Special Events at PMM
Lectures, Workshops, Events
You’re invited to join us at Penobscot Marine Museum for our ongoing series of special events! For more information, contact Jeana Ganskop, Education Director, at 207-548-2529 or jganskop@pmm-maine.org.
- This event has passed.
SardineFest 2026

SardineFest
October 3, 2026 | 10am-4pmCome celebrate all things sardines!
October 3, 2026 | 10am to 4pm | Free AdmissionThanks to everyone who joined us this year for SardineFest: A free day celebrating Maine’s sardine industry and the coastal communities connected to it.
We'll have information our 2027 SardineFest soon!
2026 Highlights Included:
- Live Music
- Talks
- New Children's Stage featuring Sea Chanteys, Mr. Ropes, Meet a Lobsterman, Bob Lloyd Magic, and Ronda from Carver Memorial Library
- Sea Life Touch Tank with Herring Gut Coastal Science Center
- Crafts & Games
- Samples & Exhibitors
- Sardine Craft Exhibition Hall
- Meet Champion Sardine Packer Rita Willey
- Museum Exhibits & Set Sail Demonstrations
SardineFest was presented in conjunction with Sardineland, the museum’s exhibit exploring the people, places, and stories behind Maine’s sardine canning industry, from fishing and processing to the communities that depended on it.
Exhibit at SardineFest!
Showcase your products, services, or mission at SardineFest—a celebration of Maine’s coastal culture. We’re especially looking for food vendors and organizations tied to Maine’s maritime industry to help highlight our rich working waterfront. Spots are limited—apply now to be part of the fun!
Applications for exhibit space are now closed. Stay tuned for exhibit opportunities in our 2027 event!
Volunteer at SardineFest!
Volunteers help create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, assisting with event setup, guiding visitors, and supporting various festival activities. It’s an opportunity to connect with the community, learn about local history, and be part of a lively celebration of music, food, and the region’s storied sardine industry. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding way to make a positive impact while enjoying the festival firsthand.
Calling All Crafters!
Penobscot Marine Museum is seeking artists and crafters to showcase their creativity in the Sardine Crafts Exhibition Hall during the 2026 SardineFest. Submit your sardine-inspired work and be part of a fun, imaginative display celebrating this iconic piece of Maine’s coastal culture. Whether your style is traditional or unexpected, we’d love to see your take on the sardine.
SardineFest Schedule
Come join the fun at Sardinefest! 🐟 Admission is FREE, with a full schedule of activities, entertainment, and plenty to see and do. Check out the schedule and make a day of it!
Why Celebrate Sardines?
From the late 1800s through the early 2000s, Maine’s sardine industry played a major role in shaping coastal communities. The Penobscot Marine Museum’s Sardineland exhibit explores this rich history and its lasting impact on the people who lived it. SardineFest brings that story to life with fun activities, food, and entertainment for all ages as we honor a vital piece of Maine’s maritime past.
A Look Back at SardineFest 2025!










