Maine Best Food and Drink Festivals 

From the freshest seafood to artisanal cheeses and craft beverages, Maine's culinary landscape is a harmonious blend of tastes waiting to be uncovered. Immerse yourself in this gastronomic abundance by participating in one of the many food, wine, and beer festivals that grace the state.

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Portland On Tap: February

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The largest craft beer festival in the Northeast draws thousands of enthusiasts to Cross Insurance Arena in downtown Portland. This event features over 50 breweries serving 100's of different craft beers, including local favorites like Allagash Brewing Company, Maine Beer Company, and Bissell Brothers. Food vendors serve artisanal fare ranging from wood-fired pizzas to fresh Maine lobster rolls, perfectly complementing the diverse beer selection.

 

Live music entertains crowds throughout the day with performances from local bands on the main stage, while beer experts offer educational seminars about brewing techniques and beer history. Festival goers receive a custom tasting glass and can participate in the People's Choice awards, voting for their favorite beers in multiple categories. Special features include a dedicated cider section, meet-and-greet opportunities with master brewers, and a VIP area offering exclusive rare beer tastings.

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Swine & Stein Brewfest: April

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The annual autumn gathering in downtown Gardiner brings together Maine's finest craft brewers and food artisans for a celebration of pork-inspired dishes and local brews. Over twenty breweries, wineries and distilleries, provide more than 2,000 attendees with a variety of drinks in the open-air beer garden. Local favorites like Bateau Brewing, Cushnoc Brewing, Flight Deck Brewing, and Chadwick's Craft Spirits serve up seasonal and signature beverages, while food vendors offer creative pork dishes including pulled pork nachos, bacon-wrapped delicacies, and gourmet sausages.

 

Enjoy live music with performances from local bands including The Real McCoys and The Holy Mackerels on the riverfront stage. A crowd favorite is the annual stein-hoisting competition where participants test their endurance by holding a full stein of beer at arm's length. Festival highlights include beer cheese pairings, a home brewing demonstration area, and guided tastings from Maine's most knowledgeable brewmasters.

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Dexter Red Hot Dog Festival: August

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This small-town Maine festival has become a beloved summer tradition celebrating the iconic bright red hot dogs that locals cherish. The Dexter Red Hot Dog Festival, held at Dexter's Lake Wassokeag, draws approximately 3,000 attendees who gather to feast on thousands of W.A. Bean & Sons' famous red snappers served by more than 25 local food vendors. Visitors can sample creative hot dog variations from vendors like Naughty Dog and Red's Eats, alongside traditional fair favorites such as fresh-squeezed lemonade, kettle corn, and locally-made ice cream.

 

The festival features a competitive hot dog eating contest where participants race to consume the most red snappers in 10 minutes, while local bands provide live entertainment throughout the day on the main stage. Kids enjoy carnival games, face painting, and the popular hot dog toss competition, while adults can sample craft beers from local Maine breweries in the designated beverage garden. The highlight of the festival is the Hot Dog Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where individuals who have made significant contributions to Maine's red hot dog culture are honored with special recognition.