2026 Schedule of Events

There’s no admission fee for The Maine Oyster Festival! Plus, parking is free and plentiful in Freeport.

Below is the schedule for official Festival events. You’ll find plenty of other related activities in and around Freeport over the weekend as well as deals and special offers in our stores and restaurants. Plus, there’s no better way to learn about oysters and the people who cultivate them to visit a farm. The festival is rain or shine, in the event of severe weather check our social media channels for updates.

Friday, June 26

9AM-11:30AM: Love Point Oyster Farm Tour, South Freeport. Taste unlimited fresh oysters, learn the art of oyster farming and shucking, and take in the scenic beauty of Maine’s iconic coast. Limited to six passengers, this exclusive tour includes a visit to the work float, oyster sampling straight from the water, and stunning views of wooded islands and seal-covered shoals. BYOB and enjoy snacks while cruising back to the marina for a memorable Maine adventure! Reservations required, book online 

10:30AM-1:30PM: Madeleine Point Oyster Farm Tour, Yarmouth. Enjoy the coast of Maine from the deck of a working oyster boat (the Rachel Carson or Edmund Muskie) with an oyster farmer as your guide. Discover how the sea farmer’s craft can cultivate an oyster that is unique to his or her farm. Dive into the biology of these ancient bivalves and how it affects their flavor. Complimentary oysters (half dozen per person.) Bring your favorite wine or beer to perfectly complement your oyster tasting experience. Reservations required, book online 

11:30AM-1:15PM: Oyster Farm Tour with North East Salt Water, Phippsburg. Your captain will guide you through the entire oyster farming process, from hatchery to harvest, at an oyster farm located in a breathtaking conservation area in Phippsburg. Master the art of shucking on our floating dock. Dog-friendly. Kid’s 13 and older welcome. Reservations required, book online 

12PM-2:30PM: Love Point Oyster Farm Tour, South Freeport. Taste unlimited fresh oysters, learn the art of oyster farming and shucking, and take in the scenic beauty of Maine’s iconic coast. Limited to six passengers, this exclusive tour includes a visit to the work float, oyster sampling straight from the water, and stunning views of wooded islands and seal-covered shoals. BYOB and enjoy snacks while cruising back to the marina for a memorable Maine adventure! Reservations required, book online 

1:30PM-3:30PM: Shellfish Explorer Trip with North East Salt Water, Phippsburg. Climb aboard for an unforgettable, hands-on family field trip to our working oyster farm. We’ll start by suiting up in authentic Maine lobsterman gear (totally optional, but highly recommended for photos!) before diving into the world of shellfish farming. You’ll discover how we raise over 100,000 baby oysters as part of our reef-building program and learn how oysters help protect and restore our coastal waters.  You will also learn how to shuck and slurp fresh Maine oysters straight from the source. Next, we’ll haul real lobster traps, investigating what we find — including the invasive green crab population.  Reservations required, book online 

4:30PM-7PM: Madeleine Point Oyster Farm Tour, Yarmouth. Enjoy the coast of Maine from the deck of a working oyster boat (the Rachel Carson or Edmund Muskie) with an oyster farmer as your guide. Discover how the sea farmer’s craft can cultivate an oyster that is unique to his or her farm. Dive into the biology of these ancient bivalves and how it affects their flavor. Complimentary oysters (half dozen per person.) Bring your favorite wine or beer to perfectly complement your oyster tasting experience. Reservations required, book online 

5:30PM: Meet the Farmer Kick Off Party at Freeport Oyster Bar. Tickets include light appetizers and a complimentary beverage. Other menu items available for purchase. 43 Main St. Click here for more information and tickets.

7PM: L.L.Bean Summer in the Park Family Movie Night. L.L.Bean Discovery Park Stage. “Migration.” A family of ducks try to convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime, rated PG. Food trucks open from 4-7 p.m.

Saturday, June 27

8AM – 7PM: Free shuttle service between L.L.Bean Corporate Headquarters (Rt. 1 & Casco St.) and the Festival shuttle stop on Nathan Nye.

8AM-12PM: L.L.Bean Summer in the Park Weekend Wellness Series. L.L.Bean Discovery Park Stage.

  • Morning Yoga, 8AM
  • Uprise Strength Class, 9AM
  • Wellness Mini Market, 9AM-12PM
  • Plus, food trucks on the L.L.Bean campus, 8AM-7PM

10AM – 6PM: Meet sea farmers & eat oysters, learn to shuck, shop with the vendors & food trucks, kids can make a craft or two to take home, meet sea creatures with Tidepool Tim, and find out more about seaworthy organizations. Mallard Parking Lot behind Freeport Oyster Bar

10AM – 11:15AM: Live Music by the New England Fiddle Ensemble. FMI: The New England Fiddle Ensemble is a community orchestra consisting of musicians of all ages and skill levels, playing a variety of instruments – including fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass and cello. The Fiddle Ensemble puts on an entertaining show featuring many styles of music – such as bluegrass, Canadian, swing, Scottish, blues and more! FMI: https://www.nefiddleensemble.org/

10:30AM-1:30PM: Madeleine Point Oyster Farm Tour, Yarmouth. Enjoy the coast of Maine from the deck of a working oyster boat (the Rachel Carson or Edmund Muskie) with an oyster farmer as your guide. Discover how the sea farmer’s craft can cultivate an oyster that is unique to his or her farm. Dive into the biology of these ancient bivalves and how it affects their flavor. Complimentary oysters (half dozen per person.) Bring your favorite wine or beer to perfectly complement your oyster tasting experience. Reservations required, book online 

11:30AM-1:30PM: Seacoast Tours of Freeport, South Freeport. Exclusive boat tour aboard the Pamela B to the Mere Point Oyster Company, Maine’s second-largest oyster farm! Delight in fresh, delicious oysters while enjoying a refreshing local beer or wine as you learn about oyster farming and marine conservation. Reservations required, book online 

11:45AM – 1PM: Live Music by the Fiddlers Three. Fiddlers Three – Melissa Bragdon Caron, Ellen Carlson and Kathy Zimpfer Sommer – and their top notch band will ‘WOW’ you in this concert to celebrate their latest recording project. This performance is not just for fiddlers. These gals are inspired by the horns of Chuck Berry, the swing of Bob Wills, sultry violin, country twang, the energy of a contradance, and the hard driving sound of bluegrass. Fiddlers Three has something for everyone! FMI: https://www.ellencarlson.com/fiddlers-three/ 

12PM: TENDING THE TIDES Film Screening. L.L.Bean Discovery Park Stage. TENDING THE TIDES tells the story of the nation’s first accredited Aquaculture Apprentices and Pre-Apprentices as they forge careers on the water. Through hands-on training and mentorship, these young sea farmers are gaining the skills and experience needed to thrive in Maine’s growing aquaculture sector, while strengthening Maine’s working waterfronts. Run time is 25 minutes. Bring a folding chair!

1PM: Oyster of the Year Award Announcement. Emceed by sustainable seafood expert, cookbook author and Freeport resident Barton Seaver.  Mallard Stage.

1:30PM – 2:45PM: Live Music by The Mermaids. The Mermaids are a captivating trio hailing from Midcoast Maine. Their music takes listeners on a dreamy adventure at sea, blending rich three-part vocal harmony with a modern folk pop sensibility. Playing a mix of traditional sea shanties, folk covers, and original songs. FMI: https://themermaidstheband.com/

3:15PM – 4:30PM: Live Music by The Oystermen. The Oystermen have been collecting and performing Downeast fiddle tunes, humorous stories, and original songs from Maine, Quebec, and the Maritimes for half a century. Smokey McKeen, Carter Newell, and Eric Rolfson play old-time dance tunes on push-button accordion, fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass; sing songs of work, love, strife, and achievement from the vast repertoire of American folk history; and teach and call regional dances representing multi-cultural traditions. When not performing, Carter and Smokey raise oysters on the Damariscotta River and Eric makes maple syrup on his farm in Albion. Free. 

2:30PM-4:30PM: Seacoast Tours of Freeport, South Freeport. Exclusive boat tour aboard the Pamela B to the Mere Point Oyster Company, Maine’s second-largest oyster farm! Delight in fresh, delicious oysters while enjoying a refreshing local beer or wine as you learn about oyster farming and marine conservation. Reservations required, book online 

4:30PM-7PM: Madeleine Point Oyster Farm Tour, Yarmouth. Enjoy the coast of Maine from the deck of a working oyster boat (the Rachel Carson or Edmund Muskie) with an oyster farmer as your guide. Discover how the sea farmer’s craft can cultivate an oyster that is unique to his or her farm. Dive into the biology of these ancient bivalves and how it affects their flavor. Complimentary oysters (half dozen per person.) Bring your favorite wine or beer to perfectly complement your oyster tasting experience. Reservations required, book online 

5PM – 6PM: Live Music by Seagrass. Seagrass is a high-energy all string band out of Southern Maine that specializes in multi-generational Americana.  FMI: https://seagrassme.com/

6PM: Freeport Oyster Bar. 43 Main St. Festival After Hours.

7PM: L.L.Bean Summer in the Park Concert Series. L.L.Bean Discovery Park Stage. Denny Breau & Band. Country. Guests are welcome to put out chairs starting at 4 p.m. No blankets on the lawn please.

Sunday, June 28

8AM – 6PM: Free shuttle service between L.L.Bean Corporate Headquarters (Rt. 1 & Casco St.) and the Festival shuttle stop on Nathan Nye.

8AM-7PM: L.L.Bean Summer in the Park Weekend Wellness Series. L.L.Bean Discovery Park Stage.

  • Morning Yoga, 8AM
  • Uprise Strength Class, 9AM
  • Wellness Mini Market, 9AM-12PM
  • Evening Yoga, 6PM
  • Sound Bath Class, 7PM
  • Plus, food trucks on the L.L.Bean campus, 8AM-3PM

10 am – 4 pm: Meet sea farmers & eat oysters, learn to shuck, shop with the vendors & food trucks, kids can make a craft or two to take home, meet sea creatures with Tidepool Tim, and find out more about seaworthy organizations. Mallard Parking Lot behind Freeport Oyster Bar

10AM – 11:15AM: Live Music by Paddy Mills. Paddy Mills is an award-winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home. Whether at a coffee house, Festival, folk club or the corner of a bar, Paddy has a way of making listeners feel like they’re sitting in a living room listening to the telling of old familiar stories about their own family and friends. As a Folk Singer, Paddy maintains an extensive repertoire of Irish, American, Maritime, Nicaraguan and Labor folk songs. His knowledge of and respect for traditional music is reflected is his own writing. FMI: https://paddymills.com/ 

11:45AM – 1PM: Live Music by Great Bay Sailor. Great Bay Sailor is an eclectic folk band based in Portsmouth, NH. Casting a wide net, the band performs out of an extensive repertoire of maritime, Irish/Scottish, British, and Oldtimey music. In the maritime tradition, they play and sing traditional and contemporary songs and tunes inspired by ships, sailors, oceans, and tall tales. FMI: https://www.facebook.com/greatbaysailor/ 

12 Noon: The Big Shuck. Professional Shucking Contest. L.L.Bean Discovery Park Stage

1:30PM-2:45PM: Live Music by Shank Painters. Shank Painters are a pirate band from the shores of Portland, ME, featuring sea shanties, tavern songs, and music which will be sure to get you ready to plunder and pillage as you please! FMI: https://www.shankpainters.com/

3:15PM-4PM: Live Music by Red Tail Hawk. Red Tail Hawk’s music is a vibrant fusion of alternative, groove rock, and pop. They capture audiences with soaring melodies, heady grooves, and high-energy performances that have earned them distinction on Boston’s north shore. Frontman Ben Zanfagna is a fluent vocalist & sax player whose songwriting and arrangements have been inspired by raw experience, blues, jazz, and soul but are never bounded by conventional norms. FMI: https://www.theredtailhawk.com/band

Throughout the Weekend (more to come!) 
  • Candlebay Inn, 8 Maple Ave. 5% off your two night stay for The Maine Oyster Festival! Plus, skip the lines! Let us know the number of tasting tickets (one ticket = one raw oyster at any of the shucking stations, representing dozens of Maine oyster farms) and if you would like any festival hats or t-shirts, and we’ll have them ready for you at the inn. Must book direct.
  • The Kendall Inn, 213 Main St. Stay two nights or more at The Kendall Inn, between June 25th and June 30th and receive a gift of an adorable Alex and Ani Oyster Charm, the perfect momento of the Festival – and much easier to pack than the real thing!
  • Bow Street Market, 79 Bow St. Local oysters, shuckers and accouterments are available to purchase to enjoy at home! The wine, beer, and spirit department houses one of Maine’s most varied and expertly curated selections. FRI, SAT & SUN 6:30AM–8PM
  • FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars, 88 Main St. Pop in for free tastings of fresh EVOO & aged Italian balsamic! Featuring Sicilian pestos & tapenades, Italian pasta & cruets exclusively imported by FIORE. Once home, whip up a batch of the official The Maine Oyster Festival mignonette recipe featuring FIORE ingredients, or create your own! FRI, SAT & SUN 11-6
  • Casco Bay Cutlery & Kitchenware, 5 Depot St. Celebrating their 35th anniversary this month! During the Festival, stop in and register to win one of several amazing products from brands like Smithey & Le Creuset. Sweet treats and refreshments will be available along with gifts with purchase while supplies last. Full details can be found on our Facebook page. FRI & SAT 10-6, SUN 11-5
  • Sea Bags, 15 Bow St. Handmade in Maine, eco-friendly totes & accessories. 15% off in-store Freeport on Sea Bags made product during The Maine Oyster Festival! Instead of retiring a sail to a landfill, Sea Bags repurposes the sailcloth in our workshop in Portland. 1.5 million pounds of sail recycled and repurposed so far. Each sail is cleaned, cut and sewn by hand. To prepare each Sea Bag for its next adventure we finish with locally sourced hand-spliced rope handles, ensuring that all Sea Bags are rugged. FRI – SUN 10-6
  • RD Allen Freeport Jewelers, 13 Middle St. Celebrate the Festival with your very own Freeport oyster pendant with or without pearl. You can choose any pearl or gemstone, and we can add it to your Freeport oyster pendant created exclusively by RD Allen Freeport Jewelers. FRI & SAT 10AM-5:30PM.
  • Rustic Arrow will be hosting Seaside Forever Jewelry on Saturday, July 27th. From 12pm-4pm, come get a custom fit permanent jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, and anklets made to be lived in. Sterling silver, 14K gold filled, and enamel chain options available. Personalize your jewelry with a charm or two. We hope to sea you there! 🦞🌊
  • Stop by Freeport Village Station for their special activities during the weekend including:
    • Saturday, June 27th
      • 12:00 – 2:00 PM: Meet & Greet with Woody & Jesse (Toy Story)
      • 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Meet & Greet with Supergirl
      • 4:00 – 6:00 PM: Live Music with John Sayles
    • Sunday, June 28th
      • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Tickles the Clown — balloons, laughs, and fun!
      • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Janoah the Jester — juggling, tricks, and roaming entertainment
    • While you’re there, don’t miss your chance to WIN! Simply scan the QR code on the courtyard sign to enter.
      You could win a $100 L.L.Bean Gift Card or other prizes. 

 

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