August 12 through 15, 2026
Alexander Field House, Castine, Maine
44.3883° N latitude | 68.8033° W longitude

Maine Maritime Academy Proudly Hosts the Downeast Art & Antiques Show

Maine Maritime Academy is honored to serve as the host of the 2026 Downeast Art & Antiques Show, marking the first time in the event’s distinguished history that it will be held on the Academy’s beautiful waterfront campus in Castine, Maine.
As America’s longest-running event of its kind, the Downeast Art & Antiques Show has been a treasured summer tradition since 1948, bringing together antique dealers, collectors, designers, art enthusiasts, and supporters of the arts from across New England and beyond. Over the decades, the show has been held at a variety of notable Downeast Maine venues, and Maine Maritime Academy is proud to welcome this celebrated event to campus for its inaugural year.

We invite alumni, parents, friends, neighbors, and visitors to join us for this special occasion. The Academy’s scenic Penobscot Bay setting provides a fitting backdrop for a showcase of exceptional art, antiques, and craftsmanship while highlighting the beauty and heritage of Maine’s coastal communities.

Founded in 1941, Maine Maritime Academy prepares students for leadership roles in the maritime, engineering, transportation, logistics, and energy industries through a combination of rigorous academics and hands-on experiential learning. Hosting the Downeast Art & Antiques Show reflects the Academy’s commitment to serving as a gathering place for the community while celebrating the culture, history, and traditions that define our region.

Most importantly, proceeds from the event directly benefit Maine Maritime Academy and help support the educational experiences that prepare the next generation of maritime leaders.

Please join us for Maine Maritime Academy’s inaugural hosting of this important and historic summer event. We look forward to welcoming you to Castine and sharing a memorable weekend celebrating art, history, community, and the enduring spirit of Downeast Maine.

Honorary Chair- Billy Cotton
Co-Chairs – Gil Schafer & Courtnay Daniels
Corporate Sponsors – Doyle
Media Sponsor – Frederic Magazine

Preview Cocktail Party

Wednesday | August 12 | 5:00 to 8:00 PM | Maine Maritime Academy & Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop
Kick off the Downeast Art & Antiques Show with an elegant evening on the Maine Maritime Academy campus. Guests will enjoy an exclusive first look at exceptional art, antiques, and collectibles while mingling with exhibitors, collectors, and fellow supporters of the arts. The Preview Cocktail Party offers a festive atmosphere, waterfront views, refreshments, and the opportunity to be among the first to discover unique pieces before the show opens to the public.

Art & Antiques Show

Thursday and Friday | August 13 and 14 | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday | August 15 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Explore one of New England’s premier showcases of fine art, antiques, and decorative treasures. Featuring 34 distinguished exhibitors from across the region, the Downeast Art & Antiques Show offers an extraordinary selection of artwork, furniture, maritime artifacts, jewelry, folk art, collectibles, and more. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply appreciate history, craftsmanship, and design, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this three-day event on the beautiful Maine Maritime Academy campus.

Authors’ Book Signing

Friday | August 14 | 11:00 AM
Meet acclaimed authors and design experts Billy Cotton, Gil Schafer, Eugenia Santiesteban Soto, and Libby Cameron during a special book signing event. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from these celebrated voices, purchase signed copies of their works, and engage with individuals whose contributions to design, architecture, and storytelling have inspired audiences nationwide. This unique event adds a literary dimension to an already remarkable weekend of art, antiques, and culture.