Welcome to the Maine Lobster Festival!

The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine! This annual seafood festival takes place during the first weekend of August, from Wednesday through Sunday.

What started as an idea for a local marine festival to revive Midcoast Maine communities has turned into an internationally-recognized celebration of local seafood. The Maine Lobster Festival attracts visitors from as near as our local communities to those from countries around the globe.

Schedule of Events

July 31, 2024

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

Bus arrives at each location approximately every 20 minutes. Saturday morning shuttle service will be limited due to the parade. *Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am - noon Saturday, Aug. 3.

All Day

Art Show at Fine Art & Craft Tent

Listen for music and festival announcements in the PA booth.

"Heritage, History, and Ancestry" at the Maine Heritage Tent at Middle Pier.

Touch Tank, Books, & Demonstrations of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

Noon: 77th Annual Maine Lobster Festival Opens!

King Neptune and his court, along with Adelaide Hendricks, the 2023 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 77th Maine Lobster Festival. Flag raising ceremony will take place at the flagpole by the Harbor Master's building.

Noon to 8 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood. Menu

Noon to 6 pm: Paddy Mills, Food Tent
An award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

12:30 to 1:45 pm: Neptune's Return, Main Stage
Local artist, songwriter, and King Neptune sculptor Richard Alfred Johnson will be bringing songs from his new album to the main stage.

6:30 to 8 pm: 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate Coronation, Main Stage
The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate will be chosen along with a runner up and Most Congenial. Winners receive cash prizes and represent the Maine Lobster Festival and Maine's lobster industry at festivals and events throughout the year.

8:30 to 9:30 pm: Space Junk, Main Stage
An eclectic upbeat musical journey.

August 1, 2024

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
Bus arrives at each location approximately every 20 minutes. Saturday morning shuttle service will be limited due to the parade. *Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am - noon Saturday, Aug. 3.

All Day

Art Show at 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 to 10 am: Pancake Breakfast (in the Food Tent)

9 am: Pirates of the Dark Rose raid Buoy Park!

9:15 am to 2 pm: Pirate encampment, Buoy Park

10:30 to 11:30 am: Piracy 101, Buoy Park
Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

Noon to 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 to 8 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood. Menu

Midday
King Neptune & his Court, 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, and Black Beard visit the festival grounds to meet visitors.

12:30 to 1:45 pm: Midcoast Music Academy, Main Stage
Students and staff of MCMA will perform in various ensembles.

1 to 2 pm: Cannon Lessons, Buoy Park
Our visiting pirates will teach guests all about cannons, and even fire some off.

2 to 7 pm: Pirate Lessons, Buoy Park
Learn what it takes to be a pirate!

2:15 to 3:30 pm: Smokehouse Boys, Main Stage
A four-piece band playing classic rock, blues, and country.

3 to 4 pm: Pirate Weapons Demonstrations, Buoy Park
A demonstration of the piratical arts.

3:30 to 4 pm: Jim Gibson, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

3:30 to 5 pm: Steins & Vines in North Tent
Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers and vintners. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required. Purchase tickets.

4 to 5 pm: Pirate Weapons Demonstration, Buoy Park
A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4 to 5:15 pm: Split Willow, Main Stage
A five-piece rock and roll band from Midcoast Maine.

5 pm: Cannon Fire, Buoy Park
The pirates will be firing cannons.

5:15 to 5:30 pm: Jim Gibson, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

5:30 to 7 pm: Steins & Vines, in North Tent
Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers and vintners. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required. Purchase tickets.

5:30 to 7 pm: The Tyler Healy Band, Main Stage
Maine's premier country rock band.

7 to 7:30 pm: Jim Gibson, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

7:30 to 9:30 pm: Omega Defern, Main Stage
A modern nostalgia indie rock powerhouse with powerful vocals and electrifying guitar riffs.

August 2, 2024

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

Bus arrives at each location approximately every 20 minutes. Saturday morning shuttle service will be limited due to the parade. *Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am - noon Saturday, Aug. 3.

All Day

Art Show at 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 to 10 am: Pancake Breakfast (in the Food Tent)

9 am: Children's Parade Registration, Food Tent

9 am to 1 pm: Amateur Seafood Cooking Contest, North Tent

10 am: Children's Parade
Sign up to participate at the far end of the Food Tent at 9 am.

10 am to 2 pm: Pirate Tavern, Buoy Park
Meet and greet with our visiting pirates as well as kids activities and skits.

Noon to 4 pm: USCGC Eagle Tours, 54 Tillson Ave.
The USCGC Eagle is a 295-foot, three-masted barque used as a training vessel for future officers of the United States Coast Guard. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. No pets or backpacks are allowed. No backless shoes or flip flops. Tours are free and depart from the Coast Guard pier at 54 Tillson Ave. in Rockland.

Noon to 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 to 8 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood. Menu

Midday
King Neptune & his Court, 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, and Black Beard visit the festival.

12:30 to 1:45 pm: The Returnables, Main Stage
A six-piece classic rock band of lobstermen and friends who have been playing together for over 30 years.

2:15 to 3:30 pm: Pen Bay Steel Band, Main Stage
Maine's own steel drum band.

3 to 4 pm: Piracy 101, Buoy Park
Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

3:30 to 4 pm: Jim Gibson, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

3:30 to 5 pm: Steins & Vines, North Tent
Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers and vintners. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required. Purchase Tickets.

4 to 5 pm: Pirate Weapons Demonstration, Buoy Park
A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4 to 5:15 pm: Spencer Albee, Main Stage
A Portland based, nationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer. Rolling Stone Magazine called Spencer a "21st century master in the lost art of Beatlesque hooks."

5 pm: Cannon fire, Buoy Park
The pirates will be firing cannons.

5:15 to 5:30 pm: Jim Gibson, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

5:30 to 7:00 pm: Steins & Vines, North Tent
Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers and vintners. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required. Purchase Tickets.

5:30 to 7 pm: Rigometrics, Main Stage
Bringing original, raw, high-energy rock music to the stage.

7 to 7:30 pm: Jim Gibson, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

7:30 to 9:30 pm: Dirty Deeds - The AC/DC Experience, Main Stage
Celebrating the thunderous energy of the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson era and delivering a power-packed performance that takes the audience on a journey through the story that is AC/DC, the band that defined a genre.

August 3, 2024

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

Bus arrives at each location approximately every 20 minutes.

Saturday morning shuttle service will be not be available from 9 am - noon due to the parade.

All Day

Art Show at 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 to 10 am: Pancake Breakfast (in the Food Tent)

10 am to 7 pm: USCGC Eagle Tours, 54 Tillson Ave.
The USCGC Eagle is a 295-foot, three-masted barque used as a training vessel for future officers of the United States Coast Guard. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. No pets or backpacks are allowed. No backless shoes or flip flops. Tours are free and depart from the Coast Guard pier at 54 Tillson Ave. in Rockland.

10 am: The Big Parade, Rockland Main Street
This year's theme is "Through The Years." The Big Parade features a Grand Marshal, Color Guard, bands, floats, and so much more! Parking lot shuttle will not be running from approximately 9 am - noon.

Noon to 8 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood. Menu

Noon to 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, 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, and Black Beard visit the festival.

12:30 to 1:45 pm: Jim Gibson Band, Main Stage
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

2:15 to 3:30 pm: Boondock Sinners, Main Stage
A fun mix of acoustic pop, rock, oldies and country.

3 to 4 pm: Piracy 101, Buoy Park
Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

3:30 to 4 pm: Jim Gibson Band, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

4 to 5 pm: Pirate Weapon Demonstration, Buoy Park
A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4 to 5:15 pm: Charlie and The Hustle, Main Stage
A fun mix of covers and originals that keep you smiling and dancing.

4 to 6 pm: Pre-registration for the 10K Road Race and 5K Run/Walk, Information Booth
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. Come to the tent at the bottom of the hill inside the Main Gate.

5 pm: Cannon fire, Buoy Park
The pirates will be firing cannons.

5:15 to 5:30 pm: Jim Gibson, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

5:30 to 7 pm: Stephanie Ryann, Main Stage
Former volunteer firefighter turned fashion model turned country artist, Stephanie Ryann is a woman who's got something to say from her storyteller lyrics to the way she empowers women through her songs.

7 to 7:30 pm: Jim Gibson, Beer Tent
An entertaining blend of blues, rock, gospel and country music.

7:30 to 9:30 pm: Spencer and the Walrus
Spencer Albee and friends provide a Beatles experience that Rolling Stone Magazine calls "Mind Blowing."

August 4, 2024

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: 11AM - 10PM
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday*: 8:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Bus arrives at each location approximately every 20 minutes. Saturday morning shuttle service will be limited due to the parade. *Shuttle will not be running approximately 9 am - noon Saturday, Aug. 3.

All Day

Happy 234th birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! Thank you for your service to our city and our country.

Art Show in 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

5 to 7 am: Registration for the International Great Crate Race Opens, Information Booth
Registration officially opens at 7 am, but the line starts forming at 5 am and the limited number of slots fill in minutes. There is a fee of $15 for contestants 12 and older and $10 for children 11 and younger.

7 am: Registration for all Children's Events, Information Booth
Register for the Kids' Fun Run, Children's Lobster Eating Contest, and Little Lobster Diaper Derby.

7 to 10 am: Pancake Breakfast (in the Food Tent)

8 am: 5k & 10k Road Race begins near the main gate.

8:30 am: Kids Fun Run begins near the main gate.

9:30 am: Presentation of 10K, 5K, Kids' Fun Run Awards, near the main stage
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.

10 am to 7 pm: USCGC Eagle Tours, 54 Tillson Ave. Rockland
The USCGC Eagle is a 295-foot, three-masted barque used as a training vessel for future officers of the United States Coast Guard. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. No pets or backpacks are allowed. No backless shoes or flip flops. Tours are free and depart from the Coast Guard pier at 54 Tillson Ave. in Rockland.

Noon to 4 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood. Menu

11:30 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.

Noon: Lobster Eating Contest, Main Stage
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 age 8-11.

12:30 pm: 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.

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.
Sign up begins at 7 am day-of on the far end of the Food Tent, but spots fill up quickly, so we recommend getting in line a few hours early.

3 pm: Julia Gagnon, Main Stage
Julia Gagnon, a beloved Maine native and Cumberland resident, captivated the state and the nation during her impressive run on season 22 of the popular reality singing show, American Idol. Rising to the top 7, Gagnon's powerful performances and genuine charm won the hearts and votes of fans nationwide.

5 pm: Wreath Laying Ceremony, Public pier behind the Harbormaster's Office
King Neptune and the 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate lead a wreath ceremony for fishermen lost at sea.

6 pm: 77th Maine Lobster Festival Closes
See you at the 78th annual Maine Lobster Festival, July 30 - Aug. 3, 2025!

Date: July 31-August 4, 2024

Location:
Harbor Park,
1 Pleasant Street,
Rockland, ME 04841.

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