And in the near future.
May 19, 2025
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Wealth Management.
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.
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 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.
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 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 19
MAY 19 – MEET THE BAR HARBOR TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES
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 20
MAY 20 – ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTHWEST HARBOR
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 21
MAY 21 – Share the Harvest community soup dinner
5 p.m.
Handmade bowls for sale to support local food access.
College of the Atlantic Beech Hill Farm
171 Beech Hill Rd, Mt Desert
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 22
MAY 22 – ARTEMIS GALLERY OPENING RECEPTION
MOUNT DESERT—The Artemis Gallery’s first opening of the year will be on May 22 at its location at 1 Old Firehouse Lane in Northeast Harbor. It’s also its first day open for the season.
The featured artists are Morgain Bailey, Rob Finn, Jennifer Judd-McGee, Rebekah Raye and Carol Shutt. The exhibition which runs until June 9 will benefit the Bar Harbor Food Pantry through sales from the show.
The reception will be from 5-7 p.m. with the featured artists in attendance. Each of the gallery’s exhibitions benefit a local nonprofit.
MDI VEGAN SUPPER AND SOCIAL CLUB
CULTURAL FUSION FEST
Music & Conversation: Phoebe Durand-McDonnell
NORTHEAST HARBOR LIBRARY HOSTS CHAMBER MUSIC TRIO
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 23
MOTHER-SON DANCE
MAY 23, 24 Mount Desert Island High School Drama Presents: “Cyrano”
Tickets will be available at the door. Come support local student theater and enjoy an evening (or afternoon) of laughter, love, and lyrical language.
Please visit MDIDRAMA.ORG for more information.
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.
SATURDAY, MAY 24
MAY 24 Mount Desert Island High School Drama Presents: “Cyrano”
Tickets will be available at the door. Come support local student theater and enjoy an evening (or afternoon) of laughter, love, and lyrical language.
Please visit MDIDRAMA.ORG for more information.
MAY 24-25 MEMORIAL WEEKEND CRAFT FAIR
SIGN MAKING
CONTRA DANCING AT THE JESUP
POKEMON CARD SWAP
SATURDAY STORY TIMES
NORTHEAST HARBOR
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, MAY 25
MAY 24-25 MEMORIAL WEEKEND CRAFT FAIR
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:
None currently listed
FUTURE EVENTS:
MAY 26 – MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
MAY 26 – COMMUNITY COOKOUT
MAY 26 – MEMORIAL DAY BOOK SALE
MAY 29 – COASTAL HAZARDS AWARENESS CLASS
MAY 29
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 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
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 — Live Bahian samba-reggae with Caique Vidal
BAR HARBOR—Dance to the electrifying beats of Bahian samba-reggae with performer Caique Vidal at College of the Atlantic on Tuesday, June 3. The show starts at 7 p.m. in the Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Vidal, an educator and community organizer for the Brazilian diaspora in North Carolina, faithfully shares the Afro-Brazilian traditions of his Bahia birthplace.
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 14 – SPORTS GEAR SWAP
JUNE 14 & 15 – ART IN THE PARK
JUNE 14 – SOUTHWEST HARBOR-TREMONT AMBULANCE SERVICE MINI GOLF FUNDRAISER
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 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 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 24 – LUCIUS with SPENCER ALBEE and ZACHARY BENCE
JULY 25 – GRIFFIN WILLIAM SHERRY
AUGUST 12 – THE MOUNTAIN GOATS
AUGUST 22 PINK TALKING FISH
AUGUST 23 – ORLEANS QUARTET
AUGUST 28 – BARRINGTON LEVY
SEPTEMBER 13 – LIVINGSTON TAYLOR
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.
If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.
Follow us on Facebook. And as a reminder, you can easily view all our past stories and press releases here.
Bar Harbor Story is a mostly self-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thank you so much for being here with us and for caring about Bar Harbor!
Thanks for reading Bar Harbor Story ! This post is public so feel free to share it.
If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.
If you’d like to sponsor the Bar Harbor Story, you can! Learn more here.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Discover more from Bar Harbor Story
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.