Blueberries and Community Spirit to Shine at 2025 Gray Wild Blueberry Festival

The small town of Gray, Maine is gearing up for one of its most anticipated summer events: the 9th Annual Gray Wild Blueberry Festival, set for Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

Participants compete in the Pie Eating
Contest during a previous Annual
Gray Wild Blueberry Festival. This
year's festival will be held from 9:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
at the Henry Pennell Municipal 
Complex in Gray.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex on Main Street, the festival is expected to draw crowds from all over the state for a full day of family fun, live entertainment, local food, and, of course, plenty of wild blueberries.

The festival, which celebrates Maine’s iconic wild blueberry and the tight-knit community that calls Gray home, has become a hallmark of the summer season. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant lineup of music performances, starting with the Zoot Jumpers at 9:30 a.m., known for their lively swing, jazz, and blues, they’ll be followed by the high-energy ‘80s tribute band Girls Just Want to Have Fun at 11:30 a.m. Closing out the entertainment lineup is Jenny Jumpstart & the Cap Guns, offering a soulful blend of blues and Americana in the mid-afternoon slot.

At the heart of the celebration are the many ways to enjoy blueberries. From pie-eating contests to a competitive dessert bake-off—open to adults and, new for 2025, teens and youth—the event offers multiple chances for attendees to showcase their love for the little blue fruit. These lighthearted competitions are always a crowd favorite, providing laughs and sweet rewards for both participants and spectators.

More than 50 artisans and crafters will set up shop at the festival, offering Maine-made goods ranging from woodcarvings and paintings to handmade jewelry and gourmet food items. A community expo will also take place, featuring local nonprofits, small businesses, and educational displays by groups like the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Master Beekeepers.

For families, the festival offers a full slate of activities. A dedicated kids’ zone will include a 1/4-mile fun run for children ages 3 to 12, a spelling bee for elementary students, and a wide variety of games and attractions such as inflatables, a dunk tank, sprinklers (weather permitting), and face painting. Young artists will enjoy caricature and henna booths, along with a tie-dye T-shirt tent. Additional attractions include a variety of lawn games.

Food is another central attraction, with an expanded food court featuring savory comfort food and sweet treats alike. Blueberry desserts of every variety will be on offer, as well as a local farmer’s market and a fire truck display, adding to the hometown charm.

Organized by the Gray Wild Blueberry Festival Committee, the event is a nonprofit effort that benefits community programs and local school groups. Free to attend and supported by local sponsors and volunteers, the festival has become a staple of Gray’s summer calendar and a symbol of the town’s enduring community spirit.

Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the contests, or simply a relaxing day in the sunshine, the 2025 Gray Wild Blueberry Festival promises something for everyone. Mark your calendar for August 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and enjoy a day filled with flavor, fun, and a true taste of Maine.

Please note that in the event of severe rain, the festival will be postponed to Sunday, August 10 with same time and schedule.

A handful of offsite parking locations are within walking distance. Please note that no dogs are allowed.

For complete schedule, information, and updates please visit: www.wildblueberries.me/grayfestival. <