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Maine Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Food, Wine, Spirits and Beer Festivals listed also include surrounding areas that host signature events.

Portland 

Rock Lobster

Bangor

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Best food and drink festivals in Maine
Exploring the Wonders of Maine: Treat Yourself to Best Food, Wine, and Beer Festivals in the State.

From the freshest seafood to artisanal cheeses and craft beverages, Maine's culinary landscape is a harmonious blend of tastes waiting to be uncovered. Immerse yourself in this gastronomic abundance by participating in one of the many food, wine, and beer festivals that grace the state.

Portland On Tap: February

The largest craft beer festival in the Northeast draws thousands of enthusiasts to Cross Insurance Arena in downtown Portland. This event features over 50 breweries serving 100's of different craft beers, including local favorites like Allagash Brewing Company, Maine Beer Company, and Bissell Brothers. Food vendors serve artisanal fare ranging from wood-fired pizzas to fresh Maine lobster rolls, perfectly complementing the diverse beer selection.

 

Live music entertains crowds throughout the day with performances from local bands on the main stage, while beer experts offer educational seminars about brewing techniques and beer history. Festival goers receive a custom tasting glass and can participate in the People's Choice awards, voting for their favorite beers in multiple categories. Special features include a dedicated cider section, meet-and-greet opportunities with master brewers, and a VIP area offering exclusive rare beer tastings.

Swine & Stein BrewfestApril

The annual autumn gathering in downtown Gardiner brings together Maine's finest craft brewers and food artisans for a celebration of pork-inspired dishes and local brews. Over twenty breweries, wineries and distilleries, provide more than 2,000 attendees with a variety of drinks in the open-air beer garden. Local favorites like Bateau Brewing, Cushnoc Brewing, Flight Deck Brewing, and Chadwick's Craft Spirits serve up seasonal and signature beverages, while food vendors offer creative pork dishes including pulled pork nachos, bacon-wrapped delicacies, and gourmet sausages.

 

Enjoy live music with performances from local bands including The Real McCoys and The Holy Mackerels on the riverfront stage. A crowd favorite is the annual stein-hoisting competition where participants test their endurance by holding a full stein of beer at arm's length. Festival highlights include beer cheese pairings, a home brewing demonstration area, and guided tastings from Maine's most knowledgeable brewmasters.

Dexter Red Hot Dog Festival: August

This small-town Maine festival has become a beloved summer tradition celebrating the iconic bright red hot dogs that locals cherish. The Dexter Red Hot Dog Festival, held at Dexter's Lake Wassokeag, draws approximately 3,000 attendees who gather to feast on thousands of W.A. Bean & Sons' famous red snappers served by more than 25 local food vendors. Visitors can sample creative hot dog variations from vendors like Naughty Dog and Red's Eats, alongside traditional fair favorites such as fresh-squeezed lemonade, kettle corn, and locally-made ice cream.

 

The festival features a competitive hot dog eating contest where participants race to consume the most red snappers in 10 minutes, while local bands provide live entertainment throughout the day on the main stage. Kids enjoy carnival games, face painting, and the popular hot dog toss competition, while adults can sample craft beers from local Maine breweries in the designated beverage garden. The highlight of the festival is the Hot Dog Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where individuals who have made significant contributions to Maine's red hot dog culture are honored with special recognition.

Best food and drink festivals in Portland Maine

Rockland Maine Lobster FestivalAugust

One of the most beloved summer festivals in New England draws more than 20,000 visitors annually to celebrate the region's famous crustacean at Harbor Park along the scenic Penobscot Bay waterfront. The five-day festival features more than 20 local food vendors including McLoons Lobster Shack and Graffam Bros Seafood Market, serving up fresh steamed lobster, lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, and an array of other seafood delicacies alongside local craft beers from Maine breweries. Live entertainment has included notable performers like Blues Traveler and the Marshall Tucker Band performing on the main stage, while local musicians provide continuous entertainment throughout the grounds.

 

The festival's famous "All-You-Can-Eat Lobster Dinner" serves over 20,000 pounds of lobster during the event, with dedicated volunteers cooking and serving guests in the massive food tent. The Maine Sea Goddess Coronation remains a treasured tradition, where young women compete for scholarships and the honor of representing Maine's lobstering heritage. Visitors can enjoy unique attractions including lobster crate races across the harbor, cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, a maritime heritage festival, local artisan marketplace with over 60 vendors, and the famous Big Parade featuring marching bands and decorated floats.

 

Eastport Salmon and Seafood Festival: September

This traditional Maine coastal celebration puts the spotlight on the region's famous Atlantic salmon, drawing seafood enthusiasts from across New England to the historic waterfront district. The Eastport Salmon and Seafood Festival features over 40 local vendors, including popular establishments like Quoddy Bay Lobster, Raye's Mustard, and Eastport's own Moose Island Bakery. Festival-goers, typically numbering around 12,000 throughout the weekend, gather at the Eastport Breakwater to enjoy fresh-caught salmon prepared in various ways, along with lobster rolls, steamed clams, and local craft beers from Lubec Brewing Company.

 

Live entertainment on the main stage features regional bands like the Border Town Boys and Keltic Schmeltic, providing a maritime musical backdrop to the seaside feast. Local fishermen demonstrate traditional salmon smoking techniques, while master chefs offer cooking demonstrations focused on sustainable seafood preparation. The festival's signature event involves a centuries-old tradition where Native American tribes from both sides of Passamaquoddy Bay demonstrate ancestral fishing methods using hand-carved wooden canoes.

Each festival reveals the passion and dedication of Maine's artisans, fostering a deep appreciation for the state's rich culinary heritage. Pack your appetite and embark on a journey through Maine's food, wine, and beer festivals, allowing your taste buds to savor the flavors that define Maine as a genuine gem.

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