Summer may be winding down, but there are plenty of reasons to stay at our Wells vacation rental through the fall and holidays. Maine hosts a long list of events for foodies and craft beer lovers. Culinary connoisseurs, amature and professional alike, will enjoy any number of these options.
9 Late Summer & Fall Festivals for Maine Foodies and Craft Beer Connoisseurs
1. Wells Chili-Fest
Saturday, August 27, 2016
1:00 am – 3:00 pm
Wells Junior High School – 1470 Post Rd (U.S. Route 1), Wells, ME
This Maine State Cook-Off is sanctioned by the International Chili Society and winners in various categories (Chili, Chili Verde, and Salsa) may qualify to advance to the World Chili Championship Cook-Offs.
2. Boothbay Region Harbor Fest 
Friday, September 2, 2016 – Sunday, September 11, 2016
Harbor Fest is a ten-day celebration that showcases the creativity and individuality of more than 100 Maine businesses and organizations. Attendees take an adventure around the Boothbay peninsula to experience local foods, live music, fine arts, creative wares, a 5k, Half Marathon, wellness events and a one of a kind fashion show featuring original designs made from the marine industry.
3. Annual Claw Down Chef’s Lobster Bite Competition
Thursday, September 15, 2016
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ocean Point Marina Boatyard – 216 Ocean Point Rd, East Boothbay, ME
Three hours of pure decadence, this event is a lobster lover’s dream. Local chefs compete for the title of 2016 Claw Down Chef of the Year while you sample their savory offerings, along with beer and wine from craft brewers and local vintners. Hosted by the Boothbay Region Chamber of Commerce. Tickets must be purchased in advance and sell out quickly.
4. Return of the Belgian Beer Fest
Saturday, September 17
1:00–4:30 pm OR 6:00–9:30 pm
58 Fore Street, Portland, ME
To celebrate Belgian beer and its global influence, the founders of BeerAdvocate are putting a new take on their popular festival that ran for many years in Boston. This 1 day, 2 session event (1:00–4:30 pm and 6:00–9:30pm), will feature hundreds of authentic Belgian beers and Belgian-inspired offerings. Sponsored by Allagash Brewing Company.
5. Annual Maine Lakes Brewfest
Saturday, September 24, 2016
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Point Sebago – 261 Point Sebago Rd., Casco, ME
If you love beer tasting, this event is right up your alley. More than 35 brewers will offer almost 100 varieties of beer and wine for you to sample. Your ticket includes a souvenir sampling glass and 10 drink tickets. Food vendors will offer wide variety of options including hot dogs, burgers, hot wings, chili, wood-fired pizza, sausage and pulled pork sandwiches, oysters, and Maine lobster rolls. Plus, two live bands and local favorite, Chad Porter, will provide entertainment.
6. Pemaquid Oyster Festival
Sunday, September 25, 2016
12:00 pm to dusk
Schooner Landing and throughout downtown Damariscotta, ME.
As always, the Pemaquid Oyster Festival will feature a great line-up of entertainment, food, educational exhibits and thousands of oysters fresh from the Damariscotta River.
7. Freeport Community Services Chowdah Challenge
Saturday, October 1, 2016
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Porch of the L.L.Bean Home store – 12 Nathan Nye St, Freeport, ME 04032
Join the most delicious event of the year which will take place at the L.L.Bean Home store. Locals and visitors from afar sample and vote for Freeport Maine’s best chowder. Ten restaurants will compete for two coveted awards: The People’s Choice Award and the Judges’ Award for “Best Chowdah.” The cost is only $10/per person, and all proceeds will support Freeport Community Services.
8. Acadia’s Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 8, 2016
12:00 – 5:00 pm
Smuggler’s Den Campground, 20 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, ME
Enjoy short pours from 23 brewers, as well as great food, good music and lawn games in including Beerless pong, corn hole, keg toss, great ball drop and Stein hoisting.
9. Harvest on the Harbor
Thursday, October 20, 2016 through Sunday, October 23, 2016
Portland, ME
This annual food and spirits festival, which includes 7 separate ticketed events, has brought nearly 28,000 foodies to Portland since it began in 2008 and proves that the city as truly a culinary destination.
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