Festivals & Events

First Fridays

Held every Frist Friday of the month in downtown Waterville.

First Fridays celebrate the vibrant creativity in Waterville through a wide array of arts experiences. On the first Friday of every month, visit Main Street in downtown Waterville to meet artists, see performances, listen to live music, eat delicious food, shop at local businesses, enjoy the arts, and come together as a community.

For more information, visit the First Friday Website.

MIFF - Maine International Film Festival

Held annually in July for 10 days at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center (93 Main Street) and Waterville Opera House (1 Common Street).

A project of the Maine Film Center, this 10 day film festival is held annually in Waterville, Maine. The festival usually runs in the third week of July.  The festival presents an eclectic selection of feature-length dramas, documentaries, shorts, and films for children, showing nearly 100 films every summer and bringing state, regional, and international visitors to Waterville. The festival offers a friendly and intimate setting for visitors and guests and affords an opportunity for audiences to interact closely with filmmakers and VIPs. For more information, visit the MIFF Website.

Community Collaborative Support & Education Event

Each September, the City of Waterville hosts a vibrant community event at Head of Falls, bringing together residents and local partners to strengthen connections and share vital resources. With over 30 vendors participating, the event focuses on housing assistance, community engagement, and other essential needs to promote a stronger, healthier Waterville. This collaborative gathering provides opportunities for education, support, and networking, ensuring that everyone has access to tools and information that foster well-being and resilience.

Nightmare on Main Street

Hosted by Discover Waterville on the Saturday before Halloween in October, Nightmare on Main Street is a family-friendly Halloween celebration in downtown Waterville.  It is an annual event held on Main Street in downtown Waterville that includes Trunk or Treat, costume contest, pumpkin carving, and so much more. For this event, Main Street is closed to traffic, creating a safe and festive space for all the spooky fun. 

For more information, visit the Discover Waterville Website.

Parade of Lights & Kringleville

Thousands of families from the central Maine region look forward to Santa and Mrs. Claus’ annual arrival in downtown Waterville during the Parade of Lights on the Saturday immediately after Thanksgiving at 6:00 p.m. Over 35 floats created by community members and organizations file down Main Street, from Union to Spring Street. Once Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Castonguay Square, the festivities begin with visits with the Kringles at their holiday home! They delight families at no charge.

For more information visit the Kringleville Website.