top of page
Search

Rockport Donut Festival 2025: Maine’s Sweetest Summer Kickoff with Live Music, Crate Racing & Donuts Galore

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • Jun 7
  • 4 min read
Poster about the Rockport Donut Festival on June 13th & 14th with sweet donuts theme fun

Rockport Donut Festival 2025: A Sweet Summer Kickoff in Midcoast Maine

Celebrate the Donut’s Delicious Roots with Live Music, Food, Family Fun & Crate Racing by the Harbor

Get ready for two jam-packed days of donut-themed fun, free live music, coastal activities, and Maine’s quirkiest crate race! The Rockport Donut Festival celebrates the birthplace of the donut hole in Rockport, Maine — June 13–14, 2025. Free admission and sweet fun for all ages!


Why Visit the Rockport Donut Festival?

Looking for a fun, flavorful way to kick off your summer in Maine? The Rockport Donut Festival is a two-day celebration of music, food, family, and of course—DONUTS—set in the charming seaside village of Rockport, Maine. Happening June 13–14, 2025, this growing annual tradition pays tribute to Rockport’s unique claim to fame: home of the modern-day donut hole, invented by local seafarer Captain Hanson Crockett Gregory.

From food trucks and donut-themed games to crate racing in Rockport Harbor, the event combines local flavor, coastal fun, and small-town community spirit—all with free admission and live music under the tent, rain or shine!

📞 Contact: (207) 691-7388

📍 Location: Rockport, ME 04856


Sweet Highlights of the Rockport Donut Festival

🍩 A Tribute to the Donut’s Origins

Did you know the donut hole was invented right here in Rockport? Captain Hanson Gregory’s culinary contribution is honored with a commemorative plaque at the Nativity Lutheran Church—and now with a festival that brings his legacy to life. Learn about donut history via fun displays and discover how Rockport helped shape America’s favorite fried treat.📖 Smithsonian article: The History of the Donut


Poster about 2 bands playing at the Rockport Donut Festival. two nights of live music

🎶 Live Music All Weekend – FREE!

Get your groove on with two full nights of free live performances under the Main Tent at the Rockport Opera House:


  • Friday, June 13 at 7PM: The Mallett Brothers Band

  • Saturday, June 14 at 7:30PM: Motor Booty Affair (bring your disco shoes!)

🎷 Saturday morning starts with jazz from Bay Winds North Breakers and wraps with a 5PM community jam sessionled by The Reeljammers—bring your instrument and join in!


🎤 Music details: Rockport Opera House Events


🏃‍♂️ Rockport Public Library Donut Dash 5K

Start your Saturday morning with a scenic coastal run or walk through beautiful Beauchamp Point. Open to all ages and abilities. Donuts and water await at the finish line!


📅 Date: Saturday, June 14

📍 Start: Rockport Public Library💵

Proceeds Benefit: Friends of the Rockport Public Library


🛶 The “Race to the Donuts” Crate Race

Inspired by Rockland’s famous lobster crate race, the Rockport version invites kids and adults to dash across a floating line of crates in Rockport Harbor.

🕑 Time: Saturday, June 14 at 2PM📝 Sign up in advance online or day-of at the Information Booth👕 Winners score sweet Donut Festival merch!

Big thanks to West Bay Rotary, Camden Hills High student volunteers, and Second Story Builders for constructing these epic crates from recycled pallets!


🎉 More Festival Fun

  • Family Parade

  • Kids’ Games & Activities

  • Donut Hole Cornhole Tournament

  • Food Trucks & Craft Beer Tent

  • Jazz & Candlelit Dinner on the Bridge

  • And of course… so many donuts!


Want to support the festival?📩 Donations welcome via check (payable to “Town of Rockport,” memo: Donut Festival) or by emailing Orion Thomas at othomas@rockportmaine.gov.


Plan Your Sweet Escape to Rockport, Maine

Whether you’re a donut devotee, a music lover, or simply looking for a quirky, family-friendly event on the Midcoast this summer, the Rockport Donut Festival is an unforgettable way to jumpstart your season. With stunning harbor views, lively entertainment, and a deep-fried dose of history, it’s no wonder this annual tradition is gaining national attention.


🧭 Directions & Lodging Info: https://rockportmaine.gov/rockportdonutfestival


What to Do in Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond

Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.

  • ATV/Snowmobile:: Explore thousands of miles of pristine wilderness.

  • Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore the lake's serene waters.

  • Camping/Swimming: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.

  • Fishing/Hunting: Discover prime fishing spots.

  • Hiking/Biking: Explore the wilderness.

  • Skiing/Sledding/Snowboarding/Snowshoeing: Miles of cross-country ski trails for those seeking a quieter adventure. Ski and snowboard rentals, plus lessons for beginners.

  • Local Attractions/Sightseeing: Learn about must-see sights in the region.


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit

Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River










The Rockport Donut Festival celebrates the birthplace of the donut hole in Rockport, Maine — June 13–14, 2025. Free admission and sweet fun for all ages!


bottom of page