Celebrating Greater Portland’s Favorite Kid-Friendly Businesses
The Kids’ Pick Awards event is an annual celebration honoring the businesses families value most. Each year, results of the Kids’ Pick Awards are determined through a community voting process. Voting takes place during the month of February, recognizing the local businesses & organizations making a meaningful impact on childhood in and around Greater Portland, Maine. Winners are revealed live during this evening featuring music, food, connection, and the official awards presentation.
2026 Event Info
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: 317 Main Community Music Center, Yarmouth
Guests: Local business representatives, community leaders & supporters (Adults Only)
Attend the 2026 Kids’ Pick Awards
Join us at the 2026 Kids’ Pick Awards Event. A community-driven event organized by Real Maine Mom. This event is put on by the community for the community in celebration of the local businesses that make Maine such a great place to raise a family. Anyone is welcome to attend in support of local, kid-friendly businesses and organizations.
Event Features
Guests will enjoy a reception-style evening with:
- a champagne welcome
- celebratory bites
- variety of local desserts
- live music
- photo opps
- beverages for purchase
- live awards presentation
2026 Special Guest Host
We’re excited to welcome Katie Zarrilli as this year’s event emcee. A Maine-based storyteller and creator, Katie is best known for her “16 Counties” series, where she brings Maine’s unique personalities to life with humor and heart. Her work celebrates the people, places, and quirks that make Maine so special, making her the perfect fit to lead a night all about community.
Live Music
We’re excited to feature the Old Port Jazz Society instrumental duo, along with pianist Kate Metzler, at the 2026 Awards Reception. This marks Kate’s second year performing at the Kids’ Pick Awards, and we’re so glad to welcome her back.
Local Causes/ Event Fundraiser
The Kids’ Pick Awards will once again support two local causes.
The Center for Grieving Children provides a safe space, compassionate peer support, outreach, and education for grieving children, teens, young adults, families, and the broader community.
- Real Maine Mom has selected the The Center for Grieving Children as the beneficiary of the 2026 Kids’ Pick Awards silent auction fundraiser.
- In addition to the Silent Auction, any additional funds raised through the event beyond the event expenses will also be donated to this organization.
317 Main Community Music Center is a nonprofit organization in Yarmouth, Maine, with a mission to encourage creative expression, personal growth, and community connection through music. It focuses on making music education accessible to all ages and abilities, aiming to build community, foster joy, and strengthen social connection.
We are proud to support 317 Main Community Music Center through our 2026 event raffle.
Our Amazing Sponsors
The Kids’ Pick Awards is made possible thanks to the generosity and partnership of these community-minded businesses. Their monetary support allows this event to remain community-driven while delivering a polished and meaningful experience for our local, kid-friendly business community.
Community Champion Sponsors :
Goldfish Swim School – Portland- Premier learn-to-swim facility dedicated to teaching children as early as 4 months how to swim and be safer in and around the water. Offering swim lessons, family swim events, birthday parties and much more – all in a dedicated tropical facility.
The Little Gym – Scarborough- The Little Gym of Scarborough offers parent-child classes and recreational gymnastics for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. Our programs build confidence, coordination, and strength through movement, music, and Serious Fun!
Kidz Go Eco Nature School– A Nature-Based, Reggio Inspired preschool and summer camp program that entices young minds to become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world. Our nature school connects children with nature and encompassing their personal growth in areas they’re already passionate about, while fostering and delivering the most entrusted early childhood education.
Heart of the Community Sponsor:
Community Support Sponsor:
Interested in Sponsoring?
Sponsorship opportunities provide meaningful visibility leading up to, during, and after the event. We appreciate your consideration of supporting this event.
Event Partners
Our in-kind sponsors help make the Kids’ Pick Awards possible by contributing their services to support important event needs. We’re grateful to these businesses for partnering with Real Maine Mom and the local business community to celebrate kid-friendly businesses across Maine.
Carrie Pellerin Photography– Photography
Top It Mobile Ice Cream– Dessert
Sea Spray Confections– Dessert
Fete Maine – Florals
ONVI & Co. Social– Content Coverage
Wicked Board Charcuterie– Grazing Table
Cumberland Crumb– Dessert
Mindy’s Munchies– Dessert
Rambler Irish Bistro– Appetizers
Maine Party Pop– Balloons
2026 Event Tickets
The Kids’ Pick Awards are an adults-only award reception honoring the local, kid-friendly business community.
