And in the near future.

Jun 02, 2025

The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Shops.

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!

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

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.

DALLAS HODGKINS—THE SINGING LOBSTERMAN

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.

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

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.

ARTEMIS GALLERY

MONDAY, JUNE 2

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!

Monday events via the Bar Harbor Chamber:

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

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

TRIVIA AT THE LINKS

JUNE 3 – Fiber and Felines

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, JUNE 4

JUNE 4 – HISTORY OF LUMBER JILLS

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, JUNE 5

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 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.

June 5 – Brian Hinrichs, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, and Eric Stiles, Friends of Acadia – partnerships in the NPS

https://friendsofacadia.org/…/events/pints-for-a-purpose

JUNE 5-7 BAR HARBOR PRIDE

GIVEN OUR HISTORY

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 pm at the rectory at St. Savior’s Church in Bar Harbor.

June 5 and 19 are the next meetings.

COMMUNITY CIRCLE

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.

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, JUNE 6

JUNE 5-7 BAR HARBOR PRIDE!

POOL PARTY BENEFIT

BAD DADDY AT THE ANNEX

The Annex is at 51 Rodick Street in Bar Harbor. The show begins at 8 p.m.

VIDALIA SALE

MDI PHOTO CLUB OPENING RECEPTION

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.

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, JUNE 7

JUNE 5-7 BAR HARBOR PRIDE!

JUNE 7 – CURBSIDE QUEENS PLANET PRIDE

DOWNEAST FOLK DANCERS

The Downeast Folk Dancers welcome all to join their first anniversary celebration.
After a successful year of public dances, the Kotwica Band will play “music from the Baltic to the Black Sea and Beyond” for this month’s theme of “dance favorites.” Learn dances from Armenia, Bavaria, Brittany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Sweden. No experience and no partner is needed. Admission is $10 at the door. 7-9 p.m., YWCA MDI, Mount Desert Street.

WIRE TREE ART AT ARTWAVES

Join artist and sculptor Ryan Kelley for a two-hour workshop where you’ll learn to create your own wire tree sculpture. Ryan will guide you through the process of transforming wire into a unique tree, mounted on a rock you provide (about the size of an adult closed fist, or roughly 3.5″ x 3.5″).

If you don’t have a suitable rock, we can provide one for you.

This workshop is family-friendly and perfect for adults and accompanied children.

Price includes $15 materials fee.

Event by ArtWaves MDI and Wire By Ryan

1345A state Highway 102, Village of Town Hill, Bar Harbor

Tickets- artwavesmdi.org/event-6182626

KIMBERLY AND RYAN AT THE ANNEX

The Annex is at Rodick Street in Bar Harbor.

SATURDAY STORY TIMES

NORTHEAST HARBOR

SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!

PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP

Saturday events via the Chamber:

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

JUNE 8 – MAKE A FARMER’S MARKET BASKET!

STEVE MOORE SOLO SHOW AT THE IVY MANOR

The show is from 12-2 at the Ivy Manor in Bar Harbor on Main Street.

Bar Harbor’s Farmers’ Market!

green fruit — Photo by Shelley Pauls on Unsplash

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.

Sunday events via the Chamber:

FUTURE EVENTS:

JUNE 11 LET’S TALK RICHARD RUSSO

JUNE 11 MEET MDI’S JAMES BOND

JUNE 12 UNDERSTANDING IMMIGRATION LAW

JUNE 12 GROUNDBREAKING AT SUMMIT ROAD

Mount Desert 365, a nonprofit organization on a mission to revitalize the Town of Mount Desert, invites town officials, project partners and community members to gather to break ground on two new homes in Northeast Harbor on Thursday, June 12 at 5:00 p.m. This will mark an exciting step toward expanding housing options in Mount Desert.

JUNE 12 OFFICIAL GRAND REOPENING OF THE SHORE PATH

You’re invited!

Whether you gave $5 or $50,000 — this moment belongs to you.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we are thrilled to invite everyone who donated to the official grand reopening of the Bar Harbor Shore Path!

Wednesday, June 12

Noon

Grant Park

Join us as we celebrate the restoration of this beloved coastal path — a place where generations have walked, reflected, and taken in the beauty of Frenchman Bay. This project would not have been possible without you, and we can’t wait to honor the spirit of community that made it happen.

Hosted by the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association, this event marks not just the reopening of a path, but the continuation of a legacy.

Come walk with us. You helped rebuild this, and now it’s time to celebrate.

JUNE 13 SHAKESPEARE!

JUNE 9-Exploring Future Sea Levels with Science, History & Art on Mount Desert Island

Join us in Maren Auditorium for our first in-person Science Cafe of the summer season!

Monday, June 9, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Hybrid event (Maren Auditorium & via Zoom)

BAR HARBOR—How do we document the changing coastline of Mount Desert Island? How can history, science, and art come together to help us understand and prepare for the future?

Join panelists Raney Bench, Executive Director of the Mount Desert Island Historical Society; Jennifer Steen Booher, artist; and Catherine Schmitt, Science Communication Specialist at the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, for an update on installations of the “Coast Lines” stencil that involved community partners, teachers, and students, as well as how sea level observations contributed by volunteers have informed scientific models of future sea levels and storms.

We look forward to seeing you in Maren Auditorium for our first in-person Science Cafe of the 2025 summer season!

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 11-15 MOVIE NIGHTS

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 LET’S TACO ‘BOUT IT

JUNE 14 – MR DREW AND HIS ANIMALS TOO

JUNE 14 & 15 – ART IN THE PARK

JUNE 14 – SOUTHWEST HARBOR-TREMONT AMBULANCE SERVICE MINI GOLF FUNDRAISER

JUNE 14 BLOOM AFTER HOURS

JUNE 14 & 15 LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE

JUNE 14 – Free Sports Gear Available at the Northeast Harbor Library

On Saturday, June 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host a Sports Gear Swap in collaboration with the Sustainability Committee of the Town of Mount Desert.

The Sports Gear Swap is a drop-in event; get outfitted for an upcoming season or find a new hobby, all at no cost. Items will be made available for free to all – no contribution needed.

JUNE 14 -”FOOD FIGHT!”

BAR HARBOR FOOD PANTRY AND COMMON GOOD FUNDRAISER

Richard Baldarelli, who does cycling classes at the Y, has organized a fundraiser for the Bar Harbor Food Pantry and Common Good Soup Kitchen.

On Saturday June 14, some of his students will be doing a cycling class outside on stationary bikes outside the YMCA on Park Street for 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

The event is called “Food Fight.” Participants are collecting food items and money, and any of those items can be dropped of at the Y starting June 7.

Those passing by can contribute to the cause as well.

JUNE 14 & 15 – SOUTHWEST HARBOR CRAFT FAIR

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 21-22 MOVIE NIGHTS

JUNE 25 and 26 – THE COUNSELING COLLABORATIVE!

JUNE 21- 22 JUNE CRAFT FAIR

JUNE 25-28 MOVIE NIGHTS

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 5 – THE MOTHER HIPS

JULY 6 – 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.

www.barharborinn.com

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 15 and JULY 16 ELIXIR OF LOVE

JULY 18 SHARE THE HARVEST

Friday, July 18, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of local food and community spirit at College of the Atlantic Beech Hill Farm.

This beloved annual event has returned, and features a three-course, locally- sourced dinner prepared by Havana Restaurant—led by COA alum Michael Boland ’94. Set amid the fields of one of Maine’s most stunning working farms, the evening celebrates the summer harvest while supporting a critical cause.

All proceeds benefit Share the Harvest, a student-led program working to make fresh, organic produce from Beech Hill Farm more accessible to low-income families on Mount Desert Island. Since 2008, the program has provided support for over 70 families each year through Farmstand Vouchers and home delivery for families with transportation barriers, in addition to providing an additional $25,000 in produce through SNAP/EBT matching.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

JULY 21 – 26 A SENSE OF PLACE

JULY 21-23 PLEIN AIR WITH ROB FINN

JULY 24 – LUCIUS with SPENCER ALBEE and ZACHARY BENCE

JULY 25 – GRIFFIN WILLIAM SHERRY

AUGUST 2-16 DOWNEAST ROWING CAMPS!

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.

If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.

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