Get ready for a delicious adventure because the sweetest day in Maine is officially on the horizon. Therefore, you should mark your calendar right now for June 13th, 2026.
The annual Maine Whoopie Pie Festival returns to Dover-Foxcroft on that Saturday. Consequently, thousands of dessert lovers will soon gather at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds. They will celebrate Maine’s official state treat in style.
Do you love classic chocolate treats, or are you searching for wild, creative flavor combinations instead? Fortunately, over 30 talented bakers will showcase their best work this year. For this reason, they are bringing hundreds of unique varieties for you to sample.
Planning ahead makes your festival experience much smoother. For example, you can buy tickets, merchandise, and passes early. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 event.
Festival Essentials and Ticket Information
The big event kicks off on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. Meanwhile, the gates open wide at 10:00 AM. The sweet fun then continues all day until 4:00 PM.
Importantly, the festival happens rain or shine. Do not let a few rain clouds keep you away from the fun. Admission costs just $6 per person, and best of all, kids ages 12 and under get in free.
Your entry fee includes four starter tokens. You can easily exchange these tokens for tasty whoopie pie samples. If you want more samples, you can buy extra tokens later. These extra tokens cost 25 cents each directly in the baker area.
To improve the experience, organizers are doubling the number of entrance gates this year. This change helps everyone get inside much faster. In addition, token sales are moving directly into the baker area to reduce long lines.
Please remember to leave your pets at home. According to the venue rules, the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds only allows certified service dogs on the property.
Secure Your VIP Passes and Merchandise Early
Do you want to beat the crowds? If so, you can purchase a special fast pass online. A fast pass lets you skip the main entrance lines entirely.
Similarly, you can grab a premium VIP Parking Pass. This pass lets you park incredibly close to the action. Ultimately, it saves your legs for walking around the fairgrounds.
Festival merchandise is also available to order right now. Thus, you can wear fun whoopie pie gear all year long.
However, you must pay close attention to the strict shipping and pickup deadlines. The team will accept orders for shipping until June 5th. After that date, all orders transition to local pickup only.
Specifically, you must pick up these orders at the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft. The final deadline for pickup is June 12th. Because the theater will be closed on June 13th, pickups will not be available at the festival itself.
You can secure your advance tickets and gear online. Simply visit the official Center Theatre Online Store to browse available items.
A Century of Sweet Maine History
The whoopie pie is not a traditional pie at all. Instead, it features a rich, creamy filling layered between two soft cookies. Mainers have loved this classic confection for well over a century.
For many decades, these treats remained a well-kept local secret. That changed back in 2009, however. The first official festival gathered the finest bakers from across New England.
The event quickly grew into a massive success. Subsequently, in 2011, the state legislature made the whoopie pie Maine’s Official State Treat. Today, it stands proudly as the largest annual event in beautiful Piscataquis County.
Furthermore, the festival provides an incredible economic boost to the region. It proudly benefits the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts and the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce. You can learn more about their year-round cultural work by visiting the Center Theatre Website.
Complete 2026 Schedule of Activities
Naturally, you cannot eat whoopie pies non-stop for six hours. Fortunately, the organizers plan a full day of diverse activities for everyone.
10:00 AM — Whoopie Pie 1K/3K Road Race
First, you can earn your dessert by running or walking. The Piscataquis Area Community Center hosts this fun annual road race. Sign up early by calling (207) 464-6773. Registration opens at 9:00 AM at 48 Park Street. Afterward, the kids’ 1K starts at 10:00 AM, and the 3K race begins at 10:30 AM.
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Varney Agency Kid’s Zone
Simultaneously, you can bring the whole family to enjoy games and rides. This massive youth area features interactive bounce houses and amazing live magic shows. Kids can also enjoy memorable pony rides provided by the wonderful staff at Infinity Farm.
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Teddy Bear Clinic and Live Mural Painting
During the same hours, bring your favorite injured stuffed animal to the Northern Light Mayo Hospital ambulance. Medical staff will patch your bear right up. Nearby, you can also watch the talented Color Wizard paint a giant 8×8 mural live and snap a photo with the completed artwork.
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Bear’s Den Beer Garden Opens
Next, adults can head over to Hall Two for a refreshing beverage. The beer garden sits just east of the main food court. Therefore, it offers a great place to sit back, relax, and chat.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM — Live Music by Riff Johnson
While you relax, you can enjoy great tunes. Maine’s busiest touring musician will entertain crowds directly from the Bear’s Den Beer Garden stage.
11:30 AM — Youth Whoopie Pie Eating Contest
Later in the morning, watch the competitive eating action unfold in the main Baker Area. Children ages 12 and under will compete to see who can eat these treats the fastest.
12:00 PM — Teen Whoopie Pie Eating Contest
Immediately following the kids, the sweet competition continues in the Baker Area. Local teenagers take the stage next to test their speed and stomach capacity.
12:30 PM — Adult Whoopie Pie Eating Contest
As a highlight, cheer on the adults ages 20 and up. Competitors race against the clock to devour giant whoopie pies. Consequently, this event always draws a massive, cheering crowd.
2:30 PM — The Harold J. Crosby Community Band
Finally, head over to the main performance stage as the afternoon winds down. This talented community band will entertain festival attendees with wonderful live music.
Explore the Beautiful Piscataquis Region
In conclusion, you can easily turn your festival trip into a memorable summer vacation. Piscataquis County offers incredible natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
For example, you can enjoy swimming, boating, and world-class fishing at nearby Sebec Lake. In addition, the region boasts quiet, scenic hikes along the famous Appalachian Trail.
Take some time to explore the welcoming, walkable local communities. Then, you can find excellent regional lodging, dining, and shopping options.
Are you looking for more details on local travel? You can head over to the official Maine Whoopie Pie Festival Website to explore regional maps and vendor lists. Get ready for a truly spectacular weekend in Dover-Foxcroft.
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