tidefestival

The Tidefestival is an annual cultural and environmental festival held in the coastal town of Tidehaven, located along the Midcoast region. The festival celebrates maritime heritage, coastal ecology, and community resilience.

The festival began in 2005 when local fishermen, artists, and scientists formed the Tidehaven Cultural Alliance to promote sustainable coastal living. It expanded from a one-day event to a multi-day festival featuring performances, markets, and education programs.

The program typically includes live music across multiple stages, traditional boat building demonstrations, tide-pool exploration with naturalists, science talks on ocean health, art installations, film screenings, a schooner parade, and a lantern release at dusk.

The festival attracts several thousand attendees each year and supports local hospitality, crafts, and seafood sectors. It serves as a platform for local nonprofits and academic partners to engage the public in marine conservation and climate resilience.

Managed by the Tidehaven Cultural Alliance with input from a volunteer steering committee; it is funded by municipal grants, sponsorships, and vendor fees, and is guided by an annual environmental audit to reduce waste and emissions.