Aerial image of the town of Farmington with mountains in the background

Events at UMF

Discover What’s Happening

Lectures. Performances. Exhibits. Community.

There’s always something happening at the University of Maine at Farmington. Our events calendar features opportunities for the public to engage with inspiring speakers, student showcases, cultural programs, and more.

Monthly Calendar Annual Events

Featured UMF Events

Art Exhibit Opening Reception: Phil Poirier, “A Retrospective, Interrupted”
June 13, 2026 • 5:00 PM
Please join us for the opening celebration of “A Retrospective, Interrupted,” featuring the artwork of Rumford artist, Phil Poirier. The solo exhibit presents landscape paintings inspired by locations in Maine and New Hampshire, and will be on display in Emery’s…
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Students standing in front of audience in a bookstore presenting
Longfellow Young Writers Camp
July 12, 2026 • 8:00 AM
A week-long summer camp for high school students to grow their writing skills and explore storytelling in all genres. For more information and to register, visit https://farmington.edu/about/community/longfellow/.
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Summer Open House 2026
July 17, 2026 • 9:00 AM
Join us for an open house to see why UMF is the right fit for you! This fun-filled, full day event is designed to give students and their family a comprehensive view of the University of Maine Farmington. Learn about…
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parents and student on campus
Friends & Family Fall Fest Weekend
October 16, 2026 • 8:00 AM
Each fall, UMF welcomes families, friends, and alumni back to campus for a weekend of connection and celebration. Family & Friends Fall Fest Weekend features a variety of activities including athletic events, campus traditions, student performances, open houses, and opportunities…
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Monthly Calendar

UMF Annual Events & Traditions

From students first days on campus to graduation, University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) traditions build a strong sense of community and belonging. Highlights include Summer Experience (late spring/summer), Accepted Student Events like ORBA’s Send It Down the Sandy (spring), Move-In Day (late August), and Fall Fest (early fall), which help welcome students and kick off the year.

Later in the year, students take part in the Student Teaching Pinning Ceremony (spring) and Late Night Breakfast Karaoke, celebrating milestones and bringing the campus together through shared experiences.

Symposium & Art Week

Each spring showcase of student and faculty research, creative work, performances, and academic presentations.

Commencement

In early May, graduation ceremony celebrating academic achievement and marking the transition to alumni status with bag pipes.

Visiting Writers & Scholars

Throughout the year, UMF welcomes visiting writers and scholars whose work enriches the academic and creative life of the campus community. Through lectures, readings, workshops, and classroom engagement, these guests bring diverse perspectives across literature, research, education, and the humanities, offering students direct access to leading voices in their fields.

These programs include the Visiting Writers Series, as well as Libra Scholars, distinguished guests, and international faculty exchanges, all of which connect students and faculty with nationally and internationally recognized voices.

Annual Art Events at Emery

The Emery Community Arts Center is UMF’s hub for annual arts programming, hosting a year-round schedule of exhibitions, performances, and special events that bring students and the community together.

Each year, Emery features visiting artist exhibitions, visiting writers, theater and music performances, student showcases, and interdisciplinary arts programming. Signature events such as Beavermoth Live Storytelling Event held each semester, rotating gallery exhibitions, and special featured installations—including major exhibits like the Declaration of Independence exhibition in October 2026—offer new cultural experiences each season.

Emery Art Center

Farmington Area Events

Experience the best of western Maine through a vibrant mix of seasonal traditions, community festivals, and live entertainment. From historic celebrations to outdoor concerts and local food gatherings, Farmington offers something happening year-round.

  • Chester Greenwood Day (December) – A beloved hometown celebration honoring the inventor of earmuffs, featuring a festive parade, local vendors, and community spirit in downtown Farmington.
  • Earth Day Celebrations (April) – Community events and sustainability activities across Farmington and surrounding towns.
  • Farmington Fair (September) – One of Maine’s oldest agricultural fairs, featuring rides, exhibits, food, and live entertainment.
  • WhistleStop Concert Series – Outdoor and indoor live music performances at the Narrow Gauge Amphitheater and surrounding venues.
  • Fiddlehead Festival (May) – A signature UMF community event celebrating local food, farmers, artisans, and sustainability.

Host Your Event at UMF

Looking for a unique and welcoming venue in western Maine? The University of Maine at Farmington offers a wide range of conference and event spaces available to community organizations, businesses, and private groups year-round. With high-tech spaces, on-site catering, and optional summer lodging, UMF provides everything you need to host a seamless and successful event. Whether you’re organizing a professional conference, workshop, retreat, celebration, or camp, our team is ready to help bring your event to life.

Conferences and Event Venues

Have a UMF sponsored event to add to the calendar?

Faculty, staff, and students can submit by logging into Mycampus and selecting “submit an event” on the right of the page.
MyCampus