Maine Coast Life's 2026 Guide to Maine Food and Drink Festivals
There are lots of reasons to travel to Maine, but the undisputed top driver behind our international tourism is our exceptional food and drink. We’re not just supporting our restaurants and bars because they’re local; this culinary atmosphere has been celebrated as one of the strongest and most creative in the world.
To honor all the artists and artisans we have in the kitchen or behind the bar, we put together a comprehensive list of food and drink festivals that offer all tastes of Maine in one location. Each festival is supplemented with local vendors, live music from hometown musicians, and educational sessions with industry leaders.
Don’t miss out on any of these fantastic festivals…and pro tip? Wear stretchy pants; you’ll be eating a lot.
Maine Whoopie Pie Festival (June 13)
The quirky but beloved Maine Whoopie Pie Festival is a day-long celebration of Maine’s official state treat. Not quite a cookie, but also not really a cake, this iconic dessert sandwich takes on a fresh perspective as bakers from around New England impart their interpretations for all to enjoy.
Spend the day at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds indulging in pastry-tastings, activities, and fun. Get a front-row seat for the baking competition, where prizes and bragging rights are bestowed upon the best Whoopie Pie creations. After the judging, indulge in some samples from the contestants and become a judge yourself.
For those with iron stomachs, test your stamina at the Whoopie Pie Eating Contest, which hosts competitions in three different age-groups so competitive eaters of all ages can indulge. And don’t miss out on the action at ringside, as Limitless Wrestling brings thrilling matches to the fairgrounds.
Portland Greek Festival (June 25-27)
Held annually at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the Portland Greek Festival blends traditional Greek food (baklava, souvlaki, etc.) with music, dancing, and cultural programming. While smaller than major festivals, it’s a longstanding community food celebration with strong regional attendance.
Wavy Days Beer Fest (June 27)
In addition to being a landmark music venue for Portland, Thompson’s Point plays host to the Wavy Days Beer Fest, one of the largest beer festivals in the Northeast. Organized by Mast Landing Brewing Company, this summer beer festival showcases more than 60 breweries, from local favorites to national guests.
Get a taste of innovative new brews and classic pours with unlimited samples. The energy swells with live music, food trucks, and local vendors to provide an unforgettable beer-tasting experience.
Great Falls Brewfest (Jun 27)
An annual Lewiston-Auburn tradition! Presented by Baxter Brewing Company, Great Falls Brewfest celebrates craft beer, cider, hard seltzer, and non-alcoholic beverages from around New England.
Simard-Payne Memorial Park comes alive with vendors, live music, and food trucks. The event offers general session tickets, VIP tickets for longer access and a commemorative tasting glass, and designated driver tickets for those gracious enough to offer their services so the rest of us can indulge!
Maine Oyster Festival (June 27-28)
Travelers from around the world congregate in Maine for this legendary festival in Freeport. The Maine Oyster Festival is a celebration of a unique sea creature that is both delicious and environmentally friendly. Tens of thousands of fresh Maine oysters will be shucked for hungry attendees looking to slurp the taste of Maine right out of the shell.
Learn from the state’s best sea farmers and seaworthy organizations, who impart their wisdom with decades of farming knowledge. You can learn more by booking a tour of the sea farms. Attendees can also take part in the action; beginners can learn how to shuck from the professionals, while seasoned veterans can enter The Big Shuck competition.
If raw oysters aren’t really your thing, there are numerous food trucks and mobile shuckers cooking up grilled, fried, and smoked oysters. Non-mollusk food items are also available, as well as works by local artists and crafters.
Yarmouth Clam Festival (July 17-19)
Celebrate 61 years of Maine clams at the Yarmouth Clam Festival. This free-admission event blends a traditional town fair with food-focused attractions like clam shucking, seafood booths, and local desserts.
Clam lovers will have no shortage of mollusks ready to eat; the festival produces hundreds of pounds of clams each year. The Maine State Clam Shucking Contest on Saturday is open to professionals and amateurs. Get a good seat to watch two celebrity competitions where TV and radio personalities go head-to-head for shucking supremacy.
A massive parade will kick off the event. Attendees can also enjoy games, food, and rides at the festival’s carnival. And if you need to take a break, check out local bands performing on four different stages around the event, or browse the many local vendors offering unique arts and crafts.
Maine Lobster Festival (July 29-August 2)
You won’t want to miss the iconic Maine Lobster Festival. Tens of thousands of people flock to Rockland’s Harbor Park every year to celebrate the Pine State’s signature shellfish. This free-admission, five-day event features fresh cooked dinners and a seafood cooking contest, where amateur chefs compete to create the most innovative, delicious dish.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Maine event without local libations. The “Steins & Vines” event allows attendees to taste Maine beers, wines, and spirits. The Dog Parade showcases a variety of furry friends competing for three designations: Best Costume, Best Hair, and Best Trick. Passionate advocates for the Maine lobster industry can apply to become a Maine Lobster Festival Delegate and learn important skills.