🥧 Rhubarb Fest Magic at Kendall Farm: The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Maine’s Tartest Tradition

Writer: Gerry Caron | June 1, 2025 | 6 min read

🌿 Welcome to the Rhubarb Revolution: A Downeast Maine Masterpiece

Every year on the first Saturday in June, the quiet town of Perry transforms into the high-energy epicenter of the culinary world’s most misunderstood ingredient. Welcome to the Rhubarb Festival at Kendall Farm—a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things tart, tasty, and traditionally Maine.

Launched in 2022 by Georgie Kendall to honor her grandmother Leona’s baking legacy, this festival has quickly become an elite summer kickoff event. In 2025, the “Rhubarb Revolution” is in full swing, blending food heritage, sustainable farming, and community spirit into a day of pure Downeast magic. Whether you’re a pie connoisseur, a master gardener, or just looking for an authentic Bold Coast experience, this is your mandatory first stop of the season.

📅 The 2025 Festival Intel: Save the Date

• Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

• Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Location: Kendall Farm, 599 Shore Rd, Perry, ME 04667

• Theme: “Pies, Pies and More Pies!”

• Admission: By donation (Supporting local food heritage & community programs).

• Web: kendallfarmcottages.com

🧁 2025 Highlights: High-Energy Fun for All Ages

🥧 The “Pies, Pies, and More Pies” Experience

In 2025, the festival doubles down on its namesake. Experience the Pie Ladies’ Bakery pop-up, participate in high-stakes pie crust workshops with master baker Rich Fulghum, and witness the legendary rhubarb-stalk-eating competition.

🥂 The New “Rhu Bar”

Step up to the most unique bar in the Highlands! Enjoy artisanal rhubarb mocktails and curated “rhubarbuterie” boards featuring local cheeses, meats, and rhubarb-infused chutneys.

🌿 Master Classes & Workshops

• Planting & Care: Learn the secrets of high-yield rhubarb with Ellen Johnson (Lamb Cove Farm).

• Creative Cooking: Discover the savory side of rhubarb with Wendy Candelmo.

• Fermentation: Explore the world of Rhubarb Wine Making with Mike Look.

• Preservation: Master the art of canning the harvest with Iva Kinney.

🎶 The Downeast Sound: 2025 Live Music Lineup

The air will be filled with the sounds of Maine from noon until dusk:

• Celtic String Things!

• Lucy Zwigard and Friends

• Gene Nichols & the Ukulele Club

• DJ John Z (Spinning the high-energy festival hits)

🛍️ Browse the Bounty: The 2025 Vendor Market

With over 30 local farms, artisans, and makers, the Kendall Farmstead becomes a premier shopping destination.

• Local Icons: Smithereen Farm, Three Islands Oysters, and Scythe Supply.

• Artisans: Crystal Electric Crafts, Moon Shadow Stone Jewelry, and dozens of Downeast creators.

🧭 Visitor Essentials: Know Before You Go

• The Essentials: Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray (this is the Maine woods, after all!).

• Comfort: Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the music.

• Etiquette: This is a rain-or-shine, family-friendly event. No pets, no vaping, and no smoking are permitted on the historic farmstead grounds.

• Payment: While many vendors take cards, cash is king for donations and small purchases.

🏨 Your Premier Sanctuary: Moose River Lookout

After a day of celebrating the harvest in Perry, 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 cross-state road trip from the Bold Coast to the North Woods.

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

• Riverside Luxury: A modern 3-bedroom retreat with a private dock—the perfect place to reflect on your 2025 Rhubarb Fest memories while the sun sets over the river.

Book Your Sanctuary:

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: [email protected]

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478

• Website: Moose River Lookout