Swine & Stein Brewfest

Swine & Stein Brewfest is an annual autumn craft beverage festival held in downtown Gardiner, Maine — drawing over 2,000 attendees to an open-air beer garden along the riverfront. The event brings together more than 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries for a day centered on Maine craft beverages and pork-inspired food. Exact dates and ticket prices for the upcoming edition have not yet been announced.

Swine & Stein Brewfest is defined by the combination of local craft producers and food vendors, with participating establishments including Bateau Brewing, Cushnoc Brewing, Flight Deck Brewing, and Chadwick's Craft Spirits. Vendors serve seasonal and signature beverages alongside a food lineup built around pork: pulled pork nachos, bacon-wrapped dishes, and gourmet sausages are among the offerings. The festival's stein-hoisting competition is a recurring crowd draw, challenging participants to hold a full stein of beer at arm's length for as long as possible. Live music from local acts — including The Real McCoys and The Holy Mackerels — performs on a riverfront stage throughout the event.

Beyond the main tasting area, Swine & Stein Brewfest includes beer cheese pairings, a home brewing demonstration area, and guided tastings led by Maine brewmasters. These structured elements make the festival accessible to attendees who want more than casual sampling. The open-air beer garden format keeps the atmosphere relaxed and social, while the riverfront setting in Gardiner adds a distinct sense of place. Ticket pricing and General Admission versus VIP tier details have not been confirmed for the upcoming event; prospective attendees should check official channels for updates as the date approaches.

Gardiner sits along the Kennebec River in central Maine, a region with a growing craft beverage scene that has expanded steadily over the past decade. Maine's craft brewing industry is among the most active in New England, and Swine & Stein Brewfest — with its 20-plus participating producers and attendance exceeding 2,000 — reflects that momentum. The festival's pairing of regional craft production with a strong food program gives it a character distinct from standard tasting events.