Princesses, Snowmen, and a Full Pit Orchestra: ‘Frozen’ Lands in Bar Harbor. Historic Criterion Theatre Hosts ACT Musical for First Time in Years.

Princesses, Snowmen, and a Full Pit Orchestra: ‘Frozen’ Lands in Bar Harbor.

Historic Criterion Theatre Hosts ACT Musical for First Time in Years. Carrie Jones Apr 16, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Bar Harbor Music Festival. BAR HARBOR—A cluster of people stand on the Criterion Theatre stage, late Monday afternoon, pondering artificial holiday trees that will soon be a forest. A cluster of dancers and students are told to go try on costumes … Continue reading Princesses, Snowmen, and a Full Pit Orchestra: ‘Frozen’ Lands in Bar Harbor.

From Ancient Volcanoes to Current Canvas: Joan Vienot Paints the Story Beneath Maine’s Coast. View the exhibit, meet the artist, and support the library through art sales.

From Ancient Volcanoes to Current Canvas: Joan Vienot Paints the Story Beneath Maine’s Coast.

View the exhibit, meet the artist, and support the library through art sales. Carrie Jones Mar 25, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Havana. NORTHEAST HARBOR—When fine artist Joan Vienot moved from Florida to Downeast Maine approximately three years ago, she began an adventure. “My mission was to paint the rocky coastline; the first task being to learn how to convincingly paint rocks,” … Continue reading From Ancient Volcanoes to Current Canvas: Joan Vienot Paints the Story Beneath Maine’s Coast.

Where Politics Met Paint, Song, and Community in Bar Harbor "Let’s Do Something That Feels Right."

Where Politics Met Paint, Song, and Community in Bar Harbor

“Let’s Do Something That Feels Right.” Carrie Jones Jan 13, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Window Panes Home and Garden. BAR HARBOR—On a dreary winter late afternoon beneath the high rafters of the Hidden Barn Bookstore, voices rose, hands moved, cameras clicked, and sea shanties shifted from lamentation to wry callings. Nearly 80 people gathered, not to debate politics, but to make something together: … Continue reading Where Politics Met Paint, Song, and Community in Bar Harbor

Criterion Theatre Will Begin Year With New Director. COURTNEY SALE WILL HEAD THEATRE NEXT YEAR.

Criterion Theatre Will Begin Year With New Director.

COURTNEY SALE WILL HEAD THEATRE NEXT YEAR Carrie Jones Nov 12, 2025 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Bank. BAR HARBOR—The Criterion Theatre has hired a new executive director. Courtney Sale is expected to start in the position this winter. On Thursday, the 1932 Criterion Theatre, Bar Harbor’s Art Deco cultural landmark, has announced Courtney Sale as its new executive director beginning … Continue reading Criterion Theatre Will Begin Year With New Director.

Musicians Worry Over Potential Trend in Live Music Permit Rejections

Musicians Worry Over Potential Trend in Live Music Permit Rejections

Carrie Jones and  Shaun Farrar Jul 31, 2025 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Ironbound Restaurant – Inn – Gatherings. BAR HARBOR—The Bar Harbor Town Council’s recent denials of two special amusement permits that would allow outdoor amplified music for a small number of musicians performing has worried some independent musicians who play at venues in the town. The permit denials have also been lauded … Continue reading Musicians Worry Over Potential Trend in Live Music Permit Rejections

One Island. Many Artistic Visions. Come Be Part of Hudson to Harbor. MDI's Past and Present Converge in an Upcoming Art Event at Bar Harbor Historical Society.

One Island. Many Artistic Visions. Come Be Part of Hudson to Harbor.

MDI’s Past and Present Converge in an Upcoming Art Event at Bar Harbor Historical Society. Carrie Jones Jul 25, 2025 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Ironbound Restaurant – Inn – Gatherings. BAR HARBOR—Art isn’t just for the artists. History isn’t just for the historians. The stories that shape our island? Same thing. They are for all of us. The Bar Harbor Historical Society … Continue reading One Island. Many Artistic Visions. Come Be Part of Hudson to Harbor.

Letting the Story Fly. Martha Tod Dudman Launches New Novel, curio, at Northeast Harbor Library.

Letting the Story Fly.

Martha Tod Dudman Launches New Novel, curio, at Northeast Harbor Library. Carrie Jones Jul 20, 2025 NORTHEAST HARBOR—Martha Tod Dudman has been a lot of things so far in her life: select person, business owner, mother, fundraiser, friend, mentor, director of the Maine Humanities Council. She is one of those people who when blessed with a keen intellect and broad vision can couple that with … Continue reading Letting the Story Fly.

Criterion’s Next Act: Beloved Bar Harbor Theatre Officially Reopens Under New Foundation Saturday's celebration highlighted history, community, and music

Criterion’s Next Act: Beloved Bar Harbor Theatre Officially Reopens Under New Foundation

Saturday’s celebration highlighted history, community, and music Carrie Jones Jul 07, 2025 3 Share The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Paradis Ace Hardware. BAR HARBOR—The Criterion Theatre officially reopened this weekend with a concert by the Mother Hips and Leslie Mendelson. But it was more than a concert. It was a celebration of continuity and of hope after it looked like the beloved theater … Continue reading Criterion’s Next Act: Beloved Bar Harbor Theatre Officially Reopens Under New Foundation

criterion

Criterion’s Future Is Uncertain

Staff let go and theater closed as board contemplates extensive repairs and way to move forward Carrie Jones Jan 21, 2025 Share BAR HARBOR—Flow like a river: that’s what former Criterion Theatre Production Manager Chuck Colbert would tell the staff before big events and performance. Do your work. Take obstacles in stride. Do it all with love. Flow like a river. As of January 12, … Continue reading Criterion’s Future Is Uncertain

From Hinge to Film Shot on MDI, Two Gen Z Creators Focus on Raw and Human Storytelling And they need your help

From Hinge to Film Shot on MDI, Two Gen Z Creators Focus on Raw and Human Storytelling

And they need your help Carrie Jones Jan 15, 2025 Share The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Side Street Cafe. BAR HARBOR AND LAMOINE—An interaction on the dating app Hinge has led to not just a relationship, but also a collaboration that involves Mount Desert Island, films, and the creation of story for two twenty-somethings with a connection to Hancock County. Carla Troconis and … Continue reading From Hinge to Film Shot on MDI, Two Gen Z Creators Focus on Raw and Human Storytelling