And in the near future.

Aug 25, 2025

The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Ironbound Restaurant – Inn – Gatherings.

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.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/c4t9uXstkaE?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0

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.

CHANGE FROM THE IMAGE: THE SOULBENDERS ARE NOW ON SEPTEMBER 25!

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.

Show Schedule

8/27 Asleep At The Wheel
8/28 Barrington Levy
8/29 Mamma Mania! – NYC’s Premier ABBA Tribute
9/13 Livingston Taylor
10/24 TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

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 are 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.

This is the Y’s upcoming schedule which begins in September.

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.

Journey to Southwest Harbor, Willis “Bill” Ballard. Meet his grandson Rob Michael. Manset Meetinghouse, 192 Seawall Rd. Saturday September 6, 2025 at 4 PM. Open to the public. Known for his photography of MDI.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARY

A list of events is here.

St. SAVIOUR’S FOLK MUSIC SERIES AND MUSEUM

The church’s museum is in the vestry and open on Tuesdays.

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 25

LEGO CLUB!

Divine Play Yoga at the Neighborhood House

Mon/Wed; 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Cost: $15/class

with Mike Bouscaren

Monday events via the Bar Harbor Chamber:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

PERFORMANCE

Join us for a free Screening of Aquaculture for People and Planet!

Discover how Maine’s shellfish and seaweed industries are leading the way in climate-friendly food production. Aquaculture for People and Planet, the latest short film in our Climate of Change series, explores how Island Institute is helping Maine’s seafood businesses lower their carbon footprint, boost resilience, and build a thriving, sustainable seafood economy.

Stick around after the screening for a panel discussion with local aquaculturists and Island Institute staff, where we’ll dive into the vast potential of low-emission seafood, Maine’s opportunity to lead in this growing industry, and the innovative ways sea farmers are cutting their carbon footprint while increasing their bottom line. We’ll also explore why farmed shellfish and seaweed are among the most efficient, sustainable protein sources on the planet—offering a scalable solution for both the economy and the environment.

Reserve your seat today here: https://bit.ly/4jECNiR

Featured Speakers:

Lauren Simmons-Gray, Owner, Cranberry Oysters, Cranberry Isles, ME

Sam Feldman, Community Development Officer, Island Institute, Rockland, ME

Moderator: Sam Belknap, Director, Center for Marine Economy, Island Institute, Rockland, ME

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the screening starting promptly at 7 p.m.

BEHIND THE PORTRAIT

Final Coffee & Conversation of the Season

“Gardening, Creativity, and Health”

Psychotherapist and author Sue Stuart-Smith, landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, and COA Rachel Carson Chair in Human Ecology Suzanne Morse explore the power of nature to radically transform people’s health and well-being and the inclusive benefits of community gardening at the last Coffee & Conversation of the 2025 summer season.

The panel will discuss the Stuart-Smith’s Community Interest Company, The Serge Hill Project for Gardening, Creativity, and Health, a community garden located on a one-acre former orchard on their family’s estate in Hertfordshire, England. The project is rooted in Sue’s research and writings—particularly her book, The Well-Gardened Mind (Scribner, 2020), which explores the transformative power of gardening for mental health.

Location: Davis Center for Human Ecology
Date & Time: August 26, 9:30 a.m.

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 27

AUGUST 27 – ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL

AUGUST 27 – GEOSCIENCE LECTURE!

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 28

PINTS FOR A PURPOSE

AUGUST 28 – BARRINGTON LEVY

St. Saviour’s Folk Music Series Presents Tyler LiBrizzi!

FILM PRESENTATION at NEH Library MASTERS OF THE MOVEMENT …

The Tradition of Studio Furniture

Featuring Ted Blachly, Jon Brooks, Tim Coleman, Duncan Gowdy, Yuri Kobayashi, David Lamb, Joe Tracy

Thursday, August 28

5:30 p.m.

Tyra Hanson, Director of the Gallery along with Filmmaker Michael Perlman have created a 30-minute documentary film showcasing seven of the Gallery at Somes Sound’s furniture makers who have been taught or apprenticed under the founders of the studio furniture movement, an American sub-field of studio craft. Names such as Wendell Castle, James Krenov, Gere Osgood, just to name a few, are the influences and motivators behind these artisans/craftsmen …

The film starts at 5:30 pm with a Q&A to follow featuring furniture maker, Joseph Tracy. This event is open to the public. Donations are welcome and will be donated to the NEH Library and the New Hampshire Furniture Masters.

NORTHEAST HARBOR LIBRARY

Melon Room
1 Joy Road
Northeast Harbor, ME

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 29

AUGUST 29 – MAMMA MANIA

AUGUST 29 CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE AND ANNE BURT

WALK ABOARD SUNBEAM

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 30

AUGUST 30 CRAFT FAIR

BAR HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL!

AUTHOR TALK

AUGUST 30 – CHRIS JANSON

SATURDAY STORY TIMES

NORTHEAST HARBOR

SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!

PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP

Saturday events via the Chamber:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE!

SUNDAY BEAN SUPPAH AT THE TRENTON GRANGE

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!

SEPTEMBER 3- LAWRENCE SCHULMAN

SEPTEMBER 4 – League of Women Voters: Local Government in Maine

Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 6:30p.m.

BAR HARBOR—The League of Women Voters of Maine encourages citizens to get more involved with local government. On Thursday, September 4th at 6:30pm, Rick Lyles and Ruth Eveland will appear at the Jesup Memorial Library to inform residents of various ways that they can step into local government as well as participate in the long-term.

SEPTEMBER 4 – 29 ART SHOWS!

SEPTEMBER 6 – INVASIVE PLANTS WORKSHOP

SEPTEMBER 7 – ANNIVERSARY PARTY FOR FROST FARMS

International One Design World Sailing Championship Returns to Maine Waters

September 6-12, 2025 | off Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert Island

Photo courtesy Sydney Roberts Rockefeller

NORTHEAST HARBOR—This event brings together sailors from all over the world, including Bermuda, Norway, Canada and various American fleets, to race against each other in beautiful antique racing sloops.

Twelve of the original 14 IODs delivered to Northeast Harbor in 1938 still race each summer; the boats have storied pasts. For example, number 5, now named Tundra, was once called the Queen Mary and was raced by Nelson Rockefeller.

The Northeast Harbor Fleet, which is running September’s Worlds championship, has produced a disproportionate number of elite sailors. Several IOD sailors from this fleet have won America’s Cup campaigns, and some have raced in the Olympics or are preparing to do so.

SEPTEMBER 11 MDIXC RELAY RUN FOR EVERYONE

SEPTEMBER 14 – Sunset Cruise to Benefit the SPCA of Hancock County

BAR HARBOR – Enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise while supporting the animals at the SPCA of Hancock County’s animal shelter.

The SPCA Critter Cruise will be held on Sunday, September 14, aboard Acadian Boat Tour’s 149-passenger vessel, the Acadian, and includes a Happy Hour hors d’oeuvres, raffles and a cash bar, with all proceeds benefitting the animals. Tickets for the cruise are $75 each. Please note that animals are not permitted on the cruise.

The cruise will depart at 5 p.m. sharp from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel dock at 119 Eden St., Bar Harbor. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and to arrive 20 to 30 minutes prior to departure to allow time to park and board the boat. Guests are required to check in at the ticket booth at 119 Eden St. to ensure the captain and crew have an accurate count of cruisers.

The Acadian will go along the shoreline of Bar Harbor and will include views of the summer mansions, Egg Rock Lighthouse, seals, harbor porpoise, seals and eagles. An Acadian Boat Tours experience naturalist will narrate the tour with history and anecdotes. The boat will stop in the bay during the last portion of the cruise to watch the sunset just before 7 p.m.

The cruise is being held rain or shine. It will only be postponed at the captain’s discretion in the event of severe wind or fog.

The event is being presented by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with support from Acadian Boat Tours and Atlantic Oceanside Hotel.

Tickets may be purchased online spcahancockcounty.org/donations/critter-cruise-tickets/

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

SEPTEMBER 26—ABBE ANNUAL MEETING!

OCTOBER 1 – LUNCH BENEFIT FOR ALLIED WHALE

OCTOBER 3

OCTOBER 4

OCTOBER 11-12 CRAFT FAIR!

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.

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.

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