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.

Carrie Jones

Aug 18, 2025

The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Choco-Latté Café.


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.


This week’s goofy video.


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 any lack of mention is 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.

Cygnet Gallery’s current August Exhibit featuring new work by Sharyn Paul Brusie, Patty Corcoran, Dorothy Feeley, Julie Spahr, Rick Hamilton, Matthew Russ is up until August 31. The Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00-5:00 and by appointment.


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 IN BAR HARBOR

Hidden Barn Books is located in Bar Harbor behind Reel Pizza. 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.


LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE

For a full list of Land and Garden Preserve events, click through here.


THE LINKS PUB AT KEBO

There is no longer BINGO SUNDAYS for the rest of the season.


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

The August 20 event is cancelled. The next event is September 6.


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


PRODUCE EXCHANGE!


MONDAY, AUGUST 18


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


AUGUST 18 MILAGRO NOCHE


WINGS THE MOVIE


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 19


PERFORMANCE


COFFEE & CONVERSATION

9:30 a.m. – More information here.


AUGUST 19 – THE ROAD TO RECOVERY


AUGUST 19 – Assembling the Mount Desert Island Geology Puzzle with Duane and Ruth Braun


CRANE FOLDING


PIES FOR PROGRESS


STORY AND PLAY


TRIVIA AT THE LINKS


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 20


AUGUST 20- SOLO JAZZ PIANO


AUGUST 20 BAR HARBOR FOOD PANTRY HOUSEWARMING


AUGUST 20- GARDINER HARRIS


AUGUST 20 – WITBIT POOL OBSTACLE COURSE


THE OUTLAWS


DANCE PARTY!


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!!


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 21


AUGUST 21 – Author Event for North Woods at Night Anthology


AUGUST 21 – THE SUNBEAM AWARD GALA!

THE MOVIE HIGH NOON


PINTS FOR A PURPOSE


MOUNT DESERT HISTORICAL SOCIETY POTLUCK AND ANNUAL DINNER

Gallery musicians from the frontispiece of William Billings’ ‘The Psalm Singer’s Amusement’ (Boston, 1781). The player on the left appears to be dangling a tenor viol over the balcony. From “Early Music America”

The Society has been doing a lot— free monthly programs about local history, a new vision for our future, adding to the collections, and interpreting current events through a historical lens. We want to thank our members and celebrate our successes with a public potluck and performance by historic music ensemble Lyracle and their program, “Musick’s Recreation,” exploring the history of at-home-music-making in 17th and 18th century New England.

Historic houses help us imagine what home life for some people in colonial New England might have looked like, but what might it have sounded like? Find out at a performance of historical music ensemble Lyracle’s program, Musick’s Recreation. In this program, Lyracle focuses on a few documented viol players in colonial New England as well as viol players who were left out of historical records. Lyracle connects what can be inferred about their varied musical experiences to English repertoire that was likely present in 17th and early-18th-century New England. Experience the music of beloved composers like Henry Purcell and his lesser-known contemporaries recontextualized, and help celebrate all kinds of local historic music-making: the silly, the serious and everything in between.

The event is free and open to the public, but only members may vote on our slate of officers and board members. Bring a dish to share and register at: https://forms.gle/mRSX6UKndgu21y1r6

Thursday, Neighborhood House, 5-7 p.m.


St. Saviour’s Folk Music Series Presents Chris Foster!

DECORATE YOUR OWN SUNHAT


AUTHOR TALK


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 22


AUGUST 22 PINK TALKING FISH


WALK ABOARD SUNBEAM


DURLIN LUNT RETIREMENT CELEBRATION


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 23


AUGUST 23 – CONTRADANCE

THE MOVIE HIGH NOON


AUGUST 23 — DOWNEAST SUNRISE TRAIL ROLLER COASTER GRAVEL RIDE


AUGUST 23 – ORLEANS QUARTET


SATURDAY STORY TIMES

NORTHEAST HARBOR


SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!


PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP


Saturday events via the Chamber:


SUNDAY, AUGUST 24



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 27 – ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL


AUGUST 27 – GEOSCIENCE LECTURE!


PINTS FOR A PURPOSE


AUGUST 28 – BARRINGTON LEVY


AUGUST 29 – MAMMA MANIA


AUGUST 29 CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE AND ANNE BURT


AUGUST 30 CRAFT FAIR


AUTHOR TALK


FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE!


SEPTEMBER 3- LAWRENCE SCHULMAN


ANNIVERSARY PARTY FOR FROST FARMS


SEPTEMBER 20 SOLO PIANO WITH DR. DONNA COLEMAN


SEPTEMBER 22-STARS THEATRE WITH PURPOSE


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 – TREMONT FIRST RESPONDERS DAY


SEPTEMBER 13 -14 CRAFT FAIR


SEPTEMBER 13 – LIVINGSTON TAYLOR


LUNCH BENEFIT FOR ALLIED WHALE


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 or BlueSky or Instagram. 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.

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