It is never too early to plan the trip of a lifetime.

The 2016 Maine Lobster Festival promises to make history once again as one of Maine’s most highly regarded summer events. Indulge in a world-class culinary experience featuring the best seafood in America. Our event has made worldwide headlines, and has been featured on major television networks like the Food Network and NBC.

Exciting activities for visitors of all ages will make this the perfect outing for the entire family. Most importantly, our festival is also a 501(c) (4) nonprofit organization benefiting Rockland community organizations and charities.

Proceeds go directly toward the organization of the next Maine Lobster Festival, making sure that it meets the expectations of quality that have made us a top foodie destination for years. Do not let 2016 fly by without coming to visit us. 

A short history of a big event  

During a regular summer gathering of citizens back in March of 1947, a conversation took place where people expressed a desire to revive the traditional summer activities that used to take place in Camden. The people recruited their best resources: the fishermen and their lobsters. It was clear that something great was about to take place. Nearly 70 years later, the festival is still going strong.

2016 Maine Lobster Festival Date and Venue

The 2016 Maine Lobster Festival will take place from August 3 through 7, 2016 at Rockland’s Harbor Park. We are just four hours away by car if you are coming from Boston. Portland visitors can get to the festival in less than two hours.

Events

Fitness fans: Sign up for the annual 10k Road Race on the Sunday morning of the festival!

Fun fans: Take the International Crate Race challenge. Do you dare cross the chilly ocean water by running along strung-together lobster crates, without falling? Check it out and see for yourself.

Food fans: Indulge in famous, delicious Maine lobster, paired with award-winning Cabot butter. Last year, over 17,000 lobsters were cooked in our giant lobster cooker. Enjoy lobster in salads, wraps, or rolls.

Cooking contests, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, and a marine tent also are part of the festival. On the Wednesday of the festival, the Maine Sea Goddess Coronation will take place with a spectacular pageant in honor of this beautiful new queen of the sea. 

The prices for lobster are announced right before the festival begins each year, and are determined based on market prices. Double and triple lobster portions will also be available. Want to go a la carte? Make your selection from a variety of clams, crab cakes, chowders, salmon, shrimp, and mussels, among many more. Stay for dessert and wrap up your meal with a delicious berry cobbler, or any other dessert of your liking. Drinks will also be available.

Giving back: Re-investing profits

The Board of Directors of the Maine Lobster Festival has re-invested over half a million dollars of festival proceeds into the community. Beneficiaries include the Midcoast Regional Child Development Services, and Meals on Wheels. Two years ago the board donated $50,000 to the Thomaston Fire Department. 

For more information, please visit us at the organization site at https://www.mainelobsterfestival.com. 

We hope to see you in 2016!