Lobster boats at full steam. Photo courtesy of Jon Ancker.

The official 2019 Maine Lobster Boat Races Schedule has yet to be released but the dates of several races are already confirmed.  Below I am publishing the lobster boat racing schedule as it takes shape – along with details of the best viewing locations and information on the harbors in which the races take place.  Each boat race starts at 10am unless otherwise noted.  Enjoy!

The Maine lobster boat races schedule 2019

June 29th – The Moosabec Reach Lobster Boat Races (Jonesport Beals) are typically held the Saturday before the 4th of July which in 2019 is the 29th of June. These races are best viewed from the Beals Island bridge. This is perhaps the most iconic race of the season as Maine lobster boat racing as we know it originated in these sheltered waters between Jonesport and Beals Island.  The races are always highly competitive and the towns host 4th of July events alongside the racing.  The iconic arching bridge which connects Jonesport to Beals Island is an excellent vantage point for watching the boat races (as well as the official finish line of the race)..  For a look at last year’s  Jonesport Beals / Moosabec Summerfest 4th of July schedule, click here.

July 28th – Harpswell Lobster Boat Races. These races are best viewed via boat.  If you are driving to Harpswell for the races, it’s worth stopping into Estes Lobster House, which consistently gets listed as one of the best lobster shacks in Maine.

August 10th – Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races. These races are best viewed via boat.  The lobster boat races form part of a wider Downeast Maine Lobster Festival held in the town that day.  The festival itself is well worth a visit and includes a pancake breakfast, parade and lobster dinner. For a look at the typical schedule for the Downeast/Winter Harbor Lobster Festival, click here.

Note: Most of the harbors have yet to confirm the date of their races this year. As they do, I will update this page.