Multiple organizations and events will make it a busy weekend for Mount Desert Island.
just now
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Coastal Kayaking Tours and Acadia Bike.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND—The Mount Desert Island Marathon will bring over 2,000 runners to Mount Desert Island in mid-October and it will give Southwest Harbor—and the entire island—a chance to celebrate at multiple events or simply by cheering runners in the multiple races.
Here is a rundown of some of the weekend’s main events.
FINISH LINE FESTIVAL. MARATHON SUNDAY. OCTOBER 18. 9-3.
This is on Main Street in Southwest Harbor behind the finish line, rain or shine.
From the Acadia Chamber: “Who doesn’t love a street party? When runners cross the finish line at the iconic MDI Marathon each October, they’re greeted with a celebration worthy of their accomplishment. Main Street in Southwest Harbor shuts down and comes alive, transforming into a vibrant marathon ‘Street Party’ for runners, spectators, visitors, and locals alike.
“Savor delicious offerings from local restaurants and businesses at food vendor tents set up along Main Street, right beside Fogtown Brewing Co.’s ice-cold beer garden and live music stage. Kick back, enjoy fantastic bands laying down incredible tracks, and soak in the energy of this unforgettable marathon experience.”
It will be the third year that the chamber hosts the festival right at the finish line in downtown Southwest Harbor.
There are food vendors, sponsors, book sales, shopping, and music all in the area.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND MARATHON, HALF, AND RELAY. OCTOBER 18.
The annual running of the Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay will be held on Sunday, October 18.
The race that first began in 2002 is highly acclaimed and known throughout the nation. The marathon goes throughout the island, beginning in Bar Harbor and ending in Southwest Harbor.
“It has drawn tens of thousands of participants, friends families and spectators over more than two decades,” according to the organizers.
In the past decades, according to race organizers, “the MDI Marathon was founded in 2002 and created to leave more than footprints in the communities where we all love to run. Last year’s Beyond the Finish Line charity giving program had a record impact on the greater MDI community, totaling more than $90K!”
If you are part of a civic group or just an individual who plans to come down for the festivities and would like to get involved please visit volunteer.runmdi.org to sign up to help.
MDI RACE DETAILS
START TIME & LOCATION:
- Marathon—8:00 a.m.
Bar Harbor (200 Main Street) - Team Relay—8:00 a.m.
Bar Harbor (200 Main Street) - Half—8:30 a.m.
Northeast Harbor (5 Manchester Road) - All races finish in front of Pemetic School
Southwest Harbor (327 Main Street)
COURSE TIME LIMIT:
- Marathon—There is an 6.5-hour (6:30) time limit beginning at 8:00 a.m.
- Half—There is an 4-hour (4:00) time limit beginning 8:30 a.m.
- The finish line will close at 2:30 p.m.
There is no early start.
MDI KIDS FUN RUN PRESENTED BY BANGOR SAVINGS BANK. OCTOBER 17
The thirteenth MDI Kids Run, is in Northeast Harbor, Saturday.
The first 200 kids across the finish line receive t-shirts and medals the day before our Marathon/Half/Relay.
The event is free thanks to Bangor Savings Bank, but runners must register by October 15.
Details:
- Check in begins at 10 a.m.
- Start/finish line at the Great Harbor Maritime Museum, 124 Main Street, Northeast Harbor.
- All children need to be checked 30-minutes prior to the start time.
- More info & registration: http://www.runmdi.org/kids-run/.
FINISH LINE BOOK SALE — OCTOBER 17 and OCTOBER 18.
MUSIC HARBOR. MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. OCTOBER 17 and OCTOBER 18.
Along with the MDI Marathon and the Finish Line Festival, the island will also host Music Harbor this weekend.
“It’s exciting to bring Music Harbor back,” organizer Bo Jennings said previously. “Growing on last year’s turnout of locals and visitors alike, doubling our participating venues, and now having over 100 hours of live music over two days, is a testament to the commitment of businesses wanting to provide live music. Baxter Brewing is back as our main sponsor.”
Music Harbor will be on both October 17 and 18 at venues throughout the island and in Trenton. More information is here.
Mainely Meat’s Pink Party for Breast Cancer Awareness is October 18, 11-9. Bar Harbor.
Mainely Meat’s end of the season finale is Sunday October 18, from 11-9, featuring an annual fundraising event for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Last year the family business raised over $13,000 that was split between the Beth Wright Cancer Center and Wings of Eden, a non-profit startup geared towards helping those undergoing cancer treatment and some for final days.
“Mainely Meat has some amazing family, friends, local businesses and individuals who help bring this special fundraiser to fruition with monetary donations and donations of big and small for a silent auction,” organizers said.
This year’s theme is Super Heroes, which they said is “befitting of the cancer warriors we know and love.”
OCTOBER 17 and 18 — DOWNEAST SCENIC RAILROAD PUMPKIN TRAINS
OCTOBER 17 — NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS
The Southwest Standers will be at 315 Main Street in Southwest Harbor from 11-12 p.m.
The Bar Harbor Resisters will hold a demonstration on October 17 in conjunction with the No Kings events nationwide.
They will be on the green between 10 and 11 am. Organizers have said that there will be voter guides available for distribution and information on where to vote and how to get a ride to the polls.
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
More about the Finish Line Festival
HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY
When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other.
We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going.
If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship.
It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light.
Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now.
Thank you so much for being here.
Founding member information can be found here.
Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you.
You can help us keep bringing the Bar Harbor Story to our community every single day for free if you want. No pressure, obviously! It just helps.
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Discover more from Bar Harbor Story
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.