BEER GARDEN

REGATTA

LIVE MUSIC

SHOP LOCAL MARKET

FOOD TRUCKS

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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

Stay the weekend and enjoy all of the RiverFest activities!
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Schedule of Activities

Friday, July 14th

(all activities in Simard-Payne Park)

9 AM – 3 PM  Uplift LA Kickball Tournament

10 AM – 5 PM  Franco Center Open House

11 AM – 7 PM  Food Truck Festival

11 AM – 6 PM  Shop Local Market

11 AM – 8 PM  Beer Garden

11 AM – Dusk  Canoe Rentals

Noon – 6 PM Regatta Competitor Registration & Parking

4 PM – 9 PM  Live Music

Saturday, July 15th

8 AM – 12 PM  RiverFest Regatta Races, Simard-Payne

10 AM – 5 PM  Franco Center Open House

12 PM – 3 PM  Waterfront Activities

8 AM – 3 PM  Shop Local Market

11 AM – 3 PM  Food Trucks, Simard-Payne

11 AM – 3 PM  Beer Garden

12 PM – Dusk  Canoe Rentals

1 PM – 2 PM  Community Floatilla

Uplift LA Kickball Tournament

Hosted by the region’s rising professionals, the two game round robin with playoffs features two fields of play throughout Friday. Teams of 10-12 will compete for a $100 team prize and bragging rights, and celebrate the winners and participants in the beer garden for a social hour.
Register Here

RiverFest Regatta

   

A 1500-meter stake race featuring rowers from across Maine and New England. This event’s safety, registration, and execution is managed by Lewiston Rowing. Friday afternoon offers early registration packet pick up and practice rows on the race course. Races begin at 8 AM Saturday and run throughout the morning.

For more Information visit www.lewistonrowing.com/riverfest-regatta or email lewistonrowing@gmail.com.

Register Now

Boat Rentals

Webb & Sons Paddling Rentals will be offering canoes and kayaks for rent by the half hour and hour, launching from the Lewiston dock in Simard Payne all day Friday, and noon until dusk Saturday.  Life Vests and equipment are included, and this is a great way to see the cities’ skyline and canals.

Paddle After Hours with ALT

Enjoy the Auburn Lewiston skyline at sunset, with an easy launch from the boat dock. Bring your own vessel or rent a canoe or kayak on site. The Androscoggin river and shore lines are great for residents and visitors alike. Group launch at 5:30 with Androscoggin Land Trust!

Family Activities with the YMCA

Bring the kids and join the fun with the YMCA 9-3 on Saturday! The YMCA’s team will be on hand with bounce houses, face painting, games, and kids activities. With a special focus on water safety, you can bring your own lifejacket or try on different styles to learn about safe fits for your family; and learn about how to tell if water is safe to play around.

Live, Local Music

On the stage in Simard-Payne’s Amphitheater, Friday, overlooking the river. Live music from 4-9:00 PM, with our headliner taking the stage at 8 PM. 

This year’s music lineup:

THE CHALKBOARD KIDS

Revision

Fake Feelings

Simple City

Mahogany Walton – Maine’s Got Talent 2023 Winner

Beer Garden

The Beer Garden will open at 11:00 AM both Friday and Saturday, overlooking the amphitheater and river. The garden is large enough to offer casual seating, lawn games, a cornhole tournament, all under a large tent. The garden is 21+, with beer, wine, and cold drinks available.

Food Trucks

Licensed, local food trucks will be serving up food options for Friday lunch and dinner and Saturday lunch, all  accepting cash and credit onsite.

Shop Local Market

Dozens of local small businesses, artisans and crafters will share their products and hand made items for sale. With on-the-spot caricatures by The Art of J, hand sewn totes and bags, and books and gifts by Quiet City Books, there is sure to be something for everyone.  Check #RiverFest on Instagram and Facebook for featured sellers and items!

Great Falls Flotilla

A party on the river, with room for all! The Great Falls Flotilla, a free + family friendly event, is a paddle from the Simard-Payne dock to the falls and back. Costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be awarded! Grab your friends, your family, your scout troop, or your co-workers and plan ahead! All types of vessels are welcome – canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and more.

Prizes will be awarded for best decorated, best group theme, most vessels rafted together, and more!

All boaters should pre-register to sign the safety waiver and receive updates on river and weather conditions. Register before July 12 and be entered to win a picnic prize pack! The Great Falls Flotilla will have an easy to access boat drop off location at Simard-Payne dock, and safety boats will be on the water for the duration of all water events.

Register

Franco Center Open House

The Franco Center will host a two-day Open House with activities for everyone to enjoy! There will be music, dancing, eating, heritage tours, local artist work on display, and other fun stuff! Free admission.

Learn More

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...

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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

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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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THE GREAT FALLS

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.

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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

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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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.

 


Spotlight On ADULT-USE CANNABIS

Maine's adult use cannabis program launched in 2020, and the industry has been growing rapidly ever since. Since recreational cannabis stores do not require medical cannabis certification for purchases, adult use cannabis has become a particularly attractive option for tourists and residents alike.

 

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On DISC GOLF

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

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...

  Read More

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

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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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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...

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RISING PROFESSIONALS

The region boasts the youngest population in Maine, and has a vibrant culture of supporting rising professionals. Area employers invest in their employees with onsite institutes, earn-while-you-learn education opportunities and certifications. 

More...

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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...

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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...

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Retirement

With the amenities of a big city and only minutes from a country setting, the Lewiston Auburn region has much to offer those ready to settle into retirement.  Along with affordable real estate markets and senior living communities, the area features dining and shopping options, beautiful places of worship, and first-class medical care...

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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

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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...

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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LIVERMORE + LIVERMORE FALLS

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