Maine Outdoor Film Festival: Free Flowing Waters (Westbrook, ME)

Outdoor adventure and conservation films under the stars at Riverbank Park

Experience the Maine Outdoor Film Festival in Westbrook, Maine, on Friday, September 11, 2026. This special outdoor program at Riverbank Park brings together Maine films, river conservation and community conversation beside the Presumpscot River.

Presented as part of the Maine Outdoor Film Festival’s Community Currents Series, Free Flowing Waters: What Migratory Fish Can Teach Us About River Health explores how science, lived experience and the movement of migratory fish can improve our understanding of Maine’s rivers.

The evening begins with a panel discussion featuring people working in conservation, research and community engagement. A program of environmental and outdoor short films follows as night falls over Riverbank Park.

Bring a camp chair or blanket, pick up dinner from one of downtown Westbrook’s restaurants, and enjoy an inspiring evening of Maine stories under the stars.

Event details

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Panel discussion: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Film program: 7:00–8:15 p.m.
Location: Riverbank Park, near 677 Main Street, Westbrook, Maine
Admission: $10 suggested donation
Rain date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
What to bring: A camp chair or blanket and clothing appropriate for the evening weather

Parking is available within Riverbank Park and in public parking areas on both sides of the park. Visitors should observe all posted parking restrictions.

Free Flowing Waters panel discussion

The opening conversation examines what Maine’s migratory fish, rivers and watersheds can teach us about ecological health and responsible stewardship.

The panel is scheduled to include representatives from Sebago Clean Waters and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Speakers are subject to change.

Topics will include:

• Migratory fish and their role in healthy river ecosystems
• River restoration and dam removal
• Forest and watershed conservation
• Access to clean drinking water
• Community partnerships supporting Maine’s rivers
• The relationship between science, experience and environmental stewardship

Maine Outdoor Film Festival program

The outdoor film program features short documentaries about rivers, fish, restoration, conservation and community action.

Scheduled films include:

Strength in Numbers: The Crooked River Salmon Stronghold

This Maine film follows the removal of the Edes Falls Dam on the Crooked River and the partnerships that helped preserve access to important habitat for wild landlocked salmon.

The Alewife Journey: A Conservation Success Story

Follow alewives from Casco Bay into the Presumpscot River and through Mill Brook on their seasonal journey to Highland Lake. The film provides a close look at one of Maine’s most remarkable wildlife migrations.

Kennebec Rising

This documentary traces the history of the Kennebec River and examines the restoration work shaping its future as a healthier, more freely flowing Maine river.

Native to the Klamath

Told through the voices of Klamath River peoples, this film considers river renewal through environmental restoration, traditional ecological knowledge, reconciliation and social justice.

Love Letter to a Wild Maine River

A short cinematic tribute to the beauty, importance and enduring character of Maine’s wild waterways.

Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage

Meet an inspiring group of women who combine adventure, activism and community as they remove trash from underwater environments and challenge expectations about age.

Film selections and speakers are subject to change. Visit the official Free Flowing Waters event page for the latest program information.

Make it an evening in downtown Westbrook

Riverbank Park is located along Main Street and the Presumpscot River, within easy reach of downtown restaurants, cafés and shops.

Arrive early and order takeout for a picnic in the park. Westbrook’s food scene includes Maine comfort food, bakeries, pizza, barbecue and restaurants serving Vietnamese, Turkish, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican and European cuisine.

Explore more places to eat and things to do on the Main Street Maine Westbrook guide. Visitors can also walk a section of the Westbrook Riverwalk before the panel begins.

About Riverbank Park

Located beside the Presumpscot River, Riverbank Park has served the Westbrook community for more than a century. Its paved paths, lawns, river views and downtown location make it a popular setting for festivals, concerts and outdoor community events.

The park is open from dawn to dusk during regular use. This special evening program continues after sunset.

Presented by

The Westbrook edition of the Maine Outdoor Film Festival is presented by:

• Discover Downtown Westbrook
• Sebago Clean Waters
• Friends of the Presumpscot River

The suggested admission donation supports Discover Downtown Westbrook and its work in the community.

Plan your visit

Mark your calendar for an evening of outdoor films, Maine conservation stories and community conversation beside the Presumpscot River.

Friday, September 11, 2026
Panel at 6 p.m. | Films at 7 p.m.
Riverbank Park, Main Street, Westbrook, Maine

View the organizer’s event page for weather updates and other event information.