It’s sizzling this weekend (thanks never-ending heat wave!) but it’s also a great weekend to be outside and enjoy the various festivals that highlight Maine’s best-known food: blueberries and lobster. Oh and sauerkraut, did I mention that?

Maine Lobster Festival

Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 7—Rockland

Did you know that the Maine Lobster Festival is FREE this year? As a “thank you” to the community for reaching its 75th year (and after having to cancel the last two years due to COVID-19) the Festival is back with a vengeance. Highlights from Thursday to Sunday include Steins and Vines live music all day and night, and the Eating Tent with plenty of lobster dinners, rolls, chowder, mac ‘n cheese (basically Lobster Heaven). Yours truly will be there along with other Maine authors in the Marine Tent on Friday. On Sunday, don’t miss the Great International Crate Race at 2 p.m. See here for the daily schedule. FMI: Maine Lobster Festival

Wild Maine Blueberry Weekend

Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7—Statewide

Follow the interactive map on this website to tour wild blueberry farms around the state, pick wild blueberries at select locations, and sample a wild blueberry dish or drink. Locally, if you zero in on the interactive map in the Midcoast, you’ll find Brodis Blueberries and Blue Barren Distillery (in addition to its brand new Camden wharf tasting room and restaurant), Ridgeberry Farm, Sweetgrass Farm & Winery, Bluet Maine Wild Blueberry Sparkling Wine.

Maker’s Market at Morse’s Sauerkraut

Saturday, August 6—Waldoboro

Head down to Waldoboro (3856 Washington Rd, Rt. 220) to the little-known European deli and specialty grocery Morse’s Sauerkraut, as profiled by PenBay Pilot. They will be hosting a Maker’s Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with local makers offering thrown stoneware pottery, small batch beer soap, hammered metal jewelry, hand printed textiles and paper goods, blown and sculpted art glass, handmade leather goods, handmade wood objects, and more. FMI: morsessauerkraut.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com