Homepage2023-07-25T18:32:27-04:00

Welcome to the Maine Lobster Festival!

The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine! This annual seafood festival takes place during the first weekend of August, from Wednesday through Sunday.

What started as an idea for a local marine festival to revive Midcoast Maine communities has turned into an internationally-recognized celebration of local seafood. The Maine Lobster Festival attracts visitors from as near as our local communities to those from countries around the globe.

Lobsters at Maine Lobster Festival
Giant Red Lobster sculpture at the Maine Lobster Festival

Getting Here

The Festival site, located at Rockland’s Harbor Park, is easy to find on Main Street. There is FREE parking at South Elementary School (30 Broadway, Rockland, ME) where a free shuttle bus will take you downtown to the Festival. Buses run every 30 minutes or less. Entrance gates are located on Main Street and Park Street.

Rockland is four hours by car from Boston and less than two hours from Portland and Bangor. Popular airports for visitors flying in include Portland International Jetport, Bangor International Airport, and Knox County Regional Airport.

There are many different types of lodging options in and around Rockland, Maine. Whether you’re looking for a nice inn within walking distance of the festival grounds or a campground where you can pitch a tent or park your RV, Midcoast Maine has plenty of options to suit all visitors. We recommend lodging options in Rockland, as well as the nearby towns of Camden, Rockport, Thomaston, Owls Head, Tenants Harbor, and Port Clyde. In each of these quaint towns, you’ll receive the ultimate small, seaside community experience.

Maine Lobster Festival: an image of a red giant lobster sculpture at the lobster fest parade

Main Events

The focus of the Festival is, of course, fresh hot Maine lobster.
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Amateur chefs compete in the annual Seafood Cooking Contest.
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Enjoy the art work and crafts of local artists.
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Live entertainment every day of the Festival.
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Sample delicious locally made beer, wine and spirits.
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Kids can participate in the Children’s Parade, Cod Fish Carry, Lobster Eating Contest, and the Diaper Derby.
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Brave the chilly waters of Rockland Harbor to race across a string of lobster crates without falling.
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Enjoy one of Maine’s largest parades.
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A new Maine Lobster Festival Delegate will be crowned to represent the Festival.
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More than 300 runners compete in a 10k, 5k or the children’s Fun Run.
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The focus of the Festival is, of course, fresh hot Maine lobster.

Learn More

Amateur chefs compete in the annual Seafood Cooking Contest.

Learn More

Enjoy the artwork and crafts of local artists.

Learn More

Live entertainment every day of the Festival.

Learn More

Sample delicious locally made beer, wine and spirits.

Learn More

Kids can participate in the Children’s Parade, Cod Fish Carry, Lobster Eating Contest, and the Diaper Derby.

Learn More

Brave the chilly waters of Rockland Harbor to race across a string of lobster crates without falling.

Learn More

Enjoy one of Maine’s largest parades.

Learn More

A new Maine Lobster Festival Delegate will be crowned to represent the Festival.

Learn More

More than 300 runners compete in a 10k, 5k or the children’s Fun Run.

Learn More

The Festival at dusk

Festival FAQ’s

Have a burning question about the Festival? Food, parking, tickets, entertainment, lodging, vendors, volunteers – you name it, we’ve got the answers. Check our Frequently Asked Questions.

Woman volunteering, serving lobster rolls

Volunteer

The Maine Lobster Festival is a non-profit run entirely by unpaid volunteers. Every year, more than 1,300 volunteers work to make this festival happen! We put on a colorful and enjoyable event that builds community spirit and enhances the region’s economy. Join us!

The festival grounds with the harbor in the background

Vendors & Sponsors

Interested in becoming a vendor at the Festival? Answers to your questions are right here…

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Special thanks to our top-tier sponsors

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