THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK
And in the near future.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Paradis Ace Hardware.
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.
IVY MANOR MUSIC
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 and youth programs are 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
THE ART OF JOHN DELMASTRO
ASC Members' Art Show
The 16th annual Acadia Senior College Art Show will be held at the Northeast Harbor Library during May.
MONDAY, MAY 5
MAY 5 - MDI HOSPITAL AUXILIARY JEWELRY SALE
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, MAY 6
MAY 6 HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
SPRING CME CONFERENCE
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, MAY 7
MAY 7 - PARENT PODCAST CLUB
SPRING CME CONFERENCE
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 8
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 9
“Living Memory” is a collection of ceramics inspired by land relationships, ancestral memory, and elder loss. The surfaces of these repetitive forms are embossed with imagery, drawings, and patterns collected while traveling the south of Italy and working in ancient olive groves.
This work navigates questions of identity and decolonial healing.
This Friday, starting at 6, at the COA BLUM Gallery there will be a closing reception and potluck.
If you feel inclined, please bring a dish, snack, or treat that holds a memory significant to you.
“I’d love to share a meal with you all,” Person said.
MAY 9 - MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE MDI YMCA
MAY 9 - BLOOM AFTER HOURS — ALL ARE INVITED!
MAY 9 - SHADOWCAST PLAYERS - CABARET
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 10
MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING RESPONSE WORKSHOP
MAY 10 - MILES FAMILY BENEFIT
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.
SATURDAY STORY TIMES
NORTHEAST HARBOR
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, MAY 11
Come Celebrate Mothers' Day at the Farmers' Market!
Sunday, 9-12, at the Bar Harbor YMCA parking lot. May 11 - October 26.
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 - MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT LEBRUN
BRUNCH at LE BRUN! Join us on Mother's Day for brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Full menu coming very soon! Reserve your table today on OpenTable or by giving them a call.
JULIA GAGNON AND NATE HAVEN AT THE IVY MANOR INN
The Mothers’ Day live musical performances are going to be amazing this year at the Ivy Manor Inn Garden Lounge right down the street! We are thrilled to welcome American Idol alumni, and proud Mainer, JULIA GAGNON! Julia will be joined by the talented Nate Haven to serenade every Mom in Bar Harbor. Catch the show (weather permitting) at 3 p.m.
MAY 11 - TABLETOP TAKEOVER
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.
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 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 13 Danny Fisher-Lochhead Large Ensemble
May 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Live music: Danny Fisher-Lochhead Large Ensemble
Dynamic fusion of jazz and contemporary composition.
College of the Atlantic
Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor
$10 at the door
coa.edu/calendar
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 15- FRIENDS OF ACADIA VOLUNTEERING
MAY 16 & 17 COMMUNITY THREADS
MAY 16 - COA Kippy Stroud Memorial Lecture
May 16, 2025
6:30 p.m.
Artist and photographer Pia Paulina Guilmoth
College of the Atlantic
Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor
Free of charge
coa.edu/calendar
MAY 16 - THE TRUE MEANING OF WILLOWIND WITH LILY DUTTON
MAY 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 Mount Desert Island High School Drama Presents: "Cyrano"
Tickets will be available at the door. Come support local student theater and enjoy an evening (or afternoon) of laughter, love, and lyrical language.
Please visit MDIDRAMA.ORG for more information.
MAY 17 - MDI ROTARY ADVENTURE GOLF CHALLENGE
MAY 17-PAINT AND SIP FOR YOUNG ARTISTS
MAY 17 - 5K FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
MAY 17 - VOLTA! BOY SCOUT!
MAY 17 - HEALTHY KIDS DAY
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 20 - ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTHWEST HARBOR
MAY 21 - Share the Harvest community soup dinner
5 p.m.
Handmade bowls for sale to support local food access.
College of the Atlantic Beech Hill Farm
171 Beech Hill Rd, Mt Desert
MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
MAY 26 - COMMUNITY COOKOUT
MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY BOOK SALE
MAY 29 - COASTAL HAZARDS AWARENESS CLASS
JUNE 1 - ACADIA HALF MARATHON AND 10K
JUNE SHAKESPEARE! REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCE!
JUNE 5-7 BAR HARBOR PRIDE
JUNE 5 - Building Awareness, Joy, and Peace of Mind through Gardening - Free Workshop
MAINE—Healthy Acadia invites community members to participate in a free virtual workshop, “Finding Mindfulness Through Gardening,” on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. The event, part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series, will feature special guest Jen Harry.
Pre-registration is required for this free event. To register and receive the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/mindful-6525.
JUNE 7 - CURBSIDE QUEENS PLANET PRIDE
JUNE 14 & 15
JUNE 8 - MAKE A FARMER’S MARKET BASKET!
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 22 - CULTURAL FUSION FEST
JUNE 25 and 26 - THE COUNSELING COLLABORATIVE!
JUNE 27-29 - BACKSIDE BLAST AND LOBSTER BOAT RACES
JUNE 22-28 ACADIA FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
JUNE 28 - TRENTON BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
JUNE 29 - SPENCER and the WALRUS
JULY 12 - 13 DAWNLAND FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS
JULY 11
JULY 12 - DAVID SEDARIS AT THE CRITERION
JULY 24 - LUCIUS with SPENCER ALBEE and ZACHARY BENCE
JULY 25 - GRIFFIN WILLIAM SHERRY
AUGUST 23 - ORLEANS QUARTET
AUGUST 28 - BARRINGTON LEVY
SEPTEMBER 13 - LIVINGSTON TAYLOR
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.
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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