One weekend prior to Memorial Day weekend, we host an orientation for all new and returning volunteers (docents) to help familiarize or re-familiarize them with the responsibilities of being a volunteer at the lighthouse. (This weekend also serves as a rain date for our clean up event.)



Open Houses

Each year, from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, the Friends open the lighthouse to the public each weekend, holidays and other special event days, weather and volunteer availability permitting. Volunteer docents are available to point out the various features of the lighthouse as well as answer any questions concerning the lighthouse and its history. Lighthouse-related items are also available for purchase in the gift shop.

When visiting the lighthouse, remember that you are walking out 7/8ths of a mile into the ocean on uneven blocks of granite, so please wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Also, there are no restrooms in the lighthouse and pets are not permitted inside. Children need to be at least 42 inches tall to go up in the tower.



Work Shops

On the second and last Mondays of each month that the lighthouse is open, beginning at 3:30 p.m. and lasting until dusk, skilled and non-skilled laborers will meet to work on the restoration of the lighthouse. Consult our calendar for the actual dates. Contact our Project Coordinator if you are interested in participating in a workshop day.



Mid-coast Maine Lighthouse Challenge

During this two-day event participants are challenged to visit eight lighthouses and one museum in the mid-coast area. When you visit each site you will receive a souvenir token commemorating your visit. If you choose to walk the breakwater to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, you will receive a special bonus token. Special event T-shirts and pins will be available at select sites. Click here for more information.



Maine Lighthouse Week

The third full week in June has been designated as Maine Lighthouse Week, aimed at inviting and urging the people of the State of Maine to observe the week with appropriate ceremony and activity to honor and commemorate the important role of lighthouses in Maine's history.One way The Friends celebrate the week is by sponsoring the Light-to-Light Walk/Run on Father’s Day (Sunday) each year. The race starts at Owls Head Light parking lot and continues 7.5 miles through the town of Owls Head and the city of Rockland to Mary Reed Park located at the beginning of the walk to Rockland Breakwater Light, at the end of Samoset Road. Prizes will be awarded at a ceremony directly after the race, in the park. Click here for more information and to register for the event.

Other events are also held during the week to celebrate Maine Lighthouse Week. Please check the calendar or What’s New page for details.



Lobster Boat Races

Also taking place in June, over 100 lobster boats take part in the Lobster Boat Races in Rockland Harbor. The Breakwater has the best viewing spot for the races. (This event is sponsored by the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce.)



Windjammer Parade

Come walk the Breakwater and visit the Lighthouse on the second Friday in July and witness the entire windjammer fleet participating in an afternoon Parade of Sail past the mile-long Rockland Breakwater, providing spectators with stunning, close-up views of Maine’s fleet of tall ships. Click here for more information about the event and the windjammer fleet.



Lobster Festival 

While attending the Maine Lobster Festival held on the first weekend in August (and the three days prior to it) at Harbor Park in Rockland we encourage you to visit the Lighthouse. We are open all five days during the festival.



Lighthouse Cruise

From time to time, the Friends sponsor a lighthouse cruise sometime during the season. Check our calendar or What’s New! page for dates and times.