Bucksport Art Festival to showcase local creativity and talent
Aug. 9 event to feature music, art, and food along Bucksport’s waterfront
Aug. 5, 2026
By Jessi Hardy
The event features six different musical acts.
The Bucksport Bay Business Coalition LLC will hold its annual Bucksport Art Festival on Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, held at Bucksport’s waterfront, serves as a showcase for regional creativity and local artistic talent.
Much of the festival's success is thanks to the planning by Teri and Bill Doty, alongside volunteers who have dedicated significant effort to coordinating the event.
More than 23 diverse vendors are scheduled to line the banks of the Penobscot River. The festival features a diverse array of handmade goods, original artwork, photography, and jewelry created by regional makers.
The festival will feature a kids' corner with Mainely Clowning Around and Raven’s Nest Face Painting, and food trucks from Rizza’s Kitchen, Downeast Charcuterie and Sassy Sips Lemonade.
Also on display will be "Chance (Risk and Opportunity) the Trout," a sculpture by award-winning Brooksville artist Joey Rizzo that will serve as a visual centerpiece on the waterfront. Chance, a two-year-old, 14-foot mounted sculpture, has traveled thousands of miles as an exhibit reflecting Rizzo's life philosophy of taking risks.
“I love the arts and Bucksport is my backyard.” Rizzo said. “Conservation cherishes all life seen and unseen.”
The day’s programming includes a series of six live musical performances featuring original works. Among the artists is Kathleen O’Connor, a former educator and social service worker who has returned to her musical roots. O’Connor’s collection consists of original songs inspired by nature, human connection, and social justice.
“No matter how old I am, it is the right time to be creative and share my talents,” O’Connor said regarding her participation in the upcoming event.
The festival aims to foster connection within the coastal town by highlighting the makers who contribute to the local culture.
For more information about the festival visit The Bucksport Bay Business Coalition’s social media page. Bucksport Arts Festival | Facebook and Positivity Bucksport💜💛 | Facebook
Photo Caption:
Chance: Chance the Trout is crafted by artist Joey Rizzo of Brooksville will be on display at the Art Festival. Callie Gray catches and rides this beautiful sculpture.
Photos Credit: Joey Rizzo
Kathleen O’Connor: Singer-Songwriter Kathleen O’Connor, a former Early Childhood Educator and Social Service worker returns to her love of music and will perform at this summer's Bucksport Art Festival. O’Connor is currently working on her new album and has her previous album on streaming services.
-Photo Courtesy of Kathleen O’Connor
