Summertime is for festivals, parades, and outdoor family fun. And the best kind of festival is one that involves food (obviously). These are our picks for the best seafood festivals that will have you slurping, crackin', and chowin' down. So strap on that seafood bib and check out these must-try festivals that will keep you entertained and full!
Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, ME
When: July 30- August 3
One of the longest running seafood festivals in the U.S., the Maine Lobster Festival isn't stopping anytime soon. Now participants can take part in lobster crate races, cooking contests, fun runs, and listen to great music, all while diving into endless portions of fresh lobster dipped in melted butter. Last year over 20,000 pounds were enjoyed during the 5 days of the festival.
Bourne Scallop Fest, Cape Cod, MA
When: September 19, 20, 21, 2014
Six thousand pounds of scallops are consumed each year at the Bourne Scallop Fest, where festival goers enjoy rides, music, kid-friendly games, and a massive food court. If scallops aren't your thing but you still want to enjoy the fun, there are other culinary specialties waiting to be devoured like herb-roasted chicken, lobster rolls, and hamburgers.
Crab and Beer Festival, National Harbor, MD
When: August 16th
Ever wanted to eat as much sweet crabmeat as you can, while washing it all down with free-flowing beer? At the Crab and Beer Festival, attendees get 4 hours of unlimited crab leg crackin' and over 50 craft beers to sample. With the VIP Fun Package you can also take home a souvenir mallet and beer mug. And if there is the rare chance you need a break from crab (though why, we can't imagine), there are other seasonal goodies like watermelon, corn, and potato chips to satisfy your palate.
Norwalk Oyster Festival, Norwalk, CT
When: September 5-7
Shucking and slurping will fill your weekend if you head to the Norwalk Oyster Festival this September. It's a family-fun celebration filled with pirates, lumberjack shows, motorsports, rides, live music, and tons of food. Only a short ride from NYC, the festival was started by a group who wanted to revitalize the Historic South Boardwalk in 1978, and revitalize they did; the festival brings in thousands of people over the weekend.
Yarmouth Clam Festival, Yarmouth, ME
When: July 18-20
This annual three-day event raises money for local charities and has been drawing crowds for 48 years. All food booths are run by non-profit organizations and the town of less than 10,000 swells to over 120,000 during this one magical weekend. Events include fun runs, bike races, arts and crafts, and a shucking contest where clam lovers can watch as reigning champions challenge local celebrities to see who is the fastest shucker. The cutest event of all is the diaper derby, where toddlers and crawlers attempt to make it to a finish line.
Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival, Bodega, CA
When: August 23-24
Wine country is the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with seafood, art, crafts, and music. At the end of August, the Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival takes over the tiny Californian town (which is home to the infamous church from the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds) and is a foodie's heaven for seafood delights. More than a dozen restaurants showcase their best ocean recipes while expansive wine and microbrewery tastings keep the crowd buzzing.
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