Big Changes Coming to This Year’s Kennebec River Brewfest – Maine Beer Lovers, Take Note

Over the last few decades we have seen Maine become a hotspot for craft brewers and the people who love their beers.

When I was a young adult, the beer coolers were filled with Bud and Coors.  These days, you can still find domestics, but now there are also dozens of creatively named lagers, IPAs, and stouts.

If you love craft beers, one of the best ways to try a bunch all at once is one of our Maine brewfests.  We are fortunate to have a brewfest somewhere in Maine just about every summer weekend.

It looks like we are going to be getting some major changes to one of our favorite brewfests, the Kennebec River Brewfest.

The 2026 Kennebec River Brewfest in Augusta, Maine

What is now the brewfest got its start as a side event at the iconic Whatever Festival.

As it grew in popularity, the Kennebec River Brewfest eclipsed the rest of the festival.  Within a few years, that festival was gone, but the brewfest stayed.  And, over the years, it grew to become one of the biggest brewfests in Maine.

This year's brewfest, which will be held on August 8th, will be a little different.

First, the event is no longer being organized by the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Instead, this year's event will be ran by the Augusta Downtown Alliance.

Additionally, the location for the event has changed.  Instead of being at Augusta's Mill Park, the event is being moved to Waterfront Park.  That's the picturesque park on Augusta's Front Street.

Attendees can expect to sample brews from several dozen local and regional breweries.  Tickets will get you unlimited tastings of these beers.

Plus, there'll be live music from John Buffalo.

Tickets start at $35 and there are special designated driver tickets for jut $15.

You can get additional details and tickets HERE