Maine Lobster Festival & Union Fair Kicked Off Today, July 30th

Rockland/Union, Maine - The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine and Union Fair in Union Fair in Union, Maine kicked off today July 30th, 2025.

On Wednesday opening day of Maine Lobster Festival  King Neptune and his court, along with Caitlyn Lamb, the 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, arrived on the main dock from the briny deep courtesy of the USCG to raise the flag and officially open the 78th Maine Lobster Festival. Flag raising ceremony took place at the flagpole by the Harbor Master’s building.

Also on opening day, The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate will be chosen along with a

runner up and Most Congenial tonight from 6:30 to 8 pm during 2025 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate Coronation on the main stage. Winners receive cash prizes and represent the Maine Lobster Festival and Maine’s lobster industry at festivals and events throughout the year.

Highlight of events during this year's Maine Lobster Festival;

Tours of the USS Arlington from 8am-4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each tour will last between 30 and 40 minutes.

Thursday, 4 to 5:30 pm, Bait Bag, Main Stage, A feminist punk band from North Haven island.

Thursday, Spencer Albee will perform on the main stage from 6 to 7:30 pm. A Portland based, nationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer. Rolling Stone Magazine called Spencer a “21st century master in the lost art of Beatlesque hooks.”

Thursday, Rigometrics will original, raw, high-energy rock music to the main stage from 8 to 9:30 pm.

9 am to 1 pm on Friday will see the Amateur Seafood Cooking Contest taking place in North Tent.

Friday, 2 to 4 pm, Dog Show on the Main Stage. The festivities kick off with a delightful Dog Parade winding through the festival grounds. From there, prepare for the main event featuring three tail-wagging categories: Best Costume, Best Hair, and Best Trick.

Also on Friday, 8 to 9:30 pm, Dirty Deeds, The AC/DC Experience takes the Main Stage.

Celebrating the thunderous energy of the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson era and delivering a power-packed performance that takes the audience on a journey through the story that is AC/DC, the band that defined a genre.

Saturday will see a big parade down Rockland's North Main Street and Main starting at 10am with the theme of "The Dog Days of Summer".

Another highlight of Saturday will bring The Mallett Brothers Band taking the Main Stage from 8pm-9:30pm.

Highlights for Sunday are road races around 8 in the morning, children events starting around 11am and International Great Crate Race at 2pm.

For the full schedule click here, all festival information click here.

Another event that kicked off today is the annual Union Fair, Midcoast Maine’s Premier Agricultural Event in Union, Maine.

Wednesday, July 30 Moxie Day - Presented by E.L. Spear

8:00 a.m. Fair Gates Open

9:30 a.m. Stump to Nail (5)

10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

10:30 a.m. In-House Scavenger Hunt (18)

11:00 a.m. Register entries of Moxie Ingredient Delight (Youth & Adult Classes) (18)

12:00 p.m. Judging of Moxie Ingredient Delight (18)

12:00 p.m. Opening Day Ceremony with Introduction of Blueberry Princesses (17)

12:00 p.m. Youth Dairy Show (10)

12:00 p.m. Draft Horse Pulling/Twitching Competition (30)

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

2:00 p.m. Free Moxie Memorabilia Appraisals (3)

2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Blueberry Pie Contest Drop-off (8)

2:30 p.m. Robbie & Maggie (Easy Listening) (17)

3:00 p.m. KISSudoko Tournament (18)

3:00 p.m. The Instagator Band (50s and 60s Rock) (12)

4:30 p.m. Two Crusted Blueberry Pie Contest Judging (8)

5:00-6:00 p.m. Sign-Up for Bike Giveaway & Pig Scramble (9)

5:30 p.m. Moxie Chugging Contest Sign-up (3)

6:00 p.m. Moxie Chugging Contest (3)

6:00 p.m. Sewing Basics 101 (18)

6:30 p.m. Pig Scramble (Ages 7&8, Ages 9&10) (9)

6:30 p.m. Beyond Maine (Easy Listening) (17)

7:00 p.m. Josiah Dyer (Country music with a side of Elvis) (12)

7:30 p.m. Free Bike Giveaway (9)

10:00 p.m. Fair Closes

Thursday, July 31 Veterans’ Appreciation Day - Presented by Northeast Carry General Store

8:00 a.m. Fair Gates Open

8:00 a.m. Farmers’ Steer & Oxen 6-foot pull Weigh In (9)

9:00 a.m. Open Beef Show (10)

9:00 a.m. 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Show (21)

9:30 a.m. Farmers’ Steer & Oxen 6-foot pull (30)

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

10:30 p.m. In-House Scavenger Hunt (18)

11:00 a.m. Farmers’ Steer & Oxen Pulling Distance Class Weigh In (9)

12:00 p.m. Veterans’ Tribute (18)

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

1:00 p.m. Farmers’ Steer & Oxen Pulling Distance Class-Three Classes (9)

1:00 p.m. Ken & Jane Brooks (Bluegrass) (17)

2:00 p.m. Midway Open

2:00 p.m. Open Sheep Show (10)

2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Blueberry Muffin Contest Drop-off (8)

3:00 p.m. Cribbage Tournament (18)

4:00 p.m. Open Steer & Oxen Weigh In (9)

4:00 p.m. 4-H Small Domestic Pet Show (5)

4:30 p.m. Blueberry Muffin Judging (8)

5:00 p.m. State Fire Marshall Sprinkler Demonstration (5)

6:00 p.m. Knitting/Crocheting Basics 101 (18)

6:30 p.m. Maine Wild Blueberry Queen Coronation (12)

7:00 p.m. New Relm (Classic Country) (17)

8:00 p.m. Musician Aidan Kaczynski (Classic Rock) (12)

9:15 p.m. Fireworks (Infield)

10:00 p.m. Fair Closes

Friday, August 1 Maine Wild Blueberry Day - 

Presented by WMTW Channel 8 - Maine’s Total Coverage and Maine’s CW

7:00 a.m. Open Steer & Oxen Pulling Weigh In (9)

8:00 a.m. Fair Gates Open

9:00 a.m. Open Dairy Show (10)

9:30 a.m. Steer & Oxen Twitching Contest (30)

9:30 a.m. Open Steer & Oxen Pulling (9)

     Boys & Girls age 16 & under, 1250 lbs.& under

     Pair Weight 1650 lbs. & under

     Pair Weight 2050 lbs. & under

     Pair Weight 2450 lbs. & under

     Pair Weight 2850 lbs. & under

     6-Foot Elimination- 2050 lbs. & under

     6-Foot Elimination- 2450 lbs. & under

     6-Foot Elimination- 2050 lbs. & under

     6-Foot Elimination- 2450 lbs. & under

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

10:30 p.m. In-House Scavenger Hunt (18)

11:00 a.m. Good Nuff for Me Band (Traditional Country) (17)

11:00 a.m. Register entries of Blueberry Dessert (18) (Not Pies) (Youth & Adult Classes)

12:00 p.m. Free Individual blueberry pie desserts (8)

12:00 p.m. Judging of Blueberry Dessert (18)

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

2:00 p.m. Midway Open

2:00 p.m. Free Moxie Memorabilia Appraisals (3)

2:00 p.m. Open Sheep Show (10)

2:00 p.m. Wild Horse (Country) (12)

2:00 p.m. Mook Sea Farm Presentation (18)

3:00 p.m. Lise & Rose (Classic Rock) (17)

4:00 p.m. David Cox and Don Sulky-Making Goad Sticks (5)

5:30 p.m. Moxie Chugging Contest Sign-up (3)

6:00 p.m. Moxie Chugging Contest (3)

6:00 p.m. Candy Bingo (15)

6:00 p.m. Hooking Basics 101 (18)

6:00 p.m. Tuff Truck Competition (20)

7:30 p.m. All That Matters Band (Classic Country) (17)

7:30 p.m. Hello Newman “That 90s Band” (12)

10:00 p.m. Fair Closes

Saturday, August 2 Demolition Derby Day - Presented by Gophers in Warren, Maine

6:00 a.m. Steer & Oxen Show Weigh In (9)

7:00 a.m. Open Steer & Oxen Pulling Weigh In (9)

8:00 a.m. Fair Gates Open

8:30 a.m. 4-H Working Steer (30)

9:00 a.m. Youth Beef Show (10)

9:00 a.m. Canine Agility Fun Run Demonstration (Infield)

9:30 a.m. Open Steer & Oxen Pulling (9) 

     6- Foot Elimination 2850 lbs. & under

     Ladies Class 1650 lbs. & over

     Pair Weight 3250 lbs. & under 

     Pair Weight 4050 lbs. & under percentage

     Sweepstakes for Oxen

     6-Foot Elimination- 3250 lbs. & under

     6-Foot Elimination- 3251 lbs. & over

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

10:00 a.m. Steer & Oxen Show (30)

10:30 p.m. In-House Scavenger Hunt (18)

11:00 a.m. Register entries of Peanut Butter Cookies (18) (Youth & Adult Classes)

11:00 a.m. Canine Agility Fun Run Demonstration (Infield)

11:00 a.m. Sheep Dog Demonstration (23)

12:00 p.m. Judging of Peanut Butter Cookies (18)

12:00 p.m. Midway Open

12:00 p.m. Ranger D, the singing cowboy (17)

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

1:00 p.m. Canine Agility Fun Run Demonstration (Infield)

1:00 p.m. Sheep Dog Demonstration (23)

1:00 p.m. Jason Tardy High-Energy Juggling (12)

2:00 p.m. Community First Responder-Brad Thibodeaux (18)

2:00 p.m. The Saltwater Hillbilly (17)

3:00 p.m. Sheep Dog Demonstration (23)

3:00 p.m. Youth Sheep Show (10)

3:00 p.m. Jason Tardy High Energy Juggling (17)

4:00 p.m. Blueberry Pie Eating Contest (17) (Adults, Youth ages 10-12, Youth ages 13-15)

5:00 p.m. Jason Tardy, The Dragon Man Fire Show (12)

5:00 p.m. Kids’ Powerwheels Demolition Derby (20)

6:00 p.m. Papercrafting Basics 101 (18)

6:00 p.m. Jim Gibson (Easy Listening) (17)

6:00 p.m. Demolition Derby sponsored by

Gophers in Warren, Maine (20)

7:30 p.m. Creatures of Habit (Classic Rock) (12)

10:00 p.m. Fair Closes

Sunday, August 3 Children’s Day - Presented by Union Farm Equipment

7:00 a.m. Horse Pulling Weigh In (9)

8:00 Fair Gates Open

8:00 a.m. Steer & Oxen Scooting Weigh In (9)

9:00 a.m. Youth Livestock Showmanship (10)

9:30 a.m. Steer & Oxen Scooting Contest (30)

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 4-H Sealife Touch Tank (21)

10:00 a.m. Horse Pulling (9)

     3100 & under 2 LB Distance

     3101 & over 2 LB Distance

10:30 p.m. In-House Scavenger Hunt (18)

10:30 a.m. Connect-4 Tournament (18)

11:00 a.m. Storytime-Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey read by Sarah “Sal” McCloskey (8)

11:00 a.m. Sheep Dog Demonstration (23)

11:00 a.m. Register entries of Zucchini/Savory Dessert (18) (Youth & Adult)

12:00 p.m. Midway Open

12:00 p.m. Judging Zucchini/Savory Dessert (18)

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 4-H Farm-to-Fair (21)

1:00 p.m. Horse Pulling (9)

     Sweepstakes Distance

     12-Foot Elimination 3400 Lbs. & under

     12-Foot Elimination 3401 Lbs. & over  

1:00 p.m. Tractor Pulls with Maine State Truck/Tractor Pullers’ Association (20)

1:00 p.m. Sheep Dog Demonstration (23)

1:00 p.m. 4-H Cloverbud Demonstrations (10)

1:00 p.m. Pale Horse (Oldies) (12)

1:00 p.m. Jason Tardy High-Energy Juggling (17)

1:00 p.m. Storytime- Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey read by Sarah “Sal” McCloskey (8)

2:00 p.m. Presentation TBD (18)

3:00 p.m. Jason Tardy High Energy Juggling (17)

3:00 p.m. Storytime- Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey read by Sarah “Sal” McCloskey (8)

3:00 p.m. Sheep Dog Demonstration (23)

3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Free Bike Giveaway Signup (17)

3:30 p.m. Blueberries for Sal Raffle Drawing and Presentation to Sarah “Sal” McCloskey (8)

4:00 p.m. Children’s pedal tractor pulls (17)

4:30 p.m. Free Bike Giveaway (17) (After pedal tractor pull)

5:00 p.m. Jason Tardy, The Dragon Man Fire Show (17)

5:00 p.m. Awarding of “Animals of Maine” raffle quilt (18)

5:00 p.m. Truck Pulls with Maine State Truck/Tractor Pullers’ Association (Diesel and Gas) (20)

5:30 p.m. Whiskey Bent (New and Traditional Country) (12)

8:00 p.m Fair Closes.

We hope you have time to check out both of these great events in Rockland, Maine and Union, Maine.