7 Maine Food Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss
From live music and laughter to games and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at a local festival. But the star of the show often has something to do with the food. Whether you love sweet treats, spicy bites or delicious drinks, you’re guaranteed to find something to satisfy your stomach at every single one of these tasty Maine food festivals.
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
Machias
The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival has been going strong for more than 40 years. And it makes perfect sense considering there are approximately 40,000 acres of wild blueberries growing along Maine’s coast.
This free event takes place over the course of several days in the Downeast part of Maine. Be sure to arrive hungry because there’s always plenty of delicious fare, from lobster rolls and barbecue chicken to blueberry pies, pancakes and ice cream. And once you’ve had your fill of delicious food, you can spend the rest of the day perusing the specialty merchant and artisan booths, entering the raffles and enjoying some laughter-inducing live entertainment.
See more: What’s Growing? Maine Produce Calendar
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Maine Whoopie Pie Festival
Dover-Foxcroft
It doesn’t matter if you consider this renowned dessert a cookie, pie, cake or sandwich. The Whoopie Pie is a beloved Maine original – so of course, it has its own festival. The annual Maine Whoopie Pie Festival is an absolute must for residents and visitors alike. From mid-morning through early afternoon, you can sample delicious Whoopie Pies from all around the state and enjoy everything from eating contests and races to live stage performances and more.
Yarmouth Clam Festival
Yarmouth
You might be surprised to learn that soft-shell clams are Maine’s third most valuable fishery. It takes a few years to grow a clam to market size, but once you taste one, you can’t wait for more.
If you have a penchant for clams and dreams of spending a summer day savoring these delicacies, the Yarmouth Clam Festival is a must-see destination. For more than 50 years, people have flocked to this coastal town to celebrate everything there is to love about the humble clam. With parades, live music and tons of good food, you’ll want to add this Maine festival to your foodie bucket list.
South Berwick Strawberry Festival
South Berwick
Is there anything better than the sweet taste of strawberries on a summer afternoon? If that sounds right up your alley, get ready to pack your bags and make your way to South Berwick for the annual South Berwick Strawberry Festival. In addition to the popular strawberry desserts and treats (did somebody say strawberry shortcake?), you can browse local artisan booths, listen to live entertainers and let the kids run rampant in the game area.
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Maine Lobster Festival
Rockland
You know we couldn’t complete this list of must-see Maine food festivals without at least one lobster festival. After all, Maine lobster is an iconic symbol and treasured feast for people throughout the entire country.
The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland has been running for more than 70 years and attracts thousands of visitors each year, so you know they must be doing something right. The event takes place over the course of five days, giving you ample opportunity to take advantage of fresh lobster dinners, renowned entertainers, carnival rides, cooking contests and so much more.
Salmon and Seafood Festival
Eastport
Did you know the Atlantic salmon is the official state fish of the Pine Tree State? For more than 30 years, the people of Eastport have celebrated this delicious fish at the Salmon and Seafood Festival along the state’s rugged and beautiful coastline. If you want to join in the fun, stick around long enough to enjoy the food, browse the auctions, attend a moonlight movie and participate in the popular Salmon Sunday. Known as the centerpiece of the entire event, this salmon barbecue is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before – and you certainly won’t be disappointed.
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Harvest on the Harbor
Portland
If you can’t quite decide which festival is right for you, we’ve got good news. The Harvest on the Harbor event celebrates everything there is to love about Maine cuisine. You can explore the special tasting menus at restaurants throughout the city, join your friends for a few distiller happy hours, participate in a Bloody Mary battle and even help decide who deserves the title of Best Maine Lobster Chef of the Year. Trust us when we say this is one Maine food festival you don’t want to miss.
