The Maine Lobster Festival is every year in Rockland, Maine. It is consistently one of the largest festivals in Rockland’s Harbor Park. Celebrating all things lobster and seafood, it’s now a week long festival with lots of do, see, and participate in. As a previous resident of Mid-Coast Maine, I attended the Maine Lobster Festival a few times. But, I so fell in love with it, that I volunteered for a few years, before becoming a formal member of the festival committee. We’re really going to dive in and give you a behind-the-scenes view of the Maine Lobster Festival.
Special note: For the first time, the Maine Lobster Festival admission is free for 2023. The festival is on August 2nd – 6th, 2023 in Rockland, Maine.
Food at the Maine Lobster Festival
This is why you go to the lobster festival. Despite there being tons of activities, concerts, and other things to see and do. You fit all those things around eating. The lobster festival, obviously, has some of the best lobsters around. The lobster is freshly caught off the Maine coast then they cook it fresh on the festival grounds. Rockland Harbor Park, the home of the Maine Lobster Festival, is home to the largest lobster cooker in the world. It is capable of cooking more than 3,000 pounds of lobster per day. That equates to more than 36 tons of fresh lobster per day. Stop by and say hi to the team of Lobster Chefs manning those cookers all day.
Main Food Tent
The main food tent is the largest, and likely most full tent on the festival grounds. It’s also overlooking the harbor, so you’ll get beautiful views as you enjoy your lunch. In the Main food tent, you can get your lobster cooked in a variety of different ways. Lobster rolls, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Lobster Bisque, Lobster Stuff Risotto Balls and Lobster Wantons. Of course, you can also just buy full lobsters to enjoy. A bib and napkin are included in every lobster order because you will get messy. Outside of lobster, you can get clams, mussels, and three varieties of seafood chowders. Corn, coleslaw, salads, and blueberry cobbler or strawberry shortcake will finish out your meal.
If you happen to be there in the morning, they have an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast between 7 am and 10 am on Thursday – Sunday. With Maine Blueberry or plain pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk, or orange juice. Prices are affordable at only $8 for adults and $4 for children.
Lobster Café
Beyond the Main Food Tent, you’ll pass a few more tents with food on the way. The Lobster Café is located just across from the entrance of the Main Tent with even more selections. If you’re just looking for a lobster roll, this is where to go. It’s generally a much shorter line. They also have lobster wraps and lobster salads. Along with a selection of drinks.
Food Trucks
If that wasn’t enough food for you, there are numerous food trucks attending the festival each year. Choices vary every year, but it is commonly a lot of the same food trucks you see at local festivals and fairs. Lots of delicious and unhealthy options at expensive prices, but isn’t that what attending a fair is all about?
The Beer Tent
If you’re looking for adult beverages, the beer tent will have you covered. Located just to the left of the main stage, it’s easy to access and has a good selection of choices of both beer and wine. If you’re looking for some additional variety, I recommend getting tickets to the Steins and Veins tasting event held twice on Thursday and twice on Friday. This tasting event features Maine-made beers, wines, and spirits. Just make sure you bring your ID to the beer tent or you won’t get in.
Nearby Restaurants and Bars
If you’re really looking for a sit-down lunch after a full day at the festival, there are a number of good restaurants within walking distance. Rockland, being right on the coast, has some incredibly fresh seafood. Here are my suggestions for food right near the festival grounds.
- Hill’s Seafood. Directly across the street from the Main Gate. Fresh seafood, with outside seating.
- Rock City Coffee Rosters. Good, freshly brewed coffee and pastries.
- Rock City Café. Locally owned restaurant with sandwiches and coffee.
- Café Miranda. A “funky bistro” that has Italian, Asian pub food.
Activities during the Maine Lobster Festival
When you need a break from eating, there are plenty of other things to do at the festival to make it worth spending the whole day. Activities for adults and children alike.
Exploring A Military Ship
Generally, you’ll see a large Navy or Coast Guard ship out in the middle of the Rockland Harbor. From the pier, you can take a boat out to the ship, and spend an hour on a guided tour of these massive ships. Beyond this being a huge military ship, it’s actually an active ship. This isn’t a tour of a historic ship. The seamen on the ship are incredible and love the opportunity to show visitors around their workplace. Note that the military ships’ availability is dependent on a number of factors and may not be present every year. As of writing this, there is no military ship confirmed for the 2023 Maine Lobster Festival.
Important Note: Since this is an active military ship, there are security requirements to visit the ship. These requirements include having a valid government-issued ID and going through a metal detector/x-ray screening station.
Looking to visit something a little closer to land? There is a pirate ship that you can also tour docked at the Middle Pier in the middle of the festival grounds. Beyond the tour, they do weapons and cannons demonstrations and have talks on pirate life.
Lobster Festival Parade
Every year, on the Saturday of the Maine Lobster Festival, is the Big Parade. The parade generally draws bigger crowds than nearly any other event. It’s also generally one of the longest parades in Maine. The parade runs down North Main, up Main Street and ends at Pleasant Street. The route is about a mile long, but the parade lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll want to line up early in order to get a good spot.
Although the 2023 festival has free admission, the parade will require an admission bracelet. Get your admission bracelet BEFORE the parade if you plan on going to the festival after the parade. The admission bracelet is valid all day, and after the parade is always the longest wait at the ticket booths of the whole week. So, skip the lines, get your bracelet early, and just show the staff your bracelet on the way in.
Seafood Cooking Contest
Always a favorite, the Seafood Cooking Contest is for amateur cooks to make the best meal using seafood found off the coast of Maine. Beyond getting to watch them cook the meal, the audience gets to try the food after the awards ceremony. You can also get a copy of any of the recipes. Held in the North Entertainment Tent, generally on Friday morning.
International Great Crate Race
Occurring on Sunday afternoon, this event is another festival favorite. Essentially, it’s a race across a portion of the harbor on floating lobster crates. If you think that sounds easy enough, I can promise you that it is not. The majority of participants end up swimming back to shore. Initially, the current leader is based on who makes it the furthest before falling off the crates. The race consists of 50 crates tied precariously between two docks. You start on one side, cross over to the other side, and then back again. Racers continue racing until they fall off the crates or are too tired to continue. The record from last year is 2,522 crates (or just over 25 round-trip runs across the crates). It is held by a 12-year-old. Even, if you don’t want to attempt the race, it’s an incredibly fun event to watch.
Activity Tents at the Maine Lobster Festival
In an effort to have something for everyone, the festival has a number of specialty tents with a variety of activities and entertainment for all. From shopping to seashells, explore these tents while you are at the festival.
Arts and Crafts Tent
Love art? The Arts and Crafts Tent includes local artists, potters, and metalworkers. You can purchase paintings, jewelry, bags, walking sticks, and more. Most artist staff their stands. So you can talk to them and learn more about their craft. At times, you’ll see them working on new creations. There is also an art show that is held in the Arts and Crafts Tent worth checking out at no cost.
Children’s Tent
The location of the Children’s Tent has changed, because it has expanded in size and services. In addition to some of the activities previously held in this tent, they are adding even more. Some of the activities within the Children’s Tent include the petting zoo, play sets, bounce houses, water balls, and games. Outside of the children’s tent, there are even more children’s events. Some of these include a Children’s Parade, a Lobster Eating Contest, and the “Little Lobster Diaper Derby.”
Marine Tent
Lover of animals? The highlight of the Marine Tent is the marine touch tank. Getting to touch a variety of animals that live off the coast of Maine is a cool experience. Also within the Marine Tent are often lobster trap builders, fishermen, and others who work in the waters of Maine. Learn about what they do and more about the seafood industry of Maine.
The Marketplace
This is a shopper’s paradise. I bet you didn’t know you needed new pillows, gutters, or kitchen appliances. Although the vendors change every year, it is one of the largest tents at the festival. There are dozens of vendors selling any number of items, often locally made by local companies.
Steins and Vines
Another festival staple. Started a few years ago, this event has quickly expanded from one session to four each year. The Steins and Vines event is held on Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings. For those over 21, you get a selection of Maine-Made beers, wines, and spirits. With more than 15 vendors, there are a lot of great choices. In addition to the drinks, all participants receive a commemorative glass. They will check IDs. Bring your ID or you will not be admitted to the event.
Road Race, Fun Run & Walk
With a 10K road race or a 5K Walk/Run, there are good options for anybody who wants to run along the beautiful coast of Maine. Kids can also participate in the 1-mile Fun Run which happens at the same time as the 10K and 5K races. Both the 5K and 10K race starts right near the Park Street Gate and heads North along Main Street. Both loop a little before halfway and brings you back through Rockland before ending back just before the festival grounds. Just for registering, the first 300 get a t-shirt, and everybody who finishes the race gets a medal. Costs $35 in advance or $40 the day of.
BONUS ACTIVITY: Maine Lighthouse Museum
I’m considering this a bonus event because it’s not officially part of the festival, but you’ll likely walk past it a bunch of times, so you might as well stop in. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is located between the Main Gate and the Park Street Gate. It’s also home to the Lobster Festival Volunteer Office, and Park Street Grill. As the largest lighthouse museum in Maine, and potentially all of the East Coast, it’s a fun place to learn more about the history of these important Maine landmarks. Admission is only $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under. All members of the Coast Guard (both active and retired) are always free. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily.
Concerts and shows during the Maine Lobster Festival
Main Stage
The main stage is where most of the headliners play, and there are a bunch of them. It ranges from the ensembles of the Mid-Coast Music Academy to the PenBay Steel Drum Band. Some folk singers, rock bands, blues, rock, gospel, and country should mean that there is something for everyone. There are generally several concerts every single day, from noon to 11 pm Wednesday through Saturday. The main stage is also where the Maine Lobster Festival Delegation Coronation takes place. The main stage is located just down the hill from the main gate, and is in the middle of everything, so you can hear the music while enjoying a meal, shopping for souvenirs, or relaxing by the waterfront.
North Entertainment Tent
A smaller tent at the north edge of the festival grounds, just inside the Park Street Gate. Many of your specialty events happen here, such as the seafood cooking contest, and steins and vines. There are some smaller concerts and events that also occur here throughout the day. You’ll want to check the program for the schedule of these events.
Beer Garden
If you want an intimate setting to listen to some live music, the beer garden also has some live music throughout the day. Also being able to get a selection of drinks including beer, wine, and spirits makes this a perfect place for adults to relax and enjoy some music.
Lobster Festival Sea Goddess
In 1948, the Maine Lobster began the tradition of crowning a young lady as a representative of not only the Lobster Festival but of the Maine Lobster industry. The tradition began with “Miss Maine Seafoods” then was changed into “Maine Sea Goddess.” The sea goddess is a part of numerous seafood-related festivals throughout Maine. They also served as a representative of the seafood industry throughout Maine at both local and national events. The coronation of a new Sea Goddess is a several-step process, concluding with a crowning on the first night of the Maine Lobster Festival. Starting in 2023, the Maine Lobster Festival has expanded the role to include all genders and renamed the title the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate.
Maine Lobster Festival Delegate
Starting in 2023, the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate will replace the previous title of Sea Goddess. Although the process will be similar, with interviews with a panel of judges and a formal ceremony on the first night of the Maine Lobster Festival. The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate will continue to represent the Maine Lobster industry throughout the year of their designation. In addition to the title, there are some cash prizes for the top two and Miss/Mr. Congeniality.
King Neptune’s Court
Keep an eye out for King Neptune’s Court as you wander the festival grounds. Led by King Neptune and Blackbeard. The court consists of a variety of adults and children in costume who are super excited about the festival. In addition to wandering the festival grounds, you’ll definitely see them during the first-night coronation ceremony and in the big parade.
Places to stay near the Maine Lobster Festival
The closest hotel is the Trade Winds Inn, which is directly across the street from the festival grounds. Just a forewarning though, they were featured in a 2016 episode of Hotel Impossible. A newly built hotel across the street in the other direction, 250 Main provides a fun hip atmosphere. For a more chain hotel option, Hampton Inn is just down the street, but probably just outside of walking distance. Beyond the limited number of local hotels, there are also a small number of AirBnbs. But, the hotel options are limited. So if you plan on attending, consider booking your accommodations early to ensure you have something lined up.
Volunteering for the Maine Lobster Festival
As a prefaced this article, I was a festival volunteer for a couple of years, and I highly recommend it. What may come as a surprise is that all people working at the festival are volunteers. It takes a team of over 1,300 volunteers to make the festival happen each year, from the festival president to the lobster cookers. Shifts are as short as 4 hours, and you get some great perks. Perks include a volunteer t-shirt (which cannot be purchased anywhere else), 50% off food items purchased in the food tent, and free admission on the day you are volunteering.
There are tons of volunteer opportunities, ranging from the info booth to the festival store, lobster cookers, touch-tank volunteers, to the grounds crews making sure the grounds stay clean and enjoyable for the public. If you’re interested in volunteering for any of these events, I encourage you to contact the volunteer services team at Volunteer@mainelobsterfestival.com.
FAQs
Where should I park to attend the Lobster Festival?
The festival provides free parking at the South Elementary School (30 Broadway, Rockland, ME) with a school bus shuttle that runs every 15 – 20 minutes direct to the Park Street Gate. The same shuttle will pick you up at the bus stop and bring you back to the parking area. The shuttle generally runs anytime the festival is operational, running as late as 11:30 pm Thursday through Saturday. The parking lot is large and generally always has open spaces.
Parking is limited near the festival grounds. Since Rockland is a small town with a small population, it isn’t designed for the traffic that the festival brings in. If you come to the festival first thing in the morning (for example for the pancake breakfast), you may find parking along Main Street or Park Street near the festival grounds. There are a few handicapped parking slots on Main Street, just outside of the Main Gate for those who are credentialed to use them.
Be cautious about parking in the parking lots of local businesses as some of them will tow illegally parked cars. Businesses generally have signs indicating that non-business related parking is prohibited.
What month is the Lobster Fest in Maine?
The Maine Lobster Festival is the first week of August each year. The festival runs between Wednesday and Sunday each year. The Maine Lobster Festival will run from Wednesday, August 2nd to Sunday, August 6th, 2023.
When and where is the Lobster Fest in Maine?
The Maine Lobster Festival is the first week of August each year. The 2023 festival will run between Wednesday, August 2nd, and Sunday, August 6th. The festival is at the Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine. Harbor Park is near the intersection of Main Street and Park Street, right along the waterfront. If you’re trying to find the park via GPS, the main gate is located at 275 Main Street, and the Park Street gate is located at 1 Park Drive. As a reminder, the free parking lot, with a free shuttle, is located at South Elementary School (30 Broadway, Rockland, ME).
Rockland, Maine is along the beautiful coast of Maine, approximately four hours by car from Boston and less than two hours from either Portland or Bangor, Maine. All three of these cities have airports with car rentals if that’s how you plan on getting to the festival. If you want to minimize your drive as much as possible, you could also try to fly into the Knox County Regional Airport, which is about 15 minutes away from the festival grounds. But, flights into this airport are often less common and with a limited number of destination cities.
What is the largest Lobster Fest in the world?
As much as I would want to say that the largest is at the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine, it is not. Officially, the largest lobster festival is the Annual Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival in Los Angeles. But, if you want to know which lobster festival is the best, I can unequivocally say that the Maine Lobster Festival is the best. Of course, I may be a little bit biased.
Where is the largest lobster cooker in the world?
Rockland Harbor Park, Home of the Maine Lobster Festival, is home to the largest lobster cooker in the world. During the festival, it is capable of cooking 3,000 pounds of lobster per hour. That equates to more than 36 tons of lobster per day. Located right in the middle of the festival grounds, you can watch them cook your fresh lunch right before you enjoy it.
Where is the famous Maine Lobster Festival celebrated?
The Maine Lobster Festival (LobsterFest) is celebrated during the first weekend of August each year in Rockland, Maine. The festival grounds cover all of Harbor Park. There are two primary entrance gates, located at 274 Main Street or 1 Park Street in Rockland. Rockland is about halfway between Portland and Bangor, but right on the eastern seacoast of Maine.
What state has the most lobster?
I’m proud to say that Maine produces the most lobster. We started lobstering in 1605 and have been doing it ever since. The list of top lobster-producing states starts with the New England States. Maine catches and exports over 110 million pounds of lobster each year. This is nearly 100 million pounds more than the 2nd greatest producer, Massachusetts.
What other seafood festivals are in Maine?
Maine is famous for its seafood. Beyond the incredible Maine Lobster Festival, here are six other seafood festivals worth checking out in Maine.
- The Winter Harbor Lobster Festival – Winter Harbor, Maine. With activities including a craft fair, boat races, and a parade. For 2023, the festival is being held on Saturday, August 13th.
- Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge – Boothbay Harbor, Maine. For 2023, the challenge is being held from September 1st – September 9th. With fishing competitions, and a lobster bake.
- The Annual Claw Down – Boothbay Harbor, Maine. A seafood-focused cooking competition. Held on June 15th, 2023.
- Harvest on the Harbor – Portland, Maine. A multi-day festival held in October. In 2023, the festival is being held from October 26th through 28th. With lots of good food, drinks, and a fun atmosphere.
- The Yarmouth Clam Festival – Yarmouth, Maine. This annual 3-day event is held on the third weekend in July. This large festival includes a parade, arts & crafts, a carnival, music & concerts, a road race, and more.
- Annual Friendship Day – Friendship, Maine. Help over the weekend in July, this festival includes several fun events including a parade, food, and contests. Even outside of the festival, it’s an incredibly cute little town to visit.
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