Harvest on The Harbor 2017

Maine Events

Prepare For Harvest on the Harbor 2017

October 13, 2017

Prepare for Harvest on the Harbor 2017

For a lot of people, October means fall, Halloween, and cooler weather. For me, it’s all about Harvest on the Harbor. I’m sure you can figure out why: over the years I’ve lived in Maine, it’s become the premiere event for foodies to come and experience why Portland is the best at being a foodie city. Since becoming a Maine resident 4 years ago, Harvest on the Harbor has undergone a fascinating evolution, and every year, it gets better and better.

There are several new components at Harvest on the Harbor this year, including new Sustainable Suppers at participating restaurants. These Sustainable Suppers are really taking what I love best about our food scene here in Portland, and expanding on them for a good cause. Participating restaurants include 555, Woodford F&B, UNION, Little Giant, and Inn By The Sea. These dinners are totally sustainable, and come complete with drink pairings. Dinners are Tuesday October 17th and October 18th.

Another new component at Harvest on the Harbor: a Harvest Crawl. Honestly, this sounds like one of the most fun events at Harvest on the Harbor, so you’ll definitely see me there. The Harvest Crawl is a food and drink self guided “crawl” around Portland tasting rooms, restaurants, retail spots, and bars. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good bar crawl (hello Santacon, can’t wait for December!) but a food and bar crawl? I wish someone had thought of this sooner! The Harvest Crawl takes place on Sunday, October 22nd from 11 am-3 pm.

Vena's Fizz House at Harvest on the Harbor.

I have to shine the spotlight on one of my favorite Harvest on the Harbor events, which is the Market on the Harbor. This event is my favorite because you get to try a little bit of everything. It’s incredibly fun to walk through and see what unique food is available at the Market. I’ve had delicious things like moose meatballs, frozen custard, cod crostini from Piccolo, and many, many others. There have been tasty milkshakes from b. good as well as sips from Vena’s Fizz House. This is the opportunity to get a taste of Maine, all in one enticing afternoon. This year, the Market on the Harbor takes place on Saturday, October 21st from 11 am-3 pm.

Happy hour lovers, this one is for you. Come out to Aura on October 20th from 5-7 pm and imbibe in spirits from members of Maine Craft Distiller’s Guild, with featured food pairings as well. We’re talking about tasting bars set up with things like vodka and veggies, brown goods and bacon (yum!) and gin and smoked seafood, among others. What could be more fun than happy hour, guys? Seriously.

The lobster chef competition at Harvest on the Harbor.

For lobster lovers, the ever popular Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Competition is back. Judges and attendees determine who the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year is, all while noshing on one of a kind lobster bites. Last year, I was able to attend, and by the end, I had visions of lobster dancing in front of me. Seafood lovers, it’s truly a savory experience that you won’t forget, I can promise you that. This year’s competition takes place at O’Maine Studios on October 20th from 12 pm-2 pm.

Want in on this year’s Harvest on the Harbor festivities? You can buy your tickets on Eventbrite here for individual events, on the Harvest on the Harbor Facebook page, or online on the Harvest on the Harbor website! And if you didn’t know, Harvest on the Harbor actually benefits Full Plates Full Potential, which has the goal of ending childhood hunger in Maine. So you can have an amazing time eating gourmet food and helping a great cause at the same time. It’s a win, win for everyone involved.