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:

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

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. 2.

All Day - Art Show at Fine Art and 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, and Demonstrations of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

12:00 pm: 78th Annual Maine Lobster Festival Opens!
King Neptune and his court, along with Caitlyn Lamb, the 2024 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 78th Maine Lobster Festival. Flag raising ceremony will take place at the flagpole by the Harbor Master's building.

12:00 pm - 8:00 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood.

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Paddy Mills, Food Tent 
- An award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

12:00 pm - 1:00 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.

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Steins and Vines
Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers and vintners. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required.

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Steins and Vines
Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers and vintners. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required.

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: 2025 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.

Thursday, July 31, 2025

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. 2.

All Day - Art Show at Fine Art and 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, and Demonstrations of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

07:00 am - 10:00 am: Pancake Breakfast (in the Food Tent)
09:00 am: Pirates of the Dark Rose raid Buoy Park!
09:15 am - 02:00 pm: Pirate encampment, Buoy Park
10:30 am - 11:30 am: Piracy 101, Buoy Park - Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Paddy Mills, Food Tent
An award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood. 

Midday
King Neptune and his Court, 2025 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, and Black Beard visit the festival grounds to meet visitors.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Cannon Lessons, Buoy Park
Our visiting pirates will teach guests all about cannons, and even fire some off.

2:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Pirate Lessons, Buoy Park - Learn what it takes to be a pirate!
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Steins and Vines
Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers and vintners. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required.

2:15 pm - 3:30 pm: Midcoast Music Academy, Main Stage
Students and staff of MCMA will perform in various ensembles.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Pirate Weapons Demonstrations, Buoy Park
A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Pirate Weapons Demonstration, Buoy Park
A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Steins and Vines
Celebrate our annual event, showcasing Maine brewers and vintners. Additional charge for admittance, age 21 or older, photo ID is required.

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Bait Bag, Main Stage
A feminist punk band from North Haven island.

5:00 pm: Cannon Fire, Buoy Park
The pirates will be firing cannons.

6:00 pm - 7:30 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."

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm: Rigometrics, Main Stage
Bringing original, raw, high-energy rock music to the stage.

Friday, August 1, 2025

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. 2.

All Day - Art Show at Fine Art and 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, and Demonstrations of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

7:00 am - 10:00 am: Pancake Breakfast (in the Food Tent)
9:00 am: Children's Parade Registration, Food Tent
9:00 am - 01:00 pm: Amateur Seafood Cooking Contest, North Tent

10:00 am: Children's Parade
Sign up to participate at the far end of the Food Tent at 9 am.

10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Pirate Tavern, Buoy Park
Meet and greet with our visiting pirates as well as kids activities and skits.

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Paddy Mills, Food Tent
An award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

12:00 pm - 8:00 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood.
Midday - King Neptune and his Court, 2025 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, and Black Beard visit the festival.

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm: The Returnables, Main Stage
Classic rock, blues, and jams galore.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Dog Show, Main Stage
The festivities kick off with 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.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Piracy 101, Buoy Park
Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Pirate Weapons Demonstration, Buoy Park
A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Kris Rogers and the Dirty Gems, Main Stage
Explosive and engaging rock and roll.

5:00 pm: Cannon fire, Buoy Park
The pirates will be firing cannons.

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Master Stroke Queen Experience, Main Stage
Celebrating the amazing music and performances of the incomparable Queen.

8:00 pm - 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.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

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 and 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, and Demonstrations of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

07:00 pm - 10:00 am: Pancake Breakfast (in the Food Tent)

10:00 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.

10:00 am: The Big Parade, Rockland Main Street
This year's theme is "Dog Days of Summer." 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.

12:00 pm - 8:00 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood. Menu
12:00 pm - 6:00 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 and his Court, 2025 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 pm - 3:30 pm: Boondock Sinners, Main Stage
A fun mix of acoustic pop, rock, oldies and country.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Piracy 101, Buoy Park
Everything one needs to know to be a pirate!

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Pirate Weapon Demonstration, Buoy Park
A demonstration of the piratical arts.

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: King Kyote, Main Stage
King Kyote echoes the yells of Rock and Roll's fore-bearers while having a deeply rooted harmony with the blues, roots-rock and indie-americana genres.

4:00 pm - 6:00 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.

5:00 pm: Cannon fire, Buoy Park
The pirates will be firing cannons.

6:00 pm - 7:30 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.

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm: The Mallett Brothers Band, Main Stage
With a style that ranges from alt-country to Americana, country, jam and roots rock, theirs is a musical melting pot that's influenced equally by the singer/songwriter tradition as by harder rock, classic country and psychedelic sounds.

Sunday, August 3, 2025

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. 2.

All Day - Art Show in Fine Art and 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, and Demonstrations of the Maritime Industry in the Marine Tent, on Middle Pier

5:00 am - 7:00 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.

7:00 am - 10:00 am: Pancake Breakfast (in the Food Tent)
8:00 am: 5k and 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.

10:00 am: Registration for the Codfish Carry, information booth
This event is for children entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade.

10:30 am: Registration for the Lobster Eating Contest, Information Booth
This event is for children ages 8-11.

11:00 am: Registration for the Little Lobster Diaper Derby, Information Booth
This event is for crawlers only.

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.

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: The food tent opens to serve fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood. Menu
12:00 pm: 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.

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

2:00 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.

2:15 pm - 3:30 pm: Julia Gagnon, Main Stage
A beloved Maine native and Cumberland resident, Julia 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.

5:00 pm: Wreath Laying Ceremony, Public pier behind the Harbormaster's Office
King Neptune and the 2025 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate lead a wreath ceremony for fishermen lost at sea.

6:00 pm: 78th Maine Lobster Festival Closes

Date:
July 30 - August 3, 2025

Location:
Harbor Park,
1 Pleasant St, 
Rockland, ME 04841

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