In 2020, Maine will celebrate 200 years of statehood with tall ships, fireworks, parades and community suppers. During the year, the deep history and culture of the native Wabanaki Nations will be recognized throughout the state. Schooner races, concerts and a Christmas finale in Portland are all part of the planned Bicentennial festivities.

In the next month, visitors can look forward to Statehood Weekend, celebrated in Augusta & Statewide, on March 14-15, 2020, with Saturday night bean suppers with food drives, plus speeches, poetry, music & more. Maine’s 200th: Music of Early Maine is the DaPonte String Quartet’s tribute to Maine’s Bicentennial, with concerts throughout March 2020 in Brunswick, Belfast, Newcastle, Portland and Rockport. The Quartet is joined by guest artist Eric LaPerna, percussion for a program that highlights significant events along Maine’s pre-statehood timeline (from the 16th to the early 19th centuries), with selected music to share some of the cultural influences. Go to Maine200 for more details.