York Beach, Maine
The Labor Day Beach Bonfire on the Maine Coast
On the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, the town gathers on Long Sands to send off summer around the biggest bonfire in York. There is live music, food, and a fire you can see from down the beach, all to fill the shelves of the York Food Pantry. Anchorage Inn sits right across the road, so you are a short walk from the whole thing.
The Last Night of Summer
What the Beach Bonfire Means in York, Maine
This is how York closes out the season. One Saturday night, the beach fills with locals and visitors, a huge fire goes up on the sand, and every can of food at the door goes to neighbors who need it. It is a party and a fundraiser at once, and it happens a few steps from the inn.
- The bonfire takes over Long Sands Beach on Saturday, September 5, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM, right across the road from the inn
- It is a benefit for the York Food Pantry, and admission is simple: bring nonperishable food to donate at the door
- Rock the Beach brings live music to the sand, with Freight Train playing while the fire burns, plus concessions and raffles through the night
- The tradition goes back to 2001, when a local family started it after September 11, and it has raised more than $100,000 for the community since
- Labor Day weekend is summer at its calmest here: warm water, thinner crowds, and the beach glowing after dark
How to Spend Labor Day Weekend in York Beach
Morning on Long Sands
08:00 AM
Start the day where you are staying. Long Sands is the inn's front yard, so walk across the road for a swim before the crowds arrive. Early September water is about as warm as the Maine coast gets all year.
The Nubble Lighthouse
Late Morning
Drive up to the Nubble Lighthouse at Sohier Park, about six minutes north. Take in one of the most photographed views in Maine, then grab a lobster roll from Fox's Lobster House right on site.
The Goldenrod
12:00 PM
Head back to Short Sands and stop at the Goldenrod, a candy store and soda fountain since 1896. Watch the saltwater taffy being pulled in the front window and pick up a box of Goldenrod Kisses. While you are in the village, swing by a local market for a few nonperishable items to donate at the bonfire.
Short Sands and the Arcade
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at Short Sands Beach, a few steps from the Goldenrod, and duck into the Fun-O-Rama arcade for Skee-Ball and old-school games when you want a break from the sun.
Dinner on Long Sands
Early Evening
Eat on the early side so you do not miss the fire. Sun and Surf sits right on Long Sands with the water in view, or save room and graze at the bonfire concessions instead.
The Beach Bonfire
6:00 PM
Bring your food donation and walk down to the fire. Music, raffles, and the town's biggest bonfire run until 10:00 PM. Find a spot on the sand and watch summer go out in style.
FAQ
Saturday, September 5, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM on Long Sands Beach, directly across the road from the inn.
Live music from Freight Train, concessions, raffles, and the largest bonfire in town. It is family-friendly and open to everyone.
Yes. Registered guests have on-site parking for the length of their stay.
We are not pet-friendly. Service dogs are permitted. Emotional support dogs, per the ADA, are not service dogs.
