The Best Things to Do at Sunday River in Summer 2026: Golf, Scenic Lift Rides & More

Most people know Sunday River as one of New England’s top ski destinations. What many don’t realize is that the mountain is just as exciting when the snow melts. From championship golf and scenic chairlift rides to live concerts and family events, the things to do at Sunday River in summer give you every reason to plan a trip to the mountains of Maine before fall arrives.

Whether you’re driving up from Boston for a long weekend or looking for a full week of outdoor activities in western Maine, Sunday River in summer delivers a completely different — and thoroughly enjoyable — side of the mountain. Here’s a full breakdown of everything worth doing, seeing, and eating this season.

Why Is Sunday River Worth Visiting in Summer 2026?

Sunday River is a four-season mountain resort located in Newry, Maine, deep in the western Maine mountains. While its reputation was built on world-class skiing and snowboarding, the resort has developed a full calendar of summer activities, events, and experiences that attract visitors from across the United States — especially from New England and the Northeast.

Summer at Sunday River runs from late June through early fall. During that window, the mountain transforms: the trails that once had skiers carving turns now offer hikers and lift riders sweeping views of the Mahoosuc Mountains and the surrounding forests. The resort’s hotels stay open, its restaurants serve fresh seasonal menus, and its event calendar fills up with live music, races, and family-friendly fun. If you’ve only been here in winter, you’re genuinely missing half the story.

What Are the Top Things to Do at Sunday River in Summer?

The activities available at Sunday River in summer cover a wide range of interests. Below is a full guide to the experiences that should be on your itinerary — from first-timers to returning guests who want to see the resort through a fresh lens.

Scenic Lift Rides: How High Can You Go?

One of the most memorable things to do at Sunday River in summer is simply riding the chairlift to the top of the mountain and taking in the view. The resort offers scenic lift rides that carry you above the treeline and deliver unobstructed panoramas of the surrounding Maine wilderness. On a clear day, the views stretch across ridge after ridge of rolling forest — it’s the kind of scenery that reminds you why people make the trip to western Maine.

The lift experience is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, making it a great option for families with young children, couples looking for a relaxed afternoon, or anyone who wants to appreciate the landscape without a strenuous hike. Once you’re at the top, take your time. Bring a camera, pack a snack, and enjoy the elevation.

Sunday River Golf Club: Is It Worth Playing?

Golf enthusiasts will find one of the most scenic rounds in New England waiting for them at Sunday River Golf Club. The course delivers 18 holes of championship golf set against the backdrop of the Mahoosuc Mountains — a combination of challenging play and jaw-dropping scenery that’s hard to match anywhere in the region.

The layout takes full advantage of the mountain terrain. Elevation changes, wooded corridors, and open fairways that frame the peaks make each hole feel distinct. Whether you’re a seasoned player focused on your scorecard or a casual golfer who just wants a beautiful setting, Sunday River Golf Club checks both boxes. Tee times can be booked in advance through the resort, and early morning rounds are particularly popular thanks to the cool Maine air and soft morning light on the mountains.

After your round, head straight to The Clubhouse restaurant on the course for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The views from the dining room are exceptional, and the menu is built to match — fresh ingredients, New England flavors, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay for one more glass.

What Summer Events Does Sunday River Host in 2026?

One of the biggest reasons to plan your visit around specific dates is the summer events calendar at Sunday River. The resort hosts a strong lineup throughout the season that gives visitors a reason to come back year after year.

How Does the Summer Kick-Off Celebrate the Season?

The Summer Kick-Off on July 3 and 4 is one of the most popular weekends on the Sunday River calendar. The resort marks the occasion with live music performances, fireworks, and a full festival atmosphere centered around South Ridge. VIP Deck seating is available for those who want an elevated view of the fireworks — a great add-on if you’re already staying in the area for the holiday weekend.

What Is the Sunday River Summer Concert Series?

Live music runs throughout the summer at Sunday River as part of the resort’s ongoing concert series. Performances take place at South Ridge and span a range of genres. The setting — open mountain air, the Mahoosuc ridgeline in the background, and a cold drink in hand — makes even a simple afternoon show feel like a genuine event. Check the Sunday River live music calendar to plan around a specific act.

How Do Summer Activities at Sunday River Work for Families?

Sunday River is genuinely set up for families in the summer. The scenic lift rides are accessible to young children and require no physical fitness. The Mini Mountain Challenge on July 26 is specifically designed for kids ages 4–12, giving younger guests their own version of the popular obstacle course experience. The course is built to be fun and manageable while still giving kids that sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing something challenging.

Beyond events, the mountain setting itself provides natural entertainment. The trails around the resort are walkable in the summer months, and the resort’s base lodges offer gathering spaces, dining, and the kind of relaxed pace that families appreciate when they’re not on a rigid schedule. Maine’s summer weather — warm days, cool evenings, and far less humidity than most of the Eastern seaboard — makes the outdoors genuinely comfortable.

Where Should You Eat After a Day on the Mountain?

Part of what makes Sunday River a complete resort experience is the range of on-mountain dining. You won’t need to drive anywhere to find a solid meal — the options run from casual grab-and-go spots to sit-down restaurants with serious menus.

Ember at the Grand Summit Hotel brings New England cuisine to life with a menu built around regional ingredients. It’s the right choice for a dinner that feels like a proper occasion. Camp, also at the Grand Summit, is cozier and ideal for breakfast or a relaxed lunch. Sunny’s Beer Garden at South Ridge leans into summer — tacos, bowls, and outdoor seating that makes an afternoon meal feel like part of the day’s activity rather than a pause in it.

For something mid-mountain, the Mountain Room at North Peak is accessible by lift and serves lunch with views you won’t find in a typical restaurant. The menu is curated by Portland, Maine chef Harding Lee Smith — a level of culinary seriousness that’s rare at a mountain resort. Foggy Goggle at South Ridge rounds things out with Maine craft beer and a laid-back bar atmosphere ideal for winding down at the end of a full day.

What Other Summer Activities Are Available Near Sunday River?

Sunday River sits in the middle of one of western Maine’s most outdoor-friendly regions. Beyond the resort itself, the surrounding area offers hiking trails of all difficulty levels, mountain biking, kayaking and canoeing on nearby rivers and lakes, fishing, and access to the Appalachian Trail corridor. The town of Bethel, just a few minutes down the road, has local shops, restaurants, and a small-town Maine character that contrasts nicely with the resort atmosphere.

For guests staying nearby — particularly those at private cabin rentals in the Bethel area — this balance is one of the most appealing aspects of a summer visit. You can spend your morning on the golf course, your afternoon on a lift ride or a local trail, catch live music in the evening, and then return to a private property where the pace slows down completely. That combination of resort-level activity and genuine mountain seclusion is what makes the western Maine summer such a distinct travel experience.

Why Is Shopping and Spa Worth Including in Your Sunday River Summer Itinerary?

Not every hour of a mountain vacation needs to be spent outdoors. Sunday River’s resort shopping covers everything from top ski and snowboard gear — worth browsing even in summer if you’re planning ahead — to high-end apparel and home goods. The boutiques at the resort include Aster & Birch, which stocks thoughtfully selected items that go well beyond typical resort souvenir territory.

For a more deliberate form of downtime, the Jordan Spa at The Jordan Hotel offers a full menu of services including hot stone therapy, customizable facials, and body treatments. It’s the kind of experience that turns a good trip into a great one — especially after a long day of hiking, golf, or chasing kids through an obstacle course. The spa is available to both hotel guests and day visitors, so it works regardless of where you’re staying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do at Sunday River in Summer

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