The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Psychiatry.
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.
We’re still building out the site, but the restaurants are here!
If you’re an owner/manager/employee of a restaurant that isn’t on the list yet, please let us know and we’ll get you there, but please be kind about it and know that it’s not intentional.
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 REPERTORY THEATRE
THE ANNEX
Located in Bar Harbor with music nightly.
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.
BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
For a full list of Bar Harbor Historical Society, events, click through here.
THE BAR HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL
Here’s a list of all the events.
BEECH HILL FARM
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.
CRITERION THEATRE
For a list of events, click through here.
Full Show Schedule
8/16 Chris Thile
8/22 Pink Talking Fish - A Fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads & Phish
8/23 Orleans (Quartet)
8/27 Asleep At The Wheel
8/28 Barrington Levy
9/13 Livingston Taylor
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
Gallery at Somes Sound | Thomas Blagden, Photographer
Acadia: The Engaging Landscape
August 10 - 31, 2025
The Gallery at Somes Sound will feature photographs by Thomas Bladgen during the month of August (10 – 31), “Acadia” The Engaging Landscape.” A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Friends of Acadia.
For over four decades Thomas Blagden’s photography has always been more about generating a sense of place than about specific subjects. Blagden strives to show the essence of a place in all its varied habitats and diverse nature. He concentrates his work on locations that he loves and that are part of his life. Growing up in a family of artists in Connecticut’s Northwest Corner instilled in Blagden a deep love for the land.
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
IVY MANOR MUSIC
Music on the lawn.
JESUP EVENTS
For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.
LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE
For a full list of Land and Garden Preserve events, click through here.
THE LINKS PUB AT KEBO
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.
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.
SANDBAR COTTAGE INN
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.
SEAL COVE AUTO MUSEUM!
SOMESVILLE LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAMS
SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
St. Saviour's Folk Music Series
TIMBERLAND ACRES CAMPGROUND
TREMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY COUNTRY STORE AND MUSEUM IN BASS HARBOR
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons from 1–4 p.m., July through Columbus Day, or by appointment.
For more information, click 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.
ALL MONTH/ONGOING
ALWAYS THERE
Join Maine Seacoast Mission for "Always There: 120 Years of Maine Seacoast Mission" during the month of July at the Northeast Harbor Library.
This October, the Mission will celebrate our 120 Anniversary and the exhibit will feature information about the Mission's history providing services including healthcare, education, and community building. There will be historical photos, boat models, nautical artifacts, and much more on display covering the Mission’s twelve decades.
PRODUCE EXCHANGE!
FRIENDS OF ACADIA SPONSORED: Mary Louise Pierson photography retrospective at The Gallery at Somes Sound
Friends of Acadia and The Gallery at Somes Sound invite you to honor the lives and legacies of Mary Louise Pierson (1954–2024), acclaimed photographer, and Ann Rockefeller Roberts (1934–2024), author and activist.
The event will open a commemorative exhibit of Pierson’s photography, featuring works from Acadia National Park and the Rockefeller Family Home, Kykuit. The exhibit will run through July 31. All are welcome to attend and reflect on the enduring impact of these remarkable women. A portion of proceeds from the exhibit will benefit Friends of Acadia.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND HOSPITAL ART SHOW
The MDI Hospital Cafeteria is hosting a solo exhibition by Liz Cutler, titled “Paintings of Monhegan.” The show runs through the end of July.
MONDAY, JULY 28
JULY 28 - TOPICS IN MODERN HEALTH
College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking
The 2025 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking will celebrate exceptional individuals whose work and beliefs have changed how we see the world. Brilliant, brave, defiant, the subjects of our sessions exemplify the power of commitment and the need to seek new solutions. Many of the figures we will hear from or about experienced great personal risk to their careers—some to their lives. They persisted. Their example serves as a reason to hope, a road map for change, a resetting of our moral compass.
The event is held under a tent on COA's North Lawn. The institute kicks off with an evening session on Monday, July 28, followed by morning and evening sessions, Tuesday - Friday. To register.
STORYTIME KID’S YOGA
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, JULY 29
JULY 29—KOREAN AMERICAN WRITERS IN CONVERSATION
CRANE FOLDING
THE ALPINIST
College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking
The 2025 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking will celebrate exceptional individuals whose work and beliefs have changed how we see the world. Brilliant, brave, defiant, the subjects of our sessions exemplify the power of commitment and the need to seek new solutions. Many of the figures we will hear from or about experienced great personal risk to their careers—some to their lives. They persisted. Their example serves as a reason to hope, a road map for change, a resetting of our moral compass.
The event is held under a tent on COA's North Lawn. The institute kicks off with an evening session on Monday, July 28, followed by morning and evening sessions, Tuesday - Friday. To register.
PIES FOR PROGRESS
TRIVIA AT THE LINKS
OPEN TABLE MDI!
Open Table MDI is at 116 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor.
PLAY-DOH PLAYTIME
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, JULY 30
College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking
The 2025 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking will celebrate exceptional individuals whose work and beliefs have changed how we see the world. Brilliant, brave, defiant, the subjects of our sessions exemplify the power of commitment and the need to seek new solutions. Many of the figures we will hear from or about experienced great personal risk to their careers—some to their lives. They persisted. Their example serves as a reason to hope, a road map for change, a resetting of our moral compass.
The event is held under a tent on COA's North Lawn. The institute kicks off with an evening session on Monday, July 28, followed by morning and evening sessions, Tuesday - Friday. To register.
MARIE ARANA AND FRANCES STEAD SELLERS
DOWNEAST NEW MUSIC
BAR HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL
BOY SCOUT
SEASIDE CINEMA
Seaside Cinema is at Agamont Park in Bar Harbor. Kick off the summer with this heartwarming animated classic! Follow the unforgettable friendship between a curious boy and a gentle giant from space.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite movie buddy for a cozy night under the stars! Free popcorn while supplies last!
Movie starts after sunset!!
DALLAS HODGKINS—THE SINGING LOBSTERMAN
Every Wednesday 5-7 p.m., at C-Ray Lobster
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, JULY 31
7-DAY KIDS ACTING WORKSHOP
ARTEMIS EXHIBITION!
JULY 31 - SUPPORT GROUP
Are you looking for support as a parent or guardian of an adult with ID/D, autism or neurodiversity? Join our support group. We do problem solving, advocacy and plan activities. We are planning activities that are designed for the needs of people with ID/D and Autism and are inclusive for the general public. We meet every other Thursday at 4 p.m. at the rectory at St. Savior’s Church in Bar Harbor.
College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking
The 2025 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking will celebrate exceptional individuals whose work and beliefs have changed how we see the world. Brilliant, brave, defiant, the subjects of our sessions exemplify the power of commitment and the need to seek new solutions. Many of the figures we will hear from or about experienced great personal risk to their careers—some to their lives. They persisted. Their example serves as a reason to hope, a road map for change, a resetting of our moral compass.
The event is held under a tent on COA's North Lawn. The institute kicks off with an evening session on Monday, July 28, followed by morning and evening sessions, Tuesday - Friday. To register.
JULY 31 — 27th Annual Butterfly Release
The Annual Butterfly Release is divided into two sessions to ensure that guests can enjoy all of the activities and stroll through the park at their own pace, allowing families and individuals to come and go at their leisure during their session time.
When you check-in, you will receive your boxed butterflies to release at the park or take home. Enjoy refreshments and fun activities for all ages. This annual fundraising effort is used to support all the activities and upkeep at the park, and pays for new plantings downtown. We are excited to once again be able to share the magic of butterflies with you this season and appreciate your support. Tickets are limited and advance ticket purchase is required to attend.
Time Options:
Session I - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Session II - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost:
Donation $35/person 12 yrs. & older (includes one butterfly)
Free Admission for children under 12 yrs. (butterfly not included)
How to Purchase:
JULY 31 - Amy Love
DAVE ALBEE AUTHOR TALK
PINTS FOR 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 speakers are Diana Zito, Jack Russell, and friends, who will be discussing The Fire of ’47.
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!
PICK-UP SOCCER!
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, AUGUST 1
Ryan Blotnick and saxophonist/clarinetist Mike McGinnis Quintet
Jazz aficionados and curious listeners alike are in for a rare and thrilling musical experience as guitarist Ryan Blotnick and saxophonist/clarinetist Mike McGinnis co-lead an all-star quintet for an intimate night of boundary-pushing jazz at Sassafrass Café in Town Hill. Two sets, 6:00 and 7:30, come to one or stay for both.
Reserve your seat on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/.../ryan-blotnick-mike...
CARMINA BURANA
SARA JONES
College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking
The 2025 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking will celebrate exceptional individuals whose work and beliefs have changed how we see the world. Brilliant, brave, defiant, the subjects of our sessions exemplify the power of commitment and the need to seek new solutions. Many of the figures we will hear from or about experienced great personal risk to their careers—some to their lives. They persisted. Their example serves as a reason to hope, a road map for change, a resetting of our moral compass.
The event is held under a tent on COA's North Lawn. The institute kicks off with an evening session on Monday, July 28, followed by morning and evening sessions, Tuesday - Friday. To register.
FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY!
SOUTHWEST HARBOR FARMER’S MARKET!
We are opening Friday, June 13. Market runs every Friday until Oct 3, 2025.
315 Main Street, Southwest Harbor
9-12:30 p.m.
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, AUGUST 2
AUGUST 2 — HUDSON TO HARBOR!
ACADIA DANCE FESTIVAL
AUGUST 2 — DINE-AROUND DAY
CIRCUS MUTT AT FINNBACK
What to expect: Circus Mutt is a full-time touring duo from Asheville. Live performances are fun and energetic, and feature catchy covers and crafty originals. Acoustic guitar licks and LOTS of vocal harmonies anchor the shows of this hard-working duo. Musical flavors range from grass to jam to country. Don't miss it!
AUGUST 2 Organic Poultry Processing Workshops Set
BAR HARBOR—Learn how to safely and humanely harvest chickens and prepare them for cold storage or cooking at College of the Atlantic Peggy Rockefeller Farm August 2.
For a sliding scale registration fee of $70-$90, participants will work with farm staff in our licensed, on-farm facility to process chickens from live birds to bagged whole carcasses. Everyone will take home a fresh, organic, whole chicken. Register at coa.edu/farmworkshops.
The workshop covers the safety and cleaning protocols of the Maine 1000-bird exemption processing license, explores humane slaughtering and handling techniques, and works through scalding, plucking, evisceration, and bagging.
Participants should arrive wearing closed-toe waterproof shoes (ideally boots), long pants, clothes they don't mind getting messy, and layers appropriate to the weather. Please bring water and a bagged lunch. Light refreshments provided.
Pre-registration is required. Call 207-610-0552 or email anugent@coa.edu with any questions.
AUGUST 2-16 DOWNEAST ROWING CAMPS!
TREMONT COMMUNITY MARKET
COLOR-CHANGING CARNATIONS
AUGUST 2-4 ARTIST RETREAT WITH DEENA BALL
SATURDAY STORY TIMES
NORTHEAST HARBOR
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
AUGUST 3 - 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. 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.
THE THURSTON HOWELL BAND
Bingo Sundays at the Links Pub
The Links Pub is at 136 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor.
6-8 pm for Bingo at The Links Pub!
All games are free. There will be prizes each round.
Full food and drink menu will be available until 8 pm.
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 4-5:30 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!
AUGUST 4 - REWIRING THE MEDIA
AUGUST 4 - AFTERNOON AFTER HOURS
AUGUST 5 - WOMEN, BOOKS, AND ART
AUGUST 6 - BIKE PARADE!
AUGUST 6 -SUMMER S.T.E.A.M.
AUGUST 7 - HIDDEN BARN BOOKS HOSTS ROXANA ROBINSON
AUGUST 8 - THE CROW FAMILY BAND
AUGUST AND AUGUST 12 - ZERO ENERGY HOMES
AUGUST 10 - FOOTLOOSE SHADOW CAST
AUGUST 12 - THE MOUNTAIN GOATS
AUGUST 16 - JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOOKSALE!
BAR HARBOR—The Jesup Memorial Library 55th Annual Booksale will take place on Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Jesup Booksale is a long-standing community event that provides significant support for the library.
AUGUST 16 - CRAFT FAIR
AUGUST 16 - CHRIS THILE
TRENTON CHEERLEADING FALL TEAM
AUGUST 17 - NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY
AUGUST 18 FLASH IN THE PANS BENEFIT FOR THE BAR HARBRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
AUGUST 21 - THE SUNBEAM AWARD GALA!
AUGUST 22 PINK TALKING FISH
AUGUST 23 — DOWNEAST SUNRISE TRAIL ROLLER COASTER GRAVEL RIDE
AUGUST 23 - ORLEANS QUARTET
AUGUST 27 - ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
AUGUST 28 - BARRINGTON LEVY
AUGUST 29 - MAMMA MANIA
AUGUST 30 CRAFT FAIR
SEPTEMBER 13 -14 CRAFT FAIR
SEPTEMBER 13 - LIVINGSTON TAYLOR
OCTOBER 11-12 CRAFT FAIR!
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.
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.
If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.
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If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.
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