NEWS | Downtown Biddeford comes alive, Aug. 14-15

Fringe Fest and River Jam offer a weekend of free music, art, food and community

CONTRIBUTED STORY | Heart of Biddeford

Downtown Biddeford will come alive August 14–15 as Fringe Fest and River Jam transform the city’s streets and riverfront into a weekend filled with nationally touring musicians, immersive arts experiences, local food, artisan makers and family-friendly fun.

Presented by Heart of Biddeford and Art of Biddeford, the free festivals invite residents and visitors alike to explore, discover, and celebrate the creativity and community that define Biddeford.

The weekend celebration begins with Fringe Fest on Friday, August 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Washington Street. Produced by Art of Biddeford, Fringe Fest is an immersive outdoor arts festival where creativity spills into the street. Inspired by this year’s Cabinet of Curiosities theme, visitors will encounter live bands, performance art, Art Bus, artist talks, spoken word, large-scale projections, interactive installations, hands-on artmaking, makers, and unexpected discoveries around every corner.

The evening also features local food and craft beer from Dunn Bar, Nibblesford and Sacred Profane and the return of the beloved Pie-Luck, where neighbors gather to share homemade pie and conversation.

“The Fringe Festival is about carving out space for the weird, the wonderful, and the unexpected,” said Larry Weyand, Program Director for Art of Biddeford. “Whether you’re exploring an immersive artwork, listening to bizarre live music, sharing a slice of delicious pie with a neighbor, or discovering something completely unusual, we hope people leave feeling inspired by the creativity that exists right here in Biddeford.”

“The Fringe Festival is about
carving out space for the weird,
the wonderful, and the unexpected.”
— Larry Weyand, Art of Biddeford

River Jam is Saturday, August 15, from noon to 9:30 p.m. in Mechanics Park. Now in its 13th year, River Jam has become one of southern Maine’s signature summer festivals, drawing thousands each year for a full day of live music, local food, craft beverages, family activities, a Makers Market, and community celebration.

This year’s music lineup features nationally touring artists alongside some of the Northeast’s most exciting emerging musicians. Headliner Harrison Goodell takes the stage at 8:15 p.m. The New Hampshire singer-songwriter has built a devoted following through sold-out shows, opened for Sara Bareilles, JP Saxe, and The Lone Bellow, earned comparisons to artists like Noah Kahan and The Lumineers, and was recently recognized by The Portsmouth Music Hall as one of the Northeast’s top emerging artists.

**ENJOYING MUSICAL PERFORMANCES** in Biddeford’s Mechanics Park | *Photo Courtesy of Heart of Biddeford*

. . .

Earlier in the day, audiences can experience The Speed of Sound, the acclaimed new project led by Maine songwriter Spencer Albee; Nashville country artist Stephanie Ryann, who has shared the stage with Jo Dee Messina, Clint Black, The Band Perry, and Maddie & Tae; Maine-born singer-songwriter Nick Prato; regional favorite Noah Richardson; Twin City Theater Academy; and The Flukes, with performances beginning at noon.

Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities featuring interactive experiences, creative activities, and entertainment for all ages. Community booths will offer a variety of engaging activities, while Common Roots Studio will bring hands-on fun with its Instrument Petting Zoo and holographic sticker-making activity.

Guests can also enjoy professional face painting, and can enter to win a bicycle from Apex Youth Connection. Visitors can also browse River Jam’s Makers Market, featuring handcrafted artwork, jewelry, home décor, specialty foods, and one-of-a-kind creations from talented Maine artists and makers.

River Jam also showcases many of the flavors that have helped make Biddeford a destination for food lovers. Festival-goers can enjoy nationally recognized sushi from Mr. Tuna, Southeast Asian favorites from BiddoBanh, handmade empanadas from Empanada Club, wood-fired pizza from Brickyard Hollow, classics from La Kermesse’s LaCuisine, great vegetarian and vegan options from Fancy Plants and Bowlicious, plus fresh-squeezed lemonade, desserts, ice cream, and more! Adults can relax in the beer and wine garden featuring local craft brews from Banded Brewing, Lucky Pigeon Brewing, and Brickyard Hollow, along with wines from Nibblesford.

“One of my favorite moments every year is looking out from the stage after the sun has gone down,” said Delilah Poupore, Executive Director of Heart of Biddeford. “People have spent the day discovering a new favorite band, trying something they’ve never tasted before, meeting neighbors they didn’t know, and simply enjoying being together. As the dancing picks up, kids are still laughing and playing, lawn chairs fill the park, and it feels like one giant, joyful family reunion.

“I always leave feeling incredibly lucky to be part of this community, and I hope everyone comes out to experience it with us.”

I always leave feeling incredibly
lucky to be part of this community,
and I hope everyone comes out
to experience it with us.”
— Delilah Poupore, Heart of Biddeford

River Jam 2026 is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsors Brickyard Hollow, Maine Community Bank, Pepperell Mill Campus, and Saco & Biddeford Savings.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.heartofbiddeford.org/riverjam or follow Heart of Biddeford and Art of Biddeford on social media.

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