Rockland Maine Lobster Festival | July 30 to August 3, 2025
The 78th Rockland Maine Lobster Festival will take place at the grounds of Rockland Harbor Park. The festival will take place from July 30 to August 3, 2025. It is one of the most popular festivals in the Rockland area. Thousands of visitors gather here every year to celebrate the lobster fishermen’s community of Maine.
The proceeds from this occasion go to local charities to help them prosper and grow. Nearly 1500 volunteers from the community stepped forward to help make this event a grand success. It’s a joint effort of everyone contributing to make this fair an exceptional and memorable event every year.
Rockland Maine Lobster Festival
About the Rockland Maine Lobster Festival
In 1947, members of the fishermen’s community decided that a summertime festival was necessary to revive Camden’s pre-war activities. Naturally, the lobster and lobster fishermen came forward to plan an annual festival. The lobster became the primary focus, and thus, the Camden-Rockport Lobster Festival was organized. A new nonprofit organization, Camden-Rockport Lobster Festival, Inc., was formed for the festival.
In the first year, after a financial loss, the Camden group withdrew from the carnival. It became a personal club project for Rockland members. The festivities still follow the first set of traditions—selecting a Sea Goddess, serving Maine lobster, and a grand parade. Since then, the festival has been held on the first weekend of August when Saturday falls.
- Date: July 30 to August 3, 2025
- Timing: July 30—noon to 11 p.m. July 31, August 1 and 2 – 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. August 3 – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Entry Fee: Entry is free for all. Different events at the festival require tickets of various prices.
- Address: Maine Lobster Festival, Harbor Park, Rockland, ME 04841
- Phone Number: (800) 576-7512 or (207) 596-7126
- Email: [email protected]
Events At The Rockland Maine Lobster Festival
The Rockland, Maine, Lobster Festival is a fun opportunity to experience great food, entertainment, shopping, and a parade in one place. The festival has events like
1. Foods At The Rockland Maine Lobster Festival
More than 20000 pounds of delicious main lobsters are cooked each day. Enjoy these freshly picked lobsters with a great view of Penobscot Bay in the Main Eating Tent.
In the Lobster Cafe near the main eating area, enjoy lobster rolls, mac and cheese, lobster bisque, etc. Here, you can enjoy all kinds of lobster items at an affordable price.
An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is conducted in the mornings. Here, you can eat any pancake of your choice.
2. Seafood Cooking Contest
The seafood Cooking contest is a significant way for aspiring cooks to show their skills and creativity. The winning prize is $525. Individuals 18 years or older are eligible to participate, but they must apply in advance.
3. Arts And Crafts
The Arts and Crafts tent is located near Bouy Park. Exhibitioners come from Maine, New England, and other places to showcase their talents. Visitors can find pottery and sculpting artists, jewelers, photographers, pre-packaged food sellers, bee products, plant-based lotions and scents, and more in this tent.
4. Live music
Live music is played throughout the festival weekend. Local artists create a different vibe with their talented singing and music. During the entire day, you can experience Maine’s great music at the celebrations.
5. Annual Steins and Vines Tasting
The annual Steins and Vines Tasting event is hosted for two days in the North Tent. Two sessions happen throughout the day. Here, you can taste Maine-made wines, spirits, and brews. Visitors must be at least 21 years old and provide valid identification. Visitors must purchase an entry ticket.
6. International Great Crate Race
This race attracts people from all over the world. Festivalgoers can sign up on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Diane and William Atwood, in the 1970s, invented the race in Spruce Head. The first official race was between the Atwood Wharf and the neighboring Spruce Head Coop.
The Atwood family managed this event for 20 years. Shannon Kinney, a family friend and a member of the Maine Lobster Festival board, manages this race. This race is an event designed to test your balance and theatrical skills. Thousands of people gather each year to witness it.
7. The Big Parade
The big parade will commence on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. Local business owners and international brands gather to participate in this event. The theme this year is The Dog Days of Summer. The parade is a great place to showcase creativity and improvisation skills. It is one of the most crowd-attracting events of the festival.
8. Maine Lobster Festival Delegate
Originally named Miss Maine Seafood, the Maine Sea Goddess coronation expanded its horizon in 2024, allowing everyone to enter the coronation. The only thing you need to participate in is love and being an advocate for Maine’s lobster community. This year, 16 participants will be selected to undergo various phases of competition to determine the final winner.
9. 10k Road Race and 5k Walk/Run
The 10k Road Race, 5k Walk or Run, and Kids Race will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Participants can register for the race beforehand via an online portal.
10. Marine Tent
Marine Tent is a great way to explore the marine life of Rockland, Maine. In this tent, children and adults can see live demonstrations, touch fish, learn about making lobster traps, etc.
11. Children’s Events
Children can enjoy petting zoos, touch tanks, rock climbing, and races for kids, among other activities.
How To Reach the Rockland Maine Lobster Festival
The event happens at Rockland Harbor Park. Park your vehicle at the South Elementary School for free. From there, you can take the bus that will take you downtown to the festival grounds. Buses are available every 15-20 minutes.
Bus Timing:
- Wednesday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Thursday to Saturday – 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.
- Sunday – 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Rules:
- Well-mannered dogs on leashes are allowed on the festival grounds.
- Bikes, skateboards, shoe skates, coolers, and chairs are disallowed.
Rockland, Maine Lobster Festival Parking
Free parking is available at South Elementary School and Oceanside High School. Accessible parking may be available at the northbound lane of South Main Street and the north side of Myrtle Street.
Conclusion
Rockland Maine Lobster Festival has been held for more than six decades. This fest is a tribute to the fishermen’s community and their identity. The festival offers a chance to enjoy fresh Maine lobster, games, and a variety of activities.
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