Today marks the state of Maine’s 204th birthday! Now if there’s one thing Mainers enjoy is a celebration, and we have some rather unique ones in our state. Here are just a few of the festivals taking place in Maine this year. Please note NOT all of these events are dog friendly! Check out the highlighted official websites for additional information to plan your visit.
Whoopie Pie Festival: Taking place on June 22, 2024 in Dover-Foxcroft, this festival is dedicated to Maine’s official state “treat.” Not to be confused with Maine’s official state dessert which is the wild blueberry pie, and yes we have festivals for that too. For those of you unfamiliar with this delicious treat, although it has pie in its name, there’s nothing pie-like about the Whoopie Pie! The Whoopie Pie is a bit of a conundrum. It’s definitely not a pie, because it doesn’t have a crust. Although it is shaped like a creamed filled cookie, it doesn’t really fall into that category either. The cream filling is surrounded by two cake-like pieces, but most bakers will argue it isn’t a cake. Regardless cake, cookie, or pie, you will find whoopie pies of every variety and size imaginable at this festival!
Moxie Festival: This year marks the 40th annual Moxie Festival taking place July 12 – 14, 2024 in Lisbon. Originally marketed in 1876 as a patent medicine called “Moxie Nerve Food,” let’s just say it is an acquired taste. However, whether you love it or hate this distinctively different soft drink, this festival is not to be missed because they pack a little something for everyone into this event from chugging and recipe contests; to a fishing derby, 5k, car show, and lobster fest, a lot of heart goes into planning this small town event that attracts folks from around the world!
Maine Lobster Festival: Now I know what you’re thinking, what’s so unique about a lobster festival? I agree that many towns in New England have lobster festivals. But no one does it on a grand scale like the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, with 20,000 pounds of lobster served over 5 days of fun and feating! Taking place from July 31 – August 4, 2024, this event also features the International Great Crate Race, in which contestants try to race across a string of floating wood lobster crates, and the Maine Lobster Festival Coronation Delegation. Open to anyone age 16-22 regardless of gender, the contestants compete over who is the most passionate about being an advocate for Maine’s lobster industry.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta: Ever dream of having a Cinderella moment of riding in a pumpkin coach, but with a Maine twist? Then head on down to the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta, October 12 – October 14, 2024! Here you can watch contestants race in ginormous hollowed out pumpkin boats, cheer on the younger participants in the “soapbox-styled” pumpkin-car race, and marvel at the creative decorated pumpkins all around town.
