Summer of ’26 with the BDA

The 2026 Summer Season has officially come to an end, and our team here at the Brunswick Downtown Association is feeling a heartfelt sense of gratitude to represent this community of such active local businesses, residents, and visitors. From our 2nd Friday Brunswick Summer Art Walk Series and Music on the Mall Summer Concert Series, to our 20th Annual Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival and 11th Annual Community BBQ, to 5 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies and the many small moments in between, our Summer of ’26 was a great success–none of which could happen without your outpour of support for Brunswick, Maine. Together, we’ve been looking back on each of our favorite summer memories, which we’d love to share with you…

From our Executive Director, Reilly Kons:

Our Music on the Mall Concert Series is one of my favorite events we host because of the way the Mall transforms into a true “third place” each week: a space that isn’t home or work, but somewhere people can gather, relax, connect, and simply enjoy being part of a community.

My favorite part, though, is what I’ve come to think of as “the linger.” Long after the band has packed up and the sponsors have gone home with their leftover giveaways, people stay. They spread out on the Mall, continue to catch up with neighbors, let their kids keep playing, and stretch a summer evening just a little bit longer. To me, that lingering is one of the simplest signs that we’ve created something meaningful: a place where people genuinely want to be together.

From our Membership and Events Coordinator, Abbey Plankey-Smith:

My favorite part of our summer events was seeing how much the new Youth Market at 2nd Friday Brunswick took off. It was heartwarming to see so many young artists put themselves out there for the public to see their artwork and try their hand at making sales with the community members.

From our Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Grace Clendening:

My favorite memory from my first summer with the BDA was without-a-doubt our Annual Community BBQ on Saturday, September 12th. Seeing 30+ local nonprofits on the Mall not only connect with thousands of community members, but also connect with each other as organizations, made me feel so very encouraged by the many people who make Brunswick such a welcoming place. And the crowds’ excited cheers for this year’s 1st Pizza Eating Contest were real fun, too.

I must also give a quick shoutout to all of our trusty volunteers–thank you for your care and commitment to the town of Brunswick all summer long!