Photo courtesy of The Maine Lobster Festival.

The 2018 Maine Lobster Festival Schedule is five days of full-on lobster feasting along with lobster crate races, a lobster cooking contest, the coronation of Maine’s annual ‘Sea Goddess and more. All of this is in celebration of the Maine lobster season, when Maine’s delicious, new shell lobster is cheap and plentiful.  The world’s largest lobster fest takes place the first weekend in August each summer in the coastal town of Rockland, Maine. This year, The Maine lobster festival runs from the 1st to the 5th of August. Visitors can look forward to daily lobster dinners and other lobster specialties – such as lobster mac and cheese, lobster bisque, lobster stuffed risotto balls and lobster won-tons.  Planning of the 2018 event is still underway but below are highlights of the Maine Lobster Fest schedule and I will add additional times and details as they are finalised.

The Maine Lobster Fest Schedule – 2018 Highlights

Wednesday, August 1st

12:00 p.m. – Festival opens with the arrival of King Neptune and his court and the opening ceremonies. The vendors and carnival rides will all open and the lobster serving kicks off at this time .

8:00 – 10:00pm – The 71st Maine Sea Goddess Coronation takes place on the Main Stage.

Thursday, August 2nd

7:00 – 10:00 a.m. – There is usually an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in the Food Tent.

11:00 a.m. –  Lobster dinner serving begins at the Eating Tent. The lobster dinner includes fresh, steamed lobster, a dinner roll and corn on the cob.  The price of the 2017 Maine lobster festival lobster dinner was $17 for a single lobster, $33 for a twin lobster dinner and $31 for a Maine shore dinner (one lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob and cole slaw).  2018 prices are still TBD.

There is typically live entertainment and wine and beer tastings throughout the rest of the day.

Friday, August 3rd

7:00 – 10:00 a.m. – There is usually an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in the Food Tent.

The Maine Lobster Festival Seafood Cooking Contest typically takes place on Friday.

11:00 a.m. – Lobster dinner serving begins at the Eating Tent.

There is always music and other entertainment throughout the day.

Saturday, August 4th

7:00 – 10:00 a.m. – There is usually an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in the Food Tent.

10:00 a.m. – The Big Parade takes place along Main Street.

11:00 a.m. – Lobster dinner serving begins at the Eating Tent.

There is a variety of live music throughout the afternoon as well as a pre-registration for the running race.

Sunday, August 5th

Sunday is family fun day, with free admission and lots of kids activities.

7:00 – 10:00 a.m. – There is usually an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in the Food Tent..

8:00 a.m. – 1 Mile kids fun run takes place near the main gate.

8:30 a.m. – 10K road race kicks off near the main gate.

10:00 a.m. – Children’s parade

11:00 a.m. – Lobster dinner serving begins at the Eating Tent.

The Children’s cod fish carry, lobster eating contest at the Main Stage and lobster crate races typically take place on Saturday as well.

5:00 p.m. – The Maine Lobster Festival typically draws to a close with a wreath laying ceremony for fishermen lost at sea takes place at the public pier.

For information on other Maine seafood festivals, click here.