Savor the Best in Food, Wine, & Art at Maine's Kennebunkport Festival

The Kennebunkport Festival is an annual celebration of the best food, wine and art that Maine has to offer. Now in its 13th year, this classic event takes place in early June in the picturesque seaside  village of Kennebunkport, Maine. The festival is packed full of prominent chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, musicians, and artists that will make appearances in some 40 events, including cocktail parties, intimate gourmet dinners hosted in private homes, a gala party, a grand tasting event, art shows, after-parties, and an outdoor concert. 

View the SLIDE SHOW below for some highlights of the festival.

All photos ©Joanne DiBona unless otherwise noted

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Kennebunkport Maine Food & Wine Festival
Kennebunkport Maine Food & Wine Festival

One of the premiere events at the festival is Pop the Kennebunks presented by Cellardoor Winery, one of Maine's signature wineries. This year's event features six chefs who have been recognized as "Maine Chef of the Year", each preparing a taste of the best food coastal Maine has to offer.

© CA Smith Photography

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Seafood Fresh from the Surf
Seafood Fresh from the Surf

The Kennebunkport Festival is an annual celebration of the best food, wine and art that Maine has to offer. At the festival, you will taste some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever had in your life, giving new meaning to surf to table cuisine.

 

 

Raise a Glass
Raise a Glass

Wine tasting is a favorite activity at this popular festival. Not only are varietals from around the world featured here, but also those of Maine vintners who have mastered the art of fine wine production. Did you know Maine features a Wine Trail comprised of 24 wineries across the state?

© Tony DiBona

Rustic Elegance
Rustic Elegance

All dressed up, this antique barn at Wells Reserve, Laudholm, Maine is just awaiting guests. Imagine if you only had a wood fire to prepare a gourmet dinner! That’s all some of Maine's premier chefs used to create an amazing culinary experience inspired by wood elements at this elegant, yet definitely rustic, event.

Lobster Crostini
Lobster Crostini

The Kennebunkport Festival is not your lobster roll and bib kind of event. While every dish prepared uses the best ingredients Maine has to offer, you’ll find yourself looking at lobster and other Maine sea food in a whole new light.

Wine and Tapas
Wine and Tapas

Guests are treated to a variety of tastes and flavors at the Grand Tapas Party. Under a beautiful white tent along the Kennebunk River, over 25 chefs and wineries are on hand to offer samples. You will not leave this event hungry!

Paradise on Earth
Paradise on Earth

When you've had your fill of food and drink, there's nothing like watching surfers at dusk to remind you that you're in a little paradise on earth!

Art & Wine, A Perfect Fit
Art & Wine, A Perfect Fit

Imagine having an intimate dinner in an 18th Century barn-turned-art gallery. At last year's event, not only did guests enjoy a culinary feast of multiple courses paired with exquisite wines (prepared by Aurora Provisions in Portland), they were able to savor the fine art, photography, and ambiance of the Maushart Gallery while they dined.

Rural Charm
Rural Charm

Guests at the festival's Wood Fired Grand Cru Event enjoy a spectacular view of Maine's rural charm from the Barn at the historic Wells Reserve at Laudholm during cocktail hour.

Meaty Selections
Meaty Selections

While seafood is definitely king at the festival, visitors will find a wide array of food to sample.....from vegetarian to hearty meat dishes. Wine is paired with each dish to round out the culinary experience.

Top Chefs Prepare Intimate Dinners
Top Chefs Prepare Intimate Dinners

One of the highlights of the festival is The Art of Dining, a series of intimate dinners prepared by Maine's top chefs and featuring seasoned sommeliers, hosted in Kennebunkport's most exquisite homes. Chef Chris Gould of Central Provisions restaurant in Portland, Maine, whips up a culinary masterpiece in the kitchen of a private residence, to the delight of all.

Dancing the Night Away
Dancing the Night Away

This festival not only features incredible food and wine, but top musical entertainment from some of the nation's hottest bands. Last year's Moroccan-themed event under the tent, which offered culinary delights such as swordfish and lamb kabobs, chickpea fritters, grilled shrimp, and calamari and orzo salad (not to speak of a harem of belly dancers), inspired guests to work off their dinner by dancing the night away.

 

 

Moonlight Stroll
Moonlight Stroll

After indulging in some of Maine's premiere food and wine, there's nothing like a moonlight stroll on Kennebunk Beach to digest the day's happenings.