History: Moxie soda was introduced in 1876 as a medicine by Dr. Augustin Thompson. Thompson claimed that Moxie could cure ailments such as paralysis. In 1884, Thompson started advertising Moxie as a soft drink rather than a medicine. It is considered the first soft drink to be mass-marketed in the United States.
Moxiefest has been held since 1982. Lisbon became the official site of the festival because a local shop owner held a lot of Moxie memorabilia which visitors came to see. It only made sense to have the unofficial Moxie museum and the festival in the same location! In 2005, Moxie was named the official soft drink of Maine.
Month Held: The Moxiefest is typically held for three days the second weekend in July.
Attractions: While attractions can vary from year to year, some are crowd favorites that tend to take place annually. There is a parade, a 5K race, a car show, a lobster feast, a mural painting, a fishing derby, food trucks, and a Whoopie Pie eating contest.
Don’t miss the Moxie Chugging Contest where contestants try to drink as many cans of Moxie as they can in two minutes. Or, enter the Recipe Contest where you can submit a recipe that includes Moxie soda in it.
Food trucks, musical acts, vendors, fireworks, and other varying attractions round out a fun three days.
Admission: Attending the festival is free, but vendors and attractions may have a cost.
Parking: Parking is free. There are shuttles available from Lisbon High School. Be sure to check the website for up-to-date parking information.
