THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK
And in the near future.
THINGS TO DO
It’s our weekly round-up, and we may have missed some things, so apologies! If you have something you’d like in here, please let us know.
Also, you may have to click through to see everything. There are so many things that this email is a bit long for a lot of inboxes.
We hope you have some great adventures this week!
To check out our news stories from the past week, click on the archive section, and you’ll see them in chronological order.
WHAT IS OPEN FOR RESTAURANTS?
This list is constantly updated by Jennifer Cough at First Express and she lets us share her latest version. This often changes and tweaks throughout the week, so for the absolute latest version, head to that First Express page or Jennifer’s page, which are on Facebook.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
For a list of events at the park, you can visit the National Park Service’s Calendar or Ranger Programs web pages.
ARTWAVES CLASSES AND EVENTS
ArtWaves often has classes, a variety every week. For the updated selection, check out its website here
BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
For a full list of Bar Harbor Historical Society, events, click through here.
THE BAR HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 2-October 12 Calendar Coming Soon
THE COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC
A list of events is here. Make sure to choose “open to the public” on the side bar.
CRITERION THEATRE
For a list of events, click through here.
DOWNEAST PILATES
FRIENDS OF ACADIA
For a full list of Friends of Acadia events, click through here.
EVENTS AT THE GILLEY
For a full list of Gilley events, click here.
THE GRAND THEATER (In Ellsworth, but by request)
For a list of Grand events, click here.
HARBOR HOUSE
For a full lis of events, click here for programs, click here.
HEALTHY ACADIA EVENTS
For a list of events, click here.
JESUP EVENTS
For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.
MAINE GRANITE INDUSTRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 to 4 through October 31
The museum believes on hands-on learning. A list of programs is here.
MDI HIGH SCHOOL
A list of events is here.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A list of events is here.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND ADULT EDUCATION
A list of classes and events is here.
MDI YMCA
Events are here and the gym schedule is here. You can peruse its website for other schedules. The fitness schedule is below.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE SCHEDULE
The calendar is here.
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE CLASS SCHEDULE!
NORTHEAST HARBOR LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
REEL PIZZA
To see what’s playing, click here.
SPCA OF HANCOCK COUNTY
SOMESVILLE LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
TIMBERLAND ACRES CAMPGROUND
VOLTA!
Volta, in Trenton, has a ton of things always going on. You can check that out here.
ALL MONTH
MONDAY, APRIL 28
LEGO CLUB!
Divine Play Yoga at the Neighborhood House
Mon/Wed; 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Cost: $15/class
with Mike Bouscaren
Dear Yogis,
You’ll recall that our flow yoga classes progressively tease out more body aliveness and mental acuity in you. And they’re fun!
For one hour you alone as do others around you, return to the grounded center that is the unburdened original self. Freer in every way.
You’ll walk away feeling more open, calmer, and sharp. And mightily prepared for whatever the day throws at you.
Divine Play yoga invites you to shine, to be your best, to transform into a Beacon of Joy. It works!
Register: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19801383
Monday events via the Bar Harbor Chamber:
TUESDAY, APRIL 29
APRIL 29 - Artist Peggy Clark Lumpkins at Gilley as People-Nature-Art presenter
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Join us at the Wendell Gilley Museum on Tuesday, April 29 to enjoy the art of Maine artist Peggy Clark Lumpkins, who is the Museum’s People-Nature-Art speaker for April.
Come share that excitement at the Gilley. This program is free but registration is required. There will be an artist's reception at the Museum beginning at 6pm; the presentation begins at 7pm and will be simultaneously livecast. When you sign up, please indicate whether you will attend in person or online. A Zoom link will be sent to online attendees the day before the program. People-Nature-Art is sponsored, in part, by our friends at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. It is a free monthly series that brings artists, writers, carvers, and creative types of all kinds to the Gilley to explore how nature and art interact in their work, and how their art impacts their own approach to nature.
OPEN TABLE MDI!
Open Table MDI is at 116 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor.
PLAY DOUGH PLAY TIME
THE WAY OF BEING
Move Free Run Club
BAR HARBOR—The runs take place every week of the year and meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte.
The Move Free Run Club (Acadia Chapter) meets every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte! Hope to meet more members of the community!
TWO SHOES LINE DANCING!
Tuesday events via the Chamber:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30
COMMUNITY POP-UP
BAR HARBOR—Do you have goods or services to sell or barter?
On Wednesday, April 30, there will be a test community pop-up market open to the public. Bring yourselves and your goods/services to sell or barter.
The pop-up will be from 3:30-6 p.m. at COA Red Bricks, 105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, Maine
If you have any questions, please contact Madi at mperson24@coa.edu
APRIL 30 - HOME COMPOSTING
APRIL 30 - COMMUNITY DRIVEN ENERGY PLANNING WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY BOOK CLUBS
Northeast Harbor Library
Love reading? Join us for Readers Unite! Reading Club. This will be an opportunity to read together, share books we love, and have quiet independent reading time. Grades 3 and up are welcome. Come every week, or pop in anytime! Link to register is here.
Somesville Library
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
GIRLS WHO CODE
GUIDED MEDITATION
CHRONICLES OF YARNIA
BLOCK PARTY!
Baby Storytime at Southwest Harbor
10:00 a.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Stories, songs, rhymes, bubbles. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065.
Library hours 9-5, Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9-8 Wed., 9-1 Sat.
Wednesday events via the Chamber:
THURSDAY, MAY 1
MAY 1 - Free Workshop Will Explore Qigong for Mind-Body Connection and Balance
Healthy Acadia invites community members to participate in a free virtual workshop, “3 Body Qigong for Spring,” on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. The event, part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series, will feature special guest David Sholemson.
Pre-registration is required for this free event. To register and receive the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/mindful-5125.
COMMUNITY
MAY 1 - A CONVERSATION ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND ADVOCACY
STITCHES KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP!
Stitches Knitting & Crochet Group meets on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. at the Trenton Town Office. The town office is located at 59 Oak Point Road, Trenton, ME 04605. We will meet through mid-May, then take a break for the summer. All levels are welcome. Please join us. You don’t have to live in Trenton to come knit with us.
FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES
Thursday events via the Chamber:
FRIDAY, MAY 2
MAY 2 - Paint Somes Sound in Paint ‘n’ Sip at the Gilley
SOUTHWEST HARBOR— Paint a forest inspired by the work of iconic Austrian artist Gustav Klimt at a Paint ‘n’ Sip at the Gilley on Friday, May 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Sip on wine, tea or seltzer as part of this adults-only class, which is suitable for artists of all levels who are at least 21 years old. All materials and beverages provided. The cost is $29 for museum members and $36 for non-members. Spaces are limited. Sign up at www.wendellgilleymuseum.com/calendar.
2025 ASC Members' Art Show Reception
The 16th annual Acadia Senior College Art Show will be held at the Northeast Harbor Library during May.
Over 40 artists are exhibiting works in various media - watercolor, sculpture, oil, mixed media, wood carving, photography, and fiber art.
ASC members and their guests are invited to the opening reception on Friday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Come and meet the artists and other ASC members, enjoy refreshments, and view this year's fabulous artwork.
There will also be a brief presentation to honor our site partners and volunteers.
INTRO TO ECOTHERAPY
FUN FRIDAY AT THE JESUP!
FAMILY STORY TIME AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR
10:00 a.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Interactive books, puppets, songs, movements, bubbles.
Library hours 9-5, Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9-8 Wed., 9-1 Sat.
Friday events via the Chamber:
SATURDAY, MAY 3
MAY 3 - Flock together for Bird Chatter at the Gilley Museum
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Catch up with the latest news from the birding world with Seth Benz, on Saturday, May 3, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Wendell Gilley Museum. Seth will delve into research and current insights. Bring your own questions and curiosity, a favorite bird-related reading, and your latest observations. Birds are just beginning to sing their spring songs, so this should be a lively event.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. Depending on weather, the group might go for an optional bird walk outside.
Registration is required at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/events.
There is no fee for this program, but a museum entrance fee is required. The fee is $21 for museum members and $28 for non-members. Registration is required at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/calendar
LEND A HAND AT CAMP BEECH CLIFF’S CLEAN-UP DAY
MAY POLE DANCE
The Downeast Folk Dancers invite you to join them for a celebration of May Day with Polish circle and couple dances. Learn waltzes, polkas, mazurs, and even a polonaise, a kujawiak and an oberek. The highlight of the evening will be a traditional maypole dance. Music by the Kotwica Band with dance teaching by David and Carolyn Rapkievian - no experience needed. Learn the dances or just come to enjoy the music. Saturday, May 3rd, 7:00-9:00pm at the YWCA: 36 Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor. More information at www.kotwicaband.org.
CRAFT AND VENDOR MARKET! MAY 3 and MAY 4 - TRENTON GRANGE
MAY 3 - PENNY RAFFLE
SATURDAY STORY TIMES
NORTHEAST HARBOR
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, MAY 4
CRAFT AND VENDOR MARKET!
KIDS CHESS CLUB AT CHOCO-LATTE
Our chess club is great for beginners (at least know how the pieces move) and also intermediate level. All are welcome. We meet most Sundays from 4-530 p.m. at Choco-latte in Bar Harbor.
Move Free Run Club
BAR HARBOR—The runs take place every week of the year and meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte.
The Move Free Run Club (Acadia Chapter) meets every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte! Hope to meet more members of the community!
BRUNCH AT THE BAR HARBOR INN
BAR HARBOR—The Bar Harbor Inn is delighted to announce the return of its celebrated Sunday Brunch at the Reading Room Restaurant, starting up on Sunday, May 4, 2025. This signature buffet brunch will be available on the first Sunday of each month through November, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Guests are invited to indulge in a sumptuous spread of seasonal favorites, meticulously crafted by our culinary team. Set against the backdrop of panoramic ocean views, the brunch offers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of coastal Maine.
Brunch Details:
When: First Sunday of each month, May through November
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Reading Room Restaurant, Bar Harbor Inn
Pricing: $52 for adults | $25 for children
Reservations can be made by calling (207) 288-3351.
Sunday events via the Chamber:
FUTURE EVENTS:
MAY 5 - MDI HOSPITAL AUXILIARY JEWELRY SALE
MAY 6 HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
MAY 7 - PARENT PODCAST CLUB
MAY 9 - MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE MDI YMCA
MAY 9 - BLOOM AFTER HOURS — ALL ARE INVITED!
MAY 10 - FLOWER MOON DINNER FOR THE LAND
MAY 10—Nicole Grohoski Talk
MOTHER’S DAY TEA PARTY AT THE YWCA MDI
MAY 10- Leaping into Spring at Peggy Rockefeller Farm
BAR HARBOR—Join us for this simple, lighthearted spring event at COA’s Peggy Rockefeller Farm, and mark the start of grazing season as we let our flock and their adorable lambs out for their first taste of spring grass! Turnout will be let out at 10:30 am sharp. After watching them frolic, guests can enjoy exploring the farm, roll out a picnic blanket and stay for some lawn games and a fiber spinning demo. Farm products will be available for sale, and COA student farm staff will be on hand to share about their food and farming projects and answer your questions. This is a free family-friendly event; all are welcome. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged.
The event is Saturday, May 10 from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
MAY 11 - MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT THE BAR HARBOR INN
BAR HARBOR—Join Bar Harbor Inn staff, family, and friends in the Reading Room Restaurant for Mother’s Day Brunch. More details to come, but you may want to save the date.
MAY 11 - 14 “Eccentric Films” celebrates Nancy Andrews’ imaginative, unconventional legacy
BAR HARBOR—An extraordinary, four-night film series showcasing the unique artistic vision and experimental storytelling techniques of College of the Atlantic T.A. Cox Chair in Studio Arts Nancy Andrews is set for Reel Pizza Cinerama May 11-14, nightly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for students, $8 for adults, on sale at reelpizza.com May 8.
MAY 12 - HISTORY BOOK TALK
MOUNT DESERT—In May, the MDI Historical Society's Book Club will read and discuss Love on the Rocks : Stories of Rusticators and Romance on Mount Desert Island edited by John and Kathryn Muether. The discussion will take place via Zoom on May 12, 2025 from 6-7 p.m. Please go to https://mdihistory.org/events to register and receive the discussion link.
MAY 14 - MINECRAFTERNOON
MinecrAfternoon at the Library for Kids ages 5-11 years old
Southwest Harbor: Join Children’s Librarian Ms. Mae for an afternoon of (screen-free) Minecraft fun! Drop in on Wednesday, May 14th from 3:30-5:00 pm for a variety of crafts and activities, including a scavenger hunt where you can earn a special prize! This event is suggested for ages 5-11, and no registration is required.
For info visit https://tinyurl.com/2zy93rk9, email childrens@swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065.
MAY 14 - FUNDRAISING DINNER TO SUPPORT BAR HARBOR PRIDE
MAY 16 & 17 COMMUNITY THREADS
MAY 17 - MDI ROTARY ADVENTURE GOLF CHALLENGE
MAY 17 - 5K FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
VOLTA! BOY SCOUT!
MAY 18 - OPEN BARN DAY AT WILLOWIND
MAY 18 - Poet Christian Barter Will Read at Hidden Barn Books' May 18 Opening
Christian Barter, former Poet Laureate of Acadia National Park, will read from his new collection of poems, The Ends, on May 18th at 4:00 pm at Hidden Barn Books in Bar Harbor, a new bookstore opening on that date.
Barter has received numerous awards including The Maine Literary Award for best poetry volume and a Hodder Fellowship in Creative Writing from Princeton University. His poetry has been published widely and shared on The PBS Newshour website as well as read on NPR’s The Writer's Almanac. Other events, as well as information about ordering the book and more on the author, are listed on his website, christianbarterpoetry.org
MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
MAY 26 - COMMUNITY COOKOUT
MAY 29 - COASTAL HAZARDS AWARENESS CLASS
JUNE 14 & 15
JUNE 21 - OCEAN FESTIVAL
Celebrate the Gulf of Maine and the diversity of our oceans at the third annual Maine Ocean Festival.
Bring your family and friends to a day filled with games, art, live music, and more at the beautiful Oceanarium.
During the festival, explore our Marine Museum, Aquarium, and Salt Marsh Trail. With our 600-gallon touch tank and picturesque walking trails, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience!
Stay tuned for this year's featured speakers and presenters
Oceanarium and Education Center
1351 State Route 3, Bar Harbor, ME, United States, Maine 04609
JUNE 27-29 - BACKSIDE BLAST AND LOBSTER BOAT RACES
JUNE 22-28 ACADIA FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
SPENCER and the WALRUS
JULY 12 - 13 DAWNLAND FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS
JULY 12 - DAVID SEDARIS AT THE CRITERION
JULY 24 - LUCIUS with SPENCER ALBEE and ZACHARY BENCE
AUGUST 28 - BARRINGTON LEVY
ONGOING:
GET YOUR HERO ON!
BAR HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT
To check if Bar Harbor Fire Department is currently hiring, please go to the town’s jobs page.
But even if it isn’t, you can become a call member.
Becoming a call force firefighter requires extensive training, hard work, and dedication to the community. We rely on call force firefighters to respond quickly to emergencies, to perform firefighting duties, and to provide assistance and support to career firefighters. To be a fall force firefighter is to have a chance to aid and serve the community, which is an extremely rewarding experience.
GET YOUR MUSIC ON!
THE BAR HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 2-October 12 Calendar Coming Soon
THE FINBACK ALEHOUSE
The Finback has entertainment most nights in Bar Harbor. The schedule is posted every Tuesday.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Rick Osann Art.
QUICK NOTE
“Things To Do” is mostly curated by me looking for things happening in the upcoming week, which takes a lot of time and I truly do not know all that is going on.
If there’s something in MDI or Trenton that you’d like me to mention, please let me know, because I’m definitely always missing some events every week.
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