While there are thousands who flock to Ogunquit Beach every summer, many folks don’t realize the long history Ogunquit has with the arts. Its okay – after all, sometimes a vacation just needs to be all about the beach.

But every September for the first two weeks, Ogunquit celebrates its heritage with the annual Capriccio Festival of the Arts. And in Ogunquit, with the Playhouse, Barn Gallery, Heritage Museum, Ogunquit Museum of American Art, Booth Theatre,  numerous galleries and antique shops, there is something for everyone’s taste. Even the beauty and fun of a kite festival – where kids decorate their own kites and watch as professional flyers soar kites through the air.

We’ve included the full schedule so you can make plans early to enjoy the Festival (don’t miss the historical tours, the ragtime music concert and be sure to visit the Antique Show for outstanding silver and linens).

Also the history of Ogunquit’s romance with art is worth reading. It shows how Modernism came to Maine and how a little sleepy sea town influenced famous individuals like Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and more.