Houlton Maine 04730
Houlton's Feast Days Return, Food Wars at Farmers Markets, and Lobster for All This Weekend!
|SubscribeΒ·ArchivesΒ·Current Issue
Houlton's Feast Days Return, Food Wars at Farmers Markets, and Lobster for All This Weekend!
Houlton Potato Feast, lobster dinners, farmers markets & garden buzzβ€”don’t miss the fun!
Kevin Rogers

Kevin Rogers

Aug 13, 2026

August 13 2026

Trivia Question❓

Question: When does summer officially end in the Northern Hemisphere? A. August 31 B. September 1 C. The Autumnal Equinox (around September 22–23) D. Labor Day

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Quote Of The Day

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."

Local News

Houlton’s much-loved Potato Feast Days are back, kicking off Friday at Monument Park with a classic lobster dinner plateβ€”think fresh lobster, baked potato, sweet summer corn, lemonade, and dessert, all for $30. For true seafood fans, a double lobster option is available for $45, but be quick: these meals are known to sell out fast. Festivities get underway at 4:30 p.m., with pre-orders recommended.

Beyond the beloved feast, Friday’s lineup includes a nostalgic doll parade, a chance for kids to explore big vehicles at β€œtouch a truck,” a candy drop, and live music from The Dave Hersey Band until 8 p.m. The two-day celebration continues Saturday in Market Square, where crowds gather early for the mouthwatering baked potato bar loaded with classic toppingsβ€”an annual draw that typically sells out before noon.

The weekend also features a bustling outdoor craft fair in Monument Park, a pie and ice cream social at Church of the Good Shepherd, and the colorful Friends & Needles Quilt Show at the Houlton Recreation Center. As summer edges into fall and the potato harvest nears, this event stands as a favorite local tradition for thousands of Mainers and visitors alike.

Read More...

US News

🚨 TOP NATIONAL STORY: Deadly Midwest storms unleash 99-mph winds, tornadoes and flooding

This is today's story.

 

A powerful complex of severe thunderstorms ripped through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio on Tuesday, August 11, producing destructive winds, tornadoes, flash flooding and massive power outages.

The National Weather Service recorded a remarkable 99-mph wind gust at Gary, Indiana. At least three tornadoes have been confirmed in Illinois, while damage assessments continue. More than 700,000 customers across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky lost electricity during the storm complex.

 

 

 


πŸŒͺ️ Was it a derecho? Not confirmed yet.

 

The storm produced the kind of long-lived, widespread destructive winds associated with a derecho, and meteorologists are investigating whether it meets the formal criteria.

 

 

 


🌧️ Ohio rainfall record falls

 

The same storm system also produced extraordinary rainfall.

Dayton established a new daily rainfall record as thunderstorms repeatedly moved across the region. Flooded roads, water rescues and emergency-response problems were reported across portions of Ohio.

 

Meanwhile, lightning struck the Grafton Reintegration Center in Ohio, injuring 16 incarcerated people.

 

Confirmed: rainfall record, flooding and 16 lightning injuries.

Still developing: final flood-damage estimates.

 

Headline angle: “When the Rain Becomes the Emergency: Record Downpour Blocks Rescuers and Turns Deadly in Ohio”

 


⚠️ Threat isn't completely over

 

The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has another severe-weather risk in place for Wednesday, August 12.

 

Severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind and hail are possible from portions of the northern and central Plains into the lower Ohio Valley today.

 

Additional thunderstorms are expected across the Tennessee Valley and Southeast, where extremely moist air could support localized damaging wet microbursts.

 

So yesterday's disaster is transitioning into today's continuing severe-weather watch.

 


πŸŒ€ Atlantic: Another story worth watching carefully

The tropical Atlantic is becoming more interesting.

 

As of 2:00 a.m. EDT Wednesday, August 12, the National Hurricane Center was monitoring Invest AL92, a tropical wave approximately 800 miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

Thunderstorms associated with the system are becoming better organized.

 

At this stage, however, it remains a tropical disturbance—not a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

 

 

Weekend Events

This Week in Houlton, Maine

πŸ“… August 14–15

Community Market

Hosted in downtown Houlton with local vendors, produce, baked goods, and artisan products.

 

Lobster Feast

 

A family-friendly event featuring lobster, a baked potato bar, kids' activities, and community fellowship.

Craft Fair

 

Shop handmade gifts, artwork, crafts, and locally made products from area artisans.

 


πŸ₯” August 15–16

 

Houlton Potato Feast Days

A weekend celebrating Houlton's agricultural heritage with food, community activities, and family fun.


 

 


⚽ August 17–20

 

The Houlton Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual Summer Soccer Clinics for youth in grades K–6.

DOWNTOWN DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Houlton offers a variety of locally owned dining options.

🍽️ Downtown Dining & Nightlife

Houlton, Maine 04730 | Restaurants, pubs, bars, wine, Chinese food, BBQ, cafés, and local favorites.

 

 

πŸ• Pizza & Casual Dining

 

Market Pizza

πŸ“ 23 Market Square, Houlton

  • Pizza
  • Wings
  • Subs
  • Salads
  • Dine-in & Takeout

Visit Website

 

 

🍽️ Restaurants

 

Ivey's Bistro

πŸ“ 241 North Street, Houlton

  • American cuisine
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Full-service restaurant
  • Outdoor seating seasonally

Visit Website

 

πŸ₯‘ Chinese & Asian Cuisine

 

Taste of China

πŸ“  Houlton

  • Chinese cuisine
  • Lunch specials
  • Combination plates
  • Takeout available
  • Family-friendly dining

 

 

Tangs

πŸ“ Houlton

  • Chinese cuisine
  • Sushi selections
  • Asian specialties
  • Dine-in and takeout

 

 

πŸ”₯ BBQ & Smokehouse Favorites

 

ShireWood Smoke House

πŸ“ Houlton Area

  • Slow-smoked BBQ
  • Pulled pork
  • Brisket
  • Ribs
  • Catering available

Facebook Page

 

🍺 Pubs & Sports Bars

 

Bastions Tavern

πŸ“ 43 Market Square, Houlton

  • Sports bar
  • Draft beer
  • Burgers
  • Wings
  • Downtown nightlife

Facebook Page

 

 

Downunder Sports Pub

πŸ“ 282 North Street, Houlton

  • Sports bar
  • Wings
  • Burgers
  • Draft beer
  • Entertainment on select weekends

Facebook Page

 

🍷 Wine & Cocktails

 

Wine Until Nine & Martini Bar

 

πŸ“ 84 Main Street, Houlton

  • Wine flights
  • Specialty martinis
  • Small plates
  • Date night atmosphere

Facebook Page

 

β˜• Coffee & Cafés

 

The Book n Brew

πŸ“ Court Street, Houlton

  • Coffee
  • Espresso drinks
  • Sandwiches
  • Free WiFi

Facebook Page

 

The Cup Cafe

πŸ“ 61 Military Street, Houlton

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Homemade baked goods
  • Community-focused nonprofit café

Facebook

 

🍦 Sweet Treats

 

Houlton Farms Dairy Bar

πŸ“ 131 Military Street, Houlton

  • Ice cream
  • Seafood baskets
  • Burgers
  • Seasonal favorite

Visit Website

 

🍺 After 4 PM in Houlton

 

If you're arriving in Houlton late in the day, here's a simple itinerary:

 

Happy Hour & Drinks

 

  • Bastions Tavern
  • Wine Until Nine
  • Ivey's Bistro
  • Downunder Sports Pub

 

Dinner

 

  • Ivey's Bistro
  • Market Pizza
  • Downunder Sports Pub

 

Evening Activities

 

  • Temple Theater
  • Downtown stroll through Market Square
  • Seasonal concerts & community events
  • Campfire at local campgrounds
  • Scenic drive through Southern Aroostook
  • Shady Ridge Disc Golf

 

🍽️ Complete Dining Categories

 

πŸ• Pizza

Market Pizza

TNT

Dominos

Pizza Hut

Circle K / Food trend

Beals -Littleton 

 

Food Trucks / Location

Mother Hen - Drews Lake 

The Pine Grill- By temple Theater

The Bus -By Cary Library

 

 

πŸ” American Dining

Ivey's Bistro
County Co - Op

 

🍺 Pubs & Bars

Bastions Tavern
Downunder Sports Pub

Iveys Bistro

 

🍷 Wine & Cocktails

Wine Until Nine & Martini Bar

 

πŸ₯‘ Chinese & Asian

Taste of China
Tangs

 

πŸ”₯ BBQ

Shirewood Smokehouse BBQ

 

β˜• Coffee & Cafés

Book and Brew Cafe
The Cup Cafe

 

🍦 Ice Cream & Sweet Treats

Houlton Farms Dairy Bar

 

Summer mornings in Aroostook County offer a unique charm that captures all your senses.

 

The air is filled with the warm scent of fresh baked goods, while locally grown vegetables and sweet maple syrup from neighborhood sugarhouses line vibrant farmers market tables.

 

Handcrafted items made by talented local artisans add even more personality to the scene.

 

Every visit brings a chance to meet the growers, bakers, and crafters who shape the community’s character.

 

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or simply exploring Northern Maine for a weekend, stopping by a farmers market is one of the most authentic ways to experience everything the region has to offer.


Read More...

Other News

Tip of The Day

Summer Tip of the Day:
Keep a refillable water bottle in your vehicle and take a drink before you feel thirsty—heat can dehydrate you faster than you realize.

Garden and Forest Plants

Secret Little Hack

🍳 Cooking Hack of the Day: Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil

Don't let fresh herbs go to waste!

Chop up leftover parsley, basil, cilantro, rosemary, or thyme and place them into an ice cube tray. Fill each section with olive oil (or melted butter), then freeze.

Why it works:

  • 🌿 Keeps herbs fresh for months.
  • 🍝 Instantly adds flavor to pasta, soups, eggs, vegetables, or grilled meats.
  • πŸ’° Saves money by reducing food waste.
  • ⏱️ Cuts prep time—just drop a cube into a hot pan and start cooking.

Bonus Tip: Label the tray or store the frozen cubes in a freezer bag so you know which herb you're using later.

Kitchen Wisdom: A few minutes of prep today can save you money—and dinner—weeks from now.

 
πŸ’‘ Answer to Trivia Question:
βœ… Answer: C. The Autumnal Equinox (around September 22–23).
Things Todo In Houlton

Β© 2026 Things Todo In Houlton.

Things To do In Houlton is the friendly, go-to guide for life in this northern Maine community. It's a warm hub for sharing local news, can't-miss events, hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and heartfelt neighborly shoutouts. This newsletter helps keep the entire Shiretown connected.

Β© 2026 Things Todo In Houlton.