Welcome to Maine’s favorite summer tradition where the historic streets of Yarmouth are ready to welcome you. The community is buzzing with excitement because it is time for a beloved coastal celebration. This Yarmouth Maine Summer Street Festival Guide will help you make the most of the festivities.
The Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce proudly presents this official guide to the festival. This year marks a massive milestone as we are celebrating more than six decades of community spirit. Therefore, you should grab your calendar right now and mark the dates for an unforgettable weekend.
The 61st Anniversary of the Yarmouth Clam Festival
Event Details
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Dates: Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, 2026
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Location: Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine
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Admission: Free for everyone
This special event always takes place on the third Friday in July. What started small has grown tremendously over the decades. In 1965, the event began as a simple local clambake. Today, it stands proudly as one of New England’s premier summer events.
Consequently, the festival attracts more than 85,000 visitors annually. Massive crowds gather to celebrate coastal culture while delicious seafood awaits every single guest. Furthermore, exceptional live entertainment fills the air all weekend long.
Behind the scenes, the true magic happens through people. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly together. As a result, they create a safe, fun, and memorable experience. Their hard work continuously drives the entire celebration forward.
More Than a Festival: Supporting Our Local Non-Profits
This weekend offers delicious food and great fun. However, the festival serves a much larger purpose. It acts as a primary economic driver for our town. More than 30 local nonprofits rely on these festival proceeds to sustain their vital programming all year long.
Local boosters use these critical funds for youth development. For example, they make participation highly accessible for families. The money covers costs for expensive sports equipment, hockey ice time, and team uniforms. Additionally, it purchases musical instruments for students.
Other vital organizations benefit immensely from the weekend. The Downeasters Barbershop Chorus relies on this revenue. Similarly, the Yarmouth Lions Club provides major financial assistance to neighbors in need.
In 2024, First Parish Church achieved something incredible. They reinvested $47,000 of festival earnings into the community. Their successful Community Grant program funded crucial local initiatives and supported 23 distinct organizations. Thus, your attendance directly fuels these wonderful causes.
What’s New: Entertainment, Family Programming & Sustainability
Innovation meets tradition at this year’s event. In 2025, we celebrated our historic 60th anniversary. We added new entertainment acts and partnerships while we honored our long-standing coastal traditions.
Furthermore, we took major steps to protect the environment. The festival successfully diverted 77% of its total waste. We achieved this through aggressive composting and recycling efforts.
For 2026, we are building directly on that wonderful progress. We are introducing more inclusive family programming. Exciting new performers will take the stages. Most importantly, we have a stronger commitment to waste reduction to keep Yarmouth beautiful.
Why Your Support Matters
Large public festivals often receive government grants. In contrast, the Yarmouth Clam Festival operates much differently. We receive no public grants or charitable donations.
The festival is organized by the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is a dedicated 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. Funding comes entirely from corporate sponsorships, vendor fees, and crafter booth applications.
Operational costs continue to rise each year. Therefore, your personal support plays a critical role in keeping this beloved tradition alive.
Be a Part of the 2026 Yarmouth Clam Festival
Are you a long-time supporter of the event? Perhaps you are visiting our town for the first time. Either way, we invite you to celebrate Yarmouth’s rich history.
Corporate sponsors gain meaningful brand exposure to massive crowds. You can view our official 2026 Sponsorship Packages online at the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce website, www.yarmouthmaine.org.
Want to Volunteer?
We need your energy to make this event successful. Specifically, we need volunteers for the festival weekend itself. Additionally, we seek year-round Volunteer Chairs who dedicate time to advance the festival’s core mission.
Current open leadership opportunities include:
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Special Events Management
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Family Area Coordination
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Craft Show Supervision
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Corporate Sponsorships
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Social Media & Marketing
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Food Booth Operations
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Parking & Shuttles Logistics
Are you interested in getting involved? Please send an email to the organizers at [email protected]. Let us come together to make this year the best yet.
The Highlight Event: 2026 Parade Theme
Comics & Cartoon Classics!
The legendary parade takes place on Friday night. It remains an absolute festival favorite every year. Visitors travel from far away to witness the spectacle.
Thousands of excited locals line the historic sidewalks. The parade covers a mile-and-a-half route. The hour-long show features colorful floats and antique cars. Meanwhile, talented musicians march alongside unique New England entertainers.
Our creative theme this year is Comics & Cartoon Classics. We hope this theme inspires your imagination. Grab your co-workers, neighbors, and teammates. Form a group with your family members to reenact your favorite comic strip.
The parade starts promptly at 6:00 pm on Friday night. You must come early to secure a good spot because local streets will close down at 5:30 pm.
Are you interested in sponsoring the 2026 Parade? Please email the committee at [email protected]. To register your walking unit, truck, or float, submit the 2026 Parade Application via the official website at www.clamfestival.com.
Full Schedule of Signature Events
The excitement kicks off on Friday evening. The fun continues all weekend long. You will find incredible competitions for the entire family. Finally, the festival finishes Sunday afternoon with a classic car show.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Clam Festival Parade
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Time: 6:00 pm
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Location: Main Street
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Theme: Comics & Cartoon Classics!
Get creative and design a magnificent float. We welcome vehicles, marching bands, and walking groups.
Our special thanks go to Parade Director Courtney Kennedy. Participants can reach her via email at [email protected]. Click the official festival website links at www.clamfestival.com to register your float.
Sponsors for this event include Casco Bay Ford at www.cascobayford.com, Lindquist Funeral Home, and M&T Bank Yarmouth.
Friday Street Closures
Local police will close specific streets from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Plan your travel route carefully. Affected roads include Main Street, West Elm Street, McCartney Street, and Portland Street. School Street remains closed until 11:30 pm.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Kids’ Fun Run
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Time: 7:15 am Start Time
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Location: Main Street at Memorial Green
Registration fees are $15 for ages 3 to 6 and $20 for ages 7 to 12. The first 300 registered runners receive official T-shirts. Sign up early to secure your shirt. Click the registration links on the main site at www.clamfestival.com to join.
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Early Packet Pickup: Friday, July 17 at Memorial Green Tent from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Race-Day Schedule:
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6:00 am – 7:10 am: Race-Day Registration
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7:15 am: 1/2-mile fun run for ages 3–6
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7:30 am: 1-mile race for ages 7–12
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9:00 am: Official awards presentation
This race is proudly sponsored by InterMed at www.intermed.com, Riverview Physical Therapy, and Taymil Partners.
Fun Run Street Closures
Roads close from 6:30 am to 9:30 am. Closed streets include Main Street, East Elm Street, School Street, and Bridge Street.
The 43rd Annual Pat’s Pizza Clam Festival Classic
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Time: 8:00 am
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Location: Main Street at Memorial Green
This historic race draws elite runners from across the region. The first 500 registered runners get custom T-shirts.
The Maine Track Club manages this competitive course. All Sports Events provides professional Chronotrack timing.
The entry fee is $40 for applications postmarked by 7-11-2026. After that date, the fee increases to $45.
Cash prizes include $150 for the first male and female finishers. Additionally, the top male and female masters receive $75.
Pick up your race packet on race day from 6:15 am to 7:55 am at Memorial Green, 200 Main Street, Yarmouth, ME.
We present special awards for age group winners. The Leon Gorman Award honors the first finishing Yarmouth resident. Register online today at www.clamfestival.com to secure your spot.
This event is sponsored by Pat’s Pizza Yarmouth at www.patspizzayarmouth.com.
Classic Race Street Closures
Roads close from 6:30 am to 9:00 am. Closed roads include Main Street, East Elm Street, School Street, and Bridge Street.
K9 Demonstration
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Time: 10:00 am
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Location: Kids’ Area, Library Back Lawn
Local police officers showcase the amazing talents of their canine partners. Watch these intelligent dogs perform specialized drills. Meet the stars and their professional handlers after the show.
This demonstration is sponsored by Bath Savings Institution at www.bathsavings.bank.
Maine State Clam Shucking Contest
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Time: 11:00 am
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Location: Memorial Green Tent
Come watch the fastest hands in the state. Better yet, enter the competition yourself.
Prizes go to the quickest shuckers in professional and amateur heats. Two exciting celebrity heats set the competitive edge. Popular TV and radio personalities compete for regional bragging rights.
Professional and amateur registration begins at 10:30 am at the tent. Do not miss this classic coastal event.
Sponsors include Norway Savings Bank at www.norwaysavings.bank, Northern Light Mercy Hospital, and Hannaford Yarmouth.
Blueberry Pie Eating Contest
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Time: 1:30 pm
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Location: First Parish Church Stage
Winning this classic contest is as easy as pie. The event is incredibly fun to try. Alternatively, take a front-row seat to cheer for competitors.
First Parish Church generously provides all the delicious pies. We limit registrations per age group. Sign up directly at the church on upper Main Street.
This tasty contest is sponsored by Flycatcher, LLC.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Annual Clam Festival Professional Bike Race
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Time: 9:00 am
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Location: Main Street at Memorial Green
Watch high-speed racing action right downtown. The course starts and finishes on Main Street.
Riders tackle a challenging 3.6-mile loop featuring one short climb. The men’s division features 10 laps totaling 36 miles. The women’s division features 6 laps totaling 21.6 miles.
There are $1,500 in prizes and primes available. The field is strictly limited to 100 riders max per race. The Portland Velo Club presents this event.
The United States Cycling Federation sanctions this official event. All USCF road racing rules strictly apply. Register online today and view the official race map at www.clamfestival.com.
Sponsors include Garmin and Maine Community Bank at www.mainebank.com.
Bike Race Street Closures
Police will close Main Street from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. The closure covers the area between East Main Street and West Elm Street.
Automobile traffic on the rest of the course faces restrictions. Cars must move exclusively in the direction of bicycle traffic. Expect long delays throughout the morning.
Affected roads include East Elm Street, Leighton Road, North Road, and East Main Street.
Diaper Derby
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Time: 12:00 pm
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Location: Memorial Green Tent
This hilarious event is an absolute crowd favorite. It is a total blast for crawlers and toddlers alike.
NewsCenter 6’s popular host Chris Costa hosts the derby. We award great prizes for first and second-place winners across three age divisions.
Parents must register their children on the day of the event at the tent. Bring your cameras for these priceless moments.
This event is sponsored by Cumberland County Federal Credit Union at www.ccfcudigital.com.
Main Street Rumble
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Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (Car Display: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
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Location: Main Street in front of the Memorial Green Tent
The festival rolls to a beautiful close with this spectacular car show. The Main Street Rumble is an exclusive, invite-only event.
The excitement begins when the vehicles make their grand entrance. A formal police escort guides them into the heart of the festival. See stunning classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds.
Do you want to show off your special vehicle? Click the registration link at www.clamfestival.com to submit your ride today.
Sponsors include Bath Savings at www.bathsavings.bank, Casco Bay Ford at www.cascobayford.com, Maine Line Fence, and Yarmouth Payroll.
Plan Your Yarmouth Weekend
This historic three-day celebration offers something special for everyone. Enjoy incredible food, thrilling races, and deep community traditions.
We cannot wait to celebrate our 61st anniversary with you. Travel safely to Yarmouth this July. See you on Main Street. For general inquiries, remember to contact us at [email protected] or visit www.clamfestival.com.
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