‘A foodie festival’: The Big E state fair overflows with Maine eats

CENTRAL MAINE • September 8, 2026

In between the Big Parade, the giant slide and the petting zoo, Maine’s restaurants, food trucks and agricultural associations are on full display at The Big E. The Big E, the only multistate fair featuring all six New England states and located in West Springfield, Massachusetts, drew over 1.5 million visitors last year. For its 2026 run from Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, there’s even more to sample. From blueberries to lobster rolls to whoopie pies, visitors get a chance to meet the small businesses and agriculturists behind their favorite Maine foods and try something new.