Moxie Festival 2026: Lisbon, Maine Dates & Events

If you're “Mad about Moxie,” you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind celebration.

Looking for a fun summer road trip idea? Then set your sights on a Moxie-filled adventure in Lisbon, Maine this July. For three lively days, July 10th through July 12th, the town comes alive during the 42nd Annual Moxie Festival.

Part of what makes this event extra special is that Maine is famous for its summer food festivals, drawing visitors from all over for celebrations centered around local flavors and traditions. From lobster to blueberries, and of course Moxie, these festivals capture the spirit of Maine’s vibrant food culture and tight-knit communities.

The Moxie Festival draws fans from across Maine, around the United States, and even from overseas. Visitors gather to celebrate the state’s most iconic beverage while soaking up an atmosphere packed with energy and small-town charm.

Festivalgoers can enjoy a wide range of activities, including delicious food, carnival rides, games, local vendors, live music, fireworks, and a festive parade. Unique traditions like the Moxie chugging contest and whoopie pie eating contest add a quirky twist, while a classic car show and 5K race offer something for everyone. And of course, there’s plenty of Moxie to go around.

Since 1982, the festival has been held annually on the second weekend of July, becoming an iconic summer tradition in Maine.

The drink itself has deep roots. Created in 1876 by Augustin Thompson, Moxie is one of America’s first mass-produced soft drinks. Its distinctive flavor comes from gentian root extract, giving it a bold, slightly medicinal taste often compared to a spicier version of Dr Pepper.