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
Its spring courses are below.
BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
For a full list of Bar Harbor Historical Society, events, click through here.
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.
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.
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 14
Examining Potential PFAS Contamination of Well Water on MDI
Monday, April 14, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Online event via Zoom
With PFAS linked to serious health risks—including metabolic disruptions, high cholesterol, and increased cancer risks—this discovery raises urgent questions: How widespread is the contamination? What can be done to protect our communities? What if a local school was unknowingly contaminating drinking water in your neighborhood?
Groundbreaking research from MDI Biological Laboratory scientists Dr. Jane Disney and Dr. Richard Hilliard has uncovered a surprising source of PFAS contamination in the environment—rural schools. Everyday items like floor wax and toilet paper used in rural schools may be leaching dangerous "forever chemicals" into wastewater, ultimately contaminating groundwater that supply private wells on nearby properties.
Join us for an eye-opening discussion on this critical issue and the next steps for ensuring safer water in rural states like Maine.
ELLSWORTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Two Presentations:
GLOBAL ACCESS AND DIGITIZATION WITH FAMILY SEARCH
Stephanie Outhier
When Stephanie moved to Ellsworth, she didn't know anyone and she thought most of her relations were from out-of-state. Then she applied her genealogy research skills to Family Search, and found her Maine ancestors and her Maine roots. She will outline the capabilities of Family Search, and how anyone can access their relations.
_____
COLLABORATION AND THE HISTORY TRUST
Holly Hendricks
When Holly Hendricks learned that the central belief of The History Trust is that historical collections should be a community resource, she - as Chair of the EHS Collections Committee - collaborated with other area history-focused organizations. She will describe how together with 10 other organizations created a regional alliance that monitors its members, supports collections manage, and engages the public with our shared regional histories.
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 15
DISCOVER SEAWEED DAY!
IMPACT
Online Talk: The Cost of Fear with Meg Stone
On Tuesday, April 15th at 5:30 p.m., Meg Stone, Executive Director of Impact Boston and author of The Cost of Fear, will give a virtual talk presenting practical, gender-inclusive strategies for learning self-defense safety skills that help work for social and political change. In these complicated times, it’s important to have the skills to resist coercion, intimidation and violence both for our own safety and the safety of our communities. Find out more about Meg's book Cost of Fear: Why Most Safety Advice is Sexist and How We Can Stop Gender-Based Violence. Books can be purchased through Sherman's books store either in-store, on via Shermans.
HISTORY HAPPY HOUR
Are you a master of MDI history, a fan of the First Amendment, or just civics savvy? Join us at 5:30 on Tuesday, April 15 for the MDI Historical Society’s History Happy Hour at Blaze, 198 Main St Bar Harbor.
April’s event will challenge your civic knowledge in a Jeopardy-inspired game, testing what you know about United States, Maine and MDI history, the constitution and the democratic process. Sound too dry for a fun evening out? Hosts Lisa Murray and Raney Bench promise to engage you with surprises and prizes! Gather up your team for good eats and good times while putting your knowledge to the test. All ages are welcome. Admission is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
History Happy Hours are an experiential, fun way to learn local history through trivia, tours, games, and other active experiences. We gather at island restaurants and bars every other month from October through April.
To register or for more information visit: https://mdihistory.org/events
OPEN TABLE MDI!
Open Table MDI is at 116 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor.
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.
Winter is here, and so is run club! The cold just means getting creative with layers haha! Sharing an open invitation to come out and join the crew for an upcoming run! 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 16
Film screening and panel discussion: Building Hope: Ending Homelessness
6:30 p.m.
College of the Atlantic
Davis Center for Human Ecology, Rm. 102
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor
Free of charge
coa.edu/calendar
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, APRIL 17
TEA AT THE LIBRARY
APRIL 17 - MDI YMCA
STEAM NIGHT
MDI VEGAN SOCIAL AND SUPPER CLUB
CRAFTING SCENERY
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, APRIL 18
ACT presents "The Wizard of Oz"
BAR HARBOR—Acadia Community Theater is excited to present its 30th annual spring musical "The Wizard of Oz" at Mount Desert Island High School in the Higgins Demas Theater for the last two weekends in April.
April 18 at 7 p.m.
April 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
April 25 at 7 p.m.
April 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
April 27 at 2 p.m.
The show runs 2 hours and there will be an intermission and refreshments for sale. Tickets are available at acadiacommunitytheater.net and are $22 for general admission or $18 for students, seniors and military. Visit acadiacommunity.net for more information. We hope to see you there!
INTRO TO CHESS
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:
None listed.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
BAR HARBOR INN EASTER EGG HUNT
ANNUAL SPRING FLING EGG HUNT
BAR HARBOR—The YWCA is having its Annual Spring Fling on Saturday, April 19th, from 10 to 12. This event is geared for families with children up to grade 2. While waiting for your egg hunt time, there will be arts and crafts in the lobby. FMI: abby@ywcamdi.org
Egg hunts will be held as follows:
Up to age 3: 10:00 a.m.
Age 4: 10:30 a.m.
Age 5: 11:00 a.m.
Age 6 &7: 11:30 a.m.
ROCK FOR CHUCK!
BAR HARBOR SCRABBLE CLUB!
If you love words and word games, this is for you! The inaugural get-together will be this coming Saturday. Here are the details: Saturday, April 19, 2025 10:00 A.M. Jesup Library, Bar Harbor All skill levels are welcome. If you have a Scrabble board, feel free to bring it. If you don't have one, we'll have some. Nobody will go boardless.
BOOM!
Baroque Orchestra of Maine (BOOM) musicians Heidi Powell and Raffael Scheck will perform a program for baroque violin and cello on Saturday, April 19 at 4pm, Bar Harbor Congregational Church. The concert will include violin sonatas by Arcangelo Corelli (opus 5, no. 4) and Francesco Veracini (opus 2, no. 7) as well as two small duets by Attilio Ariosti (1666-1729). Corelli’s violin sonatas are considered to be epochal models for the baroque instrumental sonata, and Veracini’s sonatas have enthralled generations with their pleasing and original style. Ariosti is a less well-known Italian composer now, but he was very eminent in his time, making his career in Berlin and London. With George Friderick Handel, he served as co-director of the Royal Academy of Music for some time. Ariosti wrote many operas and cantatas but was an accomplished cellist as well. The program will also include a performance of the Bach cello suite #2 (d minor) on baroque cello. Composed most likely in 1720, the Bach cello suites are often considered some of the deepest and enigmatic compositions for a single melody instrument. Tickets will be available at the door, $25 for adults, students are free. For more information visit BOOM's website at: baroqueorchestraofmaine.org
ACT presents "The Wizard of Oz"
BAR HARBOR—Acadia Community Theater is excited to present its 30th annual spring musical "The Wizard of Oz" at Mount Desert Island High School in the Higgins Demas Theater for the last two weekends in April.
April 18 at 7 p.m.
April 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
April 25 at 7 p.m.
April 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
April 27 at 2 p.m.
The show runs 2 hours and there will be an intermission and refreshments for sale. Tickets are available at acadiacommunitytheater.net and are $22 for general admission or $18 for students, seniors and military. Visit acadiacommunity.net for more information. We hope to see you there!
MDI WHEELERS
NORTHEAST HARBOR—The MDI Wheelers will meet at the Northeast Harbor Library on Saturday, April 19, from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
SATURDAY STORY TIMES
NORTHEAST HARBOR
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
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.
Winter is here, and so is run club! The cold just means getting creative with layers haha! Sharing an open invitation to come out and join the crew for an upcoming run! 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 22 BACKYARD BIRDING
APRIL 22- MOVIE MAGIC AT REEL PIZZA
APRIL 22 - FREE E-WASTE COLLECTION
APRIL 22 and 24 Events
APRIL 23 Maine-made documentary explores sustainability
BAR HARBOR—The Maine-made, award-winning documentary, Saving Walden’s World, will screen at College of the Atlantic on Wednesday, April 23 at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A with director Jim Merkel. The event takes place at the Center for Human Ecology, Rm. 202, and is free and open to the public.
APRIL 24 MEETING
We are parents of people with developmental delays, autism and neurodiversity and need support for daily living. These meetings are supported by Local Solutions.
The meeting is in the rectory of St. Saviour's Church in Bar Harbor.
This meeting is every other Thursday.
The next meeting is April 24.
Discussion topics include check in, any problems with support, that someone is having, and ideas for activities for families and people with neurodiversity and developmental delays in the community.
Please share this information with parents of people in high school or older.
APRIL 26 - KRAZY 4 KOMBUCHA
APRIL 25 - Internationally Renowned Piano Duo Comes to Mount Desert Island
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Friday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host renowned pianists Michael Coonrod and Danny Holt for a free performance of beloved classics by Mozart, Schubert, Brahms and more.
APRIL 24 - CHESS TOURNAMENT!
APRIL 24 - FROCK SWAP
APRIL 25 - The Mystique of Making Natural Dyes, Inks and Paints
Bonnie Chase holds undergraduate degrees in Biology and Botany and a MS in Environmental Science from Montclair State University, NJ. Throughout her careers in teaching biology, as Executive Director of the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Nature Center, as a Master Naturalist, leading Natural History tours in Central and South America, and writing a weekly local nature column, she has always focused on immersing her students in the awe and beauty of the natural world. Bonnie Chase has taught several nature-inspired art classes for ASC and at other local organizations.
This program is part of Acadia Senior College’s monthly Food for Thought program. The lunch and presentation will take place at Birch Bay Village in Hull’s Cove on Friday, April 25, 2025, starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost for attending in person is $17. The Zoom-only presentation is free and begins at noon.
This program is open to the public, but reservations are required for either the in-person or online event. Register online at acadiaseniorcollege.org or email learn@acadiaseniorcollege.org. For more information contact Acadia Senior College at (207) 288-9500.
APRIL 25 - PIANO DUO
APRIL 26 - TOWN OF TRENTON ROADSIDE CLEANUP
April 26, 2025 Earth Day Roadside Cleanup. 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.. Sign up at the Town Office or contact Friends of Acadia at 288-3340. If you can't join up, take a look around your property and clean up that area if it needs it.
APRIL 26 - Free Tools Available at the Northeast Harbor Library
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Saturday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Northeast Harbor Library will host a tool swap in collaboration with the Sustainability Committee of the Town of Mount Desert.
APRIL 26 - Contradance at the Jesup
Come welcome spring at our fun contra dance!
Music by Big Moose. Saturday April 26: 7-10 p.m. Jesup Library, 34 Mt Desert St. Bar Harbor. Caller Chris Ricciotti will teach all dances. Beginners, families, experienced dancers welcome. Refreshments.$10 suggested donation. Questions, (207)288-4245
APRIL 26 - MDI Hospital to Host April Wellness Fair with Free Health Checks and Screening
BAR HARBOR—Mount Desert Island Hospital is set to host their 2025 Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YWCA, Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor. This free event is open to the public and will provide an opportunity to learn about many resources for a healthy lifestyle.
APRIL 26 - ALONG THE TREE LINE
Along The Tree Line: A Glimpse of the Future ... the updated dramatic adaptation by Fred Stocking and Gordon Donaldson will be performed at 2 p.m., April 26, at the Lamoine Grange Hall Theater, 7 Lamoine Beach Road.
Afterward will be a discussion about what people in the MDI area can do regarding the Changes they are experiencing. Rep. Gary Friedman will attend.
APRIL 30 - COMMUNITY DRIVEN ENERGY PLANNING WORKSHOP
APRIL 30 - HOME COMPOSTING
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.
MAY 3 - PENNY RAFFLE
MAY 5 - MDI HOSPITAL AUXILIARY JEWELRY SALE
MAY 10 - FLOWER MOON DINNER FOR THE LAND
MAY 16 & 17 COMMUNITY THREADS
MAY 18 - OPEN BARN DAY AT WILLOWIND
MAY 26 - COMMUNITY COOKOUT
MAY 29 - COASTAL HAZARDS AWARENESS CLASS
JUNE 14 & 15
JUNE 27-29 - BACKSIDE BLAST AND LOBSTER BOAT RACES
JUNE 22-28 ACADIA FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
SPENCER and the WALRUS
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 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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