October Means Harvest on the Harbor in Portland, Maine
With the calendar officially reading October, it’s time to secure tickets for Harvest on the Harbor, October 24-26, 2024!
Georgetown’s Eros Oysters offers a dory full!
Harvest on the Harbor offers focused samples from local distilleries, oyster farms, and lobster prepared by local chefs. It’s like one of our foodie tours, but the vendors come to a single spot under one roof. Harvest on the Harbor is another substantial and deliciously direct way to get to know Portland Maine‘s culinary and craft beverage scene!
Harvest on the Harbor has been Portland’s leading food showcase for almost 20 years, first hosted at Thompson’s Point and moving back onto the peninsula to the O’Maine Studios soundstage for the last five years or so. O’Maine Studio’s is located just outside the Old Port, half a block up Danforth Street from the John Ford statue.
This area of downtown has accessible street parking or is a short walk from many garages and local lots. If you’ve been meaning to spend a weekend tasting your way through Portland, Maine, Harvest on the Harbor is another of Portland’s culinary opportunities knocking.
View the bottom of our blog for the Harvest on the Harbor Event Schedule.
Portland’s Oxbow Brewing Taproom representing at the 2023 Maine OysterFest.
I (Ray) have played these festivals every fall for the last 6 or 7 years with my traditional New Orleans band, the Hadacol Bouncers, both for the distillery showcase, as well as the Maine OysterFest, which happens a day or two later. Usually there are a couple of two-hour sessions per day that give you time to wander the venue, including courtyard patio, and sample appropriately small vessels of local distillations to discover your favorites in a compact space and time frame. It would be hard to do this out in the wild without getting gloriously inebriated, and Harvest on the Harbor represents a wonderful opportunity to sort out the local hidden gems suited to one’s personal palate.
It’s all very tasteful and festive, and you’re bound to run into friends. I, Ray Sapirstein, an MDV walking guide will be playing cornet, so you will already have a friend there. I invite you to come by, say hi, and sing along, and feel free to chat me up for recommendations and insights during set breaks.
The Hadacol Bouncers playing New Orleans classics at the 2022 HOTH Distillery fest.
Continuing with staples of Maine’s culinary scene, Harvest on the Harbor is partnering with The Maine Oyster Company to host OysterFest on October 26.
OysterFest sessions feature 25 or so local oyster farms, each with two or more reps shucking non-stop to meet demand. To best prepare for a great day, arrive early and expect there may be wait times. Oysterfest is a great way to taste a diverse sample of oysters from Maine’s coast, meet the farmers, and learn about Maine’s world-renowned regional aquaculture producers.
Scarborough’s Nonesuch and Freeport’s Wolfe Neck Oyster Farm counters. It doesn’t get more local!
Harvest on the Harbor has remained one of my central means of getting to know Portland, Maine’s local craft beer and distillery producers, as well as the burgeoning oyster scene, spanning southern Maine up through the mid-coast.
The OysterFest sessions feature several local breweries, as well as the distillery showcase session; the event is accompanied by finger foods and treats from area chefs. In addition to great food and drink, Harvest on the Harbor has been an opportunity to learn more about the hard work and dedication of Maine’s culinary leaders. It also doesn’t hurt that you can score some choice swag at the event. Stickers and wearables are a great means of remembering what you like!
Stickers of different brewers, oyster farmers, and vendors from OysterFest.
The swag I have collected over the years enables me to shout out local producers…and remember what I like!
This year’s Harvest on the Harbor (HOTH) sessions are:
- The Maine Cocktail Classic
Thursday, October 24th at 5 PM
Meet distillers from the Maine Distillers Guild and explore the craftsmanship behind their spirits. Whether you love gin, vodka, bourbon, or rum, there’s something for everyone. Your ticket includes delicious Mediterranean snacks from TIQA.
- The 2024 Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Competition
Friday, October 25th at 12:30PM
Sample unique lobster creations from over a dozen top Maine chefs and meet the culinary minds behind them.
This year’s competition, hosted by chefs include Thomas Barthelmes (Finestkind), David Brown (Seaglass at the Inn by the Sea), Ryan Hickman (The Knotted Apron), Baxter Key (Highroller Lobster Co.), Ilma Lopez & Damian Sansonetti (Chaval), Austin Miller (Mami), Lori Mitchell (Boothbay Craft Brewery), Wilson Rothschild (Terlingua) with Al Zoni (Ocotillo), Jordan Rubin (Mr. Tuna), and Philip Sokolowski (TIQA).
- From the Sea: A Culinary Voyage + Oyster Shucking Competition
October 25th from 6-8 PM.
Explore fresh seafood, ocean-made products, and all the coastal flavors that capture the spirit of Maine’s waters.
Cheer on your favorite shucker, sip and savor delicious craft beverages, including non-alcoholic options while tasting seafood and tasty bites from numerous area smoke and fish houses.
- Maine OysterFest with The Maine Oyster Company
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Session One: Doors open at 1 PM
Session Two: Doors open at 4 PM
A perennial favorite, OysterFest includes unlimited fresh-shucked oysters in two, two-hour sessions, traditionally hosting. more than 2 dozen local oyster farmers and business owners.
All two-hour sessions are priced well at about $100 or so, the lobster session is a bit more, the distillers’ and seafood showcases are a bit less at $80.
Words and Photos: Ray Sapirstein, Maine Day Ventures
Portland Food and History Walking Guide