If you’ve been wondering about fun things to do in Maine this weekend or searching for summer events in Maine, look no further than Old Orchard Beach on May 1, 2026. Every year, Opening Day marks the unofficial start of the coastal season a day when beloved local businesses throw open their doors, welcome back regulars, and set the tone for the months ahead.
This year, the lineup is packed with something for everyone, from book lovers and foodies to campers and seafood enthusiasts. Here’s your complete guide to the top May 2026 Opening Day events in events in Maine’s most vibrant beach town.
1. Beachside Books & Bowls
Beachside Books & Bowls (11 First Street, Old Orchard Beach) is one of the most charming additions to the OOB/Ocean Park scene in recent years. Doors open at noon, inviting you into a cozy shop tucked steps away from the shoreline on Seaside Avenue. It’s a delightful hybrid that blends two passions most wouldn’t think to pair: books and acai bowls.
The shelves carry a curated mix of new and used books, many themed around New England and nautical life. Greeting cards and unique odds and ends make for great gift options beyond books. When hunger strikes, their acai bowls offer a healthy, refreshing bite that fits the coastal vibe perfectly.
Reviewers on TripAdvisor have called it “a wonderful addition to OOB” and “a book lover’s dream.” It perfectly serves literary types and health-conscious beach visitors alike. For events in Maine today that feed the mind and body, Beachside Books & Bowls is your perfect May 1 starting point.
2. Royal Anchor Resort
Few places carry the legacy and warmth of the Royal Anchor Resort (203 E Grand Ave, Old Orchard Beach). Established in 1968, this oceanfront gem has been creating family traditions for nearly six decades, and this May 1 it reopens its doors at 12:00 PM to welcome back the loyal guests who have returned every single summer since it opened. That kind of loyalty speaks volumes.
The resort offers 40 unique accommodations across three stories, many with Atlantic views and private balconies. Also, guests can enjoy a heated outdoor pool, private beach, and an on-site snack shack. Its crown jewel is the Water’s Edge Tiki Bar, a lively beachside spot with live music that draws guests and locals alike.
And, for summer events in Maine, Royal Anchor Resort’s Opening Day kicks off the season in style. Book early as loyal guests return year after year. Just one mile north of the OOB pier, it is an ideal home base for everything the area has to offer.
3. Old Orchard Beach Campground
For families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers who want to experience Maine’s iconic coast at a slower pace, the Old Orchard Beach Campground (27 Go Camping Way) is a dream destination. Family-owned by the Daigle family for over 50 years, OOB Campground opens its 2026 season at 9:00 PM on May 1. It remains one of the most beloved campgrounds in all of Southern Maine, and for very good reason.
Located one mile from the beach, OOB Campground offers cabin rentals, park model sites, and deluxe RV sites with full hookups including electricity, water, sewer, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Five distinct sections including Black Forest, Grove, Lazy Acres, and Tall Pines give every traveler a setup that fits their style.
On-site amenities include swimming pools, hot tubs, two playgrounds, a rec hall, basketball courts, a Gaga ball pit, and a Trolley stop shuttling guests directly to Old Orchard Beach. It is the kind of place where kids make lifelong friends and parents finally exhale. For things to do in Maine today with the whole family, a stay at OOB Campground is one of the best decisions you can make this season.
4. Paloma’s Restaurant
When it comes to events in Maine this weekend that involve bold flavors and vibrant atmosphere, Paloma’s Restaurant (15 B E Grand Ave, Old Orchard Beach) consistently rises to the top of the list. Paloma’s serves up a fusion of American, Latin, and Asian cuisine starting at 9:00 PM. Fresh, natural, and locally sourced ingredients make every dish as colorful as the décor itself.
Breakfast is served all day, with standouts like corn arepas, avocado toast, French pancakes, empanadas, and the signature Paloma omelet. Fresh-squeezed orange and mandarin juices are a crowd favorite, and the Paloma cocktail is practically a rite of passage. Margaritas and mimosas round out a solid cocktail menu.
The ambiance is warm and colorful, with painted wood tables and a friendly counter-service setup. Reviewers consistently praise the food and staff, noting how welcome they feel from the moment they walk in. Fueling up for the beach or winding down after an evening stroll, Paloma’s Restaurant is a must on any OOB itinerary.
5. Beach Lobster & Farm Stand
If you’re a seafood lover searching for summer events in Maine that celebrate the best of local waters, Beach Lobster & Farm Stand (35 Saco Ave, Old Orchard Beach) is exactly where you need to be. Open from 10:00 AM onward, this family-run market has been a community staple for over 40 years. Known as the go-to spot for live Maine lobster, they’ll even steam it on site for free.
The stand carries live lobsters, clams, mussels, oysters, fresh produce, locally made pies, jams, and pickles. Artisan gifts, hand-painted birdhouses, and hanging flower baskets round out the experience. It is a true celebration of Maine’s coastal charm.
Guests rave about the quality, pricing, and helpful staff who guide every choice. In 2025, the stand earned the People’s Choice award at OOB’s local business awards. Shopping here is a meaningful way to support local vendors and take home a little taste of Maine.
6. Bill’s Pizza
No list of events in Maine today is complete without Bill’s Pizza (12 Old Orchard St). Slinging pies since 1949, this iconic OOB joint has hooked locals and tourists for over 75 years. The ovens fire up at 11:00 PM on May 1, and since 2022, Pier French Fries has owned the shop to keep its legacy alive.
The pizza is straightforward, seasoned beautifully, and best enjoyed at a picnic table near the beach. Thin, foldable New York-style crust, flavorful sauce, and every slice feels like summer. With a 4.2-star rating on TripAdvisor, the fan base is devoted. Opening Day at Bill’s is always a celebration, expect a crowd eager for the first slice of the season.
7. Pier French Fries
If there’s one Opening Day event that truly signals the start of summer in Maine, it’s the reopening of Pier French Fries (12 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach). Established in 1932, this legendary institution has survived pier fires and nor’easter blizzards to become arguably the most iconic food stand in the entire state — and on May 1 it comes back to life at 11:00 PM. As one of the oldest businesses in OOB, eating here is practically a civic tradition.
Every potato is washed, peeled, and hand-cut fresh daily on-site. The fries come in a cup, pint, or beloved box with a crisp exterior and soft interior fans describe as unforgettable. Classic condiments are crowd favorites, but the nacho cheese, chili, and signature Poutine have their own passionate following.
Co-owners Tiffany and Allan Buotte keep prices as stable as possible, absorbing rising costs rather than passing them to loyal customers. That community dedication is why people drive hours, sometimes across state lines, just for a box of Pier Fries. For fun things to do in Maine this weekend or summer events in Maine worth remembering, ending Opening Day at Pier French Fries is the perfect May 1 finish.
Celebrate Opening Day and Stay Where It Feels Like Home
Old Orchard Beach has always been more than a destination; it’s a rhythm. Businesses reopening on May 1 aren’t just launching a new season, they’re continuing decades-long relationships built on genuine local character. In an era where beach towns risk becoming interchangeable, OOB holds its ground through spots like Pier French Fries, hand-cutting every potato since 1932, and Beach Lobster & Farm Stand, where a 40-year family legacy remains the backbone of the operation.
The best summer experiences aren’t manufactured, they’re inherited, and Opening Day is your reminder of exactly that. Show up on May 1, and keep showing up all season long. As you soak in everything Old Orchard Beach has to offer this season, make sure you have the right place to come home to. Seagrass Inn is a charming, locally rooted inn steps from the shore, the kind of place that feels like OOB itself: unpretentious, warm, and genuinely welcoming. Here for Opening Day or the whole summer, book your stay and settle into the season the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are fun things to do in Maine this weekend?
There are plenty of fun things to do in Maine this weekend, May 2-3, 2026. Acadia National Park offers scenic hiking, while Portland Head Light delivers a slice of local history. Also, Bar Harbor’s shops and seafood are worth a visit, and the mild weather is perfect for coastal walking on the Eastern Promenade or a stop at the Desert of Maine.
What are the summer events in Maine?
Maine’s summer events run from June through August, drawing visitors for festivals, fairs, and food gatherings. Iconic highlights include the Maine Lobster Festival, Yarmouth Clam Festival, and Windjammer Days in Boothbay Harbor. Also, the Maine Potato Blossom Festival, Bangor State Fair, and a rotating lineup of outdoor concerts round out the season.
What are the best festivals in Maine?
Maine’s festival scene runs deep, rooted in maritime tradition and agricultural pride. The best festivals in Maine include the Maine Lobster Festival, the Fryeburg Fair, and the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest. Each festival brings live music, local food, and community activities worth planning a trip around.
What is special in Maine?
Maine stands apart for reasons hard to find anywhere else. Maine’s rugged coastline, iconic lighthouses, and Acadia National Park are complemented by soulful towns like Bar Harbor and Ogunquit. Also, world-class lobster and the honor of being the US’s first sunrise spot make Maine truly one of a kind.
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