While you're here
There’s always something happening at Searsport Shores. From quiet weekly gatherings to full weekend festivals, our events are woven into the rhythm of the campground.
Some are designed for our campers, others are open to the wider community…you’re always welcome to join us.
If you’re planning a visit, this is a good place to start.
2026 Events at a Glance
Summer Season — Artist in Residence Program
Weekly (Wednesdays) — Front Porch Jams
Weekly (Thursdays) — Strings in the Garden
Weekly (Sundays) — Artist Reception
June 13 — Ukulele Picnic
June 13 — Barn Quilt Painting Workshop
July 26 — Armenian Picnic
September 5–6 — Makers Festival (Labor Day Weekend)
September 9–13 — Fiber College Touchstones Retreat
September 18–20 — Strung Together Music Festival
May 15-22, 2026 — Spring Project Week
(Hands-on • Easygoing Gathering • Public Welcome)
Bring your tools and your camper (or tent)...we've got a chore list and plenty of free camping! Like an old-fashion work party we'll keep a pot of homemade soup on the woodstove and spend our evening relaxing by the campfire.
Take a closer look and start planning your visit
Email us and we’ll save you a site [email protected]
June 13, 2026 — 5th Annual Frets Halligan Ukulele Picnic
(Music • Community• Public Welcome)
Frets Halligan was a great ambassador for the ukulele in Midcoast Maine for years. He taught uke to everyone and anyone who approached him. John Eberfield and Ando Anderson have created a picnic to bring players together to share songs and good company. We're thrilled to host the picnic here. Admission is free and open to everyone. Family participation is encouraged. Volunteers will pass the hat for free-will donations to defray the costs of the picnic. Don't forget to order your Wood Fired Pizza for dinner, form is on the link below.
You can find more details here
Email Ando with questions: [email protected]
June 13, 2026 — Barn Quilt Painting Workshop
(Painting • Design • Take Home Project)
Barn quilts are painted panels inspired by traditional quilt patterns, meant to hang on barns, homes, or fences. They carry a sense of place, a bit of history, and a simple kind of beauty that feels right at home here.
In this class, you’ll design and paint your own to take home.
Saskia Haugen-Reinholt is a Maine-based artist and teacher who has created more than 70 barn quilt murals and founded the Maine Barn Quilt Trail. Her work is rooted in color, pattern, and the geometry we see in nature, from landscapes to shifting light at sunrise and sunset.
She brings a thoughtful, approachable style to teaching, whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or building on what you already know.
This event is sponsored by the Makers Guild of Maine 501c3
For more details about the class and to register (class size 15 painters)
June 17–September 23, 2026 — Front Porch Jams
(Music • Bandstand • Easygoing Gathering • Public Welcome)
Every Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM on the main stage. For all playing levels. These hosted and mentored jams are fun for everyone. There's a song book and room for improvisation. Come and participate or join the audience to sing and clap along. Artisans are welcome to set up a vending table and there's a hosted craft session for more hands-on fun.
This event is sponsored by the Makers Guild of Maine 501c3
June 18 - September 3, 2026 — Strings in the Garden
(Music • In the garden • Easygoing Gathering • Public Welcome)
Every Thursday evening from 4-5:30 PM bring a cocktail, a picnic and a friend and relax to the wonderful music of the Sea String Orchestra's rehearsals.
June 21 - September 4, 2026 — Artists in Residence Program
(Arts & Crafts • Creative • Campers)
Most weeks, visit our studio and craft memories with the artist in residence. These free and/or low-cost programs are for campers and guests to explore the pleasure of making with their hands. Please visit our Artist in Residence page for details about each session.
June 21 - September 4, 2026 — Sunday Evening Artist Reception
(Artist Talk • Snacks • Open to All)
Join us in the garden for a relaxed Sunday evening pot luck reception to welcome our artist in residence.
They’ll share a bit about their work and what’s unfolding in the studio for the week ahead, while we sip creative mocktails and enjoy a spread of seasonal snacks. 5:30-6:30, garden kitchen.
This event is sponsored by the Makers Guild of Maine 501c3
(Food • Music • Dance • Public Welcome)
Our gardens will be spilling into the pathways and we’ll be getting ready to pull the onions and garlic because it's time to marinate the shish kebab! Cooking and sharing food is a way to sharpen our senses, to connect us with the land and the bounty it produces. When you think about it, cooking and baking celebrate the magic of fire and water…touchstones in our lives.
This event is created by the Makers Guild of Maine 501c3
(Arts & Crafts • Craft Sale • Easygoing Gathering • Public Welcome)
Drop in Classes and Craft Fair. Bring the family camping for Labor Day weekend and seize a day or two to play in the studios. Drop in and out as you choose between 10:00 and 4:00, there will be a project waiting for you to try...anyone who has the appropriate attention span is welcome to join in. Even if you’re not a camper… there’s nothing like a day of learning and making to turn this holiday weekend into a special treat.
This event is sponsored by the Makers Guild of Maine 501c3 and the Belfast Senior College
(Art Classes • Garden Meals • Immersive Experience)
For this year’s Fiber College, we’re excited to offer a choice of five, intensive five-day workshops that will run simultaneously from Wednesday through Sunday, the week after Labor Day at the award-winning Searsport Shores Ocean Campground and art facility in Mid-Coast Maine. Your chosen workshop will consist of at least 21 hours of personalized instruction that will be the core of a unique retreat experience. You'll be sharing your meals and campfires with all of our talented teachers and your fellow makers. There will be plenty of opportunity to work or daydream in the garden and on our beach. This is your time to renew your creative energy, confidence, and passion, carrying it with you long after we wave goodbye.
This event is sponsored by the Makers Guild of Maine 501c3
September 18-20, 2026 — Strung Together: Maine Folk Campout Festival
(Music Workshops • Concerts • Easygoing Gathering • Public Welcome)
The OT & Bluegrass Jam weekend begins Friday afternoon with an OTJam and banjo workshop followed by our world famous Strung Together wood fired pizza bar and concert. The jams will take place in different areas in the park but close enough to give all participants easy access to both jam circles.
This year we are jamming around the grounds under tents, porches, trees and other canopies. Designated spaces will be laid out for each style of music, with unlimited spots to hold you own jam.
This event is sponsored by the Makers Guild of Maine 501c3
We (Steven and Astrig) are musicians, artists and entrepreneurs, raised by parents who were the same. Over the years in Searsport, we’ve surrounded ourselves with people who care deeply about creativity and intentional living. This place is shaped by that community, and we hope you’ll be part of it.
Much of this work also extends through the Makers Guild of Maine, which helps bring together many of the artists, gatherings, and creative programs you’ll find here.
Alongside our artists-in-residence, music is part of the weekly rhythm: the Sea Strings Orchestra gathers in the garden on Monday afternoons, and a mentored, community jam takes place on Wednesday evenings. You’re welcome to listen, play, or sing along. Ask for a songbook when you arrive, and if you’d like to lead something, just talk with Steve.
There’s a rhythm to it, but the best moments are often unplanned. If you feel inspired to host a meal or offer a class while you’re here, find us and we’ll make it happen together.