Midcoast Maine’s Best Seafood and Festivals: Where to Feast on the Best Catches

Welcome to the Midcoast, where the rugged coastline meets the charm of rustic farmlands, and every meal is an opportunity for the freshest seafood in Maine! Whether you’re staying at our cozy farmhouse or just visiting the area, you’re in for a treat because Maine’s Midcoast is famous for its mouthwatering seafood and lively local festivals. Whether you’re an avid seafood lover or simply want to experience the authentic flavors of the Maine, we’ve rounded up the best places to feast on the finest catches from succulent lobster to briny oysters. So come along as we walk you through some of our favorite Midcoast seafood gems!

Midcoast Maine’s Best Seafood and Festivals

McLoon’s Lobster Shack - South Thomaston

Just a short drive from our farmhouse, this iconic spot serves up the freshest lobster rolls while offering beautiful ocean views. Located right on the water, you can grab a seat on the deck and watch the boats go by while savoring a buttery lobster roll paired with crispy fries. Add some local ice cream for dessert, and you’ve got a perfect way to enjoy a sunny afternoon!

*Photo courtesy of McLoon’s Lobster Shack

Young’s Lobster Wharf - Belfast

For an authentic lobster dinner right on the docks, head to Young’s Lobster Wharf in Belfast. Their lobster dinners come with all the fixings, including melted butter and corn on the cob. It's a family-friendly spot where you can relax and feast while looking out over the stunning harbor. Insider’s note: Young’s is BYOB, and some diners go all out with the concept, bringing tablecloths and candles to really class up the experience.

*Photo courtesy of Young’s Lobster Wharf

Friendship Lobster Co-Op - Friendship

& Muscongus Bay Lobster - Round Pond

For an authentic lobster experience with a side of local charm, the wharfs in Friendship and Round Pond do not disappoint. These lobster companies have been serving up sweet, tender lobsters for years, and they do it with a personal touch. You’ll be able to see where the lobsters are caught, and they’re the perfect spot to bring home a freshly boiled lobster (or two) for a picnic back at our farmhouse. Plus, buying directly from the lobstermen means that prices are reasonable, and the quality is unbeatable. Make sure to ask about their lobster traps if you’re interested in learning about the local lobster fishing process. It’s a cool way to get a behind-the-scenes look at the industry!

*Photo courtesy of Muscongus Bay Lobster 

Lady Oyster - Phippsburg

A little further from the farm, but no less special, is Lady Oyster, a small but remarkable oyster farm located in the waters of Muscongus Bay. Known for their sustainable practices and commitment to producing top-tier oysters, Lady Oyster offers an intimate and hands-on experience. Visitors to Lady Oyster can tour the farm and even take an oyster-shucking lesson to get the full “Maine oyster experience.” Once you’re finished with your oyster education, you can put your new knowledge to good use at Lady Oyster’s tastings, sampling the wide variety of delicate, briny oysters grown right here in Maine’s pristine waters.

*Photo courtesy of Lady Oyster

Glidden Point Oyster Farm - Edgecomb

If you’re more of an oyster enthusiast, Glidden Point Oyster Farms in Edgecomb is a hidden gem. This family-owned farm has been producing world-class oysters for decades, and they offer oyster tours and tastings that allow you to sample their famous oysters straight from the waters of the Damariscotta River. The experience is not just about eating oysters. It’s about learning the art of oyster farming and about the people who cultivate them. Take a shucking class, talk with the farmers, or just enjoy the freshest oysters! In the off-season, Glidden Point also offers a sauna & river dip experience if you’re looking to really interact with the water! So whether you’re a seasoned oyster lover or just dipping your toes into the world of shellfish, a visit to Glidden Point is a must. Don’t forget to grab a dozen or two to take back to the farmhouse for a truly Maine experience!

*Photo courtesy of Glidden Point Oyster Farms

Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf - New Harbor

Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf in New Harbor is the ultimate stop for anyone who loves fresh seafood. Shaw’s not only serves up some of the best seafood around, but they’re also the launching point for Hardy Boat Cruises, which take you out to Monhegan Island, known for its incredible beauty and pristine beaches. After a scenic cruise to the island, you can explore the art galleries, enjoy the coastal landscapes, and, of course, indulge in more delicious lobster. It’s the perfect combination of good food and good fun!

*Photo courtesy of Shaw's Fish & Lobster Wharf

Celebrate Maine’s Seafood at Local Festivals

What better way to enjoy Midcoast Maine’s seafood than at the festivals that celebrate it? If you happen to be visiting during festival season, you’re in for an extra treat! These events are bursting with local culture, delicious food, and fun activities for everyone.

Maine Lobster Festival - Rockland

Held annually in early August, the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland is one of the largest and most famous celebrations of lobster in the state. There’s live music, cooking contests, and, of course, plenty of lobster to eat. With tons of lobster, live music, and arts and crafts, you're bound to have a fantastic time. The parade is a highlight, including the crowning of Miss Lobster! And don’t forget to try the famous lobster stew while you're there!

*Photo courtesy of Maine Lobster Festival

Pemaquid Oyster Festival - Damariscotta

In early October, this delightful event celebrates the local oyster harvest. The Pemaquid Oyster Festival will be in a new location in Damariscotta for 2025. Celebrate all things oysters with tastings, live music, a silent auction, and unique activities like the Shuck Off competition. Featuring $2 oysters all day, talk about a fun (and delicious) time!

Salt Water Farm Cooking School - Rockport

If you’re looking for a place to teach YOU how to cook all this delicious local bounty, the culinary classes at Salt Water Farm can’t be beat. Designed for home cooks of all levels, Salt Water Farms believes in the freshest ingredients. They are also fierce advocates for our community’s farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen, teaching students to prepare simple, nourishing meals from seafood sourced from local waters and produce sourced from local gardens. So be sure to check their calendar for special events, workshops, and classes if you're interested in cooking!

*Photo courtesy of Salt Water Farm

Whether you’re savoring freshly caught lobster at Friendship Lobster Co-Op, tasting oysters at Glidden Point, or enjoying a scenic cruise to Monhegan Island, Maine’s Midcoast is truly a seafood lover’s paradise. Paired with the friendly, laid-back atmosphere of the area and the excitement of local festivals, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to feast on the best catches New England has to offer. Pack your bags, grab your appetite, and get ready to experience the best of Maine’s seafood and coastal charm.

Happy dining, and see you soon here on the Midcoast!