In our household, Memorial Day weekend doesn’t officially begin until the annual Lobstermania event at Dorothy Lane Market. But my love for lobster? That began long before Dorothy Lane entered the picture—on a rainy, windswept day at York Beach, Maine.
My grandmother had one rule when it came to lobster: no one in the family could have their first taste until they were at least 16—and it had to be with her, in Maine. She grew up spending summers at York Beach, and she believed the only place worthy of your first lobster was that stretch of rocky coastline. I can still picture it clearly—the little restaurant perched on top of slick black rocks, near a lighthouse, with waves crashing below. It was grey, drizzly, and ohhh so beautiful. That first bite of sweet Maine lobster was everything she promised it would be.
So now, every May, when Dorothy Lane Market hosts its iconic Lobstermania, I feel a little bit of that magic all over again.
Always held on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, Lobstermania draws a loyal crowd year after year. I’ve learned to rise early, coffee in hand, and head to my local Dorothy Lane Market to secure a good spot in line before the sale begins at 9:00 a.m. It’s worth it, not just for the lobster, but for the camaraderie. People in line chat excitedly about how long they’ve been attending and share their favorite preparation tips.
The star of the show is the fresh, live Maine lobster, flown in just hours earlier by Ready Seafood of Portland, Maine. Known for their commitment to sustainable fishing practices, Ready Seafood ensures that lobster lovers can enjoy this seafood delicacy now and for generations to come. If you’re lucky, you might even meet Captain Curt and Michelle Brown of Ready Seafood, who often make appearances at select DLM locations.
Dorothy Lane Market has been perfecting this event for decades, and it shows. The process inside the store is smooth and efficient, with a full staff on hand to help. Both live Maine lobster and pre-cooked lobster are available while supplies last, so arriving early is highly encouraged. As DLM puts it: “Once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Beyond lobster, DLM enhances the celebration with sales on favorite side dishes, desserts, and more. Of course, they have fresh packets of garlic butter ready to go, making it easy to round out your Memorial Day feast. For you lobster prepping first-timers, the Dorothy Lane Market website is packed with helpful cooking and prep tips to make the most of your lobster experience.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, Lobstermania is one of those local events that brings people together over something delicious and fun. For me, it’s more than just a meal—it’s a memory, a tradition, and the official start to summer.
Go here to explore more food, fun, and culture around Dayton with your Neighborhood Guide Maura Leathers Schmitt.
