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

THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK.

And some ongoing events.

Carrie Jones

just now

THINGS TO DO

red blue yellow green and orange hanging decor
Photo by Kristina Delp on Unsplash

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, OCTOBER 5

OCTOBER 5 – 9

Contact the Bar Harbor Chamber for more details.

OCTOBER 5 AND OCTOBER 22

Poster for Bar Harbor Fire Department's 'Stop the Bleed' community training. Features images of applying tourniquets and wound packing. Details include location (MDI High School), class dates (October 5 and 22, 2026), and times (5:00pm to 6:00pm). Emphasizes empowerment and emergency response.
Flyer for Bar Harbor Fire Department's public Narcan training, offering details about opioid overdose recognition and Narcan administration.

SHOWCASE JAMS!

Promotional flyer for 'Showcase 1134' featuring an open jam and open mic night at Trenton Grange, with details on time, location, and event setup.
Image promoting a senior exercise class titled 'Strong Bodies Senior Class', featuring three seniors engaged in low-impact aerobic exercises. The text emphasizes health as wealth and provides details about the class schedule and registration.

LEGO CLUB!

Promotional poster for a Lego Club at the Northeast Harbor Library, featuring a girl building with colorful blocks. Text includes registration details, meeting time, and 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, OCTOBER 6

OCTOBER 6

Promotional poster for 'The Librarians' screening and panel discussion, featuring event details including date, time, and location at Criterion Theatre. Includes quotes from reviews highlighting the film's significance.
Promotional poster for the documentary 'The Librarians' featuring a large book with the quote 'America's war on books is more than a war on words.' The background includes film festival awards and screening details for a free community event on October 6th at 6 PM.

OCTOBER 6 DUCK BOATS AND LOBSTER CLAWS

Poster for the exhibition 'Duck Boats & Lobster Claws' featuring a duck decoy, a model boat, and lobster claws on a vibrant orange background with event details.

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/

TUESDAY MORNINGS! STORY AND PLAY.

A bright yellow chair in a library setting with an open children's book and plush toys, promoting a 'Story and Play' event for kids ages 0-5 and their adults.

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

A flyer promoting free community suppers from Open Table MDI, detailing Quietside Supper and Bar Harbor Supper schedules, locations, and meal delivery options.

CRANE FOLDING

A promotional flyer for a crane folding event at Southwest Harbor Public Library, displaying the event title, time, and welcoming note for all ages and skill levels. Two participants are seen folding paper cranes.

STORY AND PLAY

A cozy library setting showcasing a children's storytime event, featuring adults and children aged 0-5 sitting on colorful floor cushions and reading books together, with shelves of books in the background.

Move Free Run Club

Logo of Move Free Run Club featuring stylized waves and a sun above, with the text 'move free run club' below.

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

Promotional flyer for the Mommy & Me Group at Harbor House, featuring playful graphics of children, details about the group activities, schedule, and contact information.

Tuesday events via the Chamber:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

OCTOBER 7 CANDIDATES’ FORUM (IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM)

Event flyer for a State House District 15 Candidates' Forum detailing the date, time, location, and candidates running.

OCTOBER 7

Promotional graphic for 'reWORKS', a collaborative literary art project featured in the Maine Lit Fest. The image showcases six diverse individuals with smiling faces, indicating a celebratory tone. Event details include the date, October 7, at 5:30 PM, presented by the Northeast Harbor Library and Maine Lit Fest.

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!

Promotional poster for Music Bingo event featuring Matty P, with details on food special and event timing.
Three seniors participating in a strength class, stretching with their arms raised while seated on chairs. Text on the image promotes a senior exercise program called 'Strong Bodies' at the YWCA.

MEDITATION

A promotional poster for a meditation session at the Somesville Library in Maine. It includes details about the event, such as the time, day of the week, and the name of the instructor, Tom Tanguay. The background features a serene landscape with trees and a river.

DANCE CARDIO AT ARTWAVES

A group of people participating in a dance cardio class, smiling and engaging in energetic movements. The foreground features a woman in an orange tank top raising her arm, with other participants in the background. Text highlights the class schedule for Wednesdays from 6-7 PM.

Northeast Harbor Library—Readers Unite!

Illustration promoting the 'Readers Unite! After School Reading Club' at the Northeast Harbor Library, featuring a girl and boy joyfully reading and flying with open books against a cloud background.

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

Colorful autumn-themed poster for storytime at Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a bear, a cat, and a squirrel among pumpkins and fall leaves. Details include days and times: Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 to 10:30 am.

GIRLS WHO CODE

Promotional poster for 'Girls Who Code' at Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, held on Wednesdays from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM.

CHRONICLES OF YARNIA

A person is crocheting with green yarn while seated, with a smartphone nearby. The image promotes a Fiber Arts Group for tweens and teens called 'Chronicles of Yarnia' held on Wednesday evenings.

BLOCK PARTY!

Promotional flyer for a Block Party event at Jesup featuring colorful building blocks, information about the event schedule, and an invitation for kids to participate.

Wednesday events via the Chamber:

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

OCTOBER 8

Event poster for 'Five Wishes: The Gift of Conversation' hosted by Jesup at Jesup Memorial Library on October 8th at 5:30 PM, featuring purple lupine flowers.

OCTOBER 8

A vibrant orange poster for a class titled 'Introduction to 3D Printing' led by Lou Jones-Rodriguez, scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Pemetic School. The poster features an image of a 3D printer and includes a QR code for registration.

OCTOBER 8 — BIRD MIGRATION WALK

Event by Fields Pond Audubon Center and Maine Audubon

30 Jordan River Rd, Trenton, ME , 8 a.m.

With some resident birds gearing up for migration and some species actively migrating through Maine, fall is an excellent time to put your birdings skills to the test. Join Maine Audubon naturalists on this bird-focused walk accessible for all skill levels

Promotional image for a guided field walk event titled 'The Night Sky' at Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve, scheduled for October 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM with Maine Outdoor School. The background features a serene view of a river and forest.

OCTOBER 8 — Nathaniel Austin speaks about Maine’s Loons

The Bar Harbor Garden Club is pleased to announce Nathaniel Austin as the guest speaker for its October meeting on Thursday, October 8th, at Birch Bay Retirement Village in Bar Harbor. Nathaniel’s presentation will offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of Maine’s loons with a special emphasis on the loons of Mount Desert Island.

Mr. Austin’s presentation will begin at 1:00 P.M. and will include time for questions. Registration is required to attend the event. Since seating is limited, the Club is pleased to offer an in-person or zoom option for participants. Please email Pam Bowie at mdi4us@gmail.com or call 207-244-3436(H) and indicate whether you will be attending in-person or via zoom.

OCTOBER 8 — ASC Field Trip to The Black House Museum

Thursday, October 8, 2026

1:00pm ($15 per person)

19 Black House Drive, Ellsworth

Pre-registration is Required by October 5

Please join us for a guided tour of the Black House Museum at Woodlawn. The historic Black House contains original furnishings, from three generations of the Black family who owned Woodlawn.

The house tour lasts about 45 minutes. We will also have ample time for a self-guided tour of the Woodlawn grounds which include croquet courts, dry-laid fieldstone walls, hayfields, walking trails, and more. The newly built barn stands on the footprint of the old barn and includes a replica of the original facade.

Please note that the house tour includes periods of standing, walking, and climbing stairs.

OCTOBER 8 — Night Sky Walk Sponsored by Land and Garden Preserve

worm's eye view of trees during night time
Photo by Ryan Hutton on Unsplash

Join a naturalist educator from Maine Outdoor School for an exploration of the night sky. Learn some constellations, hear star stories, and find out how animals adapt to dark conditions. This is a family-friendly event set for October 8.

For more information and to register visit Activities | Land&GardenPreserve

Artwaves’ Fall Dance Schedule

Fall Dance Schedule featuring different dance classes and times, including ballet for various age groups and contemporary dance.

Move Free Run Club

Logo of Move Free Run Club featuring stylized waves and a sun 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!

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/

KARAOKE NIGHT AT FINBACK ALE HOUSE

Promotional poster for Finback Ale House Karaoke Night featuring live music, cheerful attendees, and a microphone graphic. Text highlights that the event occurs every Thursday at 9 PM, is free to enter, and is for adults only.

STITCHES KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP!

A colorful knitted piece displayed on a surface with knitting needles and a yarn ball nearby, promoting the 'Stitches Knitting Group' meeting on Thursdays from 3 to 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.

FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES

A figure drawing session announcement featuring a sketch of a seated human figure, with details on timing and location.

Thursday events via the Chamber:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

OCTOBER 9

Promotional poster for 'Cabinet of Wonder' student screening featuring a woman in a white dress with long blonde hair sitting in a vintage cabinet. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 9 at 10 AM.

OCTOBER 9

October 9th 5:45pm – 8:15pm at ArtWaves.

Woodburning Workshop

Discover the satisfying art of wood burning in this playful, beginner-friendly workshop! Using heated tools and natural wood blanks, you’ll create your own rustic designs, illustrations, or patterns.

BIRDERS’ CAFE

A graphic featuring a blue coffee mug with an illustration of a bird on top, alongside the text 'Birders' Cafe at the Oceanarium' and 'Oceanarium and Education Center, 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.

A diverse group of seniors participating in a low-impact exercise class, stretching their arms while seated. Text overlay promotes a 'Strong Bodies Senior Class' in Bar Harbor, ME, emphasizing health and wellness.

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/

FAMILY STORY TIME AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR

A colorful autumn-themed poster promoting storytime sessions at Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a bear, a cat, and a squirrel surrounded by pumpkins, leaves, and sunflowers. The text reads 'Storytimes Wednesday & Fridays from 10:00 - 10:30 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, OCTOBER 10

OCTOBER 10

Promotional flyer for a new fitness class titled 'Power Punch Peace', featuring strength training, heavy bag boxing drills, and yoga/stretching. Classes take place every other Saturday starting October 10th from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at Harbor House in Southwest Harbor, with a $20 drop-in fee. Contact information for coaches Sue Jacoby and Machelle LaHaye is included.

OCTOBER 10

Promotional poster for the 29th Annual Acadia's Oktoberfest at Archie's Lobster in Bass Harbor, Maine, scheduled for October 10th, 2026, featuring event details like time, activities, and local sponsors.

OCTOBER 10

A woodburning tool and materials, featuring a wooden piece with the phrase 'Adventure Awaits' and mountain scenery on the left, and a woodburned art piece of a plant on the right.

1 pm – 3:30 pm at ArtWaves

OCTOBER 10—TUSK

A promotional poster for a Fleetwood Mac tribute band named Tusk, featuring images of the band members performing on stage with instruments, and details about an upcoming performance at Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, Maine on October 10.

OCTOBER 10

Promotional poster for Indigenous People's Day event featuring educational art, held on October 10 at Jesup Memorial Library. Includes event details and logos of Jesup and the Abbe Museum.

Art Fair at Atlantic Oceanside

Shop from local artists at Island Arts Association’s Craft Fair at the Atlantic Oceanside! Located on the lawn at the Atlantic Oceanside at 119 Eden Street, Bar Harbor. This fair takes place Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 10:00am–4:00pm. Support our local, independent artists!

OCTOBER 10 — OPEN HOUSE AT NOLAN WAY!

Promotional flyer for an open house at Nolan Way, featuring a blue house and details about the event on October 10 and 11 organized by Mount Desert 365.

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/

Artwaves’ Fall Dance Schedule

Fall dance schedule featuring ballet and contemporary dance classes for different age groups.

STORY TIME

Advertisement for Saturday Story Time at the Northeast Harbor Library, detailing time, location, and welcoming all ages.

SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!

A flyer for 'Baby and Me Yoga' classes at Harbor House, detailing two class levels: 'Little Wigglers' for non-walking babies and 'Busy Bees' for toddlers. It includes class times, instructor information, and emphasizes caregiver involvement.

PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP

Promotional flyer for a Prayer Shawl Mission Team start-up event featuring details about the date, time, and location, along with images of people knitting and crocheting. The flyer invites participants and mentions that supplies and instruction will be provided.

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:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

OCTOBER 11 – BELT SANDER RACES!

Event poster for Belt Sander Races at Mainely-Meat Bar-B-Que featuring a theme of Cryptids and Unknown Creatures, with illustrations of a Loch Ness monster and a Bigfoot. Event details include date, time, and activities like beer, live music, and BBQ.

OCTOBER 11 — OPEN HOUSE!

A promotional flyer for an open house event by Mount Desert 365, featuring a new home on Nolan Way. The flyer includes event details, location information, and a brief description of the organization's mission.

OCTOBER 11 — TOUCH A TRUCK

A colorful event poster for 'Touch a Truck' featuring illustrations of a fire truck, police car, tractor, and big rig. The event details include date, time, and location, emphasizing interactive activities for children like face painting and a scavenger hunt.

KIDS CHESS CLUB AT CHOCO-LATTE

Close-up of a chess board with various pieces, including a white king and black pieces, highlighting 'Chess Clubs for Kids' in the corner.

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 a stylized wave design and a 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…

LIBRARY EXPLORERS

Promotional graphic for the Library Explorers program at Southwest Harbor Public Library featuring a child observing the night sky with a telescope. Includes text encouraging exploration, creativity, and reading, along with details about picking up a mission list and scanning a QR code for more information.

Drop in every month, for Library Explorers at the Southwest Harbor Library to uncover new missions, mysteries, and discoveries in the library—with a collectible trading card to unlock! This program is ongoing during library hours and is designed for kids 5-17, though younger explorers are welcome to participate with a grown-up. No registration required. https://tinyurl.com/mt7hh5ts.

Library hours: 9-5 Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.; 9-8, Wed.; 9-1 Sat.; closed Sun.

CRITERION SCHEDULE

Event schedule poster for the Criterion Theatre featuring performances from July to October, including artists like Bluebird Improv, Patty Griffin, Badfish, David Sedaris, and Natalie Merchant.

MDI YMCA FALL SCHEDULE

Promotional flyer for Mount Desert Island YMCA Fall Programming, detailing childcare options, preschool enrollment, youth sports, and activities for children ages 3 to 12. Includes registration information and QR codes for more details.

VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA LINKS

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/

AUGUST 19 — OCTOBER 17:

THE GALLERY AT SOMES SOUND’S LARGEST SHOW OF THE SEASON.

A serene nighttime landscape featuring a calm body of water reflecting the moonlight, with a small boat on the shore and a larger sailboat in the distance, surrounded by dark trees and mountains.
Ernest McMullen, Moon Over Acadia, 24” x 24” oil on panel

From August 19 – October 17, It’s Not What You Look At, But What You See: William Hoyt, Ernest McMullen, Rett Sturman and David Vickery will be at the Gallery at Somes Sound

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.

KIDS’ SCAVENGER HUNT AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR PUBLIC LIBRARY

A colorful promotional image for a kid's scavenger hunt event at Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a smiling girl with a magnifying glass, surrounded by shelves of books. The text encourages participants to find hidden pictures for a chance to win a prize.

WIC CLINIC

Promotional flyer for a WIC clinic at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, detailing services, eligibility, and contact information, featuring a smiling baby in a high chair holding food.

COMMUNITY BLANKET PROJECT

Promotional image for the Community Blanket Project featuring colorful rolls of fabric and folded blankets with logos, along with information on donations and volunteer opportunities.

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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