Moxie Festival 2026: Visitor's Guide
Only in Maine would a whole town throw a three-day party for a soft drink famous for tasting like medicine. The Moxie Festival returns to Lisbon Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12, 2026 — the festival's 42nd year, built around Moxie, the distinctively bitter beverage that Mainers have embraced as the state's official soft drink.
What the festival is
The Moxie Festival has been held on the second weekend in July in Lisbon, Maine since 1982, and the 2026 edition — themed "Moments in History with Moxie" — runs three full days. It draws Moxie lovers from across Maine, the US, and beyond. Per the organizers, the main events take place at Lisbon High School all weekend long, with activities spread around the Lisbon Falls area.
What to expect
- The Moxie Day Parade — the festival's signature event
- A Moxie chugging contest and a whoopie pie eating contest
- A 5K race and a classic car show
- Battle of the Bands and live music across the weekend
Check the official site for the full day-by-day schedule, which the organizers update as events are confirmed, along with parking and shuttle details.
Planning your visit
Lisbon Falls sits just off I-95 between Lewiston-Auburn and Brunswick, making the festival an easy day trip from southern and midcoast Maine. With main events centered at Lisbon High School and a free shuttle in the mix, it's an easy weekend to navigate.
Q: When and where is the Moxie Festival 2026?
The Moxie Festival runs Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Lisbon, Maine, with main events held at Lisbon High School. It's always the second weekend in July.
Q: What is Moxie?
Moxie is a distinctively bitter soft drink with deep New England roots, embraced as Maine's official state soft drink. The festival is a tongue-in-cheek celebration of it — and of small-town Maine summer.
Q: How long has the festival been running?
The Moxie Festival has been held since 1982. The 2026 edition marks its 42nd year.
Q: What are the signature events?
Highlights include the Moxie Day Parade, a Moxie chugging contest, a whoopie pie eating contest, a 5K race, a classic car show, and Battle of the Bands.
Related Reading
- Maine Food & Drink Festivals 2026: A Complete Guide — our pillar guide to Maine food festivals
- Machias Wild Blueberry Festival 2026: Visitor's Guide
- Maine Whoopie Pie Festival 2026: Visitor's Guide
- Maine Oyster Festival 2026: Visitor's Guide
Last updated: June 2026
