Lobsterfest and the Maine Lobster Festival
Maine lobster gets its due with a pair of festivals dedicated to the crustacean. On June 25, the Third Annual Lobsterfest takes place at the Maine State Pier in Portland, with fresh Maine lobster, barbecue, a mechanical bull, a cash bar, and live entertainment. Later in the summer, Rockland gets its claws into the celebration with the Maine Lobster Festival, featuring almost 20,000 pounds of lobster, the crowning of the Maine Lobster Festival Sea Goddess, and a road race. You’ll need the run after spending the day gorging here. Lobsterfest – June 25, 11 a.m., www.portlandlobsterfest.com; Maine Lobster Festival – Aug. 3-7, www.mainelobsterfestival.com
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Wilton Blueberry Festival and Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
With blueberry season in Maine comes the 29th Annual Wilton Blueberry Festival, when you can pick your own berries in addition to enjoying a wealth of blueberry baked goods. The festival also features live entertainment, vendors, and a fireworks display to close out the annual festivities. Later in the month, the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival takes place for the 36th time with contests, shopping, and of course, blueberries. Wilton Blueberry Festiva, Aug. 5-6, www.wiltonbbf.com; Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, Aug. 19-21, www.machiasblueberry.com
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Wells Chili-fest
The annual cook-off in Wells, Maine, is actually sanctioned by the International Chili Society, so you know it's going to be a competitive bout. Got a recipe but are not an ICS member? Enter as part of the people's choice for a chance to strut your stuff. Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., /www.wellschilifest.com
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Yarmouth Clam Festival
More than 100,000 people are expected to descend on Yarmouth for this 45-year-old July tradition. In addition to the more than 80 different types of food and beverages, the festival, one of the more notable Maine summer gatherings, boasts a clam-shucking contest, fireworks, a professional bike race, road race, and kayak race, and, of course, a diaper derby (left), a fun race for crawlers and toddlers. One lucky attendee to this year's festival could win a new car that is being raffled off. See website for details. July 15-17, www.clamfestival.com
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The Great Chowder Cook-off
Celebrating 30 years this summer, this Newport, R.I., tradition takes over the waterfront at the Newport Yachting Center, where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat samplings of some of the world's finest chowder and help determine a winner. New this year, a clam cake-eating challenge. The first-place winner takes home $1,000. Last year's winner was two-time world champion Tony’s Cedar Key Clam Chowder, from Cedar Key, Fla. June 4, Noon-6 p.m., $25, $20 in advance, www.newportwaterfrontevents.com
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Warren Quahog Festival
Sample a variety of seafood including stuffed quahogs, chowders, and clam cakes at this Warren, R.I., tradition at Burrs Hill Park. There will also be vendors, live music, and more family-friendly entertainment at the two-day event. July 16-17, www.eastbaychamberri.org
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Newport Winefest
What's billed as New England's largest outdoor wine and food festival returns to the Newport Yacht Club for a second year. Last year's inaugural show brought a host of wine tastings and professional chef seminars to the scenic Newport, R.I., waterfront. This year's exhibitor and chef list has yet to be finalized. Ticket costs vary. Check website for details. Aug. 19-21, www.newportwinefest.com
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Prev12 of 30 NextCharlestown Seafood Festival
Some of Rhode Island's finest seafood will be on hand for sampling at the 27th Annual Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival, featuring live music, amusement rides, and a climbing rock wall. There will also be a car show on Saturday, and entertainment geared toward children the entire weekend. Aug. 5-7, $8, www.charlestownrichamber.com/seafoodfestival.html
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Milford Oyster Festival
Slup up all the oysters that you can handle at this annual event in Milford, Conn. The festival, in existence since 1975, features food, children's entertainment, canoe and kayak races, a firefighter dunk tank, and a classic car show. The festival's goal is to provide a forum for nonprofit organizations to raise funds for various causes. Free admission. No pets. Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., www.milfordoysterfestival.org
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Stonington Vineyards Wine and Food Festival
Spend the weekend sipping on wine and enjoying local fare in the serene setting of Stonington Vineyards in Stonington, Conn. Entertainment will be provided by Dan Stevens and the Fiery Band throughout the weekend. Admission includes glass and tastings of all current releases. Winery tours will also be available. July 16-17, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., $12, www.stoningtonvineyards.com
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Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival
This diverse festival, now in its sixth straight year, features a variety of headlining acts and tons of classic Caribbean cuisine, including jerk chicken, left, at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford. Get a further feel for island culture by entering the domino tournament or by taking a calypso dance lesson. Aug. 6, 1-11 p.m., www.riverfront.org
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Whole Hog BBQ and Music Festival
Watch as competitors go at it pig roast style at the North Haverhill Fairgrounds in North Haverhill, N.H. The whole hog contest is the only Memphis Barbecue Network-sanctioned competition to take place in New England, with $10,000 in prize money and the chance to compete on a national level at stake. For everyone else, there's an entertainment lineup, an amateur barbecue competition, and the Ms. Piggie Contest, which is described as "men and women dressed in tutus and snouts parading around the stage and 'singing' familiar songs, with lyrics having to do with grilling." Hog heaven indeed. Aug. 6, 2-8 p.m., $10, cohase.org/wholehog
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Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Hampton Beach closes out its summer season with a seafood blowout, featuring more than 60 area restaurants on hand. Also on hand: a number of arts and crafts tables, fireworks, a sky-diving show, and a lobster roll eating competition. Yankee Magazine recently called the festival one of the top 20 events in New Hampshire, and the American Business Association has repeatedly called it one of the top 100 events in America. Saying goodbye to summer never tasted so good. Sept 9-11, $5, www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com
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Chowderfest
One month later, City Hall Plaza once again is expected to hosts thousands at the 30th Annual Chowderfest, part of Boston's Harborfest schedule of events surrounding Independence Day. Anthem Kitchen and Bar won last year's competition, the first time the Boston restaurant took the honor. This year's restaurants have yet to be announced. Check website for updates. Last day to purchase tickets online is June 15. July 3, $12 adults, $8 children under 12, www.bostonharborfest.com/chowderfest.html
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Bourne Scallop Fest
More than three tons of scallops will be served to some 50,000 attendees at the 42d Annual Bourne Scallop Fest. In addition to the seafood dishes, there will also be arts and crafts vendors, a midway of carnival rides and games, and a full entertainment slate. A great way to say farewell to the sights and smells of summer for another year. Sept. 23-25, $5, $20 scallop dinner combination ticket, www.bournescallopfest.com
