As an agricultural food hub, Skowhegan is home to a year-round farmers’ market, Maine Grains, the annual Kneading Conference and Artisan Bread Fair, two craft breweries, an orchard that ferments hard cider, numerous farmers, and several restaurants that serve local harvest.
Located in a former county jail, Maine Grains is reviving local organic grain production by providing a gathering and operating space for farmers and entrepreneurs. The company manufactures locally grown grains using a traditional stone-milling process and is a notable supplier for Maine's craft-brew industry. Maine Grains also has an on-site flour, feed, and dry goods shop and a farm-to-table restaurant, the Miller's Table.
Skowhegan is part of a lively and growing local craft-beer culture. Oak Pond Brewery operates from a converted chicken barn, producing old-world-style aged lagers as well as ales. Housed in a remodeled horse barn, Bigelow Brewing Company offers brews with flavors as unique as their names, which include Lying Bastard and Dementia Dog, and serves wood-fired pizzas and other locally sourced menu items.