Seaweed Saturday Logo in Vibrant Green

April 25, 2026 | Portland, ME

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A one-day expo of seaweed food and fun on the Portland Waterfront

Come by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute between 11 AM–4 PM for our free, all-ages celebration of seaweed, featuring 45+ vendors, free samples, seaweed art, and hands-on activities running all day. Seaweed Saturday is hosted in partnership with the Maine Seaweed Council.

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  • Two people give free seaweed samples to the public from behind a table

    Seaweed Samples and Marketplace

    Explore our one-day marketplace featuring 45+ Maine seaweed vendors and artists, with unique products—from skincare to snacks—to sample and take home.

    Two people give free seaweed samples to the public from behind a table
  • 20 people sit watching a speaker, with their backs to the camera. On the wall there is a blue and yellow map of the Gulf of Maine

    Expert Panels

    Join us in GMRI’s Cohen Center for seaweed-focused panels throughout the day, including kelp restoration, seaweed innovation, and a deep dive into seaweed nutrition. Panels are free to attend, but space is limited.

    20 people sit watching a speaker, with their backs to the camera. On the wall there is a blue and yellow map of the Gulf of Maine
  • A woman in a navy vest standing behind a table holds up a rock with dark brown seaweed attached

    Hands-on Demos

    Check out the demos and activities happening throughout the day—including seaweed cyanotypes, touch tanks, seaweed ID, and ocean-inspired kids activities.

    A woman in a navy vest standing behind a table holds up a rock with dark brown seaweed attached
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Event Schedule

Free · All ages · Panel pre-registration recommended

11:00AM – 4:00PM

Happening All Day

Marketplace and Exhibits Open · Food · Silent Auction · Touch Tanks and Hands-on Activities in the Event Tent

11:30AM – 12:30PM

Panel on Kelp Restoration

Cohen Center | Hear from scientists and global partners working to understand and restore Maine’s kelp forests.

12:00PM – 1:00PM

Seaweed Cyanotype Demo

Demo Tent | Learn the process of creating classic, sun-printed artwork in this hands-on demo, highlighting seaweeds natural beauty and form, with Teach Peace Prints.

1:00PM – 2:00PM

Seaweed Innovation & The Blue Economy

Cohen Center | Join this panel to learn how Maine innovators are turning seaweed into new products—from materials to cosmetics.

2:00PM – 3:00PM

Seaweed ID 101

Demo Tent | Learn to identify common Maine seaweeds and get a closer look at species found along the coast with Maine Sea Grant.

2:30PM – 3:30PM

Seaweed Health and Nutrition Panel

Cohen Center | Nutritionists and experts answer your questions about seaweeds' health benefits and use in the kitchen.

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Event FAQs

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Event Space and Venue

Gulf of Maine Research Institute

350 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

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2026 Community Panels

Join Maine's seaweed experts in GMRI's Cohen Center to explore seaweed innovation, science, and the future of our working waterfronts. Each 50-minute panel will feature expert insights, audience Q&A, and a speakers corner to connect with panelists afterward. Space will be limited, so we recommend registering in advance.

Panel 1

11:30-12:30 pm

From the Gulf of Maine to Global Seas: Kelp Restoration in Action

Explore how Maine scientists and global partners are working to understand, restore, and scale protection of vital kelp forests that support coastal ecosystems and communities.

Panel 2

1:00-2:00 pm

Beyond the Shore: Seaweed Innovation & Maine’s Blue Economy

Maine innovators are transforming seaweed into cutting-edge products—from bioplastics to cosmetics—building on the states long legacy to shape the future of our blue economy.

Panel 3

2:30-3:30 pm

Deep Dive: Seaweed as Food and Medicine

Dive into the nutrition and culinary potential of seaweed, exploring its powerful health benefits, role in a balanced diet, and how chefs and home cooks are creatively incorporating it into everyday meals, recipes, and modern cuisine.

Seaweed Saturday Sponsors

Bigelow Logo White
Maine Seaweed Council Logo - White
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Heritage Seaweed Logo Circle White
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One Stop Logo
MAIC Logo White