Variety is the key to the Bar Harbor Music Festival, and on more than just the musical front. Concertgoers can take in everything from string orchestra concerts and nights of jazz or brass to New Composers concerts and even Opera!
Our venues are as varied as the musical menu: the Bar Harbor Congregational Church, known for its excellent acoustics; "Balance Rock Inn 1903" , the magnificent turn-of-the-century shorefront mansion built for Scottish railroad tycoon Alexander Maitland and his family; Blackwoods Campground Amphitheatre in spectacular Acadia National Park, the amazing art-deco Criterion Theater (a jewel in the heart of downtown) and the elegant Bar Harbor Regency Holiday Inn Walsh House. To quote music critic, Harty Preble Archer, "A trip to the Bar Harbor Music Festival is never disappointing."
Acclaimed by Phi Beta Baton as "one of the nations proving grounds for gifted young artists", the Bar Harbor Music Festival has gained national recognition as one of the few music festivals in the United States whose mission is to provide essential performance opportunities for outstanding upandcoming talent. Over the past 43 years, the Festival has advanced the careers of over 1,500 aspiring professional instrumentalists, singers, and composers (from www.barharbormusicfestival.org)
Activities include an old-fashioned pancake breakfast at the YMCA, the traditional Independence Day parade around Bar Harbor, the unique "Lobster Races" and Seafood Festival, the Bar Harbor Town Band on the Village Green and finally the fireworks over Frenchman Bay.
Enjoy a special Fourth of July Afternoon Dessert -Cheesecake, Fresh Strawberries and some special beverage choices. For Guests of the Primrose Inn only.
An annual event co-hosted by the Abbe Museum, the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance and College of the Atlantic. Features a wide variety of authentic Wabanaki Indian baskets, carvings, beadwork and dolls for sale. Enjoy a day of Native music, dance, food and silent auction. Admission is free (from www.barharborinfo.com)
The Penobscot Valley Craft Association is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the promotion of excellence in Maine crafted products. We are one of the oldest and finest craft organizations in the state. The exhibitors at our shows are selected from the best craftsmen and artisans in Maine. Over 40 of Maine's finest craftsmen and women will participate. Hours are Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm (from www.barharborinfo.com).
Starts at 8pm with a pre-concert talk at 7:30pm. St. Saviour’s Church, 41 Mt. Desert St.
Admission is by donation at the door ($15 suggested). For more information contact Dave and Marty Ward at: summerchorale@gmail.com (from www.barharborinfo.com).
A 7 day festival of jazz with concerts and events happening all around town, from outdoor cafes to the grand old art-deco Criterion Theatre, from the public Village Green, to local pubs and restaurants. The Festival features modern jazz, classics, and great vocalists as well. Founded in 2004, the Bar Harbor Jazz Festival hopes to add another dimension to the great history of music here in Bar Harbor (from www.barharborinfo.com).
Hand-made crafts by Maine Artisans on the Bar Harbor Village Green, Main & Mt Desert Streets. For more information contact the MDI YWCA, 207-288-5008 (from www.barharborinfo.com).
A celebration of wine, food and song…Excite your senses and savor the experience at one of New England’s premier wine festivals (from www.barharborinfo.com).
Four fun days of kayaking instruction with top coaches in the waters surrounding Acadia National Park including tidal currents, rock gardening, rolling, Greenland skills, rescues, with many for beginners and a full slate of BCU training and assessments. Contact Aquaterra Adventures at www.aquaterra-adventures.com or by calling 1-877-386-4124 (from www.barharborinfo.com)
Over 35 artists (painters and photographers) will display and sell their original works on the Village Green at the corner of Main & Mt. Desert Streets.
Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Rain or shine. For more information call 207-288-5103 (from www.barharborinfo.com).
The YMCA’s Annual Half-Marathon is USA TAC Certified. This challenging course includes 9 miles on Acadia National Park’s Carriage Roads, providing a pristine, car free experience. Walkers start at 7:30am, everyone else at 8:30am. The 5K is a professionally timed race and is held on a GPS measured course. Proceeds from these races support the MDI YMCA’s scholarship program. Download a registration form at www.mdiymca.org. Contact the YMCA at: fitness@mdiymca.org for more information. 207-288-3511 x113 (from www.barharborinfo.com).
Four island communities will host the annual MDI Marathon. A weekend of special events ending with the 26-mile, 385-yard marathon run Sunday at 8am along a seaside route held during peak fall foliage season. This race is a Boston Marathon qualifier. For more information 207-276-4226 or information@mdimarathon.org (from www.barharborinfo.com)
Set your alarm early and shop in your PJs for extra discounts. The 2nd Annual Bed Races begin at 10 am - don't go home until you experience this new part of this great event! 207-288-5103 (from www.barharborinfo.com).