Die-hard craft beer lovers who have followed Maine fests like they were Grateful Dead concerts have had a rough couple of years navigating the COVID-19 pandemic when many festivals were largely called off. And it doesn’t help when an opinion piece this summer in Beer Advocate states that the craft brew festival industry is currently in a doom loop. But tell that to Maine beer festival goers and they’re likely to raise their four-ounce glass and say, “Have a sip. It’s good for what ails you.”

September and October are raging months for craft brew fests in Maine and their popularity isn’t going away. Here is a rundown of seven festivals to catch.

Pints on the Pier

September 9, 2023

Maine Maritime Museum, Bath

This late summer sunset event along the Kennebec River features 11 vendors serving up some of Maine’s best beers, ciders, and more. Food trucks will be on-site plus, live music, featuring Dead Gowns and Darksoft, cornhole, other lawn games, and more.  Online ticket sales will end at noon on Saturday, September 9. A limited number of tickets will then be available at the door.

Visit this page for more details and to see which breweries are participating.

Maine Brew Fest

September 16-17, 2023

Sunday River Resort, Newry

With 100 craft beer and cider samples from more than 30 Maine breweries, this is one of the ultimate fall festivals to attend to take in the beauty of the mountains in the Sugarloaf area. Take a chairlift ride. Brand new for this year, they have added a Sunday session in addition to the normal Saturday tasting. The band Skosh is playing live music during the festival, an outstanding fun band to dance to.

Visit this page for more details and to see which breweries are participating

Oktoberfest Beer & Food Festival

September 23, 2023

Footbridge Brewery, Boothbay Harbor

Dress up in your best lederhosen or dirndl and enjoy the lively celebration of Bavarian culture with Footbridge Brewery, along with four other breweries. This small, but hyperlocal Oktoberfest event promises beer, food, games, and music.

Visit their Facebook page for more details on the food and beer offerings.

Sanford Brew Fest

September 23, 2023

Sanford Regional Airport at Pilots Cove, Sanford

This off-the-beaten-path event featuring around 12 to 15 breweries is a bit more pricy than the others but includes a pint glass, a koozie, food, and live music.

Visit this page for more details including the the benefits of the VIP package

Maine Lakes Brew Fest

September 30, 2023

Ham Recreation Complex, Bridgeton

If you’re looking for a medium-sized adults-only venue and want to combine it with a weekend on Sebago or Long Lake, this event features more than 40 brewers and 15 food vendors with live music by Carbon 14 and Wintry Mix. Online ticket sales only; no sales at the gates.

Visit this page for more details and to see which breweries are participating.

Acadia Oktoberfest

October 7, 2023

Archie’s Lobster, Bass Harbor

This lovely waterfront venue includes wine tastings, ciders, as well as traditional Maine brews with more than 12 vendors and six food trucks.  Entertainment includes corn hole, a keg toss, and a stein hoisting tournament with multiple live bands playing throughout the day. Bonus: There is a free shuttle service between the village of Southwest Harbor and Archie's Lobster.

Visit this page for more details and to see which breweries are participating.

Swine & Stine Brewfest

October 7, 2023

Water Street, Downtown Gardiner

For the ultimate in tastings and a party in the street, this popular event features 20 craft beverage producers from across Maine serving samples of beers, wines, ciders, rums, meads, and more. There will be live music, entertainment, and food vendors. Not forgetting the swine, an array of food trucks and local restaurants will be serving up incredible pork varieties.

Visit this page for more details and to see which breweries are participating.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com