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 and briefs from the past week, click on the archive section, and you’ll see them in chronological order.
WHERE CAN YOU EAT?
You can check out the list of all the restaurants at our new site, ACADIA ADVENTURES. The restaurants are here!
And, the list of all the restaurants currently open in the winter season (this changes a lot) is here, compiled by Jennifer DuBois Cough of First Express in Bar Harbor.
The restaurants above are only restaurants that typically stay open after November 2.
ONGOING…
ARTWAVES IN APRIL
KIDS’ SCAVENGER HUNT AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR PUBLIC LIBRARY
MDI NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY SHOW AT THE SOUTHWEST HARBOR PUBLIC LIBRARY
10th ANNUAL ICE QUILTING DERBY
YMCA SPRING CLASSES
FREE TAX HELP (Multiple dates, multiple libraries, beginning in February)
JOAN VIENOT SHOW
COMMUNITY BLANKET PROJECT
MONDAY, APRIL 6
APRIL 6 — OPEN MIC
APRIL 6 —The Portrait of Antoine & Marie-Anne Lavoisier
Monday, April 6, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Online event via Zoom
BAR HARBOR—Join Hermann Haller, M.D., President of MDI Biological Laboratory, scientist and passionate art historian, for a fascinating exploration of one of the most iconic paintings of the Enlightenment.
In this lively and thought-provoking talk, Dr. Haller will unravel the remarkable story behind Jacques-Louis David’s The Portrait of Antoine & Marie-Anne Lavoisier.
Blending art, science and history, he will examine Lavoisier’s groundbreaking work in chemistry, the political and social forces of the French Revolution, and how these threads come together in a single powerful image.
Drawing on his lifelong passion for viewing art through the eyes of a scientist, Dr. Haller brings this masterpiece to life with insight, humor, and clarity. Whether you love history, science, art, or great storytelling, this talk promises an engaging and unforgettable evening.
LEGO CLUB!
Divine Play Yoga at the Neighborhood House
Mon/Wed; 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Cost: $15/class
with Mike Bouscaren
Register: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19801383
Monday events via the Bar Harbor Chamber:
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
APRIL 7 — THE LIBRARIANS
OPEN TABLE MDI — TUESDAY COMMUNITY SUPPERS
CRANE FOLDING
STORY AND PLAY
Tai Chi Tuesdays with Andrea Lepcio at ArtWaves
Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 am in the ArtWaves Dance Studio
$10 per session or $100 for the series of 11 sessions.
Drop-ins welcome!
Register here: https://artwavesmdi.org/event-6515148
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!
TUESDAYS AT ARTWAVES: Kids’ Art After School!
Tuesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm at ArtWaves Kaleidoscope Studio
Ages 6 - 14
Join us after school for Art at ArtWaves from 3:30 to 4:30 pm on Tuesdays. Each Tuesday will feature a different activity / art form! Each week we will learn about artists from around the world and art history all while creating our own unique art using a variety of materials. Experience paint, clay, felt and more! These classes exceed National Standards for art education!
Register here: https://artwavesmdi.org/event-6500150
MOMMY & ME GROUP
Tuesday events via the Chamber:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
APRIL 8 — POKEMON CLUB
APRIL 8 — BAR HARBOR BIKE BUS
MUSIC BINGO WITH MATTY P AT THE FINBACK!
BAR HARBOR BIKE SHOP RENTALS ALL WINTER LONG
Bar Harbor Bike Shop is renting bikes to walk-ins Wednesday through Saturday from 10-4 this winter season. Hours are also posted on its website.
The shop also has Fat Tire Bikes to Rent with Stud Tires for this winter season which are a lot of fun when there’s snow and ice.
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.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
GIRLS WHO CODE
JUST THIS MEDITATION
Just This Meditation: sitting, walking and seeing just this.
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, APRIL 9
APRIL 9 — Novelist Amitav Ghosh Explores Memory, Catastrophe, and the Sea at COA Forum
BAR HARBOR — Acclaimed author and cultural critic Amitav Ghosh presents Stories from the Edge of the Sea: Memory, Catastrophe, and the Indian Ocean at the College of the Atlantic Gillis Blue Humanities Forum on Thursday, April 9 at 4:10 p.m. The free event takes place in the Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center. Registration is required at bit.ly/ghoshforum.
APRIL 9 — LOCAL SOLUTIONS
Are you a parent or guardian of an adult with developmental delays, ID/D or Autism? Would you like support? We are a parent run support group. Join a community of parents and guardians helping each other with problem solving, understanding adult services, advocacy and policy awareness. Our group includes parents and guardians of high school age and older. Organized by Local Solutions.
Meetings are at the rectory building of St. Savior’s Church in Bar Harbor at 4:30 every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
Join our email list for information on upcoming family events.
groups.io: email Jessie Greenbaum to join the email list greenbaumcmt@gmail.com
Please take our short survey
Local Solutions website localsolutionsformaine.org
Questions? Jessie Greenbaum email: greenbaumcmt@gmail.com
APRIL 9 — COMMUNITY CIRCLE
APRIL 9 — PEREGRINE ROAD
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.
ADULT LINE DANCE CLASS
FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES
DANCE LESSONS AT ARTWAVES
Thursday events via the Chamber:
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
APRIL 10—HEALTHY ACADIA—ART FOR HEALTH AND HOPE
APRIL 10 — MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT
APRIL 10 — SO GOOD
AMPLIFY GOOD
PAINT AND SIP
Join us for our monthly evening paint ‘n’ sip workshops with instructor Erika Elizabeth at the Gilley for a fun evening of learning and art. Students are guided step by step through the process of painting, with plenty of explanation and instruction along the way.
Each month has a different theme and inspiration-painting. We’ll use ink and watercolor in April to paint an adorable mouse and a mushroom under a strawberry moon.
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.
Wendell Gilley Museum, 4 Herrick Rd, Southwest Harbor
NOTE: The date for this class has been changed from April 3 to April 11.
Reserve your spot here: https://www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/reserve/Lwb3G
BIRDERS’ CAFE
Our hope is to bring together local and visiting bird watchers and lovers for a social event. Join us every other Friday morning from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Our museum shop will be open, offering a selection of baked goods from local cafes, restaurants, and caterers, along with coffee. Feel free to explore the trails as early as you like! After, relax in our courtyard and chat. The Oceanarium (museum and aquarium) opens at 9 AM.
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, APRIL 11
APRIL 11 — WORLD OF WONDERS
APRIL 11 — FISHING CREEL BASKET
APRIL 11 — ART WORKSHOP WITH JENNIFER JUDD-McGEE
APRIL 11, MAY 9 AND 23 — KARAOKE AT SAFE HARBOR
APRIL 11 — POLAR PLUNGE
It’s a polar plunge at Seal Harbor Beach from 6:00-7:00 PM to help MDI HS students pay for their Iceland trip.
APRIL 11 — PORTRAIT DAY!
It’s a portrait session from 12-4 PM to help MDI HS students pay for their Iceland trip.
KARAOKE NIGHT AT FINBACK ALE HOUSE
STORY TIME
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Prayer Shawl Mission from 10 a.m. to noon at the church located at 29 Mount Desert Street.
The intention of the group is to create a flow of Prayer Shawls for distribution for those in need due to illness, loneliness, loss or in need of comfort and to create a sense of community with those who have a shared interest.
Supplies and instruction will be provided to those with skills for knitting and/or crocheting and for those with a desire to learn. For more information contact Pat by calling (203) 770-0063 or email: pgdizazzo@yahoo.com.
MOMMY AND ME BALLET
DANCE LESSONS AT ARTWAVES
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
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 4-5:30 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!
Sunday events via the Chamber:
FUTURE EVENTS!
APRIL 15 — ECHOES IN THE FOG
APRIL 16 — HCDC APRIL Meeting: Nirav Shah & Jordan Wood
April 16, 2026 7:00PM - 8:30PM - In Person & via Zoom
Unitarian Universalist Church 121 Bucksport Rd, Ellsworth
On Thursday, April 16, the Hancock County Democratic Committee will hold its general monthly meeting, featuring two special guests.
The April meeting will begin with some brief business and will feature Gubernatorial Candidate Nirav Shah and Congressional Candidate Jordan Wood. Nirav Shah, an attorney, economist, and public health leader, seeks to address significant challenges, lead with vision, and deliver results for our state. Jordan Wood, a dedicated public servant, is running for Congress to address America’s pressing crisis. His career has been dedicated to combating corruption. Nirav Shah, attending in person and Jordan Wood, via Zoom, will speak briefly before answering questions.
Pre-registration for Zoom participation is required by noon the day before the meeting at www.hancockdems.org. You will receive a unique link to join the meeting.
APRIL 16 — FROCK SWAP
APRIL 16 — INSECT OLYMPICS!
APRIL 16 - TEA AT THE LIBRARY
APRIL 16 — WITCHES IN THE WILD
APRIL 17 — WITHIN THE WHALE!
April 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and April 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. FROZEN!
Acadia Community Theater proudly presents Disney’s Frozen at the 1932 Criterion Theatre.
APRIL 18 — COA Students Spin and Knit for Cancer Support in Global Wool Challenge
A team of COA students and community members, led by professor Susan Letcher, will compete with teams of wool crafters worldwide to create a sweater directly from a sheep’s back to a human’s back in as little time as possible for the 30th annual International Back to Back Wool Challenge.
The COA Spinsters take on the asynchronous challenge April 18 at COA’s Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center. They invite all to come cheer them on throughout the day and help raise funds for Sarah’s House, a compassionate “home away from home” for cancer patients and their caregivers in the Bangor area, by purchasing t-shirts and handmade artwork and crafts by COA students.
8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor
Free and open to the public
APRIL 18, MAY 2,16 & 30 — OPEN MIC AT SAFE HARBOR
APRIL 18 LONG POST FIGURE DRAWING
APRIL 18 — ANNUAL HAM RADIO SYMPOSIUM
The Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association will hold its annual ham radio symposium on Saturday, April 18, from noon to 4 pm, at the Meadow View Phase 4 Community Room, 25 Tweedie Lane, in Ellsworth. This year’s theme is “Focused Communications: Choosing the Best Tools.” There will be five presentations, information tables, and time for chatting and community building.
The presentations are (1) Get the Most From HamAlert, (2) Remote Amateur Radio for Everyone, (3) Can You Hear Me Now? Deploying Maine’s Decentralized, Encrypted Meshtasitc Backbone, (4) 3D Printing for Ham Radio Projects, and (5) APRS: More Than Tracking. Information tables will focus on several topics, including Resources for Women in Ham Radio and the North American QRP CW Club (using Morse Code).
Amateur radio, also called ham radio, is a popular service and hobby that uses various radio frequencies for non-commercial communication, experimentation, and public service. Ham radio operators communicate locally, worldwide, with satellites and astronauts, without relying on the internet or cell services. More details can be found at: https://w1tu.org/focused-communications-choosing-the-best-tools/
APRIL 19 —COA Senior Class Hosts Contra Dance
The College of the Atlantic Class of 2026 invites all to a community contra dance on Sunday, April 19, from 3–5 p.m. The dance takes place in the Newlin Gardens at the center of campus, or in the Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center in case of inclement weather.
Admission is $10. The event is a fundraiser for the 2026 senior class gift. There will be live music with Big Moose Band and dance calling by Darcy Kerr.
coa.edu/about/events
APRIL 19 — CLEAN UP THE MANSET SHORE
Clean Maine Shores Manset Shore Cleanup will gather at Peter Trout's Restaurant Southwest Harbor 9:30 AM Sunday, April 19. Refreshments at 1:00 PM.
APRIL 19—SPRING FLING AT THE YWCA
APRIL 22 — JELLY BEAN DAY CHESS TOURNAMENT
APRIL 23 — CULTIVATING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
APRIL 23 — SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING
APRIL 25—Join Us for Friends of Acadia’s 25th Annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup on April 25 — Registration Is Now Open
Join us for Friends of Acadia’s 25th Annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup on April 25, 2026, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. This long-running volunteer event brings people together to help care for Acadia National Park’s surrounding communities by picking up trash that has gathered over the winter. Please register by April 17 at friendsofacadia.org/earthday. Thank you to everyone one who has volunteered over the years to help keep our communities, waterways, and park clean!
APRIL 25 — CONTRA DANCING
APRIL 24 WILD SENSES
APRIL 24 — MAC BARNETT
APRIL 25 — FREE TOOL SWAP
APRIL 29 — WEDNESDAY BOOK CLUBS
SOMESVILLE LIBRARY BOOK CLUB
Meets the last Wednesday of every month at 1:30 p.m., everyone is welcome.
April: Playground by Richard Powers
May: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
APRIL 30 — MR. DREW AND HIS ANIMALS, TOO!
MAY 3 — COMMUNITY REPAIR CAFE
MAY 9 AND 23 — KARAOKE AT SAFE HARBOR
MAY 15, 16, 17—COMMUNITY THREADS
MAY 24 — THE WALLFLOWERS
JUNE 7 — DUSTBOWL REVIVAL
JUNE 13 — FLOYDIAN TRIP
JULY 11 — JAMMY BUFFET
JUNE 16 - 17 SUMMER SCRUB CLUB
JULY 22 — PUNCH BROTHERS
JULY 28 — RHIANNON GIDDENS
AUGUST 8 — MAMMA MANIA
OCTOBER 10 — TUSK
LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS AND WHERE TO FIND THEIR EVENTS
THE ABBE!
For a list of Abbe events, click here.
ACADIA CHAMBER
For a list of Acadia Chamber events, click here.
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.
ACADIA SENIOR COLLEGE
Acadia Senior College offers interesting talks, informative classes, lively discussions, field trips, retreats, and fun gatherings. For a list of its events, head here.
ACADIA TRAD FESTIVAL
ARGOSY GALLERY
For the gallery’s newsletter and offerings, please visit www.argosygallery.com. In Bar Harbor at 6 Mt. Desert St.
ARTEMIS GALLERY
For a list of openings!
ARTWAVES CLASSES AND EVENTS
ArtWaves often has classes, a variety every week. For the updated selection, check out its website here.
BAR HARBOR CHAMBER
For Bar Harbor Chamber’s calendar, click here.
BOOM—BAROQUE ORCHESTRA OF MAINE
For a list of upcoming concerts, click here.
THE COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC
A list of events is here. Make sure to choose “open to the public” on the side bar.
THE CYGNET GALLERY
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 FINBACK ALE HOUSE!
The Finback usually has local musicians, open mic nights and karaoke all summer long. Its Instagram is here. A typical line-up looks like the one below. Usually, the Finback updates its list on Tuesdays.
FOGTOWN (In Ellsworth, but by request)
There is an open mic night Wednesday evenings, trivia nights on Thursday evenings and live music in the beer garden on Friday evenings.
The Ellsworth farmers market is also now held in the parking lot of Fogtown brewery Saturday mornings beginning at around nine.
Link to the website with all the events: https://www.fogtownbrewing.com/events
THE GALLERY AT SOMES SOUND
For a list of exhibitions and to find out more, click here.
THE GRAND THEATER (In Ellsworth, but by request)
For a list of Grand events, click here.
HARBOR HOUSE
For a full list of events, click here for programs, click here.
HEALTHY ACADIA EVENTS
For a list of events, click here.
HIDDEN BARN BOOKS IN BAR HARBOR
Hidden Barn Books is located in Bar Harbor behind Reel Pizza. For a list of events, click here.
JESUP EVENTS
For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.
REOCCURING PROGRAMS:
Bar Harbor Scrabble Club
Connect with fellow word-lovers: all skill levels are welcome! Players are encouraged to bring their own boards, and some boards will also be provided. Scrabble Club meets on second and fourth Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Write On! Writing Group
Join the Write On! Writing Group for support in your craft. The Write On! writers meet Saturday mornings at 9:00am on Zoom. For more information, please contact the library at info@jesuplibrary.org.
Jesup Knitters’ Guild
Fiber artists of all skill levels are welcome to drop in and enjoy crafting and conversation with the Jesup Knitters’ Guild, Thursday evenings at 5:00pm!
LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE
For a full list of Land and Garden Preserve events, click through here.
LOCAL SOLUTIONS
Are you a parent or guardian of an adult with developmental delays, ID/D or Autism? Would you like support?
We are a parent run support group. Join a community of parents and guardians helping each other with problem solving, understanding adult services, advocacy and policy awareness. Our group includes parents and guardians of high school age and older. Organized by Local Solutions. Meetings are at the rectory building of St. Savior’s Church in Bar Harbor at 4:30 every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
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 NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE SCHEDULE
The calendar is here.
THE NOR’EASTER POUND AND MARKET
Live music is in the air at The Nor’Easter Pound & Market!
Open Mic Thursdays 7-9 PM hosted by the one and only Dallas Hodgkins— bring your talent or just come enjoy the show!
Live Music Saturdays 7-9 PM featuring amazing local musicians bringing the coastal vibes to Northeast Harbor.
For more information, head over here.
NORTHEAST HARBOR LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
REEL PIZZA
To see what’s playing, click here.
SAFE HARBOR CLUB
22 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor
A list of all events are here.
Safe Harbor ALANO Club open Fridays-Saturday: 4 p.m.; Sundays-11 a.m.
Beginners AA, Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.
AA, Thursdays, 7 p.m.
ALANON, Sundays, 7 p.m.
SOMESVILLE LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
A list of events is here.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
VOLTA!
Volta, in Trenton, has a ton of things always going on. You can check that out here.
WENDELL GILLEY MUSEUM!
The museum is full of art and craft and exhibit. You can check out its events here.
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 the MDI region 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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