🦞 The Claw Down & Fishin’ for Fashion: Maine’s Ultimate 2025 Coastal Food & Style Weekend!

Writer: Gerry Caron | June 5, 2025 | 7 min read

⚓ A High-Energy Coastal Collision: Flavor Meets Flair in Boothbay Harbor

Get ready for the most pulse-pounding weekend on the Midcoast! In 2025, Boothbay Harbor is the epicenter of Maine’s culinary and creative soul. The Claw Down & Fishin’ for Fashion is more than just a festival; it’s a high-stakes celebration where world-class lobster craftsmanship meets “industrial-chic” sustainable style.

Imagine the scent of fresh sea air mixed with butter-poached lobster, followed by a runway show featuring designs made from the very gear that hauls in the catch. This is Maine at its most authentic, innovative, and stylish. Whether you’re a foodie, a fashionista, or an adventurer seeking the “Real Maine,” this weekend is your mandatory 2025 coastal escape.

🦞 Savor the Victory: The Claw Down (June 12, 2025)

Kick off the summer with a savory splash! At The Claw Down, top local chefs go head-to-head in a high-intensity lobster bite competition. Hosted at the scenic Shipyard waterfront, this is your chance to taste the absolute best of the Midcoast.

• The Stakes: Vote for the “People’s Choice Award” while a panel of expert judges crowns the Champion—who will move on to the state finals at Harvest on the Harbor in Portland!

• 📍 Venue: 120 Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538

🎟️ 2025 Ticket Options:

• 👑 VIP Experience ($125): * Champagne welcome at 5:00 PM in the Shipyard Museum.

  • Exclusive early access (5:15–6:00 PM) to beat the crowds.

  • Two complimentary drinks, exclusive parking, and a VIP swag gift.

• ⚓ General Admission ($95): * Entry at 6:00 PM.

  • Full access to all tastings and one complimentary drink token.

👗 Runway Meets Rope: Fishin’ for Fashion (June 14, 2025)

Return for a truly one-of-a-kind spectacle celebrating its 10th Anniversary! Witness the maritime world transformed into high fashion as models strut the runway in sustainable designs made from lobster traps, ropes, buoys, and sailcloth.

• The Original Designs Competition: Local creators compete for your vote in this high-energy “Industrial Runway.”

• 🛍️ Makers Market: Shop artisan coastal goods before and after the show.

• 👜 Bespoke Bag Auction: Bid on handcrafted, sea-inspired handbags to support community youth programs.

🎟️ 2025 Ticket Options:

• 👑 VIP Tickets ($75): Champagne reception (1:00 PM), front-row runway seating, and early market entry.

• ⚓ General Admission ($45): Entry at 2:00 PM; show begins at 2:30 PM.

• 🎓 Youth Admission (18 & under): $18.

🚤 The Ultimate Triple Threat: Don’t Forget the Boat Races!

Maximize your weekend energy by catching the Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races on Saturday morning (June 14). It’s a high-octane display of raw horsepower and maritime grit that perfectly complements the elegance of the fashion show later that day.

🏨 Your Premier Sanctuary: Moose River Lookout

After a weekend of coastal excitement, retreat to the ultimate sanctuary of the Highlands. Moose River Lookout in Rockwood offers an idyllic riverside escape at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Elite Proximity: Perfectly positioned for a scenic road trip from the Midcoast to the North Woods.

• Direct Trail Access: Step out your back door onto ITS66 for year-round exploration.

• Riverside Luxury: A modern 3-bedroom retreat with a private dock—the perfect basecamp to relax and reflect on your 2025 Claw Down memories.

Book Your Sanctuary:

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: [email protected]

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478

• Website: Moose River Lookout

🧭 2025 Planning Essentials

• 📍 Chamber Address: 192 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME

• 📞 Contact: (207) 633-2353

• 🌐 Website: boothbayharbor.com/the-claw-down

• 🚐 Pro Tip: Use the free trolley shuttle from Carousel Music Theater to skip the downtown parking hustle!