If Maine Lobster is on your summer bucket list – and why wouldn’t it be? – then now’s the time to plan! Not only is it a great time to secure your Midcoast Maine getaways to Rockland, the Lobster Capital of the World – but it’s also time to ensure you have accommodations squared away for the upcoming Maine Lobster Festival. The Maine Lobster Festival is the festival of the season, at least where lobster is concerned.
This five-day seafood celebration draws thousands every August with fresh lobster, live music, and local vendors set against the backdrop of Rockland Harbor. Hotels, Inns, and Bed and Breakfasts fill up quickly, especially downtown, so booking your stay early is essential. Whether you’re coming for the crustaceans, the sea breeze, or the local flavor, this iconic festival is the perfect excuse to kick off your Midcoast Maine getaway.
But Rockland offers more than lobster rolls and coastal views. It’s a hub for art lovers, foodies, and anyone looking to explore Maine’s rugged coastline. Stroll through the Farnsworth Art Museum, check out the galleries on Main Street, or take a day trip up the coast for lighthouse-hopping and scenic drives. No matter what brings you here, Rockland is ideal for couples’ weekends, road trips, and family adventures. From oyster festivals to boat tours, there are endless things to do in Rockland, Maine, this summer.
For an unforgettable stay in Rockland, book a room at the Berry Manor Inn. This classic Maine Bed and Breakfast in downtown Rockland offers timeless charm with modern comfort and a range of amenities – and we consistently rank among the top places to stay in Midcoast Maine. No matter your reason for visiting, our Maine Inn offers attention to detail and warm hospitality, making it feel like a special retreat. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of downtown shops, waterfront dining, and everything else that makes Rockland a standout destination. What are you waiting for? Book your room at our top Rockland Bed and Breakfasts in Maine today!
What to Know: Maine Lobster Festival
Lobster has deep roots in Rockland. Long before the Maine Lobster Festival began in 1947, lobstering was—and still is—a cornerstone of the local economy. Generations of families have worked the cold Atlantic waters, hauling in traps by hand and keeping Maine’s lobster industry thriving. Today, Rockland remains one of the busiest lobster ports in the state, and the festival serves as a tribute to the hard work and tradition behind every lobster hauled ashore.
The Maine Lobster Festival is a fabulous party and an iconic summer event for everyone living or traveling along coastal Maine. Held every August in the seaside town of Rockland, this five-day celebration of Maine’s most famous seafood draws visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a die-hard lobster lover or just looking for a great excuse to visit the Midcoast, the festival delivers with fresh-off-the-boat seafood, local crafts, live music, and a breezy, unmistakably Maine vibe. If your idea of a good time includes cracking into a lobster roll while watching schooners sail by, this event belongs on your calendar.
The focus of the Maine Lobster Festival is, of course, fresh, hot lobster. You’ll find this delicacy served up fresh in various ways in the Main Eating Tent. Whether you indulge in fresh Lobster Dinner served with hot butter and corn, or Lobster Rolls, Lobster Mac’n Cheese, Lobster Bisque, Lobster Caesar Salad, or other coastal treats, we’re sure you’re going to love it. There’s also a fantastic amateur seafood cooking contest, too! Beyond the food—which is as abundant as it is delicious—you’ll find a full schedule of activities to enjoy throughout the Maine Lobster Festival.
Other events and activities taking place throughout the Maine Lobster Festival week include arts and crafts, live entertainment on various stages, parades, carnival rides, and more. There’s even a road race and the fan-favorite International Great Crate Race, where brave (and often soaked) competitors dash across floating lobster crates in the harbor. The festival feels like a town-wide celebration of all things Maine: the food, the sea, the people, and a way of life that’s rugged, hardworking, and full of character.
Attending the Maine Lobster Festival is about more than just the lobster. It’s a full-sensory experience that captures the spirit of summer in coastal Maine. The salty breeze, the smell of butter and seaweed, the buzz of conversation under striped tents—it all comes together in a way that feels both timeless and vibrant. It also offers a chance to connect with the history and heart of this working waterfront town. If this sounds like exactly what you’re looking for this summer, now’s the time to secure your lodging for this one-of-a-kind summer event!
Festival Lodging at the Best Bed and Breakfast in Maine
For those seeking an exceptional stay during the Maine Lobster Festival or any memorable Maine getaway, the Berry Manor Inn in Rockland offers a distinguished experience. This top-rated bed and breakfast in Maine seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxuries, providing guests with elegantly appointed rooms featuring king or queen beds, fireplaces, and indulgent whirlpool tubs. The inn’s commitment to comfort and sophistication ensures a restful retreat after a day of festival activities or coastal exploration.
Beyond its luxurious accommodations, our Bed and Breakfast in Maine is renowned for its culinary delights. Each morning begins with a multi-course breakfast thoughtfully prepared to energize guests for the day’s adventures. A highlight of the inn is its 24-hour guest pantry, stocked with local ice cream and its famous homemade pies, offering a sweet treat at any hour. These delectable offerings have garnered acclaim, with the pies even featured on the Food Network.
Situated in Rockland’s historic district, this charming B&B provides convenient access to the town’s vibrant arts scene, boutique shopping, and waterfront attractions. Its proximity to the Maine Lobster Festival venues allows guests to immerse themselves in the festivities without the hassle of long commutes or the hassle of finding festival parking. Whether attending the festival or exploring the scenic Midcoast region, the Berry Manor Inn serves as an ideal base for your Midcoast adventures. Book your stay today!