And in the near future.

Jan 05, 2026

Three silhouetted hikers standing on a rocky outcrop, looking towards a sunset in the background, with text overlay highlighting events in the Mount Desert Island region.

QUICK NOTE: We’ve moved the list of organizations and links to the bottom of this article. If you are receiving this via email, you may have to click through to see it all.

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. 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.

And, the list of all the restaurants currently open in the winter season (this changes a lot) is here, compiled by Jennifer DuBois Cough of First Express in Bar Harbor. We are using it with her permission and with many thanks to her for doing this.

A delivery schedule for various restaurants and businesses in Bar Harbor, Town Hill, Trenton, and Southwest Harbor, including their operating hours and service details.

Red Sky, which is not in the list, is another local restaurant, though it is closed for the winter, it is not closed for good! They’ll likely be placed on the master list soon.

MONDAY, JANUARY 5

MONDAYS FROM JANUARY 5 — MAKE YOUR OWN COMIC BOOK

A colorful flyer promoting a 'Make Your Own Comic Book' event for kids ages 8 and up, hosted by Mike Duffy at the Southwest Harbor Public Library. The flyer includes registration details and the event schedule from January 5th to February 9th.

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:

None listed.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6

JANUARY 6 — HISTORY HAPPY HOUR

Promotional flyer for a Potluck Trivia Night event titled 'History Happy Hour' hosted by the Mount Desert Island Historical Society at The Neighborhood House on January 6. Features colorful illustrations of food and a QR code for registration.

The Mount Desert Island Historical Society and Acadia Senior College will kick off the new year with a potluck trivia night at the Neighborhood House.

Are you a master of historical trivia, a lifelong learner, or a novice know-it-all? Join us at 5:30 p.m. on January 6, 2026, at the Neighborhood House, 1 Kimball Rd in Northeast Harbor for a special potluck History Happy Hour!

JANUARY 6 — WHAT’S THE RUSH

From 1 – 3:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth.

What’s happening to all our pollinators and why should we be worried about it? Attend this video event to learn more about what we can do starting in our own yards.

Doug Tallamy, founder of Homegrown National Park and popular author and speaker, shows how creating healthy ecosystems can help restore biodiversity. His groundbreaking research on how insects, birds and plants have evolved together provides a foundation for understanding concrete solutions. In a time when the biodiversity crisis looms ever more threatening to life on Earth, Tallamy’s work shows that we each have the power to do something about it. And it starts by planting native wildflowers.

The one-hour movie will be followed by a Q&A. Attendance may be in-person or virtual. Register at bit.ly/rushtbg

CRANE FOLDING

STORY AND PLAY

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!

Promotional flyer for 'Two Shoes Dance' featuring a new line dancing class for adults. Includes class details, schedule, location, fees, and contact information.

Tuesday events via the Chamber:

Baby and Toddler Time

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7

JANUARY 7 — PERSPECTIVE AT ARTWAVES/ACADIA ART CENTER

Promotional graphic for a perspective drawing class titled 'Perspective: Creating the Illusion of Depth.' Includes details on class dates, times, and location alongside an illustration of a house by Edward Hopper, with lines indicating vanishing points.

MUSIC BINGO WITH MATTY P AT THE FINBACK!

A promotional graphic for a Music Bingo event featuring Matty P, highlighting a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Fries Basket for $10, scheduled for Wednesday at 6 PM.

BAR HARBOR BIKE SHOP RENTALS ALL WINTER LONG

Bar Harbor Bike Shop is renting bikes to walk-ins Wednesday through Saturday from 10-4 this winter season. Hours are also posted on its website.

The shop also has Fat Tire Bikes to Rent with Stud Tires for this winter season which are a lot of fun when there’s snow and ice.

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

A colorful promotional image for storytime events featuring a cartoon caterpillar reading, a house, an owl holding books, and flowers. The text reads 'STORYTIMES' with details for 'Babies Wednesdays 10:00 am' and 'Families Fridays 10:00 am.'

GIRLS WHO CODE

JUST THIS MEDITATION

Just This Meditation: sitting, walking and seeing just this.

A promotional image for a guided meditation session with Tom Tanguay at the Somesville Library. The session is for both beginners and regular practitioners, held on Wednesdays at 8 am, located at 1116 Main Street, Mount Desert.

CHRONICLES OF YARNIA

A close-up of a person crocheting with a crochet hook, working on a green yarn project, with a smartphone visible nearby. The background features a warm, softly focused environment.

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.

Divine Play Yoga at the Neighborhood House

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

Cost: $15/class

with Mike Bouscaren

Wednesday events via the Chamber:

None listed.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8

JANUARY 8 — COMMUNITY CIRCLE WITH DOWNEAST RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Promotional graphic for the Community Circle event with Downeast Restorative Justice, featuring a circular design and details about the event.

STITCHES KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP!

A colorful knitted piece with knitting needles and a ball of yarn, featuring text that reads 'STITCHES KNITTING GROUP MEETS THURSDAYS 3-5'.

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.

ADULT LINE DANCE CLASS

FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES

A sketch of a figure in motion on a white page, accompanied by colored pencils. Text overlay reads 'Weekly Figure Drawing Thursdays, 12 - 3 PM in the Fine Arts Studio.'

Pick up the practice of figure drawing! Thursdays, 12 – 3 pm in the Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves.

These open figure drawing sessions feature a live nude model performing a series of 20 minute poses with no instruction. Easels, charcoal, and basic supplies are provided. For ages 18 and over (under 18 allowed with parental attendance!). Drop-ins welcome.

Pricing per session is $15. Members can register at a discounted rate of $25 for the entire month.

Thursday events via the Chamber:

Figure Drawing

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9

Promotional poster for 'The SpongeBob Movie' showing January 9-11 at the Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, featuring SpongeBob's cheerful face and event details.

JANUARY 9 — FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHTS

A promotional poster for 'Family Friday Nights' at Camp Beech Cliff, featuring information about activities like climbing, board games, and snacks, scheduled from January 9 to March 20.

ART AND SIP AT ARTWAVES

Start your weekends with art! Fridays, 4 – 7 pm in Kaleidoscope Studio

Every Friday evening, we will offer a beginner-friendly class to pair with your favorite local beverage. BYOB!

All materials and instruction will be provided.

BIRDERS’ CAFE

Our hope is to bring together local and visiting bird watchers and lovers for a social event. Join us every other Friday morning from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Our museum shop will be open, offering a selection of baked goods from local cafes, restaurants, and caterers, along with coffee. Feel free to explore the trails as early as you like! After, relax in our courtyard and chat. The Oceanarium (museum and aquarium) opens at 9 AM.

FAMILY STORY TIME AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR

Colorful graphic promoting storytime events for babies and families, featuring a caterpillar reading, a house, flowers, and an owl with books. Text highlights 'Babies Wednesdays 10:00 am' and 'Families Fridays 10:00 am'.

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, JANUARY 10

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE

JANUARY 10 & JANUARY 24 BASKETBALL YOUTH CLINICS

Promotional flyer for youth basketball clinics featuring registration details for ages 6-8 and 9-12, along with clinic dates and location at MDI YMCA.

Promotional graphic for Saturday Story Time at the Northeast Harbor Library, featuring colorful text and illustrations of clouds and a book.

SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!

A promotional flyer for 'Baby and Me Yoga', detailing class schedules and activities for caregivers and toddlers at Harbor House. It outlines two levels: 'Little Wigglers' for non-walking babies and 'Busy Bees' for toddlers, emphasizing movement and connection.

PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP

Event flyer for a Prayer Shawl Mission Team start-up. Includes details about the date, time, and location, as well as information about supplies and instruction for knitting and crocheting.

Prayer Shawl Mission from 10 a.m. to noon at the church located at 29 Mount Desert Street.

The intention of the group is to create a flow of Prayer Shawls for distribution for those in need due to illness, loneliness, loss or in need of comfort and to create a sense of community with those who have a shared interest.

Supplies and instruction will be provided to those with skills for knitting and/or crocheting and for those with a desire to learn. For more information contact Pat by calling (203) 770-0063 or email: pgdizazzo@yahoo.com.

Saturday events via the Chamber:

Kids’ Craft Time: Felted Stars.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE

JANUARY 11 — POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT THROUGH ART

A promotional graphic featuring Rep. Gary Friedmann from House District 14. The graphic includes the title 'Strengthening Community: Forging Connections Through Art' alongside a quote about organizing community forums and the role of artists. The design features artistic elements like paper cutting illustrations.

Event poster for 'Political Engagement Through Art' featuring artwork by Maine artists Carol Shutt, Ken Chandler, David Manski, Susan Webster, and Stuart Kestenbaum. The poster provides details about the event on January 11, 2026, at Hidden Barn Books in Bar Harbor, Maine.

JANUARY 18 – WINTER MARKET

Poster for a Winter Market event featuring a tote bag filled with a baguette, vegetables, and fruits. Details include the location (YWCA MDI, 36 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor) and schedule (every other Sunday starting November 9, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM).

KIDS CHESS CLUB AT CHOCO-LATTE

Close-up of a chess board featuring black and white pieces, with a title overlay reading 'Chess Clubs for Kids'.

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:

None listed.

FUTURE EVENTS!

Acrylic Painting Classes

Acrylic painting class advertisement featuring a landscape painting titled 'Sunrise on Cadillac' on an easel, accompanied by paint supplies and a reference photo. The text includes details about the class dates and times.

Looking for an opportunity to improve your skills with acrylics? Sign up for this intro / intermediate three-part impressionist landscape painting series with Mariah Reading!

Mondays, January 12, 19, and 26 from 1 – 4 pm.

JANUARY 24 BASKETBALL YOUTH CLINIC

Promotional poster for youth basketball clinics featuring two age groups: 6-8 and 9-12, with details on dates, times, registration information, and location at MDI YMCA in Bar Harbor, ME.

JANUARY 12 MDI Biological Laboratory’s Online Science Café

MRI scan image of a human brain with details displayed alongside event information for MDI Biological Laboratory's Online Science Cafe on January 12, 2026.

Topic: Vascular Contributions to Age-Related Cognitive Decline

January 12, 2026, 5-6 p.m.

Online Only, Registration: https://mdibl.org/event/vascular-contributions-to-age-related-cognitive-decline/

JANUARY 14 — SUNDAY SESSIONS

A group of six musicians posing for a promotional photo for the Sunday Sessions Sextet event at the Northeast Harbor Library. The photo features colorful vertical stripes in the background and lists the musicians' names and event details.

JANUARY 17 POKEMAN CARD SWAP

A group of children participating in a Pokémon card swap event at Jesup Memorial Library, with cards displayed on a table and a sign detailing the event information.

JANUARY 21 – YOUTH CHESS CLUB

Promotional graphic for the Youth Chess Club at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a decorative chess board, information about meeting times, and welcoming language for participants.

JANUARY 28 — DOG MAN NIGHT

A colorful poster for a trivia night at the Southwest Harbor Public Library featuring the character Dog Man. The event is scheduled for January 28th from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, and is open to grades 2 and up. The poster includes graphics of prizes, snacks, and a QR code for details.

JANUARY 31 — START WITH ART

Community Open House & Potluck – Start with Art!

Event poster for 'Start with Art Open House' at Artwaves: Acadia Arts Center, featuring colorful artwork and details about activities like crafts, an art exhibit, and a community campfire. Scheduled for January 31, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 PM in Bar Harbor, ME.

Come take part in printmaking, stained glass mosaic, beeswax candle dipping, and more as we celebrate a new beginning for your community arts center!

All are welcome!

If you feel inspired, bring a sweet treat or savory snack to share on the potluck table.

Saturday, January 31 from 1:30 – 4:30 pm

MARCH 9 — MDI Biological Laboratory’s Online Science Cafe

An open book with pages fanning out, set against a dark background.

Topic: The Science of Storytelling

March 9, 2026, 5-6 p.m.

Online Only, Registration: https://mdibl.org/event/the-science-of-storytelling/

LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS AND WHERE TO FIND THEIR EVENTS

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 TRAD FESTIVAL

Promotional poster for the Acadia Festival of Traditional Music and Dance, featuring various classes and events. Includes images of participants playing instruments and dancing.

ARGOSY GALLERY

For the gallery’s newsletter and offerings, please visit www.argosygallery.com. In Bar Harbor at 6 Mt. Desert St.

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.

BOOM—BAROQUE ORCHESTRA OF MAINE

For a list of upcoming concerts, click here.

THE COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC

A list of events is here. Make sure to choose “open to the public” on the side bar.

THE CYGNET GALLERY

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 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.

Chalkboard menu displaying live music schedule at a venue, featuring events from Tuesday to Sunday, including open mic, karaoke, and performances by various artists.

FOGTOWN (In Ellsworth, but by request)

Weekly events schedule for the Ellsworth Taproom including Open Mic Night, Trivia Night, and Live Music details.

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

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.

JESUP EVENTS

For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.

REOCCURING PROGRAMS:

Bar Harbor Scrabble Club

Connect with fellow word-lovers: all skill levels are welcome! Players are encouraged to bring their own boards, and some boards will also be provided. Scrabble Club meets on second and fourth Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Write On! Writing Group

Join the Write On! Writing Group for support in your craft. The Write On! writers meet Saturday mornings at 9:00am on Zoom. For more information, please contact the library at info@jesuplibrary.org.

Jesup Knitters’ Guild

Fiber artists of all skill levels are welcome to drop in and enjoy crafting and conversation with the Jesup Knitters’ Guild, Thursday evenings at 5:00pm!

LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE

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

LOCAL SOLUTIONS

Colorful illustration of houses with trees and foliage in autumn colors, featuring a blue border.

Are you a parent or guardian of an adult with developmental delays, ID/D or Autism? Would you like support?

We are a parent run support group. Join a community of parents and guardians helping each other with problem solving, understanding adult services, advocacy and policy awareness. Our group includes parents and guardians of high school age and older. Organized by Local Solutions. Meetings are at the rectory building of St. Savior’s Church in Bar Harbor at 4:30 every 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month.

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 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.

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.

SOMESVILLE LIBRARY

A list of events is here.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

A list of events is here.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARY

A list of events is 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.

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 the MDI region 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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