And some ongoing events.
Aug 10, 2026
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.
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!
FUTURE EVENTS
You can see the upcoming events here.
LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS
You can see the list of local organizations and businesses and links to their calendars here.
LIVE MUSIC
You can see the live music that we know about here!
All of these are constantly evolving. And if you have additions, please let us know!
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
AUGUST 10— BAR HARBOR TOWN BAND
AUGUST 10 — EVENING AT THE MUSEUM
AUGUST 10 — WATERSHED CAMP
AUGUST 10 — RANGER READ ALOUD
AUGUST 10-14 ART CAMP AT THE YMCA AND ARTWAVES
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:
- Improv: Collaborative Comedy
- YOGA BY the BAY 2026
- En Plein Air with Christine Lafuente
- Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles — Oh, My!
- Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 12) August
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
AUGUST 11 — RUSTICATOR — CONVERSATION WITH ARTIST GREG HORWITCH AND ADVISOR HADLEY POWELL
AUGUST 11 — CONVERSATIONS AT THE CAUSEWAY
AUGUST 11- 14 WOODS AND WETLANDS
AUGUST 11— ESCHER QUARTET
Event by Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music
Neighborhood House, 1 Kimball Rd, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662-6310, United States
Our first concert of the summer season opens with the Brentano Quartet playing Mozart, Faure, and Beethoven. Tickets are required and available at www.mtdesertfestival.org
AUGUST 11 — VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA
Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/
AUGUST 11— ST. SAVIOUR’S DOWNEAST MUSIC SERIES – TRISHA MASON
TUESDAY MORNINGS! STORY AND PLAY.
PIE SALE!
SHOWCASE OPEN JAM
OPEN TABLE MDI — TUESDAY COMMUNITY SUPPERS IN BAR HARBOR AND SOUTHWEST HARBOR!
MDI EPISCOPAL HISTORY MUSEUM
CRANE FOLDING
STORY AND PLAY
Artwaves Summer Dance Schedule
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!
MOMMY & ME GROUP
Tuesday events via the Chamber:
- Improv: Collaborative Comedy
- YOGA BY the BAY 2026
- En Plein Air with Christine Lafuente
- Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles — Oh, My!
- Baby and Toddler Time
- St. Saviour’s Downeast Music Series
- Trees of Acadia: The Past, Present, and Future of Park Forests feat. Catherine Schmitt and Panel
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
AUGUST 12— SEASIDE CINEMA AT AGAMONT PARK—IT’S FREE!
August 12: The Lego Movie
August 19: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Movie starts after 8 PM when the sun is low enough.
AUGUST 12 LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE GUIDED WALK
AUGUST 12 — CULTIVATING YIMBY CULTURE
AUGUST 12 — ARCHITECTURE LECTURE
AUGUST 12 — DAN KENNEDY
AUGUST 12 — POKEMON CLUB
WEDNESDAYS — WRITERS’ WORKSHOPS AT HIDDEN BARN BOOKS
Every Wednesday now through Labor Day from 10-12 AM at Hidden Barn Books, 31 Kennebec Place in Bar Harbor.
Limited spots, so register here:
VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA!
Save Our Summits Volunteer Hikes
Save Our Summits hikes: Register on our website (registration closes 24 hours before each hike): https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/events/save-our-summits-registration/
MUSIC BINGO WITH MATTY P AT THE FINBACK!
MEDITATION
DANCE CARDIO AT ARTWAVES
Northeast Harbor Library—Readers Unite!
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.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
GIRLS WHO CODE
CHRONICLES OF YARNIA
BLOCK PARTY!
Wednesday events via the Chamber:
- Improv: Collaborative Comedy
- YOGA BY the BAY 2026
- En Plein Air with Christine Lafuente
- Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles — Oh, My!
- Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 12) August
- Write Your Acadia Story at The Acadia Writers Workshop
- Family Paint ‘n’ Sip: Birch Forest
- 2026 Seaside Cinema: The Lego Movie
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
AUGUST 13 – MDI MAH JONGG
AUGUST 13— BAR HARBOR TOWN BAND
AUGUST 13 — Learning from North Creek’s journey
BAR HARBOR – Beatrix Farrand Society welcomes Steve Castorani to present “How North Creek’s Past Informs Its Path Forward” at Garland Farm on Thursday, August 13, at 4:00 p.m.
Pre-registration for this program is required, and reaching capacity is likely. To pre-register, visit www.beatrixfarrandsociety.org/programs. A Zoom option is also available.
The Beatrix Farrand Society is a nonprofit organization founded to foster the art and science of horticulture and landscape design, with emphasis on the life and work of Beatrix Farrand. Garland Farm, the last home and gardens of Beatrix Farrand, is open to the public every Thursday, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., from June 18 until September 17.
AUGUST 13 — ERNEST THOMPSON
AUGUST 13 — COMMUNITY CIRCLE
VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA
Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/
MDI Wheelers and Stewardship Program via FOA
Every Thursday and Friday morning, June through September, weather permitting
MDI Wheelers: Learn more here, and sign up for a ride by emailing Info@mdiwheelers.org.
KARAOKE NIGHT AT FINBACK ALE HOUSE
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.
ADULT LINE DANCE CLASS
FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES
DANCE LESSONS AT ARTWAVES
Thursday events via the Chamber:
- Improv: Collaborative Comedy
- YOGA BY the BAY 2026
- En Plein Air with Christine Lafuente
- Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles — Oh, My!
- Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 12) August
- Figure Drawing
- Mah Jongg
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
AUGUST 14 — KIDS CONCERT
AUGUST 14 — MDIBL INBRE CELEBRATION
Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (Maine INBRE) program. Since 2001, Maine INBRE has helped expand biomedical research opportunities across the state, supporting students, faculty and institutions while strengthening Maine’s scientific workforce.
This special event will bring together elected officials, scientific leaders, students, alumni, and partners to recognize the program’s impact over the past quarter century. The celebration will begin with a welcome reception and networking opportunity, followed by remarks from MDI Biological Laboratory President Hermann Haller, M.D., state leaders and Maine INBRE alumni. Attendees will also hear reflections on the program’s legacy and the contributions of its founding leadership.
We hope you will join us for this milestone celebration, which runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on August 14.
TO REGISTER: https://mdibl.org/event/maine-inbre-25th-anniversary-celebration/
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.
Save Our Summits Volunteer Hikes
Save Our Summits hikes: Register on our website (registration closes 24 hours before each hike): https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/events/save-our-summits-registration/
MDI Wheelers and Stewardship Program via FOA
Every Thursday and Friday morning, June through September, weather permitting
MDI Wheelers: Learn more here, and sign up for a ride by emailing Info@mdiwheelers.org.
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:
- Improv: Collaborative Comedy
- YOGA BY the BAY 2026
- Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles — Oh, My!
- Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 12) August
- Paint ‘n’ Sip: Acadia Nightscape with Magical Sky
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
AUGUST 15 — ARTISAN SOAP MAKING
AUGUST 15, 16, 17 JESUP BOOK SALE
AUGUST 15 — BAKE SALE PLUS!
VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA
Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/
STORY TIME
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
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.
DANCE LESSONS AT ARTWAVES
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
AUGUST 15, 16, 17 JESUP BOOK SALE
AUGUST 16 — JUDY COLLINS
Judy Collins is coming to Bar Harbor at the Criterion
Catch her live at the Criterion Theatre on Sunday, August 16 as part of her *“Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” Farewell Tour*, celebrating six decades of songs. 7 p.m.
AUGUST 16 — ACADIA FRIENDS (QUAKERS)
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:
- Improv: Collaborative Comedy
- YOGA BY the BAY 2026
- Brier Island/Lurcher Shoals Pelagic Trip
- Native Botanical Printmaking
- Pour it Forward 2026 Fundraiser
ONGOING…
THE ANNEX
ARTWAVES
AUGUST 4 – 28 — QUIETSIDE ART GALLERY AND STUDIO STUDENT SHOW
Looking to give back to Acadia National Park? Here are several ways you can lend a hand this week! How to participate:
Save Our Summits hikes: Register on our website (registration closes 24 hours before each hike): https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/events/save-our-summits-registration/
Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/
Membership Table volunteers: Regular opportunities are available for folks who love to talk about the park and share visitor impact stories! Learn more about training opportunities on our website: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/membership-office-volunteers/
Stewardship projects for service groups: If you have a group of 5+ people interested in helping with trail and carriage road maintenance, drop us a line! https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/service-groups/
Wild Gardens of Acadia docents: This is perfect for plant lovers who love sharing plant facts with visitors. Learn more: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/wild-gardens-of-acadia-volunteer/
KIDS’ SCAVENGER HUNT AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR PUBLIC LIBRARY
DRACULA AND CHARLOTTE’S WEB AT ACADIA REP
DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS, by Gordon Greenspan and Steve Rosen, now playing at the Acadia Repertory Theatre in Somesville, takes the classic vampire tale and turns it into a farcical comedy of the highest order! If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Bram Stoker’s novel had a love child with Mel Brooks, Monty Python and The 39 Steps, well, this is the show for you! Packed with thrills, chills, wordplay, bad puns, and a hot guy who takes off his shirt, this show is guaranteed to induce blood-curdling screams – of laughter!\
DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS plays Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM, through Sunday August 16th. You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00PM and 5:00PM.
Also opening this week is the triumphant return to the Acadia Rep of Joseph Robinette’s much-beloved adaptation of CHARLOTTE’S WEB. This classic Maine story, a long-time part of our Children’s Theatre series, has delighted three generations of playgoers, and now stands poised to charm a fourth one! CHARLOTTE’S WEB plays Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10:30, through August 29th. No advance reservations are accepted for our Children’s Series; first come, first serve tickets go on sale at the Box Office at 10:00.
WIC CLINIC
COMMUNITY BLANKET PROJECT
THE GALLERY AT SOMES SOUND’S LARGEST SHOW OF THE SEASON: August 19 – October 17, Opening Reception August 19 5-7 pm
It’s Not What You Look At, But What You See: William Hoyt, Ernest McMullen, Rett Sturman and David Vickery
SOMESVILLE—It’s Not What You Look At, But What You See:
Featuring four New England realists responding to the world around them, with the distinct observation of accurate detail (light, form, and texture), while still capturing subjects often revealing the emotional depth beneath the surface of everyday life. It’s a disciplined practice of “seeing” rather than just looking, translating objective reality through personal perception.
“I have learned that oil paint is infinitely mutable. Though I began with watercolors, painting on site, completing most works in a day or two, for more complicated images I would use oil paint and came to appreciate their “anything is possible” quality. I like to paint detailed realistic images. Two things caused my current style and genre: a friend with a sailboat in Maine, and subsequently a patron who liked my oil paintings and basically purchased everything I painted for 13 years. I carried a pochade box on our sailing cruises and a camera, painting and shooting as we went up and down the Maine coast. Once back in Vermont and my studio I would work up larger paintings over the winter. Both my patron and my friend with the sailboat have passed away but I continue in the manner and now have my own boat with which I hope to see and paint for years to come. I paint my subjects until they feel present and hope that viewers feel the same.” William Hoyt
“For the past twenty-five years, my focus for painting has been exclusively on the coast, surrounding waters and interior of Mount Desert Island, Maine. From my first sight of the island, I regarded it as a place of benediction–a giant, tuned instrument that resonates with a light that is both evanescent and eternal. My abiding interest is in evoking this mysterious blend of form, light, and spirit with an approach that is firmly based in the realist tradition..” Ernest McMullen
“My teachers were very interested in the same thing, and I think people tend to follow in the same direction as their teachers. It’s a real challenge to see what’s surrounding us, most people think they see but aren’t really paying enough attention. It’s also a real challenge to make a painting that’s really alive and has air that you can breathe and to do it with large and little abstract marks of paint. Years ago, I was in musée d’Orsay in Paris and was lucky enough to be alone on the top floor – I was hypnotized by a Monet painting and walked toward it and away from it repeatedly until I found the magical distance where it took off and became alive -then when it was just paint – then when it was real again – back and forth – I loved it – maybe that’s what I’m after, I don’t know…”. Rett Sturman
“I paint in a highly realistic way to preserve the subject’s idiosyncratic details and to be true its sense of place. The goal of the laborious effort is to bring all elements together into a unified atmosphere, a contemplative state of mind, which is what I hope viewers will experience. I was attracted to this style by seeing the work of realist masters who were able to skillfully reproduce optical “reality” and simultaneously make their own unique statement.” David Vickery
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.
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