If you’ve never been to Rockland, Maine, it’s a historic New England Town (which doesn’t lend itself to easy parking). The Maine Lobster Festival is situated down by the Rockland harbor at Harbor Park, which will be blocked off to traffic from July 31 to Aug. 4, 2024.

If You’re Coming Up Without a Car

Rockland is an entirely walkable town with plenty of lodging, restaurants and bars, grocery stores, and interesting things to do. And if you don’t feel like bringing your car at all, the easiest way to get into town is to take a Concord bus from most points in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York City. The Rockland stop is at the Maine State Ferry Terminal, just a short walk down Main Street from the Maine Lobster Festival.

If You’re Driving

During Festival Week, parking is notoriously hard to find. The best time to get these parking spaces is early in the day when the Festival first opens, as gate traffic is the lightest. Alternatively, there is free parking at South Elementary School (30 Broadway in Rockland) and Oceanside High School (400 Broadway in Rockland) where a free shuttle bus will take you downtown to the Festival. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes. Entrance gates are located on Main Street and Park Street. Get more parking details.

Be aware that the town will be enforcing prominent “No Parking” signs to handle the natural traffic congestion that goes with festivals, so take heed and don’t take a chance.

If You’re at a Rockland Hotel

Parking at the hotel and walking to the Festival is your best bet. But if you’re with a big family, have a lot of stuff to carry, or someone in your party can’t walk that far, there are other options. The Midcoast still doesn’t have a robust Uber or Lyft taxi service that cities have, so make sure you have the numbers of a couple of taxi services on speed dial such as Schooner Bay Taxi at (207) 594-5000 or Joe’s Taxi at (207) 975-3560.

Disability Assistance

MLF will gladly provide assistance loading and unloading passengers with disabilities at the front gate and will see them safely onto the grounds while you park the car. They also have golf cart transportation available to get down to the grounds for those who desire assistance.

Bike Rentals

Another easy way to get around town is to rent a bike from Maine Sport Outfitters, right in the heart of town. Delivery of hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and kids’ bikes is available. They’ll even provide you with amazing scenic trail recommendations in the nearby towns of Camden, Rockport, Thomaston, Owls Head, Tenants Harbor and Port Clyde.

Parking on Parade Day

Keep in mind that Main Street in Rockland closes to traffic on Aug. 3 starting at 10 am, so you do not want to have your car stuck here! It’s also important to note that parking lot shuttles won’t be running from approximately 9 am to noon on parade day. For many years, the parade has drawn the largest crowd of the week as community members and visitors gather to watch parade participants march or drive by. So plan accordingly to have your vehicle parked elsewhere. Be sure to bring your folding chairs — this is one of the biggest events of MLF.

Pets in Cars — Be Aware

Well-behaved pets on short leashes will be allowed entry to the grounds at the discretion of the Festival Director supervising the gates. If you prefer to leave your pet with a professional while you visit the Festival, please contact the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce for a list of resources.

Remember, leaving pets unattended in a hot car can be deadly. Maine law allows law enforcement officers, first responders and security guards to remove an animal in distress from an unattended vehicle.

Lobster, Lobster, Lobster

The star of the Maine Lobster Festival is, of course, Maine lobster! Read our past blogs on what to expect at the Main Eating Tent. If you want the best lobster caught locally outside the Festival, go to the nearby acclaimed Jess’s Market and see our past blog on “How to cook and eat Maine lobster.”

Admission is FREE once again at this year’s Maine Lobster Festival July 31-Aug. 4, 2024. Find out more at www.mainelobsterfestival.com.