BEER GARDEN

REGATTA

LIVE MUSIC

ARTISAN FAIR

FOOD TRUCKS

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The Riverfest

RiverFest is a two-day event occurring along the Androscoggin River in Auburn and Lewiston. 

Featuring a kickball tournament, Regatta, food trucks, an artisan fair, beer garden and two nights of live, local music, this festival is free and open to the public. You can find all the details here, and separate registration is required for the Kickball Tournament and RiverFest Regatta. 

This event is in partnership with WIGY 105.5, and live remote broadcasts will occur throughout the festival.

Schedule of Activities

Friday, July 14th

(all activities in Simard-Payne Park)

9 AM – 3 PM  Uplift LA Kickball Tournament
10 AM – 2 PM  Trek Across Maine Welcome + Spectating
11:30 AM – 12PM  L/A Taco Food Truck Ribbon Cutting

12 PM – 6 PM  L/A Taco Food Truck
12 PM – 5 PM  RiverFest Regatta Practice Rows

2 PM – 10 PM  Roopers Beverage Beer Garden
4 PM – Dusk  Canoe Rentals

5 PM – 10 PM  Live Music
5 PM – 8 PM  Paddle After Hours

Saturday, July 15th

8 AM – 2 PM  RiverFest Regatta Start Line, Simard-Payne
9 AM – 3 PM  Artisan Craft Fair, Auburn Festival Plaza
9 AM – 3 PM  Art in the Park, Auburn Festival Plaza

11 AM – end  RiverFest Regatta viewing @ Gritty’s

11 AM – 7 PM  Food Trucks, Simard-Payne
2 PM – 10 PM  Roopers Beverage Beer Garden
3 PM – Dusk  Canoe Rentals
5 PM – 10 PM  Live Music, Simard-Payne Stage

Uplift LA Kickball Tournament

Hosted by the region’s rising professionals, the tournament features two fields of play throughout Friday. Teams of 10-12 will compete for a $100 team prize and bragging rights, and celebrate with an awards ceremony and social hour at 5PM.
Register Here

RiverFest Regatta 2.0

A full day regatta that is supported by local rowing clubs, and draws nationally within the rowing community. This event’s safety, registration, and execution is managed by Lewiston Rowing. Friday afternoon offers early registration packet pick up, boat drop-off and storage, and practice rows on the race course. Races begin at 8 AM Saturday and run throughout the day.

Register Here

Boat Rentals

Webb & Sons Paddling Rentals will be offering canoes and more for rent by the half hour and hour, launching from the Lewiston dock in Simard Payne when the race course is quiet. Life Vests and equipment are included, and this is a great way to see the cities’ skyline and canals.

Paddle After Hours

This will be a sunset paddle from 5 PM-Dusk Friday evening is hosted with Androscoggin Land Trust. Bring your own vessel or rent a canoe or kayak on site. The organized paddle tours of the Androscoggin river and shore lines are great for residents and visitors alike.

Live, Local Music

On the stage in Simard-Payne, two nights of local music will feature singer songwriters, small bands, and build to a rocking headliner.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17TH

The Backwoods Blues Revue, Xander Nelson, ROADHOUSE, Chase Jobe

SATURDAY, JUNE 18TH

Autumn Addicts, Andrew Dostie, INDICA TRELLS, Kevin McCord of We Demand Parachutes, Humble Strings

Beer Garden

The Roopers Beverage Beer Garden will open by 2:00 PM both Friday and Saturday, at the foot of the main stage and overlooking the river. The garden is large enough to offer casual seating, lawn games, and various pop-up shade tents. The garden is 21+, with beer, wine, and cold drinks available.

Food Trucks

Licensed, local food trucks will be serving up food options on Saturday, accepting cash and credit onsite.

Art in the Park

Join us between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM for a celebration of art in the heart of Auburn. The 3rd annual Art in the Park is an extraordinary event located at Auburn Festival Plaza, and will feature fine art vendors from across the region.  

Downtown Handmade Vintage Artisan Craft Fair

An Artisan craft fair featuring more than a dozen vendors will be in Festival Plaza in Auburn. With metal, leather, print, paper and fiber artists on hand, you will find both ideal gifts and your new favorite item.

    Local Participating Restaurants & Bars

THE GEMS OF Route 26

Just ten minutes west of Auburn, picturesque Route 26 winds its way through gorgeous countryside boasting culturally, historically, and ecologically significant attractions ideal for day trips, families, and solo reflection. Stop at Cyndi’s Dockside halfway through for amazing scallops and a peaceful lake view.

  More on Route 26

DINING IN LA

The food and dining scene in LA reflects the long history and diverse cultures of the area. Start your day with a wood-fired sourdough bagel from Forage Market, named “America’s Best Bagel” by Saveur Magazine. Just a block away you can visit Heritage Restaurant, an African restaurant that serves ...

  Read More

Courtesy of LA Arts

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On PUBLIC ART

Lewiston and Auburn are embracing public art to promote cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality. From crosswalks with pavement murals for pedestrian safety and neighborhood identity, to commissioning significant works by Maine
sculptors at major gateways, local public art expresses pride and quality of life for both residents and visitors...

  Read More

Spotlight On
OUTDOOR RECREATION

The Outdoors the region offers trails that weave through the city, with views of skylines and access to dining, as well as short jaunts to trail heads for paddlers, serious hikers, and explorers.

  Read More

Courtesy of Jonathan Hsu

Spotlight On
PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE

Professional theatre, music, and dance organizations have made a home in the community, Bates College continues to integrate its offerings into the fabric of the cities, delightful public art is popping up on every corner, and new restaurants and shops pepper the streets of the downtown...

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Spotlight On
THE RIVER

The Great Falls is at the heart of Lewiston and Auburn on the mighty Androscoggin River, and is a sight to see during the Spring runoff. Other river activities include white water kayaking at Dressers Rips, Crew Regattas, and great riverside fishing along the water’s edge.

  Read More

PLAN Your Trip

If you’re flying to the region, consider a chartered flight to the Auburn Lewiston Airport, or head to Portland Jetport (PWM) and rent a car for your 30-minute drive. Major routes into Maine include I-95 from Boston (2.5 hours) and Route 1 along the coast...

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Courtesy of Poland Spring Golf Course

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On GOLF COURSES

Poland Spring Country Club

Part of the scenic Poland Spring Resort, this course offers a driving range, velvet bent grass greens, lessons, and tees for all abilities.

  Find More Courses

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On DISC GOLF

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On WEDDINGS

Whether you and your sweetheart are looking to exchange vows in the heart of an urban downtown, amidst the rustic vibes of vintage barn décor in rolling fields, overlooking the Great Falls in the heart of the city, or in the historic craftsmanship of a church, our region has you covered.

 

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On COMEDY

LAUGH IN LA

Ten years ago, the Lewiston Auburn comedy scene was non-existent. Today, the Twin Cities are not only the comedy hub of Maine, they’re also a breeding ground for the local scene. Home to a plethora of weekly and monthly shows in venues ranging from craft breweries to historic churches, you can stop in and find a variety of local comedians sharing the stage with regional favorites from Boston and beyond.

Come Laugh

HEALTH + Wellness

The communities of Lewiston and Auburn host several events each year that embed the values of health and wellness into the culture of the region. These competitive events are family-friendly, welcome all skill levels, and leverage the outdoor assets of the area. People across the region rally their teams, train, register, and race for fun, cash, and a purpose.

  Check out one of these events

Spotlight On

Housing Opportunities

Peruse housing opportunities in our communities

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Spotlight On LOCAL FOOD SCENE

What makes a vibrant regional local food culture? A central location within the state that houses and connects farms and food producers to thriving markets. A longstanding agricultural history with farming heritage, passion...

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Spotlight On

TOP INDUSTRIES

The region’s top industries employ roughly 25% of the overall workforce, from creative and advertising positions, executives to skilled labor, and all stages of career growth in between...

 More...

Spotlight On
EDUCATION

Our educational offerings extend from Head Start and private preschool facilities to first-rate public and private K-12 schools to post-secondary institutions that educate nearly 6,000 students each year...

  Read More

Make Your Mark

Starting a Business In The Region

The region is home to a strong ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs and business startups. The cities of Auburn and Lewiston each have robust economic development teams with friendly people who...

  Read More

Courtesy of BatesSEASONAL ACTIVITIES & Festivals

Summer Activities:

  • Paddling the Androscoggin River
  • Mini Golf Driving Range visits at Poland Spring, Tabors + Roy’s
  • Disc Golf at one of 6 area courses
  • Swimming at Range Pond State Park, Poland

  See Much More!

Courtesy of LA Arts
THINGS TO DO:

ARTWALK

Art Walk LA celebrates the Lewiston Auburn arts scene and community, bringing art, crafts, and live entertainment to more than 20 venues and outdoor spaces in downtown LA on each final Friday in May through September. The event draws

  Read More

THE LA REGION

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan region stretches across Androscoggin County’s 16 communities. Through the center of the county, and joining the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, runs the Androscoggin River. As the second largest metropolitan area in Maine, more than...

  More...

Spotlight On

AUBURN

Situated on the west side of the Androscoggin River, more than 40% of Auburn’s land is agricultural. Auburn offers the best of both worlds, with a walkable downtown district close to hotels, breweries, and restaurants...

  More About Auburn

Spotlight On

LEWISTON

Lewiston is Maine’s second largest city, running east of the Androscoggin River. Home to historic mills that tell its legacy of hard work and immigration through the generations, the downtown district is...

  More on Lewiston

Spotlight On

POLAND + MECHANIC FALLS + MINOT

In Western Androscoggin County, 10 miles from LA, you will find the trio of towns Poland, Mechanic Falls, and Minot. These small towns share a regional school district amid rolling hills and rural farm lands

  Explore the Area

Spotlight On

LISBON + DURHAM

Each summer, Lisbon hosts concerts in the park, where a small bridge over the falls will connect you to Durham. This quiet, rural town of open fields and green forests remains a place where time slows down and life is less hurried.

  More on the Area

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TURNER + LEEDS + GREENE

Turner is a growing, family-oriented community just north of the metro region with a distinct sense of place. Bordered by Greene and Leeds, small rural communities to the east, the three towns comprise School District 52. The region has great recreation fields for youth sports and a public library...

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Spotlight On

WALES + SABATTUS

Wales and Sabattus are two towns north of the LA region, both acting as quiet, residential communities for employees in LA and Augusta. If quiet backroads and short commutes are the lifestyle you seek, these are the towns for you.

  Check them out

Spotlight On

LIVERMORE + LIVERMORE FALLS

  More...