When The Maine Lobster Festival pivoted to free admission several years ago, they stayed true to their promise of including free, live music. The Festival’s tradition of showcasing top-notch Maine-based bands continues along with those who have special ties to Maine.

Let’s look at highlights of the music lineup happening at the Maine Lobster Festival July 31 to August 4 in Rockland, Maine.

Headliners on the Main Stage

On Friday, Aug. 2, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dirty Deeds – The AC/DC Experience will shake the stage, delivering a power-packed performance that takes the audience on the ultimate AC/DC journey.

Beatlemaniacs, this one’s for you! On Saturday night, Aug. 3, get ready for Spencer and the Walrus (7:30-9:30 p.m.). Spencer Albee and friends provide a Beatles experience that Rolling Stone magazine calls “Mind-blowing.”

From 3 to 4:30 p.m Sunday afternoon, Aug. 4, MLF is proud to feature Julia Gagnon, a beloved Maine native who has captivated our state and the nation during her impressive run on season 22 of the popular reality singing show, American Idol. See her backstory and American Idol audition.

Maine Highlights and Notables

The best part of live music for the entire run of the Festival is that there will surely be a band whose genre of music you love. At various times each day, you’ll get to hear a fun mix of covers and originals in classic rock, blues, country, folk, gospel, jazz, funk, R&B, steel drums and even salty sea shanties!

Here are some bands and singer-songwriters who represent Maine and many of the genres above:

Paddy Mills, an award-winning folk singer/songwriter, will perform almost every day during the Festival (see lineup for dates and times). Having grown up a “wharf rat” in the small fishing village of Owl’s Head, his songs are anchored to the imagery, characters and traditions of Maine.

Neptune’s Return, a local artist, songwriter and King Neptune sculptor, Richard Alfred Johnson will be bringing songs from his new album to the Main Stage on Wednesday, July 31 (12:30-1:45 p.m.). This man is prolific! Read our recent blog about how he has been transforming the King Neptune monument that was destroyed by the January storms this past year.

Don’t miss our own Midcoast Music Academy from Rockport, Maine, as the incredibly talented students and staff perform in various ensembles on Thursday, Aug. 1 (12:30-1:45 p.m.) on the Main Stage.

The Tyler Healy Band, Maine’s premier country rock band, performs on Thursday, Aug. 1 (5:30-7 p.m.) on the Main Stage.

Spencer Albee, a Portland-based, nationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer, will perform Friday, Aug. 2 (4-5:15 p.m.) on the Main Stage. Rolling Stone magazine called Spencer a “21st-century master in the lost art of Beatlesque hooks.”

And these are only a few acts — there are so many more!

The musical lineup is only part of what makes the Maine Lobster Festival so special, highlighting our community’s strong ties, the proud heritage of our fishermen, and the songs that make you want to jump out of your seat and dance.

See the full music schedule. The annual Maine Lobster Festival is taking place from July 31 to Aug. 4, 2024 with free admission once again! Get the jump on your travel plans and book accommodations now. Visit our website for more information: mainelobsterfestival.com