Swine & Stein Brewfest

The annual autumn gathering in downtown Gardiner brings together Maine's finest craft brewers and food artisans for a celebration of pork-inspired dishes and local brews. Over twenty breweries, wineries and distilleries, provide more than 2,000 attendees with a variety of drinks in the open-air beer garden. Local favorites like Bateau Brewing, Cushnoc Brewing, Flight Deck Brewing, and Chadwick's Craft Spirits serve up seasonal and signature beverages, while food vendors offer creative pork dishes including pulled pork nachos, bacon-wrapped delicacies, and gourmet sausages. Enjoy live music with performances from local bands including The Real McCoys and The Holy Mackerels on the riverfront stage. A crowd favorite is the annual stein-hoisting competition where participants test their endurance by holding a full stein of beer at arm's length. Festival highlights include beer cheese pairings, a home brewing demonstration area, and guided tastings from Maine's most knowledgeable brewmasters.