Harvest on the Harbor returns to Portland for its 18th year

Harvest on the Harbor Returns to Portland for October Food Festival

Portland, Maine – The city’s biggest celebration of local food and drink, Harvest on the Harbor, is set to open its doors to the public on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, at Maine Studio Works on the waterfront. The two‑day event will showcase the best of Maine’s culinary talent and aquaculture, drawing chefs, growers, and food lovers from across the state.

A Lobster‑Centric Competition

The highlight of Friday’s program is the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year contest, a one‑day culinary showdown that will pit ten chefs and their teams against one another. The competitors represent a mix of restaurants, culinary schools, and local food producers, including:

• Brix & Brine (Ogunquit)
• Central Provisions (Portland)
• Finestkind (Saco)
• The Knotted Apron (Portland)
• Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn (Camden)
• Southern Maine Community College Culinary Arts (Kittery)
• Sur Lie (Portland)
• Taj Indian Cuisine (Portland)
• Twelve (Portland)
• Ugly Duckling at Rising Tide (Portland)

Attendees will sample each team’s lobster creations and enjoy accompanying wines from Rosemont Market, Maine‑made spirits, and specialty coffee brewed by Coffee By Design.

Maine OysterFest Sessions

Saturday features two OysterFest sessions, one from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and another from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The sessions give visitors a chance to taste a variety of Maine oysters while learning about the local harvest. Organizers will have growers, harvesters, and oyster shuckers on hand to share stories about the region’s seafood industry.

Tickets and Information

Tickets for both days are available for purchase at harvestontheharbor.com. The festival is free to attend for visitors, though some events may require a ticket or a small fee. The venue, Maine Studio Works, is located on the Portland waterfront, offering scenic views of the harbor and easy access from the city center.

Harvest on the Harbor promises to be a showcase of Maine’s culinary creativity and its abundant seafood resources, celebrating the state’s food culture in an outdoor, community‑focused setting. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about what Maine’s chefs and harvesters have to offer, the festival is open to all who want to taste the best of the state.