Although the winter months in Bar Harbor are exceptionally beautiful, the summer season is when most festivals and events take place. Because the town is nestled between the coast and a national park, events and festivals frequently celebrate the natural beauty of the area. Events range from seafood festivals to celebrations of the natural rites of spring.
For more information on events and activities in Bar Harbor, contact the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Phone 207-288-5103. http://www.barharborinfo.com. Or visit the town's Web site at http://www.ci.bar-harbor.me.us.
For more information on special events in Acadia Nationl Park, call 207-288-3338, or visit http://www.acadia.national-park.com or http://www.nps.gov/acad/home.htm.
To call any of the numbers listed in this calendar from outside the U.S. or Canada, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by the U.S. country code, 1.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
September, 2008
1 Sep—Labor Day. Public holiday.
14 Sep—MDI YMCA Half Marathon. Pack your running shoes to participate in this annual YMCA-sponsored event. Part of the course goes through Acadia National Park. Phone 207-288-3511. http://www.mdiymca.org.
20, 21 Sep—Art in the Park. More than 30 artists set up shop on the Village Green. Main and Mount Desert streets. Phone 207-288-5103.
Throughout September—HawkWatch. Watch thousands of raptors migrate south from the top of Cadillac Mountain. Acadia National Park, Eagle Lake Road. Phone 207-288-3338. http://www.nps.gov/acad/naturescience/hawkwatch.htm. Continues through 15 Oct
October, 2008
1-15 Oct—HawkWatch. Watch thousands of raptors migrate south from the top of Cadillac Mountain. Acadia National Park, Eagle Lake Road. Phone 207-288-3338. http://www.nps.gov/acad/naturescience/hawkwatch.htm. Concludes 15 Oct
13 Oct—Columbus Day. Public holiday
19 Oct—Mount Desert Island Marathon. This Boston Marathon qualifying race is held along a beautiful seaside route underneath the fall foliage. For information, call 207-244-5712. http://www.mdimarathon.org.
Early October—The Great Man-es-ayd'ik Race & Maine War Canoe Championship. Canoes and kayaks compete in this annual race that starts at Hadley Point Beach and finishes at the Bar Harbor Town Pier. Phone 207-667-7541 or 207-667-7183.
November, 2008
11 Nov—Veterans Day. Public holiday.
27 Nov—Thanksgiving. Public holiday.
December, 2008
25 Dec—Christmas. Public holiday.
January, 2009
1 Jan—New Year's Day. Public holiday.
19 Jan—Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Public holiday.
February, 2009
16 Feb—Presidents Day. Public holiday.
April, 2009
Mid April—National Park Week. Springtime is celebrated in nearby Acadia National Park with various events held throughout the week. For information, call 207-288-3338. http://www.nps.gov/acad/home.htm.
May, 2009
25 May—Memorial Day. Public holiday.
Late May—Bar Harbor Tour. Corvette owners from throughout New England and Canada head to Bar Harbor every year and hold a public showing. For information, call 207-288-5103. http://www.vettesofcoastalmaine.org.
Late May—Warblers and Wildflowers Festival. Enjoy the colorful return of more than 100 species of birds to Bar Harbor. This rite of spring coincides with the blossoming of wildflowers. Morning bird walks, films, lectures and guided tours of Acadia National Park. For more information, call 207-288-5103. http://www.barharbormaine.com.
June, 2009
Early June—Spring Tea & Tour. Many of Bar Harbor's historic bed-and-breakfasts open their doors for visitors to tour the buildings, walk through the gardens and properties, and meet the innkeepers. Noon-4 pm. For information, call 207-288-9655. http://www.barharborbedandbreakfast.org.
Early June—Blessing of the Fleet and Seafarers' Memorial Service. A seafarers' memorial service is held at noon in honor of those who died at sea. After the service, a member of the clergy will hold a Blessing of the Fleet aboard the mission vessel Sunbeam. Bar Harbor town dock. For information, call 207-288-5097. http://www.seacoastmission.org.
Early June—Art by the Sea. The annual Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce art show presents original works by local artists. Village Green, Main and Mount Desert streets. For information, call 207-288-5103. http://www.barharbormaine.com.
July, 2009
4 Jul—Independence Day. Public holiday. Events are held throughout the city, including free concerts and a blueberry-pancake breakfast held on the athletic field. Events conclude with a fireworks display over Frenchman Bay.
Early-Late July—Bar Harbor Music Festival. Musical groups and soloists perform jazz, classical, opera and contemporary music during this free concert series. Most events are held at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church, 29 Mount Desert St. For more information, call 207-288-5744 (July and August) or 212-222-1026 (September-June). http://www.barharbormusicfestival.org.
August, 2009
Mid August—Jazz Festival. Venues within Bar Harbor and the surrounding area play host to the Bar Harbor Jazz Festival. Various venues. For information, call 207-288-5829. http://www.barharborjazzfest.com.
