Maine Lobster Festival may be internationally recognized, but the focus remains on all things local. The annual event in Rockland, which is getting ready for its 76th year, reels in the hungry crowd with seafood aplenty, serving feasts of lobster, shrimp and clams with a view of the Rockland Harbor. From Thursday to Sunday, Maine Lobster Festival also hosts an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast until 10 a.m. with blueberry pancakes, sausage and an assortment of juices and caffeinated drinks. For those wanting to imbibe some adult beverages, the Steins & Vines tasting event highlights Maine-made beers, wines and spirits on August 3 and 4.
The Big Parade on August 5 will celebrate “The Spirit of 76” with decorated floats and delighted participants making their way down Rockland Main Street. This year, the festival is changing its Maine Sea Goddess title into the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate. Now, young people of any gender can enter the competition to represent the Maine lobster industry for the year.
Oddly enough, a festival dedicated primarily to eating also includes various races, including a 5k and 10k run. For children, there’s a Kid Fun Run in addition to a range of other activities, such as their own lobster eating contest and the Little Lobster Diaper Derby crawling race.
The Specs
- About 30,000 people attend the festival each year.
- General Admission to the event is free. For access to Steins & Vines, tickets are $40 and include 12 tastings and a commemorative glass.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s Guide to Maine here.
FAQs
What items are not allowed inside the festival? Bikes, skateboards, skates, coolers and chairs will not be allowed inside the festival.
Can I bring my pet to Maine Lobster Festival? Well-behaved pets on short leashes are permitted on the festival grounds. This will be at the discretion of the gate supervisors.
Is parking available at the festival? There are no designated parking spaces for festival visitors, but free parking is available at South Elementary School (30 Broadway, Rockland, ME). A free shuttle bus is available for transportation between the lot and the festival.
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