The fruits of the Maine lobster season – fresh, sweet new shell lobsters.

This year’s Winter Harbor Lobster Festival Schedule mirrors that of previous years, with a pancake breakfast, road race, lobster boat races, a parade and a chance to taste the the fruits of the Maine lobster season in the form of a local lobster dinner. Also known as the Downeast Lobster Festival, the Winter Harbor Lobster Fest is much smaller in scale than the Maine Lobster Fest.  It is based in one of Maine’s most picturesque lobster fishing villages and always takes place in early August.  This year’s Winter Harbor Lobster Festival will happen on August 12th and the schedule is below.

The Winter Harbor Lobster Festival Schedule 2017

6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Blueberry Pancake Breakfast at the Masonic Hall.

8:00 a.m. – 5K George Schaeffer Memorial road race in Birch Harbor (registration @ 7:00 a.m.).

9:00 a.m. – Craft Fair at the school gym (continues until 4:30 p.m.) and vendors selling coffee, muffins, snow cones, sandwiches and more (the year I went there were lobster rolls for sale).

10:00 a.m. – Lobster Boat races at Henry Cove.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Lobster Dinner behind the school gym and town office.  In previous years it has included a steamed lobster, corn on the cob, coleslaw, a drink and dessert. By early August, the Maine lobster season (shedder season to us Mainers) will be in full swing so you’ll be able to enjoy a deliciously sweet new shell lobster as part of your dinner.

5:30 p.m. – Parade on Main Street.

Note: In previous years there has also been a dance and fireworks at dusk. These events may take place this year but are not yet part of the published Winter Harbor Lobster Festival Schedule. 

Delicious Winter Harbor lobster – ready to be plated and served at the festival.

To read more about the lobster fishing village of Winter Harbor, click here.