THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK
And in the near future.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Swan Agency Real Estate.
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.
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.
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.
THE ANNEX
Located in Bar Harbor with music nightly.
ARTEMIS GALLERY
For a list of openings! The first one is May 22 (see below for more details).
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.
BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
For a full list of Bar Harbor Historical Society, events, click through here. The first free event is this weekend! See below for more details.
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.
The 2025 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking celebrates exceptional individuals whose work and beliefs have changed how we see the world. Brilliant, brave, and defiant, institute speakers exemplify the power of commitment and the need to seek new solutions. The institute includes 11 sessions over five days, July 28–August 1. The sessions are free, but registration is required at coa.edu/si. Registration opens June 1.
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 FINBACK ALE HOUSE!
The Finback usually has local musicians, open mic nights and karaoke all summer long. Its Instagram is 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.
IVY MANOR MUSIC
Music on the lawn.
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.
SANDBAR COTTAGE INN
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.
ARTEMIS GALLERY
Student Art Exhibit at the Jesup Memorial Library
May 1 - 31, 2025
BAR HARBOR–An exhibit of art by students of local artist and educator Emily Bracale can be seen at the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor through the month of May.
This year Bracale has 14 students, in first through eighth grades, from three different schools on the island and several homeschooling families. Bracale started teaching children and adults on MDI in 1987, and is starting to get some second-generation students!
Self-employed and teaching privately, Bracale became certified to teach K-8 after finishing COA in 1990. She has mentored at the high school level and at COA, in teacher-training, art, and other subjects. She has also written and illustrated three nonfiction books.
MONDAY, MAY 26
MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
MAY 26 - COMMUNITY COOKOUT
Garden Club’s Memorial Day Ceremony Set
BAR HARBOR—On Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. the Bar Harbor Garden Club will commemorate the men and women who served in the military and died while in service. The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at the Blue Star Marker on Route 3 in Bar Harbor.
The Blue Star Program honors all the men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services. This program began with the planting of 8,000 dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system. BHGC stewards the Blue Star Marker in Bar Harbor and holds a ceremony every year on Memorial Day.
Please join the Bar Harbor Garden Club to share together and take a moment to honor and recognize the many sacrifices made for freedom. We have invited MDI's veterans to participate in the ceremony. We welcome our fellow Bar Harbor Garden Club members and friends to participate in this long-standing tradition at the Blue Star Marker to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans and their powerful stories.
MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY BOOK 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 27
REEF POINT: A ONE-ACT PLAY AT THE BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mi’kmaw Tepgunsejig: 13 Moons Full Suite by Jordan Bennett - New Exhibit Opens
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Abbe Museum
The Abbe presents the contemporary art of Jordan Bennett (Mi’kmaq) in this vividly colorful show. Mi’kmaw Tepgunsejig: 13 Moons Full Suite (May 2025 - October 2025) showcases Bennett’s visual examination of the Mi'kmaq lunar calendar. The dynamic print series draws elements of color and design from historical Mi’kmaq quillwork and petroglyphs (rock carvings) and thus are displayed in conversation with some of the phenomenal quillwork in the Abbe’s collections. Come see this confluence of contemporary art and tradition!
This exhibit could not have been realized without the support of the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.
In the Shadow of the Eagle - New Exhibit Opens
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Abbe Museum
At a moment where the United States marks 250 years since its founding, this contemporary art exhibit aims to share a greater understanding of Wabanaki Nations’ place within our ongoing national narrative. The exhibit title is drawn from co-curator Donna Loring’s (Penobscot Nation) book that candidly chronicles time spent as a Tribal Representative for Maine. Joining the curatorial team are historian Dr. Darren Ranco (Penobscot Nation) and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Curator Siera Hyte (Cherokee Nation). Using the Semiquincentennial and Wabanaki involvement in the Revolutionary War as a jumping off point, In the Shadow of the Eagle focuses on important themes such as military service, treaties, and self-governance. The exhibition features incredible new artworks by leading Wabanaki artists alongside important historical belongings, and loans of work by important Native artists from outside the Dawnlands.
This exhibition was made possible with the generous support of the Terra Foundation for American Art.
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 28
MDI HOSPITAL AUXILIARY ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING
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 29
PINTS FOR A PURPOSE
Gather around the fireplace, sip a beer, and hear stories about the history and future of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.
This week's speaker is James Francis Sr., Penobscot Nation’s Tribal Historian. His talk will center around the theme, "A Sense of Place."
This free series is co-hosted by Friends of Acadia & Terramor Outdoor Resort. All are welcome to attend and $1 of every beer purchased benefits Friends of Acadia! It begins at 5 p.m.
https://friendsofacadia.org/.../events/pints-for-a-purpose
MAY 29 - ACADIA BIRDING FESTIVAL
The Wendell Gilley Museum is pleased to once again co-host the Acadia Birding Festival in 2025, the festival’s 26th year of offering stellar birding trips and speakers on Mount Desert Island. As usual, the Gilley will be hosting and recording presentations, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Museum. All sign-ups for the Acadia Birding Festival go directly through the festival website at www.acadiabirdingfestival.com, and the schedule and other information can be there as well. Anyone who is a paid attendee of the Acadia Birding Festival receives free entry to the Museum for the duration of the festival.
Thursday May 29, 2025 through Sunday Jun 1, 2025
MAY 29 - COASTAL HAZARDS AWARENESS CLASS
MAY 29 - AUTHOR TALK
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 30
ACADIA BIRDING FESTIVAL CONTINUES
Thursday May 29, 2025 through Sunday Jun 1, 2025
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.
Events via the Bar Harbor Chamber
SATURDAY, MAY 31
ACADIA BIRDING FESTIVAL CONTINUES
Thursday May 29, 2025 through Sunday Jun 1, 2025
SATURDAY STORY TIMES
NORTHEAST HARBOR
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
ACADIA BIRDING FESTIVAL CONTINUES
Thursday May 29, 2025 through Sunday Jun 1, 2025
JUNE 1 - 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 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Reading Room Restaurant, Bar Harbor Inn
Pricing: $52 for adults | $25 for children
Reservations can be made by calling (207) 288-3351.
JUNE 1 - ACADIA HALF MARATHON AND 10K
Registration is now open for the 2025 @Acadia Half Marathon & 10k at the Mount Desert Island YMCA. Register now to ensure you've got a spot at the starting line on June 1, 2025. https://www.mdiymca.org/acadiahalf
Bar Harbor’s Farmers' Market!
Sunday, 9-12, at the Bar Harbor YMCA parking lot. May 11 - October 26.
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!
Sunday events via the Chamber:
FUTURE EVENTS:
ALL JUNE — MDI Photo Club Announces 12th Annual Exhibit
NORTHEAST HARBOR—The MDI Photo Club is pleased to present its 12th annual photo exhibit, showcasing the talents of its members. The exhibit will be on display throughout June 2025 in the Mellon Room of the Northeast Harbor Library. This year's exhibit promises a diverse collection of photographs capturing the essence of Mount Desert Island and beyond. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Mellon Room. The public is invited to meet the photographers, view the exhibit, and enjoy light refreshments.
JUNE 13 SHAKESPEARE! REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCE!
JUNE 3 - More Than Milk: Local Control and the Fate of MDI Dairies
SOUTHWEST HARBOR- Join us on June 3 at 5:30 p.m., at the Southwest Harbor Public Library for More Than Milk: Local Control and the Fate of MDI Dairies
JUNE 3 - Fiber and Felines
JUNE 4 - HISTORY OF LUMBER JILLS
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 8 - MAKE A FARMER’S MARKET BASKET!
JUNE 9 - BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BAR HARBOR—The Bar Harbor Historical Society is thrilled to announce a new recurring program, Evening at the Museum, offering special evening hours once a month from May through October. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., visitors are invited to explore the museum with pay-what-you-can admission, making the museum accessible to everyone.
Unlike typical daytime visits, Evening at the Museum will feature rotating days of the week each month to better accommodate the diverse schedules of our community members:
Monday, June 9
Tuesday, July 8
Wednesday, August 6
Thursday, September 11
Friday, October 17
JUNE 14 - CLASH OF THE KRAKENS STRONGMAN COMPETITION
10 a.m. 1192 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton
Clash of the Krakens is a pirate-themed strongman competition hosted by Bash Crowley and Rum Runners!
Come enjoy impressive feats of strength and support some phenomenal athletes!
No admission charge for spectators!
Athletes can sign up to compete on Iron Podium by following the link below. This is a United States Strongman sanctioned competition!
https://ironpodium.com/browse/event/clash-of-the-krakens
JUNE 14 - SPORTS GEAR SWAP
JUNE 14 & 15 - ART IN THE PARK
JUNE 14 - SOUTHWEST HARBOR-TREMONT AMBULANCE SERVICE MINI GOLF FUNDRAISER
JUNE 14 BLOOM AFTER HOURS
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 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 28 DIY BOARD GAMES
JUNE 28 - CONTRA DANCING AT THE JESUP
JUNE 29 - SPENCER and the WALRUS
JULY 12 - 13 DAWNLAND FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS
JULY 11 - TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME
JULY 12 - DAVID SEDARIS AT THE CRITERION
JULY 13 JAMMY BUFFET
JULY 21-23
JULY 24 - LUCIUS with SPENCER ALBEE and ZACHARY BENCE
JULY 25 - GRIFFIN WILLIAM SHERRY
AUGUST 2-4
AUGUST 6
AUGUST 12 - THE MOUNTAIN GOATS
AUGUST 22 PINK TALKING FISH
AUGUST 23 - ORLEANS QUARTET
AUGUST 27 - ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
AUGUST 28 - BARRINGTON LEVY
AUGUST 29 - MAMMA MANIA
SEPTEMBER 13 - LIVINGSTON TAYLOR
OCTOBER 24- TUSK
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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