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Things Todo In Houlton

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The Hottest Debate: Shady Ridge Disc Golf Course Criticized as Too Challenging!

The Hottest Debate: Shady Ridge Disc Golf Course Criticized as Too Challenging!
Don't miss out on Houlton's 250th Anniversary celebration, AG Fair, disc golf course, farmers markets, and more this July!

Kevin Rogers

Jul 7, 2026

July 7 2026

Trivia Question❓

What traditional fair food is made by pouring batter into hot oil in a circular pattern and covering it with powdered sugar?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Houlton AG Fair

Now the AG Fair Moves into Town

Quote Of The Day

“Small towns don’t grow by accident. They grow when everyday people decide to show up, spend local, help a neighbor, and believe the place is worth building.

 

World Headlines

Joke Of The Day

What did one flag say to the other flag?
Nothing — it just waved.

Local News

The town of Houlton celebrated the nation's 250th anniversary with its biggest parade ever.

The parade included floats, bands, classic cars, fire trucks, and more, with participation from various community groups and local businesses.

The theme of the parade was patriotism and honoring the history of the United States.

Spectators lined the streets to watch the parade, which lasted for over two hours and featured a diverse range of participants.

Attendees enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the significant milestone in American history.

The event was a success and brought the town of Houlton together in a spirit of unity and national pride.

Read More...

Top Houlton Events

 

Houlton Agricultural Fair — July 10–12
Houlton Community Park, 95 Randall Ave. Admission is listed at $10, rides not included, with free on-site parking. The fair is the big local anchor this weekend: livestock, exhibits, rides, entertainment, agriculture, and family fun.

 

Houlton Weekly Add

 

Houlton Community Market — Saturday, July 11
Open every Saturday from 8:30 AM–12:30 PM in Market Square, rain or shine, with local produce, meats, cheese, baked goods, plants, crafts, and locally made goods.

 

Family / Library Add

 

Cary Library Summer Reading Program
Runs June 30–August 6, with activity days on Wednesdays from 3:00–4:00 PM. Good family calendar filler for the midweek section.

County-Wide Events Worth Adding

 

 

Rotary International Food Festival — July 25
Houlton Middle High School, 1:00–3:00 PM, free. Good to start teasing now since it’s a strong community event.

Weekend Events

Saturday, July 10-11-12 — Houlton AG Fair

Friday, July 10
 
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Judging
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
All entries must have been dropped off during the designated times listed in the Premium Book
 
12:00 PM
Gates Open
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Agricultural Education Experiences Area
Steve Porter Field
 
Multiple games, contests, and activities running all day brought to you by Region Two School of Applied Tech - See online schedule for full listing.
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Check out the amazing exhibits
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Agricultural Coin Challenge Contest
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Houlton Fair Coloring Contest available all day
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Selfie Station open all day
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Family Cool Down Zone featuring many independent activities
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum exhibit and self directed agricultural activities open throughout day
 
Leota Hare Building
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Lasting Impressions Chainsaw Art Running off and on thru day
Steve Porter Field
 
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Livestock area
Livestock Barn Area
Check out the animals and educational exhibits
 
12:00 PM
Hula Hoop Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
12:30 PM
Robotics
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
HMHS
 
1:00 PM
Midway by Smokey's Greater Shows Opens ★
Midway
Details
 
1:00 PM
Hay Bale Relay Race Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Learn hand quilting with the Friends and Needles Quilters Guild
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Bingo by Linneus Sno Sports
Midway
 
2:00 PM
Fireman Fred Show & Karaoke
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
 
2:00 PM
Donut Eating Contest
Steve Porter Field
Sponsored by Sadies Bakery
 
2:00 PM
Raising Poultry 101
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Kelly Schwalbert
 
3:00 PM
Stick Horse Racing Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
3:00 PM
Bread in a bag
Leota Hare Building
Brought to you by the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum
 
4:00 PM
Mini-Modified Tractor Pulls & ATV/UTV Pulls Registration
Truck/Tractor Pull Track Hillside
 
4:00 PM
Houlton Farms Dairy Lemonade Chugging Contest
Steve Porter Field
Brought to you by Houlton Farms Dairy
 
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Little Sprouts beginning botany
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Brought to you by the Houlton Homeschoolers Group - stop in anytime during the hour
 
5:00 PM
Market Hog Weigh in
Livestock Showring
 
5:00 PM
Potato Picking Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
5:00 PM
Fireman Fred Show & Karaoke
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
 
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bingo by Linneus Sno Sports
Midway
 
6:30 PM
2026 Mini-Modified Tractor Pulls & ATV/UTV Pulls ★
Truck/Tractor Pull Track Hillside
Brought to you By J.McLaughlin Construction
Details
 
7:00 PM
Story Time at the Fair
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Brought to you by Maine Agriculture Classroom followed by a sweet treat donated by Das NiederHiltz-Haus Bakery & Farmstand in Cary
 
8:00 PM
Fireman Fred Show & Karaoke
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
 
10:00 PM
Midway & Smokey's Greater Shows Closes
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
10:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Closes
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
10:00 PM
Gates Close
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
Saturday, July 11
 
9:00 AM
Horse Show Registration
Horse Ring Announcers Booth
 
10:00 AM
Gates Open
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
10:00 AM
Horse Show
Horse Ring
 
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Drop off Cooked Goods at Exhibit Hall
Enter through the Elm Street Gate
 
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Agricultural Coin Challenge Contest
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Livestock area
Steve Porter Field
Check out the animals and educational exhibits
 
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Check out the amazing exhibits and agricultural activities
 
11:00 AM
2026 Houlton Agricultural Fair Sprout & Seeling Pageant ★
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
Brought to You by Lotus & Leaf
Register Now!
 
11:00 AM
2026 Motorcycle Show Registration
Enter through the Elm Street Gate
Sponsored by Ride North Harley-Davidson
 
11:00 AM
Homemade butter making with Heather Quimby of Quimby Acre Farms
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM
Cooked-Goods Judging
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM
Simple Salve-making with Shelly Bouchard
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Oil infusions with wild herbs, healing recipes, and related products such as lip balm, lotions, soaps, and deodorants
 
12:00 PM
Houlton Agricultural Fair Truck Pull Registration
Truck/Tractor Pull Track Hillside
 
12:00 PM
Rubber Duck Racing Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
2026 Motorcycle Show ★
Outside the Exhibit Hall
Brought to You by Ride North Harley-Davidson
Register Now!
 
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Agricultural Education Experiences Area
Steve Porter Field
 
Multiple games, contests, and activities running all day brought to you by Region Two School of Applied Tech. Start time depends on completion of the pageant - See online schedule for full listing.
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Houlton Fair Coloring Contest available all day
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Selfie Station open all day
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Family Cool Down Zone featuring many independent activities
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum exhibit and self directed agricultural activities open throughout day
Leota Hare Building
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Last Impressions Chainsaw Art
Steve Porter Field
Running on and off throughout the day
 
12:00 PM
Midway by Smokey's Greater Shows Opens ★
Midway
Details
 
12:30 PM
Sheep Show
Livestock Showring
 
1:00 PM
Sourdough 101
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Brought to by Our Maine Book Club
 
1:00 PM
Stick Horse Racing Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Learn hand quilting with the Friends and Needles Quilters Guild
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Bingo by Linneus Sno Sports
Midway
 
1:30 PM
Goat Show
Livestock Showring
 
2:00 PM
Donut Eating Contest
Steve Porter Field
Sponsored by Sadies Bakery
 
2:00 PM
Fireman Fred Show & Karaoke
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
 
2:00 PM
 
2026 Houlton Agricultural Fair Truck & Tractor Pull ★
Truck/Tractor Pull Track Hillside
Brought to You by SR1 Equipment
 
2:30 PM
Hog Show
Livestock Showring
 
2:30 PM
Make homemade Ice Cream in a bag with Houlton Homeschoolers
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
3:00 PM
Egg Toss Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Little Sprouts beginning botany
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Brought to you by the Houlton Homeschoolers Group - stop in anytime during the hour
 
4:00 PM
Farm Foot Race Relay Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
4:30 PM
Simple Salve-making with Shelly Bouchard
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Oil infusions with wild herbs, healing recipes, and related products such as lip balm, lotions, soaps, and deodorants
 
4:30 PM
Dairy Show
Livestock Showring
 
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bingo by Linneus Sno Sports
Midway
 
5:00 PM
Fireman Fred Show & Karaoke
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
 
5:00 PM
Potato Rolling Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
5:30 PM
Beef Show
Livestock Showring
 
6:30 PM
Simple Salve-making with Shelly Bouchard
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Oil infusions with wild herbs, healing recipes, and related products such as lip balm, lotions, soaps, and deodorants
 
7:30 PM
Dustin Devine in Concert ★
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
Details
 
10:00 PM
Midway & Smokey's Greater Shows Closes
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
10:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Closes
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
10:00 PM
Gates Close
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
 
Sunday, July 12
 
10:00 AM
Gates & Exhibit Hall Opens
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
10:00 AM
Hoof Trimming Demonstration
Livestock Barn Area
 
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Agricultural Coin Challenge Contest
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Check out the amazing exhibits and agricultural activities
 
11:00 AM
Car Show Registration
Chase McGuire Field
 
11:30 AM
Egg Drop Contest Registration
Outside the Exhibit Hall
 
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Agricultural Education Experiences Area
Steve Porter Field
Multiple games, contests, and activities running all day brought to you by Region Two School of Applied Tech - See online schedule for full listing.
 
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Houlton Fair Coloring Contest available all day
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
 
Selfie Station open all day
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum exhibit and self directed agricultural activities open throughout day
Leota Hare Building
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Family Cool Down Zone featuring many independent activities
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
12:00 PM
2026 Houlton Agricultural Fair Egg Drop Contest ★
Outside the Exhibit Hall
Brought to You by JMM Tree Services
Details
 
12:00 PM
Rubber Duck Racing Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2026 Car Show ★
Chase McGuire Field
Register Now!
 
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Lasting Impressions Chainsaw Art Running off and on thru day
Steve Porter Field
 
12:00 PM
Midway by Smokey's Greater Shows Opens ★
Midway
Details
 
12:30 PM
Planting and learn about plant parts and needs
Leota Hare Building
Brought to you by the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum
 
1:00 PM
Eel Racing
Steve Porter Field
 
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Learn hand quilting with the Friends and Needles Quilters Guild
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bingo by Linneus Sno Sports
Midway
 
2:00 PM
Fireman Fred Show & Karaoke
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
 
2:00 PM
Skillet Throw Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
2:00 PM
Canning demonstration with UMaine Cooperative Extension
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
3:00 PM
Eel Racing
Steve Porter Field
 
3:00 PM
Demo Derby Registration
Truck/Tractor Pull Track Hillside
 
3:00 PM
Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
Brought to you by the Houlton Homeschoolers
 
4:00 PM
Egg & Spoon Race Contest
Steve Porter Field
 
4:00 PM
2026 Houlton Agricultural Fair Demolition Derby ★
Truck/Tractor Pull Track Hillside
Brought to You by Louisiana Pacific
Details
 
6:00 PM
Fireman Fred Show & Karaoke
Courtesy Tent in Steve Porter Field
 
6:00 PM
Coloring Contest Winner Announced
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
6:00 PM
Agricultural Coin Challenge Contest Winners Announced
Exhibit Hall in the Millar Civic Center
 
8:00 PM
Midway & Smokey's Greater Shows Closes
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
8:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Closes
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
 
8:00 PM
Gates Close
Houlton Fairgrounds (Community Park)
A study shows that the world's oceans are warming at an unprecedented rate, leading to concerns about the impact on marine life and ecosystems.

The research, conducted by a team of scientists, highlights the urgent need for global action to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

The findings underscore the critical importance of protecting the oceans and implementing measures to mitigate the effects of warming on marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

Scientists warn that without significant intervention, the accelerated warming of the world's oceans could have devastating consequences for the planet's overall health and well-being.

Read More...

Disc Golf in the Houlton Area

Introducing Shady Ridge Disc Golf — a course forged from an ambitious vision: provide a two-time World Champion with the space, creativity, and permission to design the ultimate disc golf challenge.


Read More...
 

DOWNTOWN DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Houlton offers a variety of locally owned dining options.

 

🍽️ Downtown Dining & Nightlife

Houlton, Maine 04730 | Restaurants, pubs, bars, wine, Chinese food, BBQ, cafés, and local favorites.

 

 

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, date night, local pub, or a place to unwind after exploring Southern Aroostook, Houlton offers a variety of locally owned dining options.

 

 

 

🍕 Pizza & Casual Dining

 

Market Pizza

📍 23 Market Square, Houlton

  • Pizza
  • Wings
  • Subs
  • Salads
  • Dine-in & Takeout

Visit Website

 

 

 

🍽️ Restaurants

 

The Vault Restaurant

📍 64 Main Street, Houlton

  • Historic downtown location
  • Steaks
  • Seafood
  • Specialty entrees
  • Full bar

Visit Website

View Menu

 

Ivey's Bistro

📍 241 North Street, Houlton

  • American cuisine
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Full-service restaurant
  • Outdoor seating seasonally

Visit Website

 

🥡 Chinese & Asian Cuisine

 

Taste of China

📍 North Street, Houlton

  • Chinese cuisine
  • Lunch specials
  • Combination plates
  • Takeout available
  • Family-friendly dining

 

 

Tangs

📍 Houlton

  • Chinese cuisine
  • Sushi selections
  • Asian specialties
  • Dine-in and takeout

 

 

🔥 BBQ & Smokehouse Favorites

 

ShireWood Smoke House

📍 Houlton Area

  • Slow-smoked BBQ
  • Pulled pork
  • Brisket
  • Ribs
  • Catering available

Facebook Page

 

🍺 Pubs & Sports Bars

 

Bastions Tavern

📍 43 Market Square, Houlton

  • Sports bar
  • Draft beer
  • Burgers
  • Wings
  • Downtown nightlife

Facebook Page

 

 

Downunder Sports Pub

📍 282 North Street, Houlton

  • Sports bar
  • Wings
  • Burgers
  • Draft beer
  • Entertainment on select weekends

Facebook Page

 

🍷 Wine & Cocktails

 

Wine Until Nine & Martini Bar

 

📍 84 Main Street, Houlton

  • Wine flights
  • Specialty martinis
  • Small plates
  • Date night atmosphere

Facebook Page

 

Coffee & Cafés

 

The Book n Brew

📍 Court Street, Houlton

  • Coffee
  • Espresso drinks
  • Sandwiches
  • Free WiFi

Facebook Page

 

The Cup Cafe

📍 61 Military Street, Houlton

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Homemade baked goods
  • Community-focused nonprofit café

Facebook

 

🍦 Sweet Treats

 

Houlton Farms Dairy Bar

📍 131 Military Street, Houlton

  • Ice cream
  • Seafood baskets
  • Burgers
  • Seasonal favorite

Visit Website

 

🍺 After 4 PM in Houlton

 

If you're arriving in Houlton late in the day, here's a simple itinerary:

 

Happy Hour & Drinks

 

  • Bastions Tavern
  • Wine Until Nine
  • Ivey's Bistro
  • Downunder Sports Pub

 

Dinner

 

  • The Vault Restaurant
  • Ivey's Bistro
  • Market Pizza
  • Downunder Sports Pub

 

Evening Activities

 

  • Temple Theater
  • Downtown stroll through Market Square
  • Seasonal concerts & community events
  • Campfire at local campgrounds
  • Scenic drive through Southern Aroostook
  • Shady Ridge Disc Golf

 

🍽️ Complete Dining Categories

 

🍕 Pizza

Market Pizza

TNT

Dominos

Pizza Hut

Circle K / Food trend

Beals -Littleton 

 

Food Trucks / Location

Mother Hen - Drews Lake 

The Pine Grill- By temple Theater

The Bus -By Cary Library

 

 

🍔 American Dining

The Vault Restaurant
Ivey's Bistro
County Co - Op

 

🍺 Pubs & Bars

Bastions Tavern
Downunder Sports Pub

Iveys Bistro

 

🍷 Wine & Cocktails

Wine Until Nine & Martini Bar

 

🥡 Chinese & Asian

Taste of China
Tangs

 

🔥 BBQ

Shirewood Smokehouse BBQ

 

☕ Coffee & Cafés

Book and Brew Cafe
The Cup Cafe

 

🍦 Ice Cream & Sweet Treats

Houlton Farms Dairy Bar

 

One ad spot. Mailbox visibility. Online exposure. Newsletter reach. Facebook promotion. QR traffic.

Put your business where local plans are made

Get Seen by Over 10,000 Local Readers

 

The August Things To Do in Houlton Local Discovery Guide is going directly into local mailboxes across 04730 and 04760.

 

We are printing and mailing 5,000 pieces, giving participating businesses visibility in front of an estimated 10,000+ local residents, families, visitors, and weekend shoppers.

 

This is not just a printed AD.

 

Each $379 business spot includes placement in the 9x12 EDDM mailer, a basic listing on ThingsToDoInHoulton.comnewsletter exposure, Facebook promotions, and QR-driven traffic back to the website.

 

Your business gets seen in mailboxes, online, in the newsletter, and across local social media — all as part of one August local discovery campaign.

 

Only 20 business spots are available.

 

Ad Spot: $379

Reserve your spot now and put your business where local plans are made.

 

 

Call, text or email Kevin @

 

 207-538-6775 or email: info@shadyridgestudios.com

Summer mornings in Aroostook County offer a unique charm that captures all your senses.

 

The air is filled with the warm scent of fresh baked goods, while locally grown vegetables and sweet maple syrup from neighborhood sugarhouses line vibrant farmers market tables.

 

Handcrafted items made by talented local artisans add even more personality to the scene.

 

Every visit brings a chance to meet the growers, bakers, and crafters who shape the community’s character.

 

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or simply exploring Northern Maine for a weekend, stopping by a farmers market is one of the most authentic ways to experience everything the region has to offer.


Read More...

Tasty Grill Cheese and Easy Tomato Soup

This guy goes seriously in-depth on grilled cheese and soup — and honestly, I respect it.

 

As someone who loves chasing the perfect simple meal, I can appreciate when someone breaks down every little detail: the way the soup is cooked, the timing, the texture, and especially the heat control on the grilled cheese.

 

Because a great grilled cheese is not just bread and cheese. It is patience, butter, heat, timing, and that perfect golden crunch.

Simple food done right is an art form — and this one breaks out all the stops.

Camping Hacks

Tip of The Day

Visit the Houlton Farms Dairy Bar for delicious homemade ice cream and milkshakes that are perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day in Houlton!

Headlines around the U.S and World

Garden and Forest Plants

Secret Little Hack

Sure, if you're looking for a delicious and affordable meal in Houlton 04730, be sure to check out the local farmer's market for fresh produce and homemade goods. 

 

It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy some tasty treats at the same time!

 Down Town Houlton July 2026

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Answer: Funnel cake.

Things Todo In Houlton

© 2026 Things Todo In Houlton.

Things To do In Houlton is the friendly, go-to guide for life in this northern Maine community. It's a warm hub for sharing local news, can't-miss events, hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and heartfelt neighborly shoutouts. This newsletter helps keep the entire Shiretown connected.

© 2026 Things Todo In Houlton.