Things to do on MDI this week

THINGS TO DO ON MOUNT DESERT ISLAND THIS WEEK

And in the near future.

Mar 03, 2025

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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 me 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.


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.


JESUP EVENTS

For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.


EVENTS AT THE GILLEY

For a full list of Gilley events, click here.


DOWNEAST PILATES


THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE SCHEDULE

The calendar is here.

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE CLASS SCHEDULE!


MDI YMCA

Events are here and the gym schedule is here. You can peruse its website for other schedules. The fitness schedule is below.


NORTHEAST HARBOR LIBRARY

A list of events is here.


SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARY

A list of events is here.


SOMESVILLE LIBRARY

A list of events is here.


THE COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC

A list of events is here. Make sure to choose “open to the public” on the side bar.


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.


TIMBERLAND ACRES CAMPGROUND


ALL MONTH

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER


WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH COMMUNITY EXHIBIT!

Community Exhibit, March 5-28, during library hours, Southwest Harbor Public Library. Women’s History Month 2025. https://tinyurl.com/4wjszy6t, 244-7065. www.swhplibrary.org.

Exhibit Reception, March 7. 5:30-7:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Women’s History Month Event 2025. https://tinyurl.com/4wjszy6t, 244-7065. www.swhplibrary.org


SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION DATES! (UPDATED)


MONDAY, MARCH 4


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, MARCH 4


OPEN TABLE MDI!

Open Table MDI is at 116 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor.


TUESDAYS! COMMUNITY CLASS ON HOW TO NAVIGATE TURBULENT TIMES


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, MARCH 5


Book Discussion: The Anxious Generation at Northeast Harbor Library

Wednesday, March 5 at 5:00 p.m. in person and online

NORTHEAST HARBOR—The Northeast Harbor Library will host a discussion of the book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illnessby Jonathan Haidt on Wednesday, March 5 at 5 p.m. The discussion will take place in person at the library, with a virtual participation option.

The mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling on most measures. In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Johnathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that has hit many countries at the same time. He investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults.

This discussion will be facilitated by Northeast Harbor Library director Amy Wisehart, and is open to all. Copies of the book are available to request through the library. For more information or to register, visit the library’s website at www.nehlibrary.org/events.


March 5 – Doubles and Doppelgangers explore ambient mirror world

BAR HARBOR — Four musicians performing in a quadraphonic sound setting explore themes of the doppelganger through electronic mediation of instrumental voices, found sound samples, and electronic synthesis live at College of the Atlantic March 5. The free show takes place in The Turrets at 6:30 p.m.


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, MARCH 6




STITCHES KNITTING GROUP!

Stitches Knitting & Crochet Group meets weekly at the Trenton Town Office (59 Oak Point Rd), Wednesdays 3-5pm. All levels are welcome. FMI contact Christina Heiniger at fernhousestudio@outlook.com


FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES


Thursday events via the Chamber:


FRIDAY, MARCH 7



MAINE DRAMA FESTIVAL AT MDI HIGH SCHOOL


FRIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHTS AT CAMP BEECH CLIFF


FUN FRIDAY!

Family Storytime 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, MARCH 8


DOWNTOWN COMEDY NIGHT!


MAINE DRAMA FESTIVAL AT MDI HIGH SCHOOL


MINDFULNESS



CHESS WORKSHOP!

On Saturday, March 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library is hosting a free drop-in chess workshop led by MDI Chess Coach Ezra Sassaman.

“We’ll teach the core principles of the game and how to trick opponents with sneaky tactics!” said Sassaman.

The workshop offers friendly instruction for complete newcomers and beginners ready to learn more, while also holding space for experienced players to practice their skills. MDI Chess is a volunteer group of coaches and players sharing their love of the game. Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Don’t miss the Paint & Sip for Kids with Mike Duffy at the Southwest Harbor Public Library on Saturday, March 8th from 10:00-11:30 a.m. For kids ages 9-13, learn to use watercolors to paint an island scene together while sipping hot chocolate. Explore various watercolor techniques and ways to mix colors. When the class is over, take home a watercolor masterpiece. Space is limited. Registration for each child required. https://tinyurl.com/2h3ewpue.

For more information or to register visit www.swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065.


SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!


PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP


Saturday events via the Chamber:


SUNDAY, MARCH 9


Families with Unique Needs (FUN) and Local Solutions are sponsoring Joey Peavey for music therapy for adults with Intellectual Disabilities, Development Delays and Autism.

This event is free.

Sunday March 9

Music is at 4:00 and potluck at 5:00. St. Saviour’s Church Choir room at the back of the church.

The mission of Local Solutions is to create inspired housing in the heart of a thriving supportive community on MDI, where people with special needs can flourish.


The F.U.N. group seeks to provide a community of support for people with ID/D and Autism and for their guardians/caregivers in the MDI and surrounding area. We want to increase opportunities for social activities and inclusion for these individuals in the greater community, enhance their independence.


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:

MARCH 10 – Combatting Pseudoscience Online and in the Classroom

Monday, March 10, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Online event via Zoom

BAR HARBOR—MDI Bio Lab Science Education & Outreach Coordinator Dr. Elisabeth Marnik and Melanie Trecek-King, Associate Professor of Biology at Massasoit Community College and Creator/Founder at Thinking is Power, will come together to explore practical strategies for helping kids, parents, and educators resist pseudoscience in digital spaces and educational settings.

This conversation will delve into actionable ways to empower ourselves and the next generation with critical thinking skills. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone passionate about fostering science-based thinking, Dr. Marnik and Ms. Trecek-King will share their expertise and experiences to help us all navigate misinformation. They’ll provide practical advice on evaluating sources, understanding science, and equipping children with the tools they need to think critically and make informed decisions.

Register Now


A TASTE OF MINDFULNESS


MARCH 19—MARCH ON MOUNT DESERT

BAR HARBOR—After four long years, it’s back! Join your neighbors at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19 for the March on Mount Desert Street, a progressive dinner for our local community. Here’s the schedule:

5:00 – Cocktails & mocktails at the Abbe Museum

5:30 – Appetizers at Bar Harbor Congregational Church

6:00 – Salads at YWCA MDI

6:30 – Soup at St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, Bar Harbor

7:00 – Dessert & live music at Jesup Memorial Library

This event is completely free and all are welcome. Join us!


March 10 – ASC Racial Justice Book Group

Are you interested in joining us? We are open to new members who want to share in the reading and the hard work that ensues as we examine the underpinnings of systemic racism and its effects on society and on each of us individually, in the ultimate hope that our studies can work toward change.

We have been meeting once a month on the second Tuesday of the month from 10:30- 12:15.

We started with the basic readings of How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee. We then spent many months delving deeply into The 1619 Project edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones.

Since then, we’ve read some James Baldwin, Colon Whitehead, Zora Neale Hurston, Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., Clint Smith and many others. We look forward in the next few months to reading some James McBride and Bryan Stevenson. We also share articles of interest that deal with the issues we’re facing.

If the truly hard, but most meaningful, work we are doing to examine our society, culture and ourselves sounds like something that interests you, please contact me at rjbg2021@gmail.com or 207-664-9954.

Read more about the book group


MARCH 11 – Narcan and Stop the Bleed Training at MDI High School, 6:00 pm.

Stop the Bleed image

Class info and registration through MDI Adult and Community Education:

Stop the Bleed
You will learn how to control bleeding. Participants gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively control it with three quick techniques. The number 1 cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding. Stop the Bleed classes are public presentations that empower citizens to make a difference in a life or death situation.

Narcan Training
Will teach students how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose, and how to administer the opioid reversal drug Narcan/Naloxone.


MARCH 13


THE VOICE DOWNEAST FOR NEXT STEP


March 14 – MOVIE NIGHT


LIBRARY TEAS IN SOUTHWEST

March 20

Library Tea 2-3:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Tea, treats, music, and conversation. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065. All welcome.

April 17

Library Tea 2-3:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Tea, treats, music, and conversation. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065. All welcome.


MARCH 14-CHESS TOURNAMENT


MARCH 14 – MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FOR CAREGIVERS!


New Saturday Storytime every other week

SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Looking for a fun and engaging experience with your family? Drop in to the Southwest Harbor Public Library on Saturdays, every other week at 10:00 a.m., for a new family storytime with Ms. Lia ana. Listen to stories, sing songs, pop bubbles and more. Be sure to also join us for our weekly storytimes on Wednesdays (babytime) and Fridays (family storytime) at 10:00 a.m.


MARCH 18 – TALENT SHOW SIGNUPS AND EVENT


MARCH 20 – A HISTORY OF HOUSING


MARCH 31 – CHOWDAH FEST AND SILENT AUCTION

MARCH 21 – PANEM-MONIA!


ONGOING:

GET YOUR HERO ON!

fireman
Photo by Matt C on Unsplash


ICE QUILTING DERBY


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 VOLTA ON!

photo by Xander

Volta, in Trenton, has a ton of things always going on. You can check that out here.



GET YOUR MUSIC ON!

man playing the piano in front of open music book
Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash

THE FINBACK ALEHOUSE

The Finback has entertainment most nights in Bar Harbor. The schedule is posted every Tuesday.


THE NOR’EASTER

The Nor’Easter has music every Saturday night from 8-10 in the summer and 7-9 in the winter in Northeast Harbor.


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 Bar Harbor (or MDI or Trenton or Ellsworth) 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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