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4 - 5, 2026, inviting residents and visitors to celebrate Camden’s rich maritime history with a full weekend of tall ships, live music, local food, art vendors, family activities, and waterfront fun.

"A longtime Camden tradition, the festival brings the Maine Windjammer Fleet together in Camden Harbor for a spectacular afternoon arrival on Friday," said the Festival, in a news release.

From 2 - 4 p.m., spectators can watch the schooners make their way into the harbor, narrated by Captain Jim Sharp of the Sail Power and Steam Museum. Throughout Friday and Saturday, Camden Public Landing will come alive with maritime exhibitors, artists, crafters, food vendors, children's activities, demonstrations, live entertainment, and more.

Friday, September 4

Festival begins at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a lobster hauling demonstration, tours aboard the Virginia, the full-size reconstruction of the first English oceangoing ship built in North America in 1607, the Windjammer parade of sail, and a Camden walking tour. The evening continues with the Formal Welcome to the Fleet, live music from Bay Winds North Ensemble, the Schooner Bum Talent Show, and a performance by Creatures of Habit, a rock cover band at 8 p.m. An evening performance by Tom Rush will also take place at the Camden Opera House. 

Saturday, September 5

Saturday offers a full day of activities beginning with the Camden Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast and Camden Fire Department 5K Fun Run. Families can enjoy Captain Kid’s Corner, maritime exhibits, local artists, crafters, food vendors, and a festival-wide treasure hunt. The afternoon features the West Bay Rotary Club Lobster Bake, the Maine Model Yacht Club’s Chadwick Cup at 11 a.m., the Lobster Crate Race at 2 p.m., Windjammer Open House Tours, and live sea shanties from Shank Painters.

Festival organizers encourage attendees to make a full weekend of it and experience the many ways Camden celebrates its connection to the sea, according to a news release 

“The Windjammer Festival is one of those events that captures what makes Camden so special,” said Jenny Tobin of the Maine Wind Jammer Association. “From the signature gathering of the Maine windjammer fleet to the music, food, family activities, and community partners who make it all happen.”

For the complete event schedule and additional information, visit camdenparksandrec.com/camden-windjammer-festival/. 

The Camden Windjammer Festival is an annual celebration of Camden’s rich maritime history, bringing together the Maine Windjammer Fleet, local businesses, artists, community organizations, musicians, and visitors for a weekend of waterfront festivities during Labor Day weekend.