August
Monthly Roundup
Welcome to the Monthly Roundup, your go-to guide for what’s happening at the University of Southern Maine and across the Greater Portland area each month! During the summer, we feature community festivals and local events happening across Southern Maine, plus summer stops — spots near campus or along the Busky where you can grab food, meet friends, and explore the region. This series will keep you connected to what’s new, what’s next, and what’s worth checking out across our Portland and Gorham campuses and beyond.
August 2026 in Southern Maine
The Town of Gorham’s weekly food truck gathering is back for year two! Different trucks rotate each week with fresh cuisine options— it’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends, colleagues, or family.
Experience Maine’s wild blueberry harvest firsthand during this statewide celebration. Visit farms for picking and tours, enjoy special blueberry-themed menus at restaurants and cafes, and taste what makes Maine’s tiny berries so special.
A three-day destination music weekend featuring Guster, Iron & Wine, Watchhouse, and more. Friday kicks off with an orchestral concert at Merrill Auditorium; Saturday and Sunday continue at Thompson’s Point with live music, family activities, a kids zone, and waterfront sunset views.
South Portland’s beloved annual art show featuring up to 170 artists displaying original paintings, photography, and handmade crafts. Browse the booths, enjoy the food court, and catch live music in the afternoon.
Summer Stops: Local Markets
Portland Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday & Wednesday | 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
This market brings together some of Maine’s best farmers, bakers, and cheesemakers in a beautiful park setting just 10 minutes from USM’s Portland campus. Browse fresh produce, artisan goods, and discover local Southern Maine favorites.
Cost: Free admission
Location: Deering Oaks Park, Portland
Greater Gorham Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday | 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Just down the street from Gorham campus, this rain-or-shine market features locally grown vegetables, pasture-raised meats, fresh eggs, baked goods, and artisan crafts.
Cost: Free admission
Location: Gorham Municipal Building Parking Lot
Cherry Hill Farmers Market
Every Wednesday | 2–6 p.m.
Shop local produce, specialty items, and seasonal finds at this Gorham market. About a 20-minute walk from the Main St + Libby St Busky stop.
Cost: Free admission
Location: 616 Main St, Gorham
Portland Fine Craft Show
Saturday, August 22 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
A single-day outdoor juried craft event featuring 100 artists from Maine and the Northeast. Shop unique, high-quality handmade ceramics, jewelry, textiles, glass, and more.
Cost: Free admission
Location: Lincoln Park, Portland
Did you know…
Maine produces nearly 100% of the United States’ commercial wild blueberry crop? These smaller, more intensely flavored berries grow across more than 500 farms and 40,000 acres — and August is harvest season, making Wild Blueberry Weekend the perfect time to experience it firsthand.
Spotted on campus this month
Spotted in Portland
August means the Portland campus pollinator garden is buzzing! Native blooms like purple coneflower, milkweed, and goldenrod are peaking right now, drawing bees, butterflies, and all kinds of pollinators to campus.
