THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK And in the near future.

THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK

And in the near future.

Aug 04, 2025

The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by The Links Pub.


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

To buy tickets.


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.

Full Show Schedule

BUY TICKETS


THE CYGNET GALLERY

For a list of events, click through here.

August exhibit opening is this week!


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 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.


MT. DESERT FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC

A list of 2025 concerts 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.


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.


MONDAY, AUGUST 4


AUGUST 4 – REWIRING THE MEDIA


AUGUST 4 – AFTERNOON AFTER HOURS

BAR HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL!


Film Screening: Don Barry: A Quixotic Exploration

Join writer, director and producer Paul Smart as he presents his film Don Barry: A Quixotic Exploration. This film re-enlivens the meta-narrative of Cervantes’ Don Quixote by placing a real-life experimental filmmaker, Barry Gerson, into the Don’s role and filming his life work’s exploration of madness in a mad world among the crowds of Mexico’s magical city of Guanajuato. Featuring Barry’s own experimental films and animations by Genda Monter.

Run time: 95 minutes

For more information, visit https://www.paulwhitesidesmart.com/home


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, AUGUST 5


AUGUST 5 – WOMEN, BOOKS, AND ART


Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music!

Dover Quartet, 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm, Neighborhood House, Northeast Harbor Maine

Dover Quartet: Joel Link, violin; Julianne Lee, viola; Camden Shaw, cello; Bryan Lee, violin.

JESSIE MONTGOMERY – Strum
LEOŠ JANÁČEK – String Quartet No. 1 (“Kreutzer Sonata”)
FRANK BRIDGE – Phantasy Piano Quartet in F# minor, H. 94 [featuring Todd Crow, piano]
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK – String Quartet in F major, Op. 96 (“American”)


KIDS CONCERT WITH JACKSON GILLMAN


DARLINGSIDE WITH THE OSHIMA BROTHERS


CRANE FOLDING


10 AM at SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARRY—ANNE SIBLEY O’BRIEN


PIES FOR PROGRESS


STORY AND PLAY


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, AUGUST 6


AUGUST 6 – BIKE PARADE!


AUGUST 6 -SUMMER S.T.E.A.M.


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!!


New Book Exposes Corruption in the Addiction Treatment Industry

NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Wednesday, August 6 at 5:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host Dr. David Campbell – Chief Medical Correspondent for MSNBC’s Morning Joe – to discuss his new book titled Fighting the Florida Shuffle: The Inside Story of Corruption in the Drug Treatment Industry and How One Community Found the Solution.

Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.


HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON


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, AUGUST 7


AUGUST 7 – HIDDEN BARN BOOKS HOSTS ROXANA ROBINSON


CYGNET GALLERY’s AUGUST EXHIBITION

The Cygnet Gallery’s August exhibition opening reception is on Thursday August 7, 5-7:00 p.m. and on the heels of its “The Lost Weekend” show featuring May Pang’s private collection of her photographs depicting her 18 months relationship with John Lennon.

The featured artists this month are Dorothy Feeley, Patty Corcoran, Sharyn Paul Brusie, Rick Hamilton, Matthew Russ and Judy Volkmann.


St. Saviour’s Folk Music Series


AUTHOR TALK- THE GREAT FIRE OF 47


HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON


PINTS FOR PURPOSE


MDI Poet Presents Public Reading Of Collected Works

NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Thursday, August 7th at 5:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host a free public reading by MDI poet Paul Weiss titled “Seasons of Life.”

Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.


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 8


AUGUST 8 – THE CROW FAMILY BAND


At the Criterion…

Comedian Bob Marley Bar Harbor Maine August 8!


Storytime at the Oceanarium 10-2


SARA JONES


FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY!


SOUTHWEST HARBOR FARMER’S MARKET!

red tomato lot on blue baskets
Photo by Anne Preble on Unsplash

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 9


TIDE POOL TOUCH TANK


STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN


ZERO ENERGY HOMES


CAROL DYER LUMINARIA


SATURDAY STORY TIMES

NORTHEAST HARBOR


SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!


PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP


Saturday events via the Chamber:


SUNDAY, AUGUST 10


AUGUST 10 – FOOTLOOSE SHADOW CAST


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!

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.

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 12 – CRAIG FINN AT HIDDEN BARN


AUGUST 12 – ZERO ENERGY HOMES


GREAT LIBRARIES FOR GREAT COMMUNITIES


AUGUST 12 – THE MOUNTAIN GOATS


LOVING THE NORTH WOODS

August 12, 2025
9:30 a.m.
Coffee & Conversation: Loving the North Woods: 25 Years of Historic Conservation in Maine
College of the Atlantic
Davis Center for Human Ecology
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor
Free; registration required
coa.edu/calendar


Concert for Climate with Sydney Patten and David Kunhardt

Anna Durand to speak about MDI’s Trade with the Slavery-Based West Indies.

Join Anna Durand at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 13 at the Northeast Harbor Library as she speaks about her 2025 article in Chebacco, the MDI Historical Society’s annual history journal, entitled “Baked Beans, Brown Bread, Ackee and Saltfish: Mount Desert Island’s Nineteenth Century Foodways and Trade with the Slavery-Based West Indies,”

This program is a collaboration between the Northeast Harbor Library and the Mount Desert Island Historical Society. It will be offered in person and via Zoom. It will be recorded for later viewing. For more information and to register, go to: https://mdihistory.org/events


ON MEDIA AND TYRANNY


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


All Aboard for Family Fun!

Touch-a-Train Returns to Ellsworth on August 16

ELLSWORTH—The Downeast Scenic Railroad and New England Steam Corporation are thrilled to welcome families back for the much-anticipated Touch-a-Train event on Saturday, August 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Washington Junction rail yard.

This hands-on celebration of Maine’s railroad heritage invites train lovers of all ages to climb aboard locomotives, explore vintage rail cars, and meet the engineers and volunteers who help keep the Downeast Scenic Railroad rolling. Guests can check out the conductor’s cab, operate the horn, and take in the sights and sounds of classic trains up close.

Free caboose and track car rides will be offered throughout the morning, along with free guided tours of the historic Maine Central 470 steam locomotive, currently under restoration by the New England Steam Corporation.

New this year: Revolution Rail Company will be on site offering rail bike demonstrations, giving visitors a chance to see their unique pedal-powered vehicles in action along the Downeast Scenic Railroad line.

The fun continues on board with two special train rides:

  • 10:30 am — Junior Engineer Excursion: A one-hour, family-friendly ride offered at a special reduced rate, perfect for young train lovers.
  • 1:30 pm — Full-Length Scenic Ride: A standard fare excursion offering a relaxing journey through the woods and wetlands of Hancock County.

Admission to Touch-a-Train is free, and donations are welcome to support the preservation of Maine’s railroad history. Proceeds from train rides benefit the nonprofit Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust, which operates the Downeast Scenic Railroad.

To learn more or reserve tickets, visit www.downeastscenicrail.org.


TRENTON CHEERLEADING FALL TEAM


TREMONT COMMUNITY MARKET


AUGUST 17 – NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY


AUGUST 18 FLASH IN THE PANS BENEFIT FOR THE BAR HARBRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


AUGUST 20 BAR HARBOR FOOD PANTRY HOUSEWARMING


AUGUST 20- GARDINER HARRIS


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 29 CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE AND ANNE BURT


AUGUST 30 CRAFT FAIR


SEPTEMBER 7 – 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


SEPTEMBER 13 -14 CRAFT FAIR


SEPTEMBER 13 – LIVINGSTON TAYLOR


OCTOBER 11-12 CRAFT FAIR!


OCTOBER 24- TUSK


ONGOING:

GET YOUR HERO ON!

fireman
Photo by Matt C on Unsplash

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.


Follow us on Facebook. And as a reminder, you can easily view all our past stories and press releases here.

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