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.
You can check out the list of all the restaurants at our new site, ACADIA ADVENTURES. The restaurants are here!
You can see the upcoming events here.
You can see the list of local organizations and businesses and links to their calendars here.
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!
Also join us for a fascinating Science Cafe with environmental toxicologist Nishad Jayasundara, Ph.D., as he explores how everyday contaminants and other stressors such as heat exposure may be quietly influencing kidney health.
The event is from 5 pm to 6 pm, August 17.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects nearly 1 in 7 adults in the United States—and more than 840 million people worldwide. While factors like diet and genetics are well known, scientists are increasingly uncovering another important piece of the puzzle: environmental exposure.
Drawing on his team’s research, Dr. Jayasundara, Maine INBRE alum as a College of the Atlantic undergraduate student and past MDI Bio Lab Visiting Scientist, will share how early-life exposure to environmental toxins can disrupt kidney development, and may affect kidney structure and function in adults. Blending cutting-edge research with real-world relevance, this Science Cafe will shed light on an important and often overlooked contributor to human health—and what it could mean for communities around the world.
TO REGISTER: https://mdibl.org/event/environmental-stressors-kidney-health/
Mon/Wed; 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Cost: $15/class
with Mike Bouscaren
Register: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19801383
9:30 a.m.
Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center
College of the Atlantic
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor
go.coa.edu/coffeeandconvo
The Acadia Repertory Theatre proudly presents the East Coast premiere, and only the second production anywhere, of Hatcher’s THE BUTLER DID IT. Set in 1978, the play takes place in a school for butlers in which a murder has taken place, in a mock Tudor mansion which conceals a lot of secrets, both human and architectural. Inspector Denise (MDI favorite Mary Paola), freshly promoted to the job, not only has to ferret out hidden motives, but also must contend with good old-fashioned sexism as she works her way through the world of high-end service. Combining the DNA of a good Columbo episode with the procedural complexity of an Agatha Christie play, this smart and brand-new thriller has an energy all its own! THE BUTLER DID IT plays Tuesdays through Sundays, through September 6.
You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
The Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music presents the Ariel Quartet and clarinetist Moran Katz in concert with our Music Director, pianist Todd Crow, in an all-Brahms program.
Brahms: Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115
Brahms: Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34
Event by Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music
Neighborhood House, 1 Kimball Rd, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662-6310, United States
Our first concert of the summer season opens with the Brentano Quartet playing Mozart, Faure, and Beethoven. Tickets are required and available at www.mtdesertfestival.org
Daniel Fisher-Lochhead (saxophone) and Ryan Blotnick (guitar) present an evening of original jazz, joined by pianist Christina Spurling. These collaborators have spent years in deep creative conversation, working through the rhythms of island life—its isolation and its intensity. Experience freshly composed works that carry the clarity and intimacy of that ongoing dialogue.
Tuesday, August 18 at 7 pm
Somesville Union Meetinghouse
$25 suggested donation
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/
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!
August 19: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Movie starts after 8 PM when the sun is low enough.
NORTHEAST HARBOR – On Wednesday, August 19 at 5:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony for a free jazz performance featuring original compositions and reimagined standards.
Laszlo Gardony’s music is best described as a natural meeting of jazz, progressive rock, European classical and folk traditions, and blues. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Gardony has been noted for his “fluid pianism” by The New York Times and two of his albums have made DownBeat Magazine’s “Best of the Year” list. “A formidable improviser who lives in the moment” (JazzTimes), he has performed in 27 countries and released 14 albums. Gardony is currently a professor of piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston and is on the faculty at Harvard University’s “Jazz Combo Initiative” program.
Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.
And on Wednesday and Saturday morning, we present Joseph Robinette’s beloved adaptation of CHARLOTTE’S WEB. This classic Maine story, a long-time part of our Children’s Theatre series, has delighted three generations of playgoers, and now stands poised to charm a fourth one! Come see familiar characters like Charlotte, Wilbur, and their many companions (even Templeton the Rat) in the classic story of friendship, new beginnings, and the joy we find in everyday life.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB plays Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10:30, through August 29th. No advance reservations are accepted for our Children’s Series; first come, first serve tickets go on sale at the Box Office at 10:00.
You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
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
Opening Reception August 19, 5-7 pm
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.
Every Wednesday now through Labor Day from 10-12 AM at Hidden Barn Books, 31 Kennebec Place in Bar Harbor.
Limited spots, so register here:
https://www.practiceofwriting.com/acadia-writers-workshop
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/
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.
MOUNT DESERT — The Mount Desert Island Historical Society will hold its 96th Annual Meeting, Potluck & Concert on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood House, 1 Kimball Rd, Northeast Harbor. The event is free and open to the public.
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/
Every Thursday and Friday morning, June through September, weather permitting
MDI Wheelers: Learn more here, and sign up for a ride by emailing Info@mdiwheelers.org.
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.
Birch Bay Retirement Village is revving up for its annual Birch Bay Auto Show!
The Auto Show will be held Friday, August 21, from 1:30–3:00 p.m. at Birch Bay Retirement Village. Cars and vehicles of all makes, models, and eras are welcome—from classics and antiques to sports cars, trucks, motorcycles, unique vehicles, and everyday favorites with a great story.
The event gives Birch Bay residents an opportunity to get outside, admire an exciting variety of vehicles, reminisce about cars from years past, and visit with the owners who bring them.
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.
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/
Every Thursday and Friday morning, June through September, weather permitting
MDI Wheelers: Learn more here, and sign up for a ride by emailing Info@mdiwheelers.org.
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.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—The Southwest Harbor Police Deprtment will be hosting the Bike Rodeo on August 22, from 9 am-12 pm. There will be a limited amount of free bike helmets.
Bob from Southwest Cycle will be here doing safety checks.
The Lion’s Club will have burgers and hot dogs, and will be raffling off a bike, too!
Golf of Maine is donating mini golf tickets to all participants as well!
The Chamber’s business members: salt shop, McEachern’s Hardware Store, and Island eBike, are covering the costs of the helmets!
This will be held at the PD, 26 Village Green Way. See you there!
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Come enjoy an early evening program at the Southwest Harbor Historical Society on Saturday August 22 at 4 PM.
Earl Brechlin, former editor of the Bar Harbor Times and MDIslander will entertain us with information on the K 14 Blimp disaster of 1944. Hear him give details and information from a US Navy investigation and his own research.
This happened in July 1944 off Mount Desert Rock.
Location is 192 Seawall Road, Manset Meetinghouse, home of the Southwest Harbor Historical Society. The Society is celebrating USA’s 250th anniversary with programs associated with our history.
And on Wednesday and Saturday morning, we present Joseph Robinette’s beloved adaptation of CHARLOTTE’S WEB. This classic Maine story, a long-time part of our Children’s Theatre series, has delighted three generations of playgoers, and now stands poised to charm a fourth one! Come see familiar characters like Charlotte, Wilbur, and their many companions (even Templeton the Rat) in the classic story of friendship, new beginnings, and the joy we find in everyday life.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB plays Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10:30, through August 29th. No advance reservations are accepted for our Children’s Series; first come, first serve tickets go on sale at the Box Office at 10:00.
You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
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/
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.
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.
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!
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/
It’s Not What You Look At, But What You See: William Hoyt, Ernest McMullen, Rett Sturman and David Vickery
SOMESVILLE—It’s Not What You Look At, But What You See:
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.
“I have learned that oil paint is infinitely mutable. Though I began with watercolors, painting on site, completing most works in a day or two, for more complicated images I would use oil paint and came to appreciate their “anything is possible” quality. I like to paint detailed realistic images. Two things caused my current style and genre: a friend with a sailboat in Maine, and subsequently a patron who liked my oil paintings and basically purchased everything I painted for 13 years. I carried a pochade box on our sailing cruises and a camera, painting and shooting as we went up and down the Maine coast. Once back in Vermont and my studio I would work up larger paintings over the winter. Both my patron and my friend with the sailboat have passed away but I continue in the manner and now have my own boat with which I hope to see and paint for years to come. I paint my subjects until they feel present and hope that viewers feel the same.” William Hoyt
“For the past twenty-five years, my focus for painting has been exclusively on the coast, surrounding waters and interior of Mount Desert Island, Maine. From my first sight of the island, I regarded it as a place of benediction--a giant, tuned instrument that resonates with a light that is both evanescent and eternal. My abiding interest is in evoking this mysterious blend of form, light, and spirit with an approach that is firmly based in the realist tradition..” Ernest McMullen
“My teachers were very interested in the same thing, and I think people tend to follow in the same direction as their teachers. It’s a real challenge to see what’s surrounding us, most people think they see but aren’t really paying enough attention. It’s also a real challenge to make a painting that’s really alive and has air that you can breathe and to do it with large and little abstract marks of paint. Years ago, I was in musée d’Orsay in Paris and was lucky enough to be alone on the top floor - I was hypnotized by a Monet painting and walked toward it and away from it repeatedly until I found the magical distance where it took off and became alive -then when it was just paint - then when it was real again - back and forth - I loved it - maybe that’s what I’m after, I don’t know…”. Rett Sturman
“I paint in a highly realistic way to preserve the subject’s idiosyncratic details and to be true its sense of place. The goal of the laborious effort is to bring all elements together into a unified atmosphere, a contemplative state of mind, which is what I hope viewers will experience. I was attracted to this style by seeing the work of realist masters who were able to skillfully reproduce optical “reality” and simultaneously make their own unique statement.” David Vickery
“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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