A full Fourth of July: Blue Hill events across the peninsula
Parades, BBQ's, sing-alongs and peapod races are among the activities scheduled this weekend
July 1, 2026
By Joey Jett
From parades to patriotic displays, the Blue Hill Peninsula is decked out in red, white, and blue in celebration of America's 250th birthday this week.
Here’s how you can make the most of your Fourth of July:
Brooklin
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Friend Memorial Public Library host a used book sale to benefit the library. This is a great opportunity to take a book home with you, you won't have to bring back to the library!9:00 a.m.
The Brooklin Town Band will perform in front of the Friend Memorial Public Library.10:00 a.m.
The parade will begin at the old Odd Fellows Hall on Center Harbor Road. Participants should plan to get in line by 9:30 a.m. To sign up, contact Mike Sealander at mike@sealanderarchitects.com. No entry fee. Prizes will be awarded for best parade costumes and floats. Food will be available after the parade, and the Brooklin Youth Corps will host various carnival games. To volunteer to help with the event, please email to BrooklinBBQ@gmail.com.11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Learn how to make native bee boxes on the Town Green with the Brooklin Food Corps after the Independence Day parade. An updated 2026 guide to local farmers and other producers (with a map!) will be distributed. Free and appropriate for all ages.2:00 p.m.
The annual peapod races will take place at the Brooklin Boatyard.
Brooksville
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Brooksville Fire Department will host a cook-out at the Cape Rosier Fire Station.
Bucksport
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Bucksport Historical Museum will be open for special hours throughout the day.1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross host a Colonial Tea Party at the Bucksport Historical Society. There will be a musical performance by the Maine National Guard’s Army 195th band, authentic colonial cookies, “Liberty Lemonade” and “Boston Harbor Iced Tea,” sponsored by Hannaford.
Blue Hill
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Musical performances by Mike and Susie Fay, and Maine Weather will take place at Dolly’s Coffeehouse at the First Congregational Church of Blue Hill. This all-age event is free.
Castine
7:00 a.m.
Registrations open for the annual 1K/5K walk/run race at the town dock. Proceeds benefit the Round School.10:00 a.m.
The parade begins in front of Witherle Memorial Library. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded.10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Multiple events on the Town Common, including tug-o-war, sack races, pie eating contests and more.11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Lobster Roll Celebration will take place at the Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine.12:00 p.m.
BBQ at Pentagöet. Limited seats available; call 207-326-8616 for a reservation.1:00 p.m.
Historic conversations with Penobscot Expedition leaders at Fort George.4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Castine Town Band performs on the Common.7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks and a musical performance by the Willy Kelly Band at the dock.
Deer Isle/Stonington
7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Stonington 6 Road Race (10k and 1-mile options) will start at the Island Community Center. All proceeds support ICC.9:00 a.m.
Oasis Café at the Deer Isle Sunset Congregational Church will open for coffee and muffins before the parade. After the parade, they will serve crab rolls, cold drinks, and cookies until noon.10:00 a.m.
The Annual Parade kicks off in Deer Isle Village. The theme is “250 Reasons To Celebrate” with Grand Marshal Manford “Dougie” Eaton.12:00 p.m.
The Masonic Lodge will host a Lobster Dinner by the Masonic Lodge on Sunset Road.5:00 p.m.
3 Mile Line will perform live music at the Stonington Fish Pier, followed by a talent show at. 6:30 p.m. Dining includes seafood, hot dogs, pizza, food from Wing Dingah, Waffle ME, Luxy Q’s, Gott Lunch. Ice cream and strawberry shortcake will also be available, and there will be a bake sale to benefit the 9th-grade class.8:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Karaoke will take the night at Stonecutters Kitchen. It is a 21+ event with a full bar. Entry is free.9:15 p.m.
The fireworks show takes place at Stonington Harbor.
Surry
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The Friends of Memorial Park and VFW Post #109 will host a Surry sing-along in Memorial Park with folksongs, anthems and historic readings. Lemonade and watermelon will be served. Please bring a folding chair or blanket. Period costume welcome and encouraged!
For more information about ongoing events across the peninsula, visit the Rising Tide events calendar.