THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK. And some ongoing events.
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THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK.

And some ongoing events.

Carrie Jones

Aug 17, 2026

bokeh photography of condenser microphone
Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash

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 17

AUGUST 15, 16, 17 JESUP BOOK SALE

Promotional graphic for the 56th Annual Booksale at Jesup Memorial Library, featuring colorful illustrations of a book, castle, and balloon with event details and dates.

AUGUST 17 — I’M WITH HER — 7 p.m.

Promotional image for the 'Sing Me Alive Tour 2026' featuring three women sitting together, styled in vibrant outfits, with event details including date and location.

AUGUST 17 — RIOT IN THE GARDEN

A promotional poster for a kids' show titled 'Riot in the Garden' featuring performer Jackson Gillman. The poster includes event details: date, time, and location at Northeast Harbor Library lawn, with vibrant illustrations of vegetables and fruits in the background.

AUGUST 17 — Environmental Stressors & Kidney Health: 2026 August 17 Science Cafe

Also join us for a fascinating Science Cafe with environmental toxicologist Nishad Jayasundara, Ph.D., as he explores how everyday contaminants and other stressors such as heat exposure may be quietly influencing kidney health.

The event is from 5 pm to 6 pm, August 17.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects nearly 1 in 7 adults in the United States—and more than 840 million people worldwide. While factors like diet and genetics are well known, scientists are increasingly uncovering another important piece of the puzzle: environmental exposure.

Drawing on his team’s research, Dr. Jayasundara, Maine INBRE alum as a College of the Atlantic undergraduate student and past MDI Bio Lab Visiting Scientist, will share how early-life exposure to environmental toxins can disrupt kidney development, and may affect kidney structure and function in adults. Blending cutting-edge research with real-world relevance, this Science Cafe will shed light on an important and often overlooked contributor to human health—and what it could mean for communities around the world.

TO REGISTER: https://mdibl.org/event/environmental-stressors-kidney-health/

LEGO CLUB!

A colorful flyer for Lego Club at the Northeast Harbor Library, featuring an illustration of a girl building with colorful blocks and holding a drink. Text promotes the club's meetings starting September 9, 2024, on Mondays from 3:15 to 4:00 PM, and mentions registration is required with a QR code for more information.

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 18

AUGUST 18 — REEF POINT

Event poster for 'Reef Point' at the Bar Harbor Historical Society featuring flowers, event details, and QR code for free tickets.

August 18, 2026 — COA Coffee & Conversation with Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve CEO Patrick MacRae


9:30 a.m.
Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center
College of the Atlantic
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor
go.coa.edu/coffeeandconvo

AUGUST 18 — THE BUTLER DID IT (RUNNING ON TUESDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS) AT ACADIA REP!

A group of six individuals dressed in black suits stands outdoors near a body of water. The background features a scenic view with trees and mountains.

The Acadia Repertory Theatre proudly presents the East Coast premiere, and only the second production anywhere, of Hatcher’s THE BUTLER DID IT. Set in 1978, the play takes place in a school for butlers in which a murder has taken place, in a mock Tudor mansion which conceals a lot of secrets, both human and architectural. Inspector Denise (MDI favorite Mary Paola), freshly promoted to the job, not only has to ferret out hidden motives, but also must contend with good old-fashioned sexism as she works her way through the world of high-end service. Combining the DNA of a good Columbo episode with the procedural complexity of an Agatha Christie play, this smart and brand-new thriller has an energy all its own! THE BUTLER DID IT plays Tuesdays through Sundays, through September 6.

You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

AUGUST 18 — Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music

A group of four individuals standing confidently in an urban setting under an overpass, with a mix of casual and semi-formal attire. The woman on the left has curly hair and holds a shoulder bag, while the man in a brown leather jacket stands at the center with a serious expression. The other two women are positioned to the right, one wearing a red top and the other in a black blazer, both looking directly at the camera.

The Neighborhood House

The Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music presents the Ariel Quartet and clarinetist Moran Katz in concert with our Music Director, pianist Todd Crow, in an all-Brahms program.

Brahms: Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115
Brahms: Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34

AUGUST 18— ARIEL QUARTET

Promotional poster for the Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music featuring concert details, including performances by various quartets and musicians from July 21 to August 18.

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 18 QUIETSIDE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

A man sitting with a saxophone, wearing a patterned sweater and a beanie, with a serious expression.

Daniel Fisher-Lochhead (saxophone) and Ryan Blotnick (guitar) present an evening of original jazz, joined by pianist Christina Spurling. These collaborators have spent years in deep creative conversation, working through the rhythms of island life—its isolation and its intensity. Experience freshly composed works that carry the clarity and intimacy of that ongoing dialogue.

Tuesday, August 18 at 7 pm
Somesville Union Meetinghouse
$25 suggested donation

AUGUST 18— VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA

Volunteer schedule for Friends of Acadia, outlining activities from August 18 to August 22, including trail maintenance and hiking events.

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 18— ST. SAVIOUR’S DOWNEAST MUSIC SERIES – JUSTIN FOLEY

Poster for St. Saviour's Downeast Music Series listing performance dates and artists from June 3 to August 25, 2023, with a decorative border featuring flowers and a butterfly.

TUESDAY MORNINGS! STORY AND PLAY.

A bright yellow armchair beside a window, featuring a children's book open on a small table. Two colorful plush toys, a pink and a purple one, are also on the armchair. A promotional banner for 'Story and Play' at Jesup Memorial Library, detailing the event for kids ages 0-5 and their adults, is displayed on the left.

PIE SALE!

Promotional image for YWCA MDI Summer Pie Sale featuring a blueberry pie and a key lime pie. Details include sale dates, location, and support for programs for women and girls.

SHOWCASE OPEN JAM

A promotional poster for an open jam event titled 'Showcase 1134' featuring various performers including singers, comedians, and dancers. The event is held every Tuesday at Trenton Grange Hall in Trenton, Maine. Details include the time, location, and a list of featured performers for the week.

OPEN TABLE MDI — TUESDAY COMMUNITY SUPPERS IN BAR HARBOR AND SOUTHWEST HARBOR!

Open Table MDI August Supper Schedule featuring Quietside Supper at St John's Episcopal Church and Bar Harbor Supper at Open Table MDI, detailing times, addresses, and upcoming dates for meals, along with information about meal delivery service.

MDI EPISCOPAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Photo of the MDI Episcopal Church Museum, a two-story building with a gabled roof, featuring a porch and large windows. The image includes a sign with visiting hours and location details indicating the rectory common of St. Saviour's Church in Bar Harbor.

CRANE FOLDING

An advertisement for a crane folding event at Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring images of people participating in origami, with details about the event including time, date, and inclusive invitation for all ages and skill levels.

STORY AND PLAY

Children and adults participating in a Story and Play event at a library, with kids reading books and a cozy environment.

Artwaves Summer Dance Schedule

Graphic displaying the summer dance schedule, including classes for adults and youth, featuring times for open level ballet and contemporary/modern dance.

Move Free Run Club

Logo of Move Free Run Club featuring a stylized sunset and wavy lines in warm colors.

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

Flyer for 'Mommy & Me Group' featuring children and parents engaged in playful activities, with details about the group's purpose, schedule, and contact information.

Tuesday events via the Chamber:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19

AUGUST 19— SEASIDE CINEMA AT AGAMONT PARK—IT’S FREE!

Outdoor movie screening at Seaside Cinema, with people sitting on the grass, a large screen displaying a film, and trees illuminated by night.

August 19: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Movie starts after 8 PM when the sun is low enough.

AUGUST 19 — Berklee Professor of Piano To Perform Free Concert in Northeast Harbor

A man with curly hair and glasses seated outdoors, resting his chin on his hand, wearing a blue shirt.

NORTHEAST HARBOR – On Wednesday, August 19 at 5:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony for a free jazz performance featuring original compositions and reimagined standards.

Laszlo Gardony’s music is best described as a natural meeting of jazz, progressive rock, European classical and folk traditions, and blues. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Gardony has been noted for his “fluid pianism” by The New York Times and two of his albums have made DownBeat Magazine’s “Best of the Year” list. “A formidable improviser who lives in the moment” (JazzTimes), he has performed in 27 countries and released 14 albums. Gardony is currently a professor of piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston and is on the faculty at Harvard University’s “Jazz Combo Initiative” program.

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

AUGUST 19 — HOMUNCULUS WORKSHOP

Colorful craft supplies laid out on a yellow background, including threads, beads, scissors, buttons, and various decorative materials, promoting a Homunculus Workshop at Jesup Memorial Library.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB AT AT ACADIA REP!

And on Wednesday and Saturday morning, we present Joseph Robinette’s 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! Come see familiar characters like Charlotte, Wilbur, and their many companions (even Templeton the Rat) in the classic story of friendship, new beginnings, and the joy we find in everyday life.

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.

You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

WEDNESDAYS — WRITERS’ WORKSHOPS AT HIDDEN BARN BOOKS

Promotional flyer for the Acadia Writers Workshop, detailing the event schedule, pricing, location, and contact information.

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:

https://www.practiceofwriting.com/acadia-writers-workshop

VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA!

A schedule of volunteer activities in Acadia National Park for the week of August 18 to August 22, including details on stewardship programs and hiking opportunities.

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!

A promotional poster for a Music Bingo event featuring Matty P, highlighting a special food offer of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Fries Basket for $10. The event is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 PM.

MEDITATION

Promotional poster for a meditation event at Somesville Library, featuring details like time, topic, and the name of the Zen teacher, Tom Tanguay. The background includes a scenic view of the library by a lake with trees and a rainbow.

DANCE CARDIO AT ARTWAVES

A group of people participating in a dance cardio class, with one woman in the foreground raising her arm and smiling. Text overlay displays 'DANCE CARDIO' and class details including 'WEDNESDAYS | 6-7 PM' and 'artwavesmdi.org/calendar'.

Northeast Harbor Library—Readers Unite!

Colorful illustration promoting the 'Readers Unite! After School Reading Club' at the Northeast Harbor Library, featuring children joyfully reading from oversized books with flying pages.

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

A colorful promotional image for children's story times at the Southwest Harbor Public Library featuring a cartoon duck on a float, a beach ball, and a towel. The text highlights events held on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 am.

GIRLS WHO CODE

Promotional image for 'Girls Who Code' program in Bar Harbor, featuring details about the meeting time and location at Jesup Memorial Library.

CHRONICLES OF YARNIA

A person crocheting with a green yarn and a crochet hook, seated in a cozy environment, with a smartphone nearby. Text promoting a Fiber Arts Group for tweens and teens is visible.

BLOCK PARTY!

Promotional image for a Block Party event hosted by Jesup, featuring colorful building blocks and text inviting participation.

Wednesday events via the Chamber:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

Promotional poster for a group art exhibition titled 'AUG 13 - AUG 25', featuring artists Juliana Morgan Alvarez, Mark Kindschi, Christopher O'Connor, Donald Rainville, Susan Van Campen, and Dietlind Vander Schaaf, supporting College of the Atlantic and the Cody Van Heerden Chair.

AUGUST 20 — Mount Desert Island Historical Society to Hold 96th Annual Meeting, Potluck & Concert

A group of musicians performing on stage, featuring a variety of instruments including violins, guitars, a mandolin, and a bass. The setting is a theater with a dark backdrop.
The Bagaduce Northern New England Ensemble plays at the MDI Historical Society’s 2024 Baked Bean Supper.Photo courtesy MDI Historical Society

MOUNT DESERT — The Mount Desert Island Historical Society will hold its 96th Annual Meeting, Potluck & Concert on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood House, 1 Kimball Rd, Northeast Harbor. The event is free and open to the public.

AUGUST 20 — MAINE SEACOAST MISSION GALA

Promotional graphic for the 2026 Sunbeam Award Gala hosted by Maine Seacoast Mission, featuring a teal background with boat sketches and event details including date, time, and honorees.

VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA

Weekly volunteer schedule for Friends of Acadia from August 18 to August 22, detailing activities such as bog walk construction and drainage maintenance.

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

Promotional poster for Finback Ale House's Karaoke Night, featuring vibrant illustrations of musical elements, attendees singing, and details about the event including time, age restriction, and drink specials.

STITCHES KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP!

A colorful knitted piece laid flat with knitting needles and a ball of yarn beside it. Text overlay 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

Promotional image for adult line dance classes by Two Shoes Dance, showcasing various dance styles like pop, Latin, hip hop, and country, scheduled for Thursdays from 5:15 to 6:15 PM at Harbor House starting November 6th.

FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES

A drawing of a figure in motion sketched in charcoal on a notepad. The text overlay announces a weekly figure drawing session on Thursdays from 12 PM to 3 PM in the Fine Arts Studio, accompanied by two colored pencils.

DANCE LESSONS AT ARTWAVES

An advertisement for Spring Dance Classes featuring schedule details for Thursdays and Saturdays, with a professional dancer in a white tutu and pink background.

Thursday events via the Chamber:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

AUGUST 21 and 22 — STATEWIDE TOUR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AT THE ABBE!

Promotional graphic for a statewide tour of the Declaration of Independence at the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, featuring event details and design elements related to Maine.

BIRDERS’ CAFE

A cartoon-style illustration of a teal coffee mug with a bird perched on top, featuring the text 'Birders’ Cafe at the Oceanarium' and a logo for the Oceanarium and Education Center in Bar Harbor, Maine.

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

Volunteer opportunities in Acadia National Park from August 18 to August 22, including stewardship programs and summit 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

A colorful beach-themed graphic promoting story times at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a cartoon duck on a float, sunglasses, and tropical elements. The schedule indicates story times on Wednesdays and Fridays at 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, AUGUST 22

AUGUST 22 — CONTRADANCE

A colorful flyer for a contrdance event at the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, featuring playful illustrations of children dancing and a moose. The event details include the date, time, and a suggested donation. Designed to benefit the library, with music by Big Moose.

AUGUST 22 — BLIMP DISASTER LECTURE

Historic black and white image of several boats in a calm body of water, with a large object partially submerged in the foreground.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Come enjoy an early evening program at the Southwest Harbor Historical Society on Saturday August 22 at 4 PM.

Earl Brechlin, former editor of the Bar Harbor Times and MDIslander will entertain us with information on the K 14 Blimp disaster of 1944. Hear him give details and information from a US Navy investigation and his own research.

This happened in July 1944 off Mount Desert Rock.

Location is 192 Seawall Road, Manset Meetinghouse, home of the Southwest Harbor Historical Society. The Society is celebrating USA’s 250th anniversary with programs associated with our history.

AUGUST 21 and 22 — STATEWIDE TOUR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AT THE ABBE!

Promotional graphic for the Statewide Tour of the Declaration of Independence at the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, highlighting event details and Wabanaki perspectives.

AUGUST 22 — WEIRD LITTLE GUYS

A display of colorful knitted keychains resembling dolls, hanging from hooks, with a promotional banner for the 'Weird Little Guys' workshop for 4th-8th graders at Jesup Memorial Library.

AUGUST 22 — CARS AND COFFEE: GLOBAL RIDES, IMPORTS

Promotional flyer for Seal Cove Auto Museum's 'Cars & Coffee' event, featuring a vintage car, coffee beans, and a schedule of events for 2026.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB AT AT ACADIA REP!

And on Wednesday and Saturday morning, we present Joseph Robinette’s 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! Come see familiar characters like Charlotte, Wilbur, and their many companions (even Templeton the Rat) in the classic story of friendship, new beginnings, and the joy we find in everyday life.

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.

You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA

Weekly schedule for volunteer opportunities in Acadia from August 18 to August 22, listing activities such as building bog walks, clearing drainage, and hiking to summits.

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

Announcement for Saturday Story Time at the Northeast Harbor Library, starting March 22 at 1:00 PM in the children's room. Open to all ages and no registration required, with a visual of an open book and decorative stars and clouds.

SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!

Promotional flyer for 'Baby and Me Yoga' classes at Harbor House, featuring details on class times and descriptions for different age groups.

PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP

An announcement for a Prayer Shawl Mission Team Start-Up event on October 4, 2025, at Bar Harbor Congregational Church. The event includes details about time, location, and contact information for those interested in 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.

DANCE LESSONS AT ARTWAVES

A summer dance schedule listing various classes for adults and students in 5th to 12th grade, featuring Open Level Ballet and Contemporary/Modern Dance. The background shows a dancer in a black tutu and ballet shoes.

Saturday events via the Chamber:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

AUGUST 23 — JOHN PRINCE HOW LUCKY CAN ONE MAN GET?

A promotional poster for the documentary 'John Prine: How Lucky Can One Man Get?' featuring John Prine smiling and holding an acoustic guitar, with details about the film's cast and production.

AUGUST 23 — ACADIA FRIENDS (QUAKERS)

A person sitting on a large rock overlooking a scenic sunset, with the quote: 'Walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one.'

KIDS CHESS CLUB AT CHOCO-LATTE

Close-up of a chessboard with various chess pieces including a white king, black queen, and knight, with a graphic overlay that reads '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

Logo of Move Free Run Club featuring wavy orange lines and a red sun.

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:

ONGOING…

THE ANNEX

Event schedule for live music at The Annex bar in August, featuring artists like Nathan Grant, Bad Daddy, and River Bottom Funk, with performances seven nights a week from 8 PM to 11 PM.
Promotional poster for summer and fall events at The Criterion, featuring a lineup of performances, including Bluebird Improv, Patty Griffin, and Bob Marley, along with dates and ticket information.

ARTWAVES

Promotional flyer for ArtWaves Community Arts Center showcasing dance classes and summer arts camps. Features a dancer in a tutu, schedules for various dance classes, and details on upcoming arts camps.

AUGUST 4 – 28 — QUIETSIDE ART GALLERY AND STUDIO STUDENT SHOW

Promotional poster for the Quietside Art Gallery and Studio Student Show, featuring dates, details about the opening reception, and a background image of a serene landscape with mountains and water.

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

A colorful poster for a kid's scavenger hunt at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a cheerful child with a magnifying glass, encouraging participants to find ten hidden pictures to win a prize. The background includes shelves filled with books.

WIC CLINIC

Promotional flyer for the WIC Clinic at Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a smiling baby in a high chair, providing details about the clinic's services, eligibility, and contact information.

COMMUNITY BLANKET PROJECT

Community Blanket Project poster featuring colorful rolled blankets on a display and folded blankets with logos. Text highlights the initiative for providing warm, washable blankets through community donations.

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.

A serene harbor scene featuring multiple boats anchored in calm waters, with rolling hills and a forested shoreline in the background. The sky is painted in soft hues, suggesting early morning or late afternoon light.
William Hoyt, Acadia Evening, 32” x 60”, oil on linen

“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

A serene lakeside scene featuring a wooden boat docked at a pier, surrounded by calm water and green trees in the background.
Rett Sturman, Uncle Tom’s Boat, 14” x 21”, oil on canvas

“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

Close-up of an arched window on a yellow house with wooden siding, capturing reflections of the sky.
David Vickery, Tenant’s Harbor Attic, 12” x 14”, oil on panel

“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.

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