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Join us on Saturday, May 31st for Wormfest 2025! 

About

Welcome to Wiscasset Wormfest!

Wormfest celebrates the unique heritage and vibrant spirit of Wiscasset, the "worm capital of the world." Through food, fun, and festivities, we bring our community together to honor our working waterfront, cherish local traditions, and share the charm of our town with neighbors and visitors alike.

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Photo Courtesy of Wiscasset Newspaper

Schedule

Saturday, May 31, 11am-7pm

Location: Railroad Avenue, Wiscasset

11am

Wormfest begins!

11:00-3:00pm

Kids activities and touch tank, plus free food for kids 11am-1pm. 

11:00-2:00pm

Deadly Desire

The best 80s cover band around featuring a local as the lead singer! 

3-4pm

Relay Races and
Mud Pie Eating Contest

When pie is involved, you know it will be entertaining! Sign up to compete in either the adult or kids competition to eat mud pies (chocolate cream, oreo crumbles, and a gummy worm).

4-7pm

Something Stupid performs

Something Stupid is Maine's best cover and wedding band and will have you on your feet. Bring your dancing shoes for this awesome show. All ages welcome!

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More about Wiscasset & the Worm Digging Industry

Wiscasset, Maine, earning its moniker as the "worm capital," boasts a thriving worming industry deeply rooted in its maritime heritage and rich coastal ecosystem. The industry revolves around the harvesting and cultivation of bloodworms and sandworms, prized bait for anglers seeking to lure fish from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.

At the heart of Wiscasset's worming industry are the intrepid harvesters who brave the mudflats and tidal estuaries in search of these elusive creatures. Armed with rakes and shovels, they scour the muddy substrate, carefully extracting the wriggling worms buried beneath the surface. The process requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the tides and currents that govern the worms' movements.

Once harvested, the worms are meticulously sorted and packed for distribution to bait shops and fishing enthusiasts across the region. Demand for Wiscasset's bloodworms and sandworms is robust, fueled by the area's reputation for producing some of the finest bait in the country.

The worming industry also plays a vital role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities for residents and supporting ancillary businesses such as bait shops, tackle manufacturers, and tourism ventures. Visitors flock to Wiscasset to witness the spectacle of worm harvesting firsthand, immersing themselves in the unique sights and sounds of this time-honored tradition.

Background Photo courtesy of Kasey Mullins

Interesting in making a donation?

Wiscasset Wormfest is proudly underneath the umbrella of the Wiscasset Creative Alliance (a 501c3) and therefore your donations are fully tax-deductible. All funds raised over the cost of the event will be given out to two or more Wiscasset high school senior students in the form of a scholarship. Click below to donate!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park?

Plenty of parking is available in several public lots (Middle and Water St., you can park at the Wiscasset Elementary School, and general street parking. 

Are there restrooms? 

Yes! Scout Hall will be open for restrooms (next to the Ancient Cemetery on Lincoln Street), there are portapotties near Red's Eats and the Creamery Pier, and there are restrooms on the other end of Water Street by the Commercial Pier. 

Will there be food? 

Definitely! We'll have multiple food vendors throughout the day as well as a beer garden for adults in the evening. Plus, kids can win free candy at the carnival games.  

How do I sign up for the relay or pie-eating contest?

Look for a table for signs up Railroad Avenue when you arrive and we'll get you signed up!

Need to contact us? Reach out at wiscassetwormfest@gmail.com

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