Lobster Fest Program_2026

79 th MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL

OFFICIAL program

In Memory of “The Lobster Lady”

Virginia Oliver

June 6, 1920 – Jan. 21, 2026

The Maine Lobster Festival is proud to dedicate this program to the memory of Virginia Oliver, known around the world as “The Lobster Lady.”

Virginia was born and raised in Rockland, and lived her whole life on the same street where she was born. She first started lobstering with her father at the age of 8, then started up again as an adult with her husband Bill.

Virginia continued the work well past the age most people retire. She first gained national attention when her 100th birthday approached and she continued to go out hauling traps.

Her life and her spirit of hard work were celebrated in books, newspaper and magazine articles, on television programs and more.

Virginia represented Rockland and the Maine Lobster Festival as the 2020 Grand Marshal of the Big Parade. While the Festival was cancelled that year, she reprised the role when events returned in 2022. We were honored to have her lead the celebration.

On her 105th birthday last June, Virginia told the local newspaper that she liked being on the ocean because it kept her busy. When asked about giving up the work, Virginia insisted, as she frequently did, that only death would stop her.

Thank you, Ginny, for showing us what it means to live a full life.

2026 Board of Directors

President: Celia Knight

Vice President: Avi Good

Treasurer: Dan Flaherty

Secretary: Christine Simmonds

Executive Committee

President: Celia Knight

Vice President: Avi Good

Treasurer: Dan Flaherty

Secretary: Christine Simmonds

Elected Directors: John Ferraiolo, Brian Messing, and Ginny Savage

Directors:

Peter Beal, Bob Bird, Buddy Carleton, Erin Fitzgerald, Jim Gibson, Brian Harden, Richard Johnson, Su Johnson, Shannon Kinney, Jeanne Marshall, Tom Marshall, Vernard Mossman, and Karyn Rizzo

Honorary Directors:

Sharon Lombardo and Bob Oxton

The Official Maine Lobster Festival Program

Editorial Content

Maine Lobster Festival Program Coordination

Kaye Nisbet, Dream Local Digital Poster/Cover Design

Poster Artist: Deborah Loughlin

Layout

Amy Allen • Bangor Daily News

aallen@bangordailynews.com

Advertising Sales

Jeff Orcutt • Bangor Daily News jorcutt@bangordailynews.com

advertising@bangordailynews.com

Hello from Rockland, Maine lobster lovers!

I am excited to welcome you to the 79th Annual Maine Lobster Festival.

From 1947 to the present five-day celebration we know today, one thing has never changed: the delicious bounty of fresh Maine lobster right from the waters of Penobscot Bay. We continue our commitment to promote and support our hard-working lobstering community by serving locally sourced lobster from right here in Knox County. Last year, we served nearly 18,000 pounds of lobster, and with your help, we hope to exceed that amount this year.

Our festival theme for 2026 is “Rise and Renewal”. We chose it because this year the Maine Lobster Festival will celebrate all things history in keeping with the USA’s 250th Birthday. John Bird, a local Rockland historian and author, will be celebrated as the “Big Parade’s” Grand Marshal.

This year, we will also unveil the “Neptune’s Return” bronze sculpture created by Richard Johnson of Rockland. The sculpture celebrates ALL volunteers who have ever been a part of the Maine Lobster Festival. This project took four years to complete, and all the money raised came from donations, auctions, and special events. There is a new effort to add 2 bronze mermaids to join King Neptune in the permanent display. Your support and volunteerism matter; we couldn’t do any of it without you.

As a non-profit organization, it is our mission to give back to our local communities in ways large and small. In the last decade, the Maine Lobster Festival has been fortunate to be able to donate over $975,000 in support to many local charitable organizations, such as senior and student groups, local food pantries and shelters, youth sports groups, animal rescue, high school scholarships and other groups in need.

We want you to come and have fun while exploring all we have to offer. Once again, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to have NO ADMISSION to our 5-day event! Watch fresh steamed lobster being prepared at the World’s Largest Lobster Cooker. Head over to the Food Tent for a delicious lobster or shore dinner. Visit our Arts & Crafts tent and Marketplace area to find beautiful hand-crafted items. In the Marine Tent, learn how lobster traps are made and see marine creatures up close in our touch tank. The Entertainment Tent offers our Seafood Cooking Contest, cooking demonstrations and other events. Over on the Maine Stage, watch live performances by talented musicians from all over Maine. There is something for everyone here!

On behalf of the Maine Lobster Festival family, our Directors, Members and our more than 1,000 amazing volunteers, we’re so glad you’re here with us, and we hope you have a wonderful time!

Enjoy!

Celia Knight, President

Admission & Ticket Information

We are pleased to offer FREE admission once again this year as we celebrate our 79th anniversary. Come often to enjoy the event and bring your friends and family!

Steins & Vines Tasting Event Tickets

The annual Steins & Vines tasting event featuring Maine brewers, vintners, cideries, and spirits is the only event at the Maine Lobster Festival that requires tickets. Steins & Vines will be held Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug. 1, in the Entertainment Tent. There will be two sessions each day at 2:30-4 pm and 4:30-6 pm. Tickets are $50 each and include 12 tastings, a commemorative glass, and light snacks. This event is limited to adults 21 or older. Photo ID is required for admittance, and no one under age 21 is permitted in the event area. Advanced tickets strongly suggested. Bracelets are required for entry, and ticket holders may pick up their bracelets throughout the day before the event until 1 pm at the volunteer shed just past the main entrance gate. Tickets may be purchased online.

Parking & Shuttles

The Maine Lobster Festival runs continuous free shuttles from the parking lot of South Elementary School (30 Broadway, Rockland, ME) and Oceanside High School (400 Broadway, Rockland, ME) to the Festival all day Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday*, and Sunday. Shuttles arrive at each location approximately every 20 minutes.

*Shuttles will not be available from approximately 9 am to noon on Saturday, Aug. 1 due to The Big Parade.

Other Parking Options

• Several free public lots throughout town

• Businesses close to the Festival offering paid parking

Handicap Parking Options

Handicap parking is located on the northbound lane of South Main Street (approximately eight spaces). This is directly adjacent to the Festival grounds and the Main Gate. There is also handicapped parking on the north side of Myrtle Street (approximately 14 spaces) directly across the street from the Main Gate. The best time to get these parking spaces is early in the day when the Festival first opens, as this is when gate traffic is the lightest.

In addition, assistance will be provided with loading and unloading handicapped passengers at the front gate, and volunteers will see them safely onto the grounds while the driver parks the car. Golf cart transportation is also available to the grounds for those who desire assistance.

Ground Rules

Bikes, skateboards, shoe skates, coolers, and chairs are strictly prohibited on the Festival grounds.

Pets: Well-behaved pets on short leashes will be allowed entry to the grounds at the discretion of the festival director supervising the gates.

Volunteering

The Maine Lobster Festival welcomes hundreds of local volunteers annually from Maine in addition to volunteers from all over the United States and all parts of the world.

Many of our volunteers come back every year, and some families even make it part of their vacation plans.

As well as individuals volunteering, many of our volunteers come in groups from local businesses, civic organizations such as Kiwanis and Rotary, high school students, and from the local Coast Guard station.

Our volunteers help us in all areas of the Festival from serving seafood to hungry festival-goers, talking with visitors about the history of the area in the Heritage Tent, or getting a tactile experience of Maine creatures in the Marine Tent touch tank, just to name a few. Volunteers can pick areas/tasks they are most interested in for their 4-hour shift and are welcome to do multiple shifts.

Volunteers are eligible for 50% off a lobster dinner and receive a highly coveted volunteer T-shirt!

Volunteers may sign up at mainelobsterfestival.com/info/volunteer, call us at (207) 596-7126 or (800) 5767512. You can also stop by the Volunteer Shed during the Festival.

The Volunteer Shed is now located on the festival grounds adjacent to the Souvenir Tent (just down the hill from the Main Gate entrance on the left).

Maine Lobster Festival Works to be Environmentally Friendly

The Maine Lobster Festival is continuing its recycling efforts in its commitment to be a green-friendly festival.

For years, the Festival has recycled cans and bottles and donated the money collected from returnables to youth groups, such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. While many bottles and cans make it into recycle bins, many also end up in the trash. Visitors are asked to turn in bottles and cans for recycling and not place them in the trash.

Visitors are also encouraged to use the buckets on the tables in the eating tent to deposit empty lobster shells. These shells will be turned into compost!

Festival-goers are invited to help organizers in their efforts to be a greener festival. Share recycling ideas or suggestions with us by emailing info@mainelobsterfestival.com.

Guide to Tents, Booths & Displays

INFORMATION BOOTH

Our volunteers in the information booth are happy to assist with any questions you may have. If we do not know the answer, we will do our best to find out who does! This is also where visitors will find contest applications and registration information. This booth also handles lost-and-found items, including lost parents looking for their children. Plan to meet others in your group at this booth, which is located next to the Lobster Cafe near the Food Tent.

SOUVENIR TENT

Stock up on official Maine Lobster Festival T-shirts, hats, aprons, tote bags, mugs, posters, assorted souvenirs, and other items. There’s something for everyone to remember your time at the Festival!

ROCKY

Rocky is our slightly larger-than-average lobster who greets visitors to the Maine Lobster Festival! Rocky travels to various fairs and festivals throughout New England, raising awareness for the Festival and Maine’s lobstering industry. Grab a selfie and tag us on social media or use #MaineLobsterFestival for a chance to have your photo featured!

MAINE FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS TENT

Displays, demonstrations and sales of Maine crafts, including pottery, jewelry, gemstones, food treats, country paintings, sea glass, and handmade fabric articles. The tent is located at the north end of the grounds.

LOBSTER CAFE

The Lobster Cafe is located just before the main Food Tent and features lobster rolls, lobster wraps and lobster salads. Gluten-free rolls are available.

FOOD TENT

The Food Tent is the center of the Festival’s dining delights. This is where delicious lobster dinners are served. In this tent, Festival-goers can start the day with a pancake breakfast at 7 am Thursday through Sunday. Volunteers begin serving succulent Maine lobster and the fixings, as well as other seafood and beverages, at noon Wednesday through Sunday. The tent is located next to the sea wall.

BEER TENT

of lobster at a time. Engraved bricks cover the base of the cooker. Fresh Maine lobsters, just out of the cold Maine waters, are cooked here for feasting in the Food Tent.

CHILDREN’S TENT

Adults 21 and over can stop by this tent located across from the main stage, where you can get beer, seltzer, and wine all day throughout the Festival.

MARINE EXPERIENCE TENT

This tent includes a “Touch Tank,” dynamic fish display, knot-tying demonstrations, book signings, lobster trap demonstrations and more. Visitors never know what they will find in the Marine Experience Tent, located on the pier at the north side of the grounds.

ENTERTAINMENT TENT

The Entertainment Tent is one of the primary locations for events and demonstrations throughout the five days of the Festival. The other fixed entertainment location is the Main Stage (Fishermen’s Memorial).

HERITAGE TENT

Take a step back in time and explore the history of the Maine Lobster Festival. From its start back in 1947, find out how things have changed over the past 79 years. Located across from the Marine Tent.

WORLD’S LARGEST LOBSTER COOKER

This steamer, located at the entrance to the north end of the Festival grounds, was built in 2008 and is capable of cooking 1,600 pounds

This tent is a rest and play area for children and their parents, and also has diaper-changing stations. This area is not a daycare facility, and parents are to remain with their children at all times. Parents and children will find a daily craft, a CedarWorks playset, coloring pages, a sand table, a train table, and more. The tent is located next to the main stage.

PETTING ZOO

Get your fill of cute animals in this tent. Get up close to feed and pat goats, donkeys and more!

VOLUNTEER SHED

The Volunteer Shed is located on the Festival grounds adjacent to the Souvenir Tent (just down the hill from the Main Gate entrance on the left). This is where volunteers will check in to receive their volunteer T-shirts and directions for the day.

2026 Fine Arts & Craft Tent Exhibitors

The Maine Lobster Festival Art & Craft Tent is located under the protection of a large tent located at Buoy Park on the Maine Lobster Festival grounds. Our exhibitors come mostly from Maine, which is home to a vast array of talented artists and artisans. Stop by the tent and catch a demonstration or two from our exhibitors.

Scan for more info!

We have a potter throwing & sculpting a special work created during the Maine Lobster Festival, illustrative drawings and paintings by a local artist, jeweler artists working in their medium of choice, Maine wild honey and bees wax products, gourmet jams and salsa, photographs of Maine scenes from the mountains to the sea, photography of birds and animals, fabric artists and designer products from bags to masks, detailed hand painted prints from an artist working in pen & ink, lotions and scents from plants grown here in the state of Maine, hand carved walking sticks, pictures utilizing small beach rocks for medium, alpaca products and yarn, silkscreened prints on wood and on cloth, hand-painted signs, sculptress’s shaping and forming polymer clay jewelry and ornaments, and a designer of wooden painted tide clocks.

2026 Exhibitors

SUSAN MORRILL JOHNSON AND RICHARD ALFRED JOHNSON

from Rockland, Maine, exhibit their works in the Fine Arts and Craft Tent. Richard and Susan, both retired Oceanside High School art teachers, have been involved with the Maine Lobster Festival for over 48 years. Richard demonstrates his clay sculpture and pottery wheel-thrown work in the Art and Craft Tent. Richard will be demonstrating on the pottery wheel. The large grouping of sculpted mermaids, all sculpted at past festivals, is located at their studio on Lake Ave. in Rockland. Su exhibits her watercolor and oil paintings, which are inspired by the Maine coast and Maine islands where she grew up in Rockland, Spruce Head and Monhegan Island. Richard & Susan are currently working on a permanent bronze “Neptune Returns” Monument and are donating it to the Maine Lobster Festival in memory of Alice Crie Knight and dedicated to all the volunteers who have helped make the Maine Lobster Festival possible.

GREY GOOSE GOURMET

Sandra Dwight-Henry is the pepper jelly creator, cook and owner of Grey Goose Gour-

met, where the kitchen is the heart of the business. When not making pepper jellies, you can find her either in their 1850’s barn shop, the garden, a farmer’s market, or at a festival sharing the pepper jelly love.

JAMES AND DORIS CUSHMAN

of Caribou, Maine, own and operate Gemsations. For almost 20 years, they have collected rocks, minerals and fossils to delight their customers and create unique handmade jewelry that mirrors the stones they love. Once school is done for the summer, they load their trailer and head out to sell at various festivals and craft shows around the state of Maine. Their goal is to please their customers, and they welcome requests for new products or a twist on a handmade jewelry item. James can create or repair jewelry items as you continue to shop with other vendors, and he and Doris are both willing to answer questions about gemstone products they sell.

LYNN AND WILLIS LAMB

of Maine Honey Bee have been keeping bees for 15 years. Centrally located in Western Maine, they have three apiaries. In New Sharon, on their family organic tree farm, the honeybees forage on isolated forests, fields and flowers. Here, the bees pollinate the Lamb’s orchards, berry patches and gardens. In West Farmington, the bees forage in gardens and the alluvial region. Sweet Pea Apiary on Mt.

Desert Island is where the bees thrive and pollinate an organic farm’s fruits, vegetables and flowers along Northeast Creek in Acadia National Park.

PETER JOHANNES PHOTOGRAPHY & JORDAN KRUIJFF

Peter Johannes and his sons have been capturing award-winning photos of Maine, New England and Maritime Canada for decades. Their photographs display a classic sense of composition and design, while retaining a feeling of immediacy coupled with a masterful use of photographic skill to create images for book covers, magazines, numerous galleries and museum exhibitions.

BLUEBERRY MOOSE SIGNS AND SUCH

Jo Ann Hoppe from South Thomaston, Maine.

Her “Blueberry

Moose Signs and Such” feature hand-painted signs painted to perfection. Jo Ann demonstrates her craft in the tent.

LISA HOLT OF BRIMSTONE DESIGNS & PHOTOGRAPHY

creates work inspired by nature and formed from materials that she gathers. Sea glass and beach stones are hand-selected from local beaches. Stop by to view Lisa’s mixed media wall art made from rocks, wood, and sea glass.

KIM PAULEY, JUST-KIM, grew up in Rockland and now resides in the Portland area, where she creates bags of many styles and sizes. The colors and workmanship are exciting and a must-see product display in the tent. Kim demonstrates her craft daily. Stop by and see her artistic flair with color and pattern. Most bags are made with home dec weight cotton. The label says “just-kim,” and we say “just-perfect.”

LORI DAVIS of Ellsworth will exhibit her original color photography capturing nature, wildlife and landscapes from Maine. Photo Greeting cards, magnets, coasters, matted photographs and photography on slate canvas.

and art consignment shop. Christa offers art boxes (art class in a box), sea glass jewelry, handwoven tapestries, photography prints and notecards.

OLD MOOSE CRAFTS

Donna Cline, Spruce Head, Maine.

Old Moose Crafts are created with sewing and crochet. The items offered are pot holders, gift tags, bowl cozies, children’s coloring bags, kid’s tote bags, kitchen towels, crocheted stuffed animals and aprons for children and adults.

DIANE SEIDERS

DOODLEBUGS WORKSHOP

Mandy Erving of St. Albans, Maine, will be exhibiting her Doodle Dice and more.

CLAY BY KASS is a handmade polymer clay earring boutique. Earrings in every style you are looking for.

SARAH TERRELL

is an accomplished acrylic painter, digital illustrator, graphic designer, and multi-disciplinary artist currently residing in Hampden, Maine.

JESSICA

JAYNE DWYER is an internationally recognized polymer clay artist. She sculpts her Maine- themed designs in a process you have to see to believe. Jayne has been selling her well-loved designs under the name “Paper Moon Jewelry”‘ for over 20 years now. Stop by her booth to browse a vast body of work solely designed and produced by the artist. She will offer demonstrations upon request.

HEATHER

ROSELLE

BARTER

of Hope, Maine, started FANTASY DESIGNS MAINE in 2008 as a lampwork artist. Presently, she makes utensils with handmade lamp work beads, magnetic scarflets, resin and polymer clay jewelry, coasters and resined wine glasses.

SEA DOODLES TUMBLED GLASS

Kelly Leland of Warren, Maine, works in the mediums of tumbled glass, sea glass and resin. Her creations are beautifully designed.

STEEL • WOOD THRUSH WILDERNESS LLC.

All items are made locally in Thorndike, ME. Jessica’s baskets are made from reed or ash. Base and feet are made from pine, and the handles are made of oak.

ANDREA ROMA • FAV’RIT DAUGHTER DESIGNS

of Veazie joins the tent with her collection of paintings from around our beautiful state of Maine. Heather attended MECA’s program at 17 and graduated from the University of Maine with a BA in art education in 2013. Both programs helped her refine her skills. Presently, she travels across the state looking for landscapes and scenes to paint.

CHRISTA ZUBER is the owner of ‘The Place’ in Rockland. The Place is an art business that started as a DIY art studio

GAGE’S DESIGN STUDIO

Sharon Gage of Harrison, Maine, will be exhibiting her handmade jewelry.

WENDY WAUGAMAN is a jewelry artist who crafts one-ofa-kind pieces with a primary focus on mixing precious metals with hand-picked stones. See her fantastic collection of beautiful showpieces ranging from traditional to contemporary.

Andrea creates handcrafted wall decor, gifts, and jewelry using natural materials that she collects from Maine’s forests and beaches.

ATHERTON ARTS

Hand-drawn caricatures, done in minutes, in black and white or color, with or without themed bodies.

Maine Lobster Festival Gear

Visit the Souvenir Tent on the Festival grounds for this year’s official selection of T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, posters, poster merchandise, toy lobsters, home accessories, gifts for lobster lovers and more. There’s something for everyone, so stop by and pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit or treat the lobster lover at home! Posters are also available to purchase in our online store

Maine Lobster Festival Art Show

Artists from the Midcoast area and around the state join the Maine Lobster Festival in celebrating its 79th year with artwork in the Maine Lobster Festival Art Show. The Art Show will be hung for public viewing in the Fine Art Tent on the Festival grounds July 29 - Aug. 2.

The show is open to professional artists, adult amateurs, and high school, middle school, and elementary students.

The following medium categories for two-dimensional artworks are: watercolor/acrylic or water mediums, oil, mixed media and drawing materials.

There will be three special art awards given at the art show. The themes to be considered for these two awards are: (1) The ‘Eddie Harriman Award,’ which is given to the artwork that features the Maine Lobster Festival Theme: ‘Lobsters’. The award was created in memory of the artist who painted lobsters for years on the windows in downtown Rockland to help promote the lobster festival. (2) The ‘Betty Kinney Award’ is given to a painting inspired by a ‘Coastal Scene’. The award is given in memory of the woman who established and directed the Maine Lobster Festival Art Show for 25 years. (3) Best of Show – The Alice Crie Knight Award. Created in memory of Alice Crie Knight, who brought the Art Tent to the Maine Lobster Festival over 50 years ago.

purchase posters from the online store

Scan QR code to learn more about the art show!

Vendors

There’s something for everyone at the Maine Lobster Festival. We hope you enjoy your visit and take the time to shop with all of our great vendors!

• A FISHERMAN’S DAUGHTER

• ALL THINGS MAPLE

• ASHLEY MARY CRAFTERY

• ASIAN BOBA & APPETIZERS

• ATHERTON ARTS

• BEACH BUM CUSTOM RINGS & DAINTY THINGS

• BETH’S BUSHEL AND A PECK

• CAPTAIN SQUID (SURGAR LAB)

• CFBACON

• CHINALUCKYCANDY INC

• COFFEY KETTLE CORN

• CUTCO CUTLERY

• DEL’S LEMONADE

• DEE BUBBLE & NOODLE STREET FOOD

• DOMINOS

• EDUARDO’S BRAZILIAN GRILL ONE

• ERIC DARLING

• EVERYTHING ABOUT CREPES, LLC

• FINE GLOBAL ARTS

• GEORGES ROAD FARM

• HEY BABE

• I SEE SPAIN

• JOLIE ROGERS OYSTER BAR

• JUSLABS

• KEVIN’S FRENCH FRIES

• KING CONCESSIONS

• L/A TACO LLC

• LAKEFALL ARTS

• LAMMAR MARIE’S GOURMET POPCORN

• LEAFFILTER

• LICKITY SPLIT TREATS LLC

• LIVEME MAINE

• M&A’S PRINITIVERSE

• MAD HATTER CAFE

• MAINE COAST MATE

• MARABOU JEWELRY

• MASONIC TEMPLE

• MCLAUGHLIN FAMILY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

• MICHAEL JAMES MURRAY ART

• NEWKS HOT SAUCE

• NODROG FARMS, LLC

Scan for the Most up-to-date list of vendors

• OCEANFASHION LLC

• P FACTORY LLC

• PANGEA

• POTTY CAKES

• PRETZEL FEVER LLC - PHILLY PRETZEL FACTORY

• REELSKINZ

• RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN

• SHAWARMA AL ASEIL

• SMOKEN TIN ROOF

• SOUTHERN ROOTS DESIGNS

• STAINED GLASS BY NINA

• STEVE’S CONCESSIONS

• STONE FOX CREAMERY

• SUNSHINE APOTHECARY

• SUNSHINE HANDI CRAFTS

• SWAMI GEAR

• THE BLUE CHILL

• THE SYRUP SQUAD

• THREE SUNS SLUSH (ITALIAN ICE)

• TOP THAT CHOCOLATE

• TOUCH OF GREEN

• US AIRFORCE

• VIBRANT HEALTH SYSTEMS

• WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

• WHAT THE ACTUAL FUDGE

• WORMTOWN TRADING

**The list may not include all vendors at the time of publication, and attending vendors are subject to change without notice. Visit our website for the most accurate vendor list.

The Marine Tent Experience

The Marine Tent Experience is a Festival attraction that provides hands-on opportunities to touch and learn about a wide variety of marine life. Maritime activities and demonstrations continue throughout the Festival. Who knows what creatures from the deep will show up? Exhibitors set up interesting displays for all ages, and local lobstermen will be answering questions at the touch tank throughout the weekend. Ongoing activities planned for the 79th annual event will include games and contests with various prizes for kids and adults.

BROOKS TRAP MILL of Thomaston will be displaying the complete start-to-finish process of building a lobster trap—and the materials that go into its building.

MAINE AUTHORS PUBLISHING

The trusted source for books by Maine authors since 2009! As a cooperative-style publisher, Maine Authors Publishing’s goal is to support local, independent authors throughout the publishing process with affordable services such as editing, design, printing, a trade catalog, distribution, and marketing assistance. Writers wanting to explore publishing are invited to register for a free Zoom class on the first Friday of every month called “Introduction to Cooperative-Style Publishing.”

You can find Maine Authors Publishing all week long in the Marine Tent, where they will have signings as well as a selection of books by best-selling Maine authors.

PIECE BY PIECE BY PIECE SEA GLASS ART BY ANNE DOW, WESTBROOK, ME

Anne’s art is created from sea glass that is found piece by piece by piece along the shores of Maine. Her work features a variety of themes, from lobsters and lighthouses to pet pieces and nature. It has always been Anne’s favorite pastime to collect sea glass, shells, and rocks in the mid-coast area with her daughter, sister, grandson and niece. Besides the quality time with family, there is a therapeutic value in it. Stop by the Marine Tent and take home a piece of Maine!

STATION MAINE of Rockland is an organization of community members dedicated to offering boating opportunities at no cost to youth of all ages in the Midcoast area.

LAUREN ELIZABETH SMITH Providing an assortment of T-shirts for the whole family. Tees are designed to be colorful, happy, and to make people laugh, but most of all to represent Maine. The lobster industry is a big part of her family. Lauren’s partner grew up and fished out of Rockland, and his family is currently fishing out of this area. Her family is also a part of the Dark Rose Pirates, which will be located right outside the Marine tent.

PENOBSCOT BAY WATCH Keeping an eye out for threats to Maine’s biggest bay. Projects: wastewater outfalls oversight, legacy industrial waste site identification and cleanups,

aquaculture oversight, fending off marina sprawl and commercial sprawl. They will be set up in the marine tent to educate the public about their service and projects.

LJ’S LOBSTER & BEACH THEMED

JEWELRY,

OWL’S HEAD, MAINE Creating jewelry has become a passion of mine. Growing up, I watched my grandfather turn local beach rocks into beautiful jewelry. After his passing, I realized how much I also enjoy creating jewelry. Being a young teenager who isn’t old enough to seek employment yet, I have found myself passing the time creating jewelry. I’ve decided to take a chance and share my creations with others at the festival. Please stop by my table in the Marine Tent to check out my work!

TWISTED ARTWORK Cheryl is a multi-medium artist born and raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts. As of 2025, her home is Rockport, Maine. She loves the ocean! She is very creative and a lover of the outdoors, especially trees in every season and enjoys making awesome crafts from whatever materials she can get her hands on. Over the years, she has become a self-taught sculptor of these informal fantasy-style trees using strands of whatever wire she finds and repurposes. The bases are driftwood, rock, coral and shells she finds walking the beach. You may even catch a glimpse of her and her husband volunteering at the Maine Lobster Festival.

Children’s Tent

This tent is a rest and play area for children and their parents and also has babychanging stations. It’s a must-visit area and resource for young families. This area is not a daycare facility, and parents are to remain with their children at all times. Parents and children will find a coloring and craft space, face painting, CedarWorks playsets, a sand box, water tables, a train/car table, a ball pit and much more. See schedule online for specific daily events.

scan for daily event schedule

Maine Lobster Festival Dog Show

Join us on Friday, July 31, at 2 pm on the Main Stage for an unforgettable celebration of our furry friends at the Maine Lobster Festival Dog Show!

The festivities kick off with a Dog Parade winding through the Festival grounds, showcasing a colorful array of canine companions. From there, prepare for the main event featuring three tail-wagging categories: Best Costume, Best Hair, and Best Trick. Is your pooch a fashionista, a fur sensation, or a master performer? This is their moment to shine and strut their stuff!

To ensure every furry attendee stays refreshed and hydrated, we’ve set up convenient watering stations throughout the Festival grounds. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the Festival, don’t miss out on this paw-some opportunity to celebrate with fellow dog lovers and their adorable companions. It’s a day filled with fun, laughter, and the joy of seeing tails wag and hearts melt.

Deadline to register is Thursday, July 30.

2026 Schedule of Events

Visit our website at mainelobsterfestival.com/schedule for the most up-to-date schedule!

ALL DAY:

Free Shuttle Bus

The festival provides free shuttle services to and from the Festival grounds from the following locations. A bus arrives at each location approximately every 30 minutes.

• South Elementary School: 30 Broadway, Rockland, ME

• Oceanside High School: 400 Broadway, Rockland, ME

Check days for detailed schedule:

• Wednesday: 11 am – 10 pm

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday*: 8:30 am – 11:30 pm

• Sunday: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm

*SATURDAY MORNING SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL BE LIMITED DUE TO THE PARADE. Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am–noon Saturday, Aug. 1.

PIRATE SHIP TOURS

The Pirates of The Dark Rose will be offering daily tours to Rockland’s Breakwater Lighthouse aboard the s/v MustRoos. Tours will depart from the Public Landing on the Festival grounds.

Opening Day: Wednesday, July 29

Visit our website at mainelobsterfestival.com/schedule for the most up-to-date schedule!

ALL DAY

ART SHOW at the Fine Art & Craft Tent.

“HERITAGE, HISTORY, AND ANCESTRY” (at the Maine Heritage Tent at Middle Pier)

LISTEN FOR MUSIC AND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS in the PA booth.

TOUCH TANK, BOOKS, & DEMONSTRATIONS of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

NOON

79TH MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL OPENS!

KING NEPTUNE AND HIS COURT, along with Rebecca Spearing, the 2025 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, arrive on the main dock from the briny deep courtesy of the USCG to raise the flag and officially open the 79th Maine Lobster Festival. Flag raising ceremony will take place at the flagpole by the Harbor Master’s building.

LOBSTER SERVING BEGINS AT THE FOOD TENT

(NOON - 8 PM)

Visit our Food Tent for our famous steamed lobster dinners, shore dinners, lobster bisque, seafood chowders, lobster mac-n-cheese and our Lobster Café for lobster rolls, lobster wraps and lobster Caesar salad.

NOON - 12:30 PM

MAIN STAGE

NEPTUNE RETURNS MONUMENT UNVEILING

The King Neptune statue, previously destroyed during winter storms, has been rebuilt and cast in bronze. Local artist and sculptor Richard Johnson has dedicated the monument to the Maine Lobster Festival in honor of longtime festival volunteer Alice Knight. Once arriving at the festival, King Neptune will unveil the monument.

NOON - 1 PM

MAIN STAGE

NEPTUNE’S RETURN

Local Artist, Sculptor, Singer, Songwriter. Richard and his guitar deliver down-home Americana music. Songs about Neptune, Mermaids, Tall ships and Family.

NOON - 6 PM

FOOD TENT PADDY MILLS

An award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

1:30 - 3 PM

MAIN STAGE AARON SIMMONS

An award-winning country artist, Aaron Simmons blends small-town storytelling with high-energy vocals that have earned him a loyal nationwide following.

3:30 TO 5 PM

MAIN STAGE

ALI WARREN

Singer-songwriter/ guitarist. Her vocals are smooth and soulful. Ali plays a mix of originals and classic covers. Every song she sings sounds like they were meant for her to sing.

6:30 - 8 PM

MAIN STAGE

THE 2026 MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL DELEGATE AWARD CEREMONY

Historically known as the “Maine Sea Goddess Coronation,” this competition is now open to anyone ages 16-22 who is passionate about being an advocate for Maine’s lobster industry. The title of this chosen representative is the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate. The competition aims to educate young people from the community about lobster and the lobstering industry. The winner will then act as a delegate to educate the public on commercial fishing and the Lobster Festival in the year to come, and beyond.

The winner receives a cash prize and the title of Maine Lobster Festival Delegate. They will represent the Festival at many events throughout the year, culminating with the start of the 2027 Maine Lobster Festival. A Runner-Up and Most Congenial will also be chosen.

8 - 9:30 PM

MAIN STAGE

CREATURES OF HABIT

A local band known for their eclectic mix of rock and folk covers that always get the crowd moving.

Day 2: Thursday, July 30

Visit our website at mainelobsterfestival.com/schedule for the most up-to-date schedule!

ALL DAY

FREE SHUTTLE BUS

The festival provides free shuttle services to and from the Festival grounds from the following locations. A bus arrives at each location approximately every 30 minutes.

• South Elementary School: 30 Broadway, Rockland

• Oceanside High School: 400 Broadway, Rockland

Check days for detailed schedule:

• Wednesday: 11 am – 10 pm

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday*: 8:30 am – 11:30 pm

• Sunday: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm

*Saturday morning shuttle service will be limited due to the parade. Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am – noon Saturday, Aug. 1.

ART SHOW at the Fine Art & Craft Tent.

“HERITAGE, HISTORY, AND ANCESTRY” (at the Maine Heritage Tent at Middle Pier)

LISTEN FOR MUSIC AND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS in the PA booth.

TOUCH TANK, BOOKS, & DEMONSTRATIONS of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

7 - 10 AM

ALL-THE-PANCAKES-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST in the Food Tent featuring blueberry pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk.

*All you can eat applies to pancakes only.

9 AM

PIRATES OF THE DARK ROSE RAID BUOY PARK!

9:15 AM - 2 PM

PIRATE ENCAMPMENT • BUOY PARK

10 AM - 11 AM

JUDD CASWELL • MAIN STAGE

A multi-instrumentalist and award-winning singersongwriter from Maine, Judd Caswell is celebrated for his masterful fingerstyle guitar and keen lyrical observations.

10:30 - 11:30 AM

PIRACY 101 • BUOY PARK

Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

JIM GIBSON • MAIN STAGE

Singer/songwriter/guitarist/vocalist. Known for his engaging performances of originals and cover songs. Blues/ rock and maybe a joke or two!

NOON - 6 PM

PADDY MILLS • FOOD TENT

An award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

NOON - 8 PM

THE FOOD TENT AND LOBSTER CAFE OPEN to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood.

MIDDAY

KING NEPTUNE & HIS COURT, 2026 MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL DELEGATE, AND BLACK BEARD visit the festival grounds to meet visitors.

Day 2: Thursday, July 30, Continued

1 - 2 PM

AIDEN KACZYNSKI • MAIN STAGE

You’ve seen him everywhere else in Maine, now see him here! Quickly rising into the spotlight as one of midcoast’s most highly-demanded artists, Aidan brings an eclectic blend of hits from every era that no one can resist singing along to.

1 - 2 PM

CANNON LESSONS • BUOY PARK

Our visiting pirates will teach guests all about cannons, and even fire some off.

2 - 3 PM

EVERYBODY LOVES PIRATES PUPPET SHOW • ENTERTAINMENT TENT

Eight-year-old Lucy and her goofy pal Little Chucky are searching for buried treasure, but a gang of bumbling pirates keeps getting in the way! The kids get some help from their new ocean-dwelling friends, including enthusiastic superhero Lobster Boy, his reluctant sidekick Crabby, and an overgrown sea monkey.

2 - 7 PM

PIRATE LESSONS • BUOY PARK

Learn what it takes to be a pirate!

2:30 - 3:30 PM

THE RETURNABLES • MAIN STAGE

Veteran rock ‘n’ rollers from the coast of Maine who let the jams lead them where they may!

3 - 4 PM

PIRATE WEAPONS DEMONSTRATIONS • BUOY PARK

A demonstration of the piratical arts.

Check out Crystal Vision Thursday at 8 pm!

4 - 5 PM

PIRATE WEAPONS DEMONSTRATION • BUOY PARK

A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4 - 5:30 PM

SMOKEHOUSE BOYS • MAIN STAGE

Bringing a heavy dose of country-rock passion, the Smokehouse Boys are known for their gritty vocals and high-energy instrumental interplay.

5 PM

CANNON FIRE • BUOY PARK

The pirates will be firing cannons.

6 - 7:30 PM

ALICE HOWE AND FREEBO • MAIN STAGE

Alice, with a voice that channels the classic singersongwriters of the 60s and 70s, delivers a timeless blend of folk, blues, and soulful Americana. Teams up with Freebo: Freebo is a world-Class musician, best known for his work with Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat and Ringo.

8 - 9:30 PM

CRYSTAL VISION • MAIN STAGE

A Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Crystal Vision, recreates the iconic harmonies and stage presence of the Rumors era with stunning accuracy.

Day 3: Friday, July 31

Visit our website at mainelobsterfestival.com/schedule for the most up-to-date schedule!

ALL DAY

FREE SHUTTLE BUS

The festival provides free shuttle services to and from the Festival grounds from the following locations. A bus arrives at each location approximately every 30 minutes.

• South Elementary School: 30 Broadway, Rockland

• Oceanside High School: 400 Broadway, Rockland

Check days for detailed schedule:

• Wednesday: 11 am – 10 pm

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday*: 8:30 am – 11:30 pm

• Sunday: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm

*Saturday morning shuttle service will be limited due to the parade. Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am – noon Saturday, Aug. 1.

ART SHOW at the Fine Art & Craft Tent.

“HERITAGE, HISTORY, AND ANCESTRY” (at the Maine Heritage Tent at Middle Pier)

LISTEN FOR MUSIC AND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS in the PA booth.

TOUCH TANK, BOOKS, & DEMONSTRATIONS of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

7 - 10 AM

ALL-THE-PANCAKES-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST in the Food Tent featuring blueberry pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk.

*All you can eat applies to pancakes only.

9 AM - 1 PM

AMATEUR SEAFOOD COOKING CONTEST • ENTERTAINMENT TENT

Amateur chefs will compete in this fan favorite annual Maine Lobster Festival Seafood Cooking Contest. Audience members get to sample the dishes.

10 AM - 11:30 AM

THE MERMAIDS • MAIN STAGE

This enchanting trio from Midcoast Maine specializes in dreamy three-part harmonies, blending traditional sea shanties with modern folk-pop.

10 AM - 2 PM

PIRATE TAVERN • BUOY PARK

Meet and greet with our visiting pirates as well as kids activities and skits.

10 AM - 2 PM

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THE 10K ROAD RACE AND 5K RUN/WALK

Last chance to pre-register for the 10K Road Race and 5K Run/Walk. If you’ve already registered online, you can pick up your packet at this time so you can head straight to the starting line in the morning. Check with information booth for packet and sign up location. Preregistration: $35. In-person/Day of registration: $45

NOON - 1:30 PM

RESONAUTS • MAIN STAGE

A Nashville-based acoustic quartet, the Resonauts deliver a sophisticated blend of bluegrass and jazz fusion with heartfelt vocals and instrumental virtuosity.

NOON - 6 PM

PADDY MILLS • FOOD TENT

An award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

NOON - 8 PM

THE FOOD TENT AND LOBSTER CAFE OPEN to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood.

MIDDAY

KING NEPTUNE & HIS COURT, 2026 MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL DELEGATE, AND BLACK BEARD visit the festival.

Tyler Healy Friday at 6 pm!

Day 3: Friday, July 31, Continued

1 PM

COOKING DEMONSTRATION • FOOD TENT

Chef T of Top Floor Cuisines will be giving a live cooking demonstration using local ingredients. Chef T is a southern-bred chef with vast training in American, French, Creole, and Greek cuisine that will amaze and entice you. His love and passion for cooking are derived from the joy people get from his meals.

2 - 3:30 PM

DOG SHOW • MAIN STAGE

A delightful Dog Parade winding through the festival grounds. From there, prepare for the main event featuring three tail-wagging categories: Best Costume, Best Hair, and Best Trick.

2:30 - 4 PM

STEINS & VINES • ENTERTAINMENT TENT

Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers, vintners, cideries, and spirits. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required.

3 - 4 PM

PIRACY 101 • BUOY PARK

Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

4 - 5 PM

PIRATE WEAPONS DEMONSTRATION • BUOY PARK

A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4 - 5:30 PM

MAIA SHARP • MAIN STAGE

Singer/songwriter. A prolific songwriter for stars like Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Art Garfunkel, The Chicks, Ken Mo and Taj Mahal. Maia is an acclaimed artist in her own right, known for her sharp wit and melodic sophistication.

Check out Rigometrics Friday at 8 pm!

4:30 - 6 PM

STEINS & VINES • ENTERTAINMENT TENT

Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers, vintners, cideries, and spirits. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required.

5 PM

CANNON FIRE • BUOY PARK

The pirates will be firing cannons.

6 - 7:30 PM

TYLER HEALY • MAIN STAGE

A powerhouse in the Maine country scene, Tyler Healy is known for his deep, rich voice and a setlist that bridges classic country and Americana rock.

7 - 10 PM

SPONSORS’ RECEPTION • ENTERTAINMENT TENT

A celebration acknowledging the festival’s valued sponsors. This is a ticketed event. If you are interested in attending, talk with a festival director or a 2026 MLF member.

8 TO 9:30 PM

RIGOMETRICS • MAIN STAGE

Based in Portland, the Rigometrics are a high-octane rock and roll band beloved for their explosive live energy and original, “riggy” sound.

Day 4: Saturday, Aug. 1

Visit our website at mainelobsterfestival.com/schedule for the most up-to-date schedule!

ALL DAY

FREE SHUTTLE BUS

The festival provides free shuttle services to and from the Festival grounds from the following locations. A bus arrives at each location approximately every 30 minutes.

• South Elementary School: 30 Broadway, Rockland

• Oceanside High School: 400 Broadway, Rockland

Check days for detailed schedule:

• Wednesday: 11 am – 10 pm

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday*: 8:30 am – 11:30 pm

• Sunday: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm

*Saturday morning shuttle service will be limited due to the parade. Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am – noon Saturday, Aug. 1.

ART SHOW at the Fine Art & Craft Tent.

“HERITAGE, HISTORY, AND ANCESTRY” (at the Maine Heritage Tent at Middle Pier)

LISTEN FOR MUSIC AND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS in the PA booth.

TOUCH TANK, BOOKS, & DEMONSTRATIONS of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

7 - 10 AM

ALL-THE-PANCAKES-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST in the Food Tent featuring blueberry pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk.

*All you can eat applies to pancakes only.

10 AM

THE BIG PARADE • ROCKLAND MAIN STREET

This year’s theme is “Rockland: Rise and Renewal.” The Big Parade features a Grand Marshal, Color Guard, bands, floats, and so much more! Parking shuttle will not be running from approximately 9 am – noon.

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM

UKESROCK • MAIN STAGE

A Midcoast Maine community ukulele group serving up a feel-good blend of classic rock, country, folk, and old-time favorites with plenty of opportunities to sing along. With cheerful harmonies and infectious enthusiasm, we prove that a few ukuleles can make a big sound and a lot of smiles.

NOON - 8 PM

THE FOOD TENT AND LOBSTER CAFE OPEN to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood.

NOON - 6 PM

PADDY MILLS • FOOD TENT

An award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

MIDDAY

KING NEPTUNE & HIS COURT, 2026 MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL DELEGATE, AND BLACK BEARD visit the festival.

1:30 PM

PRESENTATION OF PARADE AWARDS • MAIN STAGE

Awards will be presented to participants in The Big Parade in the categories of People’s Choice, Antique Vehicle, Commercial, Non-Profit, Marching, Band, Director’s Choice, and Theme.

2:15 - 3:30 PM

GEORGE LYONS • MAIN STAGE

A premier New England crooner, George Lyons brings the timeless elegance of Frank Sinatra to life with his smooth, sophisticated vocals.

Day 4: Saturday, Aug. 1, Continued

2:30 - 4 PM

STEINS & VINES • ENTERTAINMENT TENT

Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers, vintners, cideries, and spirits. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required.

3 - 4 PM

PIRACY 101 • BUOY PARK

Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

4 - 5 PM

PIRATE WEAPON DEMONSTRATION • BUOY PARK

A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4 - 5:30 PM

MIKE MIGGINIS • MAIN STAGE

An inventive clarinetist and saxophonist with roots in Sanford, Mike Migginis explores everything from contemporary jazz to avant-garde improvisation.

bad marriage plays Saturday at 8 pm

4:30 - 6 PM

STEINS & VINES • ENTERTAINMENT TENT

Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers, vintners, cideries, and spirits. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required.

5 PM

CANNON FIRE • BUOY PARK

The pirates will be firing cannons.

6 - 7:30 PM

MINIVAN CARPOOL • MAIN STAGE

One of Midcoast Maine’s favorite cover bands, Minivan Carpool delivers a fun-filled repertoire of hits that spans generations and genres.

8 - 9:30 PM

BAD MARRIAGE • MAIN STAGE

Bad Marriage is not just another band out of Boston. They come out of the gutter swinging with a thunderous rock n roll swagger that would make the ‘Bad Boys of Boston’ smile. Their signature sound of blues, hard rock, and screaming guitar. High energy and a wall of sound. Johnny Paquin on Vocals, Mike Fitz on Guitar, Tommy Skeoch, formerly of Tesla, on guitar, Todd Boisvert on bass and Michael Delany on Drums.

Day 5: Sunday, Aug. 2 — Family Fun Day!

Visit our website at mainelobsterfestival.com/schedule for the most up-to-date schedule!

ALL DAY

FREE SHUTTLE BUS

The festival provides free shuttle services to and from the Festival grounds from the following locations. A bus arrives at each location approximately every 30 minutes.

• South Elementary School: 30 Broadway, Rockland

• Oceanside High School: 400 Broadway, Rockland

Check days for detailed schedule:

• Wednesday: 11 am – 10 pm

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday*: 8:30 am – 11:30 pm

• Sunday: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm

*Saturday morning shuttle service will be limited due to the parade. Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am – noon Saturday, Aug. 1.

ART SHOW at the Fine Art & Craft Tent.

“HERITAGE, HISTORY, AND ANCESTRY” (at the Maine Heritage Tent at Middle Pier)

LISTEN FOR MUSIC AND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS in the PA booth.

TOUCH TANK, BOOKS, & DEMONSTRATIONS of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

7 - 10 AM

ALL-THE-PANCAKES-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST in the Food Tent featuring blueberry pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk.

*All you can eat applies to pancakes only.

8 AM

5K & 10K ROAD RACE BEGINS NEAR THE MAIN GATE.

8:30 AM

KIDS FUN RUN BEGINS NEAR THE MAIN GATE.

9 AM

REGISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S EVENTS • INFORMATION BOOTH

Registration for Codfish Carry, Lobster Eating Contest, and Little Lobster Diaper Derby.

9:30 AM

PRESENTATION OF 10K, 5K, KIDS’ FUN RUN AWARDS • FINISH LINE ON PLEASANT STREET

Awards are presented to overall race winners and top male and female finishers in multiple age categories for our Fun Run, 10K and 5K races.

11 AM

COD FISH CARRY • MAIN STAGE

Participants run across the Maine Stage to a skiff, where they must put on fisherman’s foul-weather gear, including a Sou’wester (yellow fisherman’s hat), big rain jacket, and rubber boots as quickly as possible. After they are dressed, they must run over to a net containing a slippery, 12-pound cod, pick it up, and carry it back to the skiff. This event is for children entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade.

11:30 AM

LOBSTER EATING CONTEST • MAIN STAGE

The rules are simple—the first person to finish eating a 11/4 lb. steamed lobster wins. Participants must finish two claws, two knuckles, and the tail to be considered done. This event is for children age 8-11.

Day 5: Sunday, Aug. 2, Continued

NOON - 4 PM

THE FOOD TENT AND LOBSTER CAFE OPEN to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood.

NOON

LITTLE LOBSTER DIAPER DERBY • MAIN STAGE

A crawling race for our youngest festival-goers. Parent coaches sit on each side of the Main Stage, cheering them on, coaxing them toward the finish line using a range of creative methods, and ensuring that they stay on course. The first Little Lobster to finish wins! This event is for crawlers only, walkers will be disqualified.

1 - 1:45 PM

MIDCOAST MUSIC ACADEMY • MAIN STAGE

A cornerstone of the midcoast community, the Midcoast Music Academy the incredible talent of its students and instructors through diverse ensemble performances.

1 - 5PM

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT • IN FRONT OF THE MAIN STAGE

Teams compete for cash prizes! $60 per team of two. Register noon the day of at the Information Booth.

2 PM

INTERNATIONAL GREAT CRATE RACE • ROCKLAND HARBOR

The race course is a string of 50 lobster storage crates stretching across a section of Rockland’s inner harbor in full view of the festival grounds. While trying to reach the other end, contestants scamper across the barely floating lobster crates. If successful, a contestant turns and heads back to the other end. The “race” for each runner continues until a fall into the water occurs or until exhaustion takes over. Visit our website to learn how to sign up!

2:15 - 3:45 PM

ROCKY COAST STRING BAND • MAIN STAGE

A five-piece string band from mid-coast Maine. Featuring bass, banjo, fiddle, mandolin and guitar. Playing an eclectic mix of Folk, Bluegrass, Americana, Rock, Blues and originals with full harmonies.

4:15 - 5:45 PM

EMMETT LALOR • MAIN STAGE

A staple of Maine’s mid-coast music scene, Emmett is a talented singer-songwriter. Guitar and piano are his tools.

5 PM

WREATH LAYING CEREMONY • PUBLIC PIER BEHIND THE HARBORMASTER’S OFFICE

King Neptune and the 2026 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate lead a wreath ceremony for fishermen lost at sea.

6 PM

79TH MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL CLOSES

Maine Lobster Festival Delegate Competition

The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate Awards Ceremony

will take place on Wednesday, July 29, at 6:30 pm on the main stage.

Historically known as the “Maine Sea Goddess Coronation,” the Maine Lobster Festival expanded the competition in 2023 by opening up participation to anyone ages 16-22 who is passionate about being an advocate for Maine’s lobster industry.

The competition focuses on educating young people about commercial lobstering. Leading up to the awards ceremony, participants engage in several workshops, including public speaking and social media. They also have an industry day where they learn about the history of the Maine Lobster Festival, the lobstering industry, and experience an immersive lobster boat ride.

Participants are asked to choose a non-profit organization of their choice. They make a small donation to their chosen charity, which serves as their entry fee to the competition. They also include a segment about the organization in their presentation at the annual Delegate Banquet, held the week prior to the Festival at the Samoset Resort.

The winner and runner-up are chosen by a panel of judges who spend a full day with the participants engaging in group activities as well as one-on-one interviews. At the banquet, participants have another opportunity to speak both to the judges and the public, showcasing their knowledge of Maine’s lobster industry and ideas to support the industry during the current challenges it is facing.

The winner holds the title of Maine Lobster Festival Delegate for one year, representing the Festival in its mission to help educate the public on commercial fishing in the year to come, and beyond.

Prizes Awarded

• Delegate: $2,000 cash prize

• 2nd Delegate: $1,500 cash prize

• Most Congenial (chosen by the contestants): $500 cash prize Visit our website to meet this year’s contestants!

2026 Fundraisers

Funding Our Future:

The Greater Rockland Community Organizes to Support Exciting School Improvement Project

Our local school district—which serves the towns of Rockland, Thomaston, South Thomaston, Owls Head, and Cushing—was awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to support the critical repair, upgrade, and modernization of Oceanside High School’s auditorium and they need help to raise the matching funds to make it happen!

For more information, stop by their booth on the festival grounds, or visit: fundingourfuturersu13.com.

Neptune’s Return Fundraiser

Richard Alfred Johnson has been a potter and sculptor for 51 years, and created a life-size sculpture of King Neptune, which has been displayed at previous Maine Lobster Festivals. The statue was destroyed in the severe winter storms that hit Midcoast Maine several years ago. Money was raised to have the sculpture cast in bronze and donated to the Festival as a permanent fixture on the grounds in memory of the late long-time Festival director and community icon, Alice Crie Knight, and dedicated to all the volunteers who have worked at the Festival throughout its 79 years. The King Neptune part of the sculpture has been completed and will be unveiled near the main stage on Wednesday, July 29, just after noon, when the Festival is officially opened. The next phase of the project is to raise funds to bronze the mermaids that accompany King Neptune.

Stop by the Art & Craft Tent to chat with Richard about the project and see the pieces already cast in bronze.

To learn more about this project and to donate, visit the GoFundMe campaign.

Scan to learn more and donate

Support The Dempsey Challenge • In Honor of Jim Stone

Jim Stone won the Seafood Cooking Contest at the Maine Lobster Festival in 2017. When he was diagnosed with cancer, Jim created the "Crush Cancer" logo and went to work to help others by raising money for the Dempsey Challenge. Founded by actor Patrick Dempsey, this event raises money for the Dempsey Center, which provides personalized, holistic services at no cost to cancer patients, survivors, care partners, bereaved individuals, families, and other loved ones. With his wife Sherry's blessing, the Maine Lobster Festival has created a T-shirt in Jim's memory with 100% of the proceeds going to the Dempsey Challenge. The shirts will be sold at the Maine Lobster Festival's Seafood Cooking contest on Friday, July 31, on the festival grounds in the Entertainment Tent.

Annual Steins & Vines Tasting Event

We are excited to announce that our Annual Steins & Vines tasting event will be held on the Festival grounds on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug.1. We will be holding two sessions per day: 2:30-4 pm and 4:30-6 pm. Our event proudly features all Maine-made and distributed wines, brews, ciders and spirits.

This is a great opportunity to sample these delicious, locally made beverages and learn more about the craft. All participants must be 21 years of age or older and must present proper identification to be admitted. No one under 21 will be permitted into the event area. Tickets are $50 and include 12 samples of beer, wine, or cider, a commemorative tasting glass, and light snacks. Event tickets are available for purchase online.

***Please come to the Volunteer Shed located just past the main entrance gate any time before 1 pm on the day of your session to pick up your wristband for admittance to the event.

Scan for Steins + Vines tickets

The Big Parade on Rockland Main Street

The Big Parade will take place at 10 am Saturday, Aug. 1. In addition to floats, it also features a Grand Marshal, the newly crowned 2026 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate and other contestants, as well as King Neptune and his court and a variety of bands, marching units, pirates and drill teams.

The 2026 Parade theme is “Rockland: Rise and Renewal”.

This year’s Grand Marshal is local historian and author John Bird (bottom right). John grew up in Rockland, graduated from Rockland High School on Lincoln Street in the 1950s, and met his wife, Mary Alice, while working at the Samoset. After a 30-year career in education at schools around the country, John and Mary Alice returned to the Midcoast. Since then, they have been very active members of the community. John worked for years keeping the health care system local and was a major fundraiser for the Rockland Public Library expansion. He has been an active member of many local and regional boards and committees, including the Lincoln Street Center and the Rockland Historical Society. In 2023, John was awarded the Heritage Preservation Award from the Pen Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The parade is a great place to show off the enthusiasm we have for our community. Look for floats from many local businesses, fire trucks, sports team mascots, Color Guards, Kora Drifters, MVRA All Stars and more! The Maine Lobster Festival is honored to have all of these organizations participate, as well as many, many more. Our local community makes this parade an exciting and entertaining family event celebrating our beloved lobster industry.

The Big Parade is a “Don’t Miss” event. We sure hope to see you there!

Note: Parking shuttles will not be running from approximately 9 am to noon.

10K Road Race, 5K Walk/Run and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run

5K and 10K Road Race

8 am • Sunday, August 2

Sponsored by Samoset Resort, Maine Sport Outfitters, James Heavey Wealth Advisors, Maine State Credit Union, Allen Insurance & Financial

Start your Sunday with a run or walk through Rockland! Both the 5K and 10K races are timed, and the first 300 to pick up their race packet receive a T-shirt. Shirt sizes are not guaranteed. 5K and 10K registration is non-refundable.

Advanced registration is recommended as the fee increases for the day of race registration. Registration is $35 in advance and $45 on the day of the race. All finishers receive a medal, and awards are presented to top finishers in a variety of age categories. Runners only for our 10K – Walkers are welcome to participate in our 5K route.

• Register online at Active.com. Online registration ends Friday, July 31 at 9 pm.

• Pick up pre-registration packet, Friday, July 31, 10 am-2 pm, Information Booth.

• Register the morning of the race. Registration 7-7:45 am in Harbor Park at the Main Stage.

The awards ceremony for the 5K/10K will take place at the finish line on Pleasant Street at 9:30 am. Full results will be posted on the website 1-2 days after the race.

1-Mile Kids’ Fun Run

8:30 am • Sunday, August 2

Sponsored by Knight Marine Service

Not to be outdone, the kids have an opportunity to run their own untimed 1-mile Fun Run (ages 0–12). Don’t miss the excitement and the chance to cheer on the young ones in their quest to cross the finish line. Registration fee is $10. The first 75 finishers will receive a medal, and an award will be presented to the overall top male and female finishers. Kids’ Fun Run registration is nonrefundable.

• Register online at Active.com until July 31 at 9 pm.

• Pick up pre-registration packet, Friday, July 31, 10 am-2 pm, Information Booth.

• Register the morning of the race. Registration 7-7:45 am in Harbor Park at the Main Stage.

For information, email Erin at roadrace@mainelobsterfestival.com or call 207-542-5864.

Children’s Events

Scan for more information!

Cod Fish Carry

Sunday, Aug. 2 at 11 am

Main Stage

(Registration starting at 9 am at the information booth)

One of the smellier, but still fun, events on Family Fun Day, the Cod Fish Carry is a contest of speed. Participants run across the Main stage to a skiff, where they must put on a fisherman’s foul-weather gear, including a Sou’wester (yellow fisherman’s hat), big rain jacket, and rubber boots as quickly as possible. After they are dressed, they must run over to a net containing a slippery, 12-pound cod, pick it up, and carry it back to the skiff. The person who does all of these things the quickest wins! This event is for children entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade.

Lobster Eating Contest

Sunday Aug. 2 at 11:30 am

Main Stage

(Registration starting at 9 am at the information booth)

Lots of adults wish that they could participate in the Lobster Eating Contest. Sadly, this is a kids-only event. The rules are simple - the first person to finish eating a 1 1/4 lb. steamed lobster wins. Participants must finish two claws, two knuckles, and the tail to be considered done. This event is for children ages 8-11.

Little Lobster Diaper Derby

Sunday Aug. 2 at 12 pm

Main Stage

(Registration starting at 9 am at the information booth)

Possibly the cutest event on Family Fun Day, the Little Lobster Diaper Derby is a crawling race for our youngest Festival-goers. Parent coaches sit on each side of the Main Stage, cheering them on, coaxing them toward the finish line using a range of creative methods, and ensuring that they stay on course. The first Little Lobster to finish wins! This event is for crawlers only, walkers will be disqualified.

The International Great Crate Race

● The crate races take place at 2 pm, Sunday, Aug. 2.

● We have a NEW REGISTRATION PROCESS: The Great Crate Race has only 75 open runner slots. Each year we have significantly more runners that want to enter the race than we have open slots, and we are moving to a LOTTERY system for this year. To enter the lottery, visit our website. We will also have sign ups available in our information booth. You’ll be asked to provide your information and pay the lottery fee. This does NOT guarantee your spot, we will draw 75 winners from the lottery and they will be our contestants. You will receive

Taking the challenge of scampering across a string of floating wood lobster crates is, without a doubt, among the biggest splashes at the annual Maine Lobster Festival. This test of balance and endurance — and sometimes a bit of theatrics — is a major attraction that regularly draws hundreds of spectators.

Lobster crate racing requires speed, quick feet, balance and, above all else, the ability to withstand a dunking in chilly Maine waters because most competitors do end up in the drink. The race course is a string of 50 wooden lobster crates stretching across a section of Rockland’s inner harbor in full view of the Festival grounds. While trying to reach the other end, contestants scamper across the barely floating lobster crates. If successful, a contestant turns and heads back to the other end. The “race” for each runner continues until a fall into the water occurs or until exhaustion takes over.

The Maine Lobster Festival’s International Great Crate Race is the world’s original crate

a notification that lets you know if you’ve been selected. This form will stay open until Sunday, August 2nd, when runners will be selected. Runners will be able to pick up their wristband and socks at the information booth.

● The lottery fee is $15 for contestants 12 and older and $10 for children 11 and younger.

● Weight classes include featherweight (up to 75 pounds), lightweight (76-125 pounds), medium weight (126-175 pounds), and heavyweight (176 and heavier).

race, invented by Diane and William Atwood in the 1970s in Spruce Head, Maine. Diane was sitting at the wharf looking down at a string of lobster crates in the water, and thought, “I wonder how many we could run across.” It was that curiosity that drove the idea. Atwood’s sons, David and Sam, nephew Marty Molloy, Doug Raye, and other local kids (including today’s manager of the race, Shannon Kinney) tested the original racecourse. The crates originally had either lobsters or nothing in them, while today’s crates are filled with seaweed (and no lobsters) to help them float. This crate race is also the only race worldwide that is still conducted using the original wooden Crates.

The first official races were between the competing lobster buyers of Atwood’s Wharf and the neighboring Spruce Head Coop. The employees of both would compete for bragging rights. Throughout the ‘80s, it was a huge event in Spruce Head. Spectators would come to watch, and the Wicked Good Band would play on top of the Bait House roof.

Tips for running the crates

If you’ve made up your mind to take the challenge of running the lobster crates, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wear something on your feet (not sandals). Bare feet trying to find traction on the wet wood crates is an exercise in futility. We strongly recommend socks.

• Move with speed. Trying to take a Sunday stroll on the string of crates is a sure-fire way to get wet quickly.

The event was managed by the Atwood family for more than 20 years. For the last twenty-plus years it’s been managed by family friend Shannon Kinney, who joined the Maine Lobster Festival Board in 2010. Members of the Atwood family and friends are still part of the team, keeping the tradition alive. And what a tradition it is–people fly from all over the world each year to take part in this special event.

Each year, the course is set up slightly different, providing extra challenge for the runners, and resulting in some wide gaps between winners’ results. The first record was set in the 1980’s by David Atwood with 1,000 crates. Susan Lundquist was the next longstanding record holder with 3,007 crates. In 2008, that record was broken by Andrew Bachiochi by running 4,501 crates. In 2012, crate race champion Connor McGonagle, age 12, of Owls Head, Maine, smashed Bachiochi’s record when he wowed the crowd by covering 6,000 crates. He never did fall! In 2014, we had a tie for winners with 6,500

• If (when) you begin falling, try to fall to the left or right so that you will land squarely in the water and not on any part of the crates.

• Race organizers keep rowboats in the water to assist contestants who take the plunge. Don’t be embarrassed to accept a ride back to shore.

• Acrobatic falls get a lot of applause from the audience. Smile for the cameras as you fall.

• Have fun. You’ll never forget the challenge of running the crates.

crates: Scarlett Flint, 7, of Warren, Maine, and Harrison Page, 9, of South Berwick, Maine. Neither winner ever fell in! In 2015, Flint returned and successfully defended her title after running an incredible 3,000 crates without ever falling in. In 2016, she again defended her title, winning with 1,500 crates. The 2023 winner with 6,188 crates was Aiden Genthner of Owls Head, Maine, taking over the All-Time Lightweight Record. The 2025 winner was Maverick Ausplund, age 8, of Rockland, Maine, with 3,580 crates.

All-Time Overall Record

2014: Scarlett Flint & Harrison Page tied - 6,500

All-Time FeatherWeight Record

2014: Scarlett Flint & Harrison Page tied - 6,500

All-Time Lightweight Record

2023: Aiden Genthner - 6,188

All-Time Mediumweight Record

2015: Connor McGonagle - 524

All-Time Supersize Record

2010: Alex Stewart - 104

Each year’s Great Crate Race attracts plenty of contestants, and a large crowd — get there early! It’s a sight not to be missed and an event certainly worth trying, if for no other reason than the memory and the ability to brag that you challenged the crates at the Maine Lobster Festival.

Maine Lobster Festival Seafood Cooking Contest

Amateur chefs are set to compete in the annual Maine Lobster Festival Seafood Cooking Contest, part of the 79th annual Festival.

Amateur chefs age 18 and older will be competing for more than $700 in prize money during this popular event. A panel of judges will select the winner based on creativity, suitability of the seafood to the recipe, and simplicity. The recipes can be any dish and must contain seafood found in Maine waters.

The contest will begin at 9 am, Friday, July 31, in the Entertainment Tent on the grounds. Judging will begin at 11:30 am, with prizes announced and awarded around 12:30 pm. First prize is $300, second prize is $200, and third prize is $150.

The contest audience will have the opportunity to sample the prepared recipes in the cooking area and pick up the contestants’ recipes after the awards are presented.

2025 Seafood Cooking Contest Winning Recipe

Lobster Gruèyre Arancini with Garlic Aioli

By Lily Matthews

Makes about 12-15 arancini balls, depending on size

Ingredients

Risotto Base

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1½ cups Arborio rice

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 3 ½ cups chicken stock

• 3 tbsp butter

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Zest ½ lemon (about ½ tsp)

• ⅛ tsp black pepper

• Pinch of salt, to taste

• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

Filling

• At least ½ lb cooked Maine lobster meat, chopped

• 6 oz gruèyre cheese, cut into small cubes

Breading

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2-3 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Garlic Aioli

• 1 clove garlic, crushed or minced

• 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided

• ¾ cup mayo

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp lemon zest

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp olive oil

Fresh Apple Slaw (optional, but highly recommended)

• 1 green apple, julienned

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard

• Pinch of salt

Just mix everything together and serve with the arancini. It’s great on the side, but even better paired with the arancini!

Instructions

Make the Risotto

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Stir in Arborio rice and cook 1-2 minutes until the edges look translucent.

3. Pour in white wine and stir until fully absorbed.

4. Add warm chicken stock a ladle at a time, stirring often. Let the liquid absorb before adding more.

5. Cook for 20–25 minutes until rice is al dente and creamy, leaving a trail when stirred with a spoon.

6. Remove from heat and stir in butter, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

7. Spread risotto on a baking sheet to cool for at least 1 hour.

Tip: It’s even better if made the night before. Just be sure to cover the risotto if chilling it overnight.

Make the Garlic Aioli

1. Soak minced garlic in 1 tbsp lemon juice for 10 minutes.

2. Whisk mayo, mustard, remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

3. Add garlic-lemon mixture, then whisk in olive oil.

4. Chill until ready to serve.

Tip: Garlic taste mellows the longer it sits. I recommend making it at least 1 day before! Store up to 1 week in the fridge.

Form the Arancini

1. Take a scoop of risotto (depending on the size you want) and flatten it slightly.

2. Add a spoonful of lobster and a few cubes of Gruyère in the center.

3. Cover with a little more risotto and shape into a ball.

4. Repeat until all filling is used.

5. Place on a tray and chill for 30 minutes before frying.

Tip: Lightly wet your hands to keep the rice from sticking too much.

Bread the Arancini

1. Prepare 3 bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.

2. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.

3. Heat oil while breading.

Fry

1. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep saucepan on medium heat.

2. Fry arancini in batches, turning occasionally, for about 4 minutes until golden brown.

3. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

4. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed

2026 Maine Lobster Festival Menu

The Food Tent is located next to the sea wall on the grounds of the Maine Lobster Festival. Sit and enjoy the beautiful view of Rockland Harbor as you dine on some of our delicious seafood items available for purchase.

Food Tent Hours

Wednesday - Saturday 12-8 pm

Sunday - 12-4 pm

• Single Lobster Dinner

1-1/4 lb. lobster (fresh, steamed)

Corn on the cob (fresh native super sweet corn from Country Fair Farm)

Hot, melted butter

• Twin Lobster Dinner

2 1-1/4 lb. lobsters (fresh, steamed)

Corn on the cob (fresh native super sweet corn from Country Fair Farm)

Hot, melted butter

• Triple Lobster Dinner

3 1-1/4 lb. lobsters (fresh, steamed)

Corn on the cob (fresh native super sweet corn from Country Fair Farm)

Hot, melted butter

• Maine Shore Dinner

(available with single, double or triple lobster)

1-1/4 lb. lobster (fresh, steamed)

Steamed clams

Clam chowder

Corn on the cob (fresh native super sweet corn from Country Fair Farm)

Hot, melted butter

• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

• Succulent Array of Seafood Chowders

• Seafood Chowder

• New England Clam Chowder

• Corn Chowder

• Shrimp Chowder

See our website for the most up-to-date menu

• Lobster Mac & Cheese

• Plain Mac & Cheese

• Lobster Bisque

• A la carte items:

• Steamed Maine mussels (steamed with garlic, topped with vegetables sautéed in white wine & butter)

• Steamed, fresh Maine clams

• Homemade coleslaw

• Fresh native super sweet corn from Country Fair Farm

• Taste variety in the Lobster Café!

Choose from a selection of lobster items:

• Lobster Rolls

• Lobster Caesar Wraps

• Lobster Caesar Salad

• Drinks: White milk, chocolate milk, lemonade, iced tea, soda, water, and coffee (breakfast only)

• Desserts: Homemade strawberry shortcake or Maine blueberry cobbler (made with Wyman’s fresh native blueberries by the students and staff of Midcoast School of Technology)

• All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast

(Served 7-10 am Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) Choice of Maine blueberry (Wyman’s fresh native blueberries) or plain pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk or orange juice.

*All-you-can-eat applies to pancakes only

How do you cook more than 20,000 pounds of lobster in five days?

Did you know that there is more to the World’s

Largest Lobster Cooker

than meets the eye?

The current lobster cooker is celebrating its 18th birthday at the 2026 Maine Lobster Festival. It all began with an idea and a dream. Finally, after years of engineering and fabrication, the cooker came to life just in time for the 2008 festival.

With many improvements and upgrades from the previous cooker, this new machine was untested until one week before the Festival, when organizers did a test cooking of 200 pounds of crabs. The cooker passed with flying colors and was ready to take its place as the World’s Largest Lobster Cooker. And, wow, did it live up to its name. It operated flawlessly throughout the entire festival.

There have been other cookers over the years, and with each new cooker there were many improvements. This new cooker is stateof-the-art, with electronic controls, tremendous capacity, temperature sensors, and safety shut-off devices.

The old cooker used fuel oil and biofuel and occasionally would belch a puff of black smoke. The new cooker uses clean-burning propane, and its design is about 50% more efficient than the old cooker and six times more efficient at cooking lobster than the typical outdoor lobster cooker or turkey fryer. This efficiency results in a much better tasting lobster!

A typical outdoor turkey fryer-lobster cooker produces enough heat to cook approximately 15 pounds of lobster in 15 minutes. The World’s Largest Lobster Cooker can cook 1,600 pounds of lobster in 15 minutes. You would need approximately 112 of those outdoor cookers to do the same job.

The new cooker does it with eight individual cooking units, each capable of cooking 200 pounds of lobsters. Lobsters typically are cooked in batches of 100 pounds, depending on requests from the Food Tent. Once cooked, the batch is put in an insulated tote and carted to the Food Tent where the lobsters are served with all the fixings. In past years, festival volunteers have cooked and served as much as 26,000 pounds of lobsters in the course of the five-day festival.

The brick wall structure of the lobster cooker is made up of hundreds of customized bricks. Each one was purchased by a Festival supporter, and the proceeds helped pay for the cooker’s construction. The structure that houses the cooker is more than just a building; it is a monument to all of the past and future Maine Lobster Festivals, a testament to the enduring strength of the local lobster industry, and a symbol of the ongoing commitment to the spirit and vitality of the overall community.

The Rockland Festival Corporation, the city of Rockland, the Rockland Harbor Commission, and the endless list of volunteers make Maine, the Midcoast region, and the Maine Lobster Festival the best there is. Come see for yourself!

How to Eat a Maine Lobster Like a Local

Whether you are a long-time Maine lobster lover or you’re preparing to take your first crack at it, here are a few tips for maximum enjoyment.

1. Put on the bib. Water can squirt at the least expected moment. And trust us, you will feel years younger.

2. Twist off the claws.

3. Crack each claw and knuckle with a lobster or nut cracker. Remove the meat.

4. Separate the tail from the body by cracking up at the base of the tail. Break off the tail flippers. Extract the meat from each flipper.

5. Insert a fork and push the tail meat out in one piece. Remove and discard the black vein that runs the entire length of the tail meat.

6. Separate the shell of the body from the underside by pulling them apart and set aside the green substance called tomalley. This is the substance that fulfills the functions of the liver and pancreas.

7. Open the underside of the body by cracking it apart in the middle, with the small walking legs on either side. Extract the meat from the leg joints and the legs themselves by biting down on the leg and squeezing the meat out with your teeth.

8. Use the wet napkins to clean up.

9. Enjoy your Maine lobster!

Courtesy of the Maine Lobster Promotion Board, lobsterfrommaine.com

Through the dedication of countless community members for 79 years now, the Maine Lobster Festival has endured and, many would say, has only gotten better each year.

THE BEGINNING

It all began at a gathering of citizens and summer folk in March 1947, where a discussion arose as to what could be done about reviving the summer activities that Camden had prior to the war years. It was decided that having a marine festival of some sort would be appropriate. Having it become an annual affair was intentional from the beginning. On that basis, the Camden-Rockport Lobster Festival was conceived as being the logical type of festival for this area.

The offer of “All the lobster you can eat for $1” caused the first festival to lose money, and for that and other reasons, the original Camden group did not pursue the event a second year. At the same time, the Rockland Junior Chamber of Commerce decided to bring the Lobster Festival to Rockland as a club project. It was in 1948 that the festival extended from one day to two and was held in July. Since then, the Maine Lobster Festival has been held starting the Wednesday before the first Saturday in August.

THE FESTIVAL GROWS

The Lobster Festival of 1948 became the Maine Lobster and Seafoods Festival. This name change was precipitated by the generous donation of hundreds of pounds of ocean perch by the Birdseye Division of General Foods to be cooked and served with the lobster.

In 1949, the festival expanded to three days and continued to be run by the Junior Chamber of Commerce as a club project. This was a successful year for the festival and promoted the event to Maine’s premier summer event. It had grown from a oneday parade and lobster feast in Camden to three days of events, with a Sea Goddess, visiting ships, Neptune and his Court of the Sea, and exhibitions.

In the fall of 1949, the local Junior Chamber of Commerce decided that the festival was too big to be operated by that organization alone and voted to form a corporation. Other local organizations,

Our History

such as the Elks, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and American Legion, as well as the Rockland Chamber of Commerce, joined in the commitment to make the festival a community-wide event, helping to promote its tourism and seafood orientation.

COMMUNITY RALLIES FOR FESTIVAL

In the early 1990s, it was announced that the festival would not be held due to financial reasons, and promises were made that it would return after a one-year hiatus. Community reaction was swift and strong. Canceling the Maine Lobster Festival, even for a year, was not acceptable for many community leaders.

The greater Rockland area rallied to its support with an infusion of new leadership and business sponsorships. A wave of community support, including financial, brought about a dramatically improved Maine Lobster Festival. Directors reorganized the event from top to bottom, even arranging for the construction of a new “World’s Largest Lobster Cooker.”

With renewed enthusiasm, new directors, along with a few of the remaining longtime directors and other hard-working volunteers, rebuilt the festival into what is now recognized as one of New England’s great summer events. The festival has consistently maintained a focus on the state’s most famous crustacean.

The organization and success of each year’s Maine Lobster Festival depends on the dedicated service of a Board of Directors

— all volunteers from the local community — who work throughout the year to handle thousands of details. The Festival Corporation is a non-profit organization. Individuals can join as members, and new members are always welcome!

There are generations of both local and out-of-state families who have committed their energies to the festival. You are indeed true volunteers!

CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY

An often-asked question by visitors to each year’s Maine Lobster Festival is, “Just what does the festival do for the community with the money it earns each year?” It is a legitimate question, and visitors may be interested in the answer.

In addition to bringing such national and international attention and goodwill to the Rockland area, the festival helps bring in nearly $1 million of “outside” money into the regional economy.

The Festival Board of Directors ensures that seed money for the following year’s event is allocated. The surplus is contributed to the greater Rockland community for beneficial projects, scholarships, activities, and donations to local organizations and causes.

In the last decade, the festival has donated over $975,000 to groups such as local schools, the Rockland Police Department, local fire departments, the Children’s Museum, local food pantries, and many other deserving local nonprofits.

The Festival also donates to Rockland city projects, such as $12,000 for new fencing at Mildred Merrill Park, $10,000 to the Bob Gagnon Cancer Center at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, a new ambulance for the City of Rockland, provided funds to pave the entire Rockland Public Landing, and $10,000 for repairs to the decking at the middle pier, adjacent to the giant lobster cooker.

The Festival donated a parcel of land, now known as Mildred Merrill Park, adjacent to the Festival grounds, to the City of Rockland. The land will be kept as green space and will retain an unencumbered view of the city’s harbor from South Main Street.

Each year, the Festival contributes considerable volunteer hours and funds to grooming and improving the appearance of Harbor Park.

A portion of its earnings is placed in the Festival Recreation Trust Fund, from which money is distributed for worthy recreation projects throughout Knox County.

A Look at the Rich Heritage, Sustainability Success, and Challenges to Maine’s Lobster Industry

Maine’s lobster industry dates back to the colonial era, when Native Americans used lobster as fertilizer for their crops and bait for fishing. Later, lobsters were viewed as lowly, cheap and unwanted until they caught the attention of New York elites seeking something exotic to add to their diet. The growing demand resulted in more people harvesting lobsters, gradually developing into a thriving industry.

Conservation Practices

Maine lobstermen have practiced sustainable fishing for over a century by adopting conservation practices. V notches are made in the tails of egg-bearing females to let other lobstermen know that the lobster is a breeding female and must be returned to the ocean. Lobsters measuring under 3 1/4 inches or over 5 inches must also be returned to maintain population balance.

Maine’s regulations are much stricter than those of our neighboring states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In fact, many days, Maine lobstermen throw back more lobsters than they keep. The

lobster industry has played a vital role in the conservation of the Maine coastline by keeping the ocean bottom clean and improving marine life habitats.

Save Maine Lobstermen

Recently, the Maine lobster industry has faced challenges due to concerns for the endangered right whale. Maine lobstermen have been spearheading costly right whale conservation efforts for almost two decades by changing the type of ropes used for lobster traps and removing over 30,000 miles of the old line from our waters.

Now, even stricter regulations threaten to cripple the lobster industry and the families supported by lobstering, with even more costly gear upgrades. This has prompted the “Save Maine Lobstermen” movement, organized by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, which advocates for a better alternative to prevent whale entanglement without destroying the livelihoods of those involved in the lobster industry.

Maine Lobster Festival is an official partner of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association to support Maine lobstermen.

Impact on Maine’s Economy

Maine’s lobster industry is a crucial part of the state’s economy, food culture and tradition. For lobstermen, it’s not just a job; it’s a way of life. Many families have been lobstering for generations. When lobstermen have a bad year, the entire state’s economy suffers, from marinas to trucking to restaurants. The industry’s success is due to the lobstermen’s practices of sustainable fishing and maintaining ocean ecosystems by continuously making conservation practices a priority.

How Can You Help?

To show your support and help #SaveMaineLobstermen, consider a donation to the Maine Lobstermen’s Association Legal Defense Fund.

www.savemainelobstermen.org

A Community Festival: What That Really Means

The Maine Lobster Festival is truly a community festival. The Festival would not, and could not, exist without a commitment to giving back to the people of Midcoast Maine. That commitment to our community is why we’re offering FREE ADMISSION once again this year.

From paving a city parking lot and purchasing an ambulance for the town of Rockland to purchasing and donating Mildred Merrill Park to the town, the Festival’s core mission is giving back. “This is what makes the Maine Lobster Festival unique, and it’s what keeps us going all winter,” said Tim Carroll, past president of the Festival.

Over the years the Festival has supported many other projects and non-profit organizations, including scholarships for local graduating high school seniors, Camden First Aid Association, Freedom Riders, Meals on Wheels, Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry, Teen Center, Rockland Fire Department, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Knox Interfaith Teen Safe Havens, Pope Memorial Humane Society, Destination Imagination, Rockland District Nursing Association, Literacy Volunteers, Trekkers, Festival of Lights, and Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

The Festival is proud to be able to bring a boost to our local economy by bringing in thousands of visitors every year to our beautiful area.

Thank you for supporting the Maine Lobster Festival as it supports the Midcoast Maine community.

2026 Maine Lobster Festival Sponsors

The Maine Lobster Festival’s sponsors offer donations to the Maine Lobster Festival Committee that are put toward the implementation of the Festival. Thanks to their generous support, we are able to celebrate the lobster industry each year and offer donations to more local groups and organizations throughout the year. Whether it’s a monetary donation or enormous shipments of butter to melt, we could not operate without the generosity of these wonderful businesses.

Please visit our website to see all of our 2026 sponsors.

Top Tier Sponsors

Mid-Tier Sponsors

Additional Sponsors

Thank You

The Maine Lobster Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, volunteers, and the Rockland community. As a non-profit organization, the Maine Lobster Festival uses its proceeds to give back to community organizations, groups, school teams, scholarships, and charities. The kindness our sponsors show by donating goods or money helps us to give back even more throughout the year.

As you know, we run on volunteer support, and have more than 1,000 volunteers each year. From our Board of Directors to the folks serving you lobster dinners throughout Festival Week, these folks donate their time to help the Maine Lobster Festival succeed every summer. All of our volunteers understand the hard work it takes to put on this wonderful event each year, and we are grateful that they share our desire to improve Rockland and the surrounding communities.

Finally, the wonderful residents of the Rockland community must also be praised. Thank you for sharing your home with Festival visitors each year, for putting up with the traffic an event of this size causes, for attending the Festival yourselves, and for your constant support of our mission. The Maine Lobster Festival honors not only the lobster industry but also Midcoast Maine’s communities. We are grateful for all those who attend the Festival each year and for those who do their part to help us give back.