If you're planning a vacation to Acadia, this Bar Harbor calendar of events might prove useful in figuring out when to come.
Please note: Exact dates are not included here. We want this page to be "evergreen"... to give future visitors to Acadia a general idea of when to visit each year. To get dates for a particular year, use the "more info" links or contact the Acadia National Park Visitor Center or the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Peregrine Falcon Watch (Late May - Mid-August)
Rangers and volunteers will be at the Precipice parking area with a telescope to help you view endangered peregrine falcons that return each year to nest.
Watch this local band play every Monday and Thursday evening weather permitting on the Bar Harbor Village Green for free. They've been entertaining the public for over 100 years. The band is comprised of amateur musicians from throughout the region.
Hawk Watch at Acadia National Park (Late August - Mid-October)
Visitors, volunteers and NPS staff spot, identify and count hawks and other raptors. The data is compiled with other hawk watches from around the US to help researchers understand the status of raptor populations.
Earth Day Roadside Cleanup (Last Saturday in April)
This annual event is sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Friends of Acadia. Volunteers are welcome, but must pre-register. This focuses on clean up of all MDI and Schoodic Peninsula roadways.
Run this wheel-measured course with mile markers, 1-mile splits, water stations, and refreshments at the finish line. It's for 12 y.o. and up and supports scholarship programs at the MDI YMCA.
This event celebrates Bar Harbor's history of art, music, Native American culture and more. There's live music, art exhibits, demonstrations, and a puppet theater. A Fathers' Day Concert kicks off the week on the Bar Harbor Village Green. And then the week wraps up with an art show on the Village Green.
A concert series includes a wide variety of music styles, including chamber music, opera, jazz, string orchestra, pops, and new composers. Called "one of New England's great music festivals."
This is our favorite event and brought us back to Acadia most years. It includes a full day of events from dawn till well after dark! Here's all the things you can do:
Blueberry Pancake Breakfast – Pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee at the Bar Harbor Athletic Field by MDI Rotary Club
Independence Day Parade, around noon
Seafood Festival, serving lobster, mussels, corn, and strawberry shortcake at the Bar Harbor Athletic Field by MDI Rotary Club
MDI YMCA Annual Lobster Race – Local businesses race lobsters at Bar Harbor Athletic Field to benefit MDI YMCA Scholarship Fund
Fireworks over Frenchman's Bay – Watch from the beach or bring blankets or lawn chairs to the town park
Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market (Early July)
This festival takes place at the College of the Atlantic. It is co-hosted by the College of the Atlantic, the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance, and the Abbe Museum. You'll find Native American music, dance, food and a silent auction. You can buy authentic Wabanaki Indian baskets, carvings, beadwork and dolls for sale.
Annual Directions Craft Show (First weekend in August)
This crafty show is held at the Mount Desert Island High School by the Maine Crafts Guild. It features more than 80 of Maine's top professional artisans. There's a cash bar, if you're so inclined.
Annual Carol Dyer Memorial Luminaria Evening (Early August)
This charity event benefits the American Cancer Society. It celebrates cancer survivors and honors those lost to cancer. Luminaries line the Village Green and steel drum music plays. You can participate by purchasing luminaries, lighting candles and reading names.
Residents join with professional musicians to present choral masterworks at this fun event. It is held at St. Saviours Episcopal Church. Admission is by donation.
Island Arts Association in the Park (End of August)
This show, featuring homemade crafts by Maine artisans, is held on the Village Green in Bar Harbor. For more info, contact the MDI YMCA at 207-288-5008.
Aquaterra Adventures features four days of kayaking instruction with top coaches. You can learn about tidal currents, rock gardening, rolling, Greenland skills and rescues. There are even classes for beginners, plus BCU training and assessments.
MDI YMCA Half-Marathon and Fall 5K (Mid-September)
This annual race is USA TAC Certified and includes 9 miles on Acadia's carriage trails. The 5K race is held on a GPS measured course. Proceeds support the MDI YMCA Scholarship program.
This race runs a seaside route hosted by five island communities: Otter Creek, Seal Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Somesville and Southwest Harbor. The race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. They hold a "Carb Loading" pasta dinner the evening before the race at MDI High School.
MDI YMCA Family Halloween Party (Last Friday before Halloween)
This party includes games and activities for children 10 and under, but there's also a dessert contest for parents. Everyone is encouraged to dress up for a costume contest. Also included: Games, face painting, arts and crafts, and a haunted hayride.
Help rake leaves from drainage areas throughout the park & make a contribution while here on vacation! Volunteers enjoy free chili and cornbread for lunch and take home a t-shirt. Pre-registration is required.
Play Blackjack, poker, y-style craps, derby night, Wheel of Fortune, etc. at this game night. Enjoy appetizers, a cash bar, and win a raffle, if you're feeling especially lucky! You can also participate in a best Vegas costume contest. This event supports the MDI YMCA scholarship program.
Annual Early Bird Sale and Pajama Party (Late November)
For those who like to live casual, shop in your PJs and get extra discounts in Bar Harbor. You can also join in with the pajama parade and fashion show at the Village Green.
Village Holidays and Midnight Madness Sale (Early December)
If you're brave enough to visit Acadia in the winter, you can welcome Santa to Bar Harbor at the Village Green, followed by pictures at the MDI YMCA. Also, shop the Midnight Madness Sale that begins at 8pm. Get good discounts, music, food, drink and raffles.
