Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance

The Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance is a weeklong summer celebration of Acadian, Cape Breton, Irish, Québécois, Scottish and other Celtic-influenced traditions that contribute to the vibrant culture and authentic character of Downeast Maine. The Festival ga......More

The Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance is a weeklong summer celebration of Acadian, Cape Breton, Irish, Québécois, Scottish and other Celtic-influenced traditions that contribute to the vibrant culture and authentic character of Downeast Maine. The Festival gathers world-class performers, students and community members together for awe-inspiring nightly concerts and dances, as well as daily classes and workshops. Our flagship intensive program offers unparalleled small-class instruction in Fiddle, Dance, Piano, Guitar, Flute, Community Song, Harp and much more. Tickets to afternoon workshops, evening concerts and dances are open to the public.

College of the Atlantic

Flash! In The Pans ~ Community Dance!

Fun, festive evening featuring an art show along with a steel drum dance. Come visit the ArtWaves campus and leave with an amazing project and some fun memories!

1345-A State Highway 102 Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Batik: Ancient Art, New Twist

Discover the magic of batik painting using ink, wax, and watercolor on delicate rice paper. Working from your own photographs or Gloria’s inspiration images, you’ll learn ancient techniques while layering color, texture, and design to transform reality into expressive ......More

Discover the magic of batik painting using ink, wax, and watercolor on delicate rice paper. Working from your own photographs or Gloria’s inspiration images, you’ll learn ancient techniques while layering color, texture, and design to transform reality into expressive art. Participants will leave with two finished paintings and the skills to continue exploring this unique medium. Returning students are encouraged to bring past batik pieces back to the studio to deepen, refine, or reimagine their work. All materials and step-by-step instruction are included. Open to teens and adults of all skill levels — from complete beginners to professional artists. Many students enjoy taking Gloria’s workshops again and again, discovering something new each time. Interested in booking a custom batik workshop for your group? Contact [email protected]. About the Instructor Gloria Avner has been creating and teaching art professionally for more than twenty years and is widely known for her vibrant BATIK-style paintings. A longtime owner of Aquarius Artifacts gallery in Town Hill for 35 years, Gloria has traveled extensively and shares a rich depth of artistic knowledge and encouragement in every class. Her work appears in galleries and private collections across the country, and she is also known for her beloved pet portraits. Find her work on Facebook, Instagram (@gloriavner), and FineArtAmerica.com. So much fun!

ArtWaves

Baby and Toddler Time

Join Abby for fingerplays, songs, and stories! Older siblings are welcome to join in.

Jesup Memorial Library

Baby and Toddler Time

Join Abby for fingerplays, songs, and stories! Older siblings are welcome to join in.

Jesup Memorial Library

St. Saviour's Downeast Music Series

Local music! Weekly, free music series featuring local artists performing a variety genres -- folk, acoustic rock, country, blues, pop, originals and standards. A throwback to the 1960s folk music movement when churches opened their doors to emerging music, all concerts......More

Local music! Weekly, free music series featuring local artists performing a variety genres -- folk, acoustic rock, country, blues, pop, originals and standards. A throwback to the 1960s folk music movement when churches opened their doors to emerging music, all concerts take place in the historic and beautiful sanctuary of St. Saviour's Episcopal Church in downtown Bar Harbor. These one-hour concerts, every Tuesday from 5-6 pm throughout the summer, are free, appropriate for all ages, and handicap accessible. St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, 41 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor.

St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, 41 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Write Your Acadia Story at The Acadia Writers Workshop

Write Your Acadia Story 2026 Place-Based Writing Workshops at Hidden Barn Books Every Wednesday morning (10AM to 12PM) from the end of June through Labor Day, join Nina at the Acadia Writers Workshop for a guided place-based writing class in the beautiful loft at Hidden......More

Write Your Acadia Story 2026 Place-Based Writing Workshops at Hidden Barn Books Every Wednesday morning (10AM to 12PM) from the end of June through Labor Day, join Nina at the Acadia Writers Workshop for a guided place-based writing class in the beautiful loft at Hidden Barn Books. Inspired by the living landscapes right outside our doors—fog rolling in off the harbor, lobster boats at dawn, Acadia trails, and the wild seasonal beauty of Mount Desert Island—each session invites writers of all levels to slow down, observe, and craft pages they’ll treasure long after they leave Bar Harbor. Small groups of 10–12 ensure personalized feedback in an intimate, welcoming setting. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a serious writer, you’ll leave with fresh stories rooted in the exact place you came to experience.

Hidden Barn Books 31 Kennebec Place, Bar Harbor ME 04609

Plein Air Painting Workshop

Paint at Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Garden with local artist Erika Elizabeth. Erika has a unique style of teaching that encourages watercolor students to play and experiment with their art. Supplies and materials available with advance request.

Southwest Harbor, MDI

Figure Drawing

Where the model is the star: a series of 20 minute poses with no instruction, but plenty of easels, supplies, tea, and friendly fellow artists. 18 and over; under 18 allowed with parental attendance.

ArtWaves 1345a State Hwy 102 Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Part 2: Layers of Life – Abstracting Species and Systems in Acadia

Part 2: Layers of Life – Abstracting Species and Systems in Acadia Ages 12 and older (younger children may attend with an adult) Maximum 12 participants | Duration: 2 hours This second session expands on the first workshop by focusing on living systems within Acadia’s e......More

Part 2: Layers of Life – Abstracting Species and Systems in Acadia Ages 12 and older (younger children may attend with an adult) Maximum 12 participants | Duration: 2 hours This second session expands on the first workshop by focusing on living systems within Acadia’s ecosystem, again using found natural objects and visual references rather than field observation. Participants will examine materials such as feathers, shells, pine needles, lichen, and seaweed forms, discussing how these elements reveal patterns of adaptation, resilience, and interconnection. We will examine some of the indigenous species unique to Acadia National Park, with attention to their habitats. Through sketching and material exploration, participants will learn how to abstract organic forms—translating botanical and ecological structures into simplified marks, layered shapes, and repeated motifs. The workshop will emphasize how abstraction can communicate biodiversity and ecological relationships without literal depiction. Participants who attended Program 1 may integrate these new abstracted forms into their existing collage landscapes, adding complexity and narrative. New participants will be guided through the same techniques and will create their own layered abstract compositions that celebrate Acadia’s ecology through texture, color, and form.

1345-A State Highway 102 Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Ballet | Grades 5-12

An introduction to classical ballet techniques for dancers of all levels. This class begins with barre exercises and moves to center work including across the floor combinations. Students will develop a strong understanding of ballet positions and terminology, while bui......More

An introduction to classical ballet techniques for dancers of all levels. This class begins with barre exercises and moves to center work including across the floor combinations. Students will develop a strong understanding of ballet positions and terminology, while building strength, coordination, and musicality. Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.

1345-A State Highway 102 Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Contemporary / Modern Dance for grades 5-12

An exploration of contemporary and modern techniques with a focus on choreography. The class begins with a warmup that includes stretching, light cardio and across the floor sequences. Students will then learn and create choreography, emphasizing collaboration, creativi......More

An exploration of contemporary and modern techniques with a focus on choreography. The class begins with a warmup that includes stretching, light cardio and across the floor sequences. Students will then learn and create choreography, emphasizing collaboration, creativity and community. Modern / Contemporary: Students should wear athletic clothing that’s comfortable for full range of movement. We will dance barefoot and occasionally in socks. Hair should be tied back and out of face.

1345-A State Highway 102 Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Young Professionals at The Sandbar Cottage

106 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Mommy & Me Ballet (for Pre-K & Kindergarten children & their caregivers)

Saturdays at 10 am in ArtWaves' Dance Studio! An introduction to the foundations of classical ballet for young children alongside their caregivers. This class includes simple barre and center exercises, as well as creative movement activities. Students will explore danc......More

Saturdays at 10 am in ArtWaves' Dance Studio! An introduction to the foundations of classical ballet for young children alongside their caregivers. This class includes simple barre and center exercises, as well as creative movement activities. Students will explore dance in a supportive environment that fosters connection, family, and community. Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.

1345-A State Highway 102 Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Family Climbing Night @ Volta

Bring the whole family and experience the thrill of climbing together in a fun and supportive environment! Our state-of-the-art facility offers something for climbers of all ages and experience levels. If you’ve ever been curious about climbing with your family, but are......More

Bring the whole family and experience the thrill of climbing together in a fun and supportive environment! Our state-of-the-art facility offers something for climbers of all ages and experience levels. If you’ve ever been curious about climbing with your family, but aren’t sure where to start, we encourage you to join us for this event!

Volta Climbing Gym

Baby and Toddler Time

Join Abby for fingerplays, songs, and stories! Older siblings are welcome to join in.

Jesup Memorial Library

Baby and Toddler Time

Join Abby for fingerplays, songs, and stories! Older siblings are welcome to join in.

Jesup Memorial Library

St. Saviour's Downeast Music Series

Local music! Weekly, free music series featuring local artists performing a variety genres -- folk, acoustic rock, country, blues, pop, originals and standards. A throwback to the 1960s folk music movement when churches opened their doors to emerging music, all concerts......More

Local music! Weekly, free music series featuring local artists performing a variety genres -- folk, acoustic rock, country, blues, pop, originals and standards. A throwback to the 1960s folk music movement when churches opened their doors to emerging music, all concerts take place in the historic and beautiful sanctuary of St. Saviour's Episcopal Church in downtown Bar Harbor. These one-hour concerts, every Tuesday from 5-6 pm throughout the summer, are free, appropriate for all ages, and handicap accessible. St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, 41 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor.

St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, 41 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Write Your Acadia Story at The Acadia Writers Workshop

Every Wednesday morning (10AM to 12PM) from the end of June through Labor Day, join Nina at the Acadia Writers Workshop for a guided place-based writing class in the beautiful loft at Hidden Barn Books. Inspired by the living landscapes right outside our doors—fog rolli......More

Every Wednesday morning (10AM to 12PM) from the end of June through Labor Day, join Nina at the Acadia Writers Workshop for a guided place-based writing class in the beautiful loft at Hidden Barn Books. Inspired by the living landscapes right outside our doors—fog rolling in off the harbor, lobster boats at dawn, Acadia trails, and the wild seasonal beauty of Mount Desert Island—each session invites writers of all levels to slow down, observe, and craft pages they’ll treasure long after they leave Bar Harbor. Small groups of 10–12 ensure personalized feedback in an intimate, welcoming setting. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a serious writer, you’ll leave with fresh stories rooted in the exact place you came to experience.

Hidden Barn Books 31 Kennebec Place, Bar Harbor ME 04609

Figure Drawing

Where the model is the star: a series of 20 minute poses with no instruction, but plenty of easels, supplies, tea, and friendly fellow artists. 18 and over; under 18 allowed with parental attendance.

ArtWaves 1345a State Hwy 102 Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Ballet | Grades 5-12

An introduction to classical ballet techniques for dancers of all levels. This class begins with barre exercises and moves to center work including across the floor combinations. Students will develop a strong understanding of ballet positions and terminology, while bui......More

An introduction to classical ballet techniques for dancers of all levels. This class begins with barre exercises and moves to center work including across the floor combinations. Students will develop a strong understanding of ballet positions and terminology, while building strength, coordination, and musicality. Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.

1345-A State Highway 102 Bar Harbor, ME 04609