Free Family Events in Ellsworth and MDI July 22-28
Summer is here and schools are out. We are going to try and keep a list of FREE, family friendly, events that are going on in the Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island area, which will be published weekly on the WDEA website. Here is a list of free events that are occurring July 22nd - 28th and includes the free family friendly movies in Bar Harbor on Wednesday, July 24th and in Ellsworth on Thursday, July 25th as well as the Christmas in July celebration in Northeast Harbor on July 25th.
While this is not a comprehensive list, it's what I have been able to find by talking to the Chambers of Commerce, Public Libraries and events that I'm generally aware of. If you would like to have your FREE event listed, please email it to me in advance at chris.popper@townsquaremedia.com
Monday July 22nd
Ellsworth - 9:30-12 Noon - Getting Started with Gmail. Led by Chris Suggs of the National Digital Equity Center. He'll show you how to get a Gmail email address and set your privacy and account preferences. Computers will be available. You don’t need to bring a laptop or purchase software to attend. Preregistration is suggested. Limited to 5 participants
Southwest Harbor -10AM All About Stories with Hope Lewis - Southwest Harbor Public Library - This summer join storyteller, Hope Lewis, and take flight into a world of tales. Listen to tales about Loon, Raven and Owl; then help to create brand new stories of your very own. This program is designed to support reading readiness and cognitive development, but it’s actually fun! All ages are welcome.For more info call 244-2065
Northeast Harbor - 10:30 AM Northeast Harbor Library - Milkweed Puppets with Nancy Tyndall "Being Wild in Maine"
Southwest Harbor - 2-4 PM Southwest Harbor Public Library - Get help with basic computer tasks such as setting up email accounts, transferring photos, completing online forms, attaching photos to emails, scanning document, creating and using documents in Word, Excel, Access, Google Drive etc. Laptop users are encouraged to bring their own computer. Registration is recommended for a 1 on 1 half hour session. Call 244-7065Ellsworth - 3-6PM Free Meal served at the Episcopal Church on State Street across from the Moore School
Ellsworth - 2-3 PM- Ellsworth Public Library - Once Upon A Sign. Join the Ellsworth Public Library summer intern Michelle for interactive stories and songs that incorporate American Sign Language. Learn ASL vocabulary while having fun and signing along. Recommended for ages 0-5 years.
Bar Harbor - 8PM Village Green - Bar Harbor Town Band. The 7th concert of the 2019 Summer Season (Rain Location - Congregational Church bordering the Village Green)
Tuesday July 23rd
Ellsworth - 10:30-11:30 AM - Ellsworth Public Library - Across the Universe Family Music Program. Back for the 2nd summer, this free family music group is for children and parents. There will be singing, dancing and playing of instruments all while working on early literacy and social skills. The class is geared towards kids 3-6 but all ages and abilities are welcome.Northeast Harbor - 10:30AM - Northeast Harbor Public Library - Toddler Storytime
Northeast Harbor 4-5PM - Northeast Harbor Public Library - Lego Hour
Bar Harbor - 4-7PM. Free Community Meal with entertainment. Prepared by Open Table MDI. Served at Bar Harbor Congregational Church on Mount Desert Street.
Southwest Harbor 5:30-7PM Southwest Harbor Public Library - The Nature Conservancy in Maine "Fishing for a Brighter Future in the Gulf of Maine" Marine Program Director Geoffrey Smith will discuss ongoing efforts by The Nature Conservancy to restore ecological health/resilien
Bar Harbor - 7-8PM Jesup Memorial Library -JAX Primary Source: “Can Biotechnology Be Ethical: The CRISPR Conundrum” with Dr. Debra Mathews. What are the ethical dilemmas we face as a society and what questions must be answered with the dawn of genome editing in humans (often referred to as “CRISPR”)? Please join bioethicist Debra Mathews for a presentation and discussion on the latest, dramatic changes in genetics research, how research and healthcare communities are utilizing these technologies and what cultural shift is needed to respond to the ethical questions that are being asked.
Wednesday July 24th
Southwest Harbor - 10- 10:45 AM Southwest Harbor Public Library - Toddler Storytime. Designed for children 3 -5 but all are welcome. Join the Children's Library staff in songs, simple sign language and interactive short stories.
Ellsworth - 10-11:30 AM Ellsworth Public Library . Summer of LEGO. The weekly summer LEGO group is back. Come build something awesome! Children 3 and up are welcome to attend. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. There will be LEGO bricks for little builders and regular bricks for everyone else. Not sure what to build? There will be weekly space themed challenges!
Ellsworth- 3-7PM First Congregational Church - Welcome Table. All community members are invited to a free meal in the dining hall. Enter the Church Street door located diagonally across from the Ellsworth Police Station. 2 Church Street, Ellsworth
Northeast Harbor 5:30PM - Northeast Harbor Library - Talk by Michael Komanecky the Farnsworth Museum Curator on "Slab City Rendezvous"
Ellsworth - 6-7PM Ellsworth Public Library- Summertime Delights: Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers. In this comedic version of the classic Washington Irving tale, schoolteacher Ichabod Crane helps the Headless Horseman find a new head and a spookier image. Meanwhile, a jealous Brom Bones tries to run Ichabod out of town as they both vie for the affection of Katrina Van Tassel. “The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow” features 20 of their hand-crafted mouth and rod puppets, and some shadow puppetry.
Bar Harbor - 6:30-7:30 PM Jesup Memorial Library - "Owl Love You Forever" - Pajama Story Time. Join Miss Mae for owl-themed stories and crafts. She will read “Little Owl’s Night” by Divya Srinivasan, “Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell and “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen.
Bar Harbor 7-8 PM - Jesup Memorial Library - In Conversation: Kim Stanley Robinson and Abe Miller-Rushing “Thoreau and Matters Ecological”. Join preeminent science fiction author and environmentalist Kim Stanley Robinson for a talk about the environment, science and more . Robinson, who is a Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award winner, will be in conversation with Abe Miller-Rushing, the science coordinator at Acadia National Park. The discussion will talk about Henry David Thoreau as well as his role as a citizen scientist, whose data is still used today. They will also discuss Miller-Rushing’s work on assisted migration, which includes experiments in Acadia and Miller-Rushing’s work with citizen scientists. Robinson was a contributor to “Naming Mt. Thoreau” a book about the efforts of writers, including Robinson, to name an unnamed peak in the Sierra Nevada’s after Thoreau.
Ellsworth - 7PM . Ellsworth Town Band - The 4th concert of the 2019 Summer Season. Bring a folding chair and some bug spray. Held at Union River Harbor Park
Southwest Harbor 7-8PM St. John's Episcopal Church, 315 Main Street. The Southwest Harbor Public Library presents the Kneisel Hall Chamber Concert
Bar Harbor - 8PM Seaside Cinema. "The Indian in the Cupboard" will be shown outside in Agamont Park. Free popcorn
Thursday July 25th
Bar Harbor - 10:30-11:30AM Jesup Memorial Library - Summer Reading Program: Stories and Songs
Ellsworth - 10:30-11:30 Ellsworth Public Library - Storytime and Craft. Designed for kids ages 2-3 with their caregivers. Join Miss Keli for stories, songs and crafts.
Southwest Harbor - 1:30-2:30PM Southwest Harbor Public Library- Apple Tech Help. Free assistance for Apple Laptops and devices. Pre-registration is required. Call 244-7065
Northeast Harbor 4PM - Northeast Harbor Library - "Geology Is a Piece of Cake" with author and teacher Katie Coppens.
Northeast Harbor - 5PM - Christmas in July - The night begins with a "Art Walk" around the village galleries and stores. 6:30PM Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Northeast Harbor Marina aboard the Moonbeam and then continue to the porch at Carter's Real Estate for visits with children. 8PM - The movie "Elf" will be shown outside at the Northeast Harbor Marina.
Northeast Harbor - 5:30 Northeast Harbor Public Library- Talk by Mark Vogelzang the President and CEO of Maine Public Radio "The Future of Maine Public Radio and What it Means for Our Community"
Ellsworth - 6-7:30 PM Ellsworth Public Library - Author visit from Ed Rice “Robin Emery: Maine’s First Lady of Road Racing” with Robin Emery. Local author, Ed Rice and Robin Emery, Ellsworth’s pioneer of women’s running, will discuss Rice’s new book detailing Robin’s amazing story. Books will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of The Briar Patch of Bangor.
Ellsworth - 6PM Ellsworth Public Library - The Ellsworth Chess Club, hosted by Dick Powell meets weekly on Thursday. Visitors and new people are welcome.
Bar Harbor - 6-8PM Jesup Memorial Library- Get Your Knit On! Knitters meet every Thursday 6-8PM to knit, share/trade yards, talk knitting and have fun.
Southwest Harbor - 6-7PM Southwest Harbor Public Library- News Anchor Report! Come hear about extreme weather events around the planet as reported by the library’s story campers who have been learning about weather and climate all week with support from the Barn Arts resident artists, Bread Arts Collective.
Bar Harbor - 7-8PM Jesup Memorial Library - Arts Insight: Acadia Dance Festival & Nimbus Dance. In this intimate exchange, Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott and Nimbus company dancers perform excerpts from dance repertory to be performed at the Acadia Dance Festival, a co-presentation of Nimbus Dance and Bar Harbor’s Criterion Theatre, launching this summer on MDI. Along with discussion about Nimbus’ creative process and the ways that Nimbus uses contemporary dance as both exalted art form and also as tool for community and youth engagement.
Bar Harbor - 8PM Village Green - Bar Harbor Town Band. The 8th concert of the 2019 Summer Season (Rain Location - Congregational Church bordering the Village Green)
Ellsworth 8PM - Knowlton Park Free Summer Movie "Missing Link". The charismatic Sir Lionel Frost considers himself to be the world’s foremost investigator of myths and monsters. The trouble is none of his small-minded high-society peers seems to recognize this. Sir Lionel’s last chance for acceptance by the adventuring elite rests on traveling to America’s Pacific Northwest to prove the existence of a legendary creature. A living remnant of Man’s primitive ancestry. The Missing Link. Written by LAIKA
Friday July 26th
Southwest Harbor - 10-11AM Southwest Harbor Public Library - Baby Storytime. Susan Michalski and Amanda Crafts welcome babies with songs, rhymes and short stories. Baby Storytime is designed especially for babies under 2 years but older siblings are invited.
Ellsworth - 2-3PM Ellsworth Public Library - Astronaut Academy Do you have what it takes to travel to space? Astronauts in training will get a chance to taste test space food, participate in physical activities, make rockets, “moon” rocks and lots of other fun things.
Ellsworth 6-7:30 PM Waterfront Concert- Harbor Park 413 Water Street "Big Tree" Big Tree is comprised of Bowen Swersey on acoustic guitars and vocals, and Jarly Bobadilla on Bass. Bowen has been playing professionally since the early 90’s, with his ‘gypsy rock’ band The Beatroots. His unique guitar work utilizes several open tunings, and his baritone voice is a round, blunt instrument, with which he batters classic covers and original material with equal fervor.
Bar Harbor - 7-8PM Jesup Memorial Library -Photo Workshops with Mike Leonard sponsored by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch. Learn to instantly take better photos on your camera and cell phone with Mike Leonard of “Photo Tourism by Mike.” Bring along a camera for this hands-on workshop and Leonard will walk attendees through the easy changes they can make instantly to take better photos. Each session will break down things that are seen as difficult photography concepts and attendees will leave the session knowing much more about how to use their camera. He will talk about exposure, white balance, using the HDR setting, basic composition and more. Leonard will also highlight free apps that everyone can download on their cell phone to improve images on the phone as well.
Saturday July 20th
Ellsworth - 9AM -9:45AM Ellsworth Public Library -Baby Story and Play.for newborns to 3 year olds. Join Miss Cheryl for a story and sing some favorite songs followed by informal playtime. A great opportunity for parents to connect and the kids to play
Bar Harbor - 9-10AM Jesup Memorial Library - Write On! Writer's Group. Writer's Group for all levels and genres. Come prepared to read your work and critique the work of your fellow writers.
Southwest Harbor - 9:30 - 12:30PM Southwest Harbor Public Library. Every Saturday from 9:30 to 12:30 get help with basic computer tasks such as setting up an email account, transferring photos, attaching photos to emails, completing online forms, scanning documents, creating and using documents in Word, Excel, Access, Google Drive etc. Laptop users are encouraged to bring their own computer. Registration is recommended.
Ellsworth - 10 - 12 Noon, Ellsworth Public Library. Knitter's Group - Come work on your project and socialize with everyone on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Fiber arts of all types and levels are welcome! Meets in the Knitting Nook (3rd floor). Knitters, spinners, and crocheters of all levels are welcome!
Bar Harbor - 6:30 - 10PM Jesup Memorial Library - Contra Dance with Big Moose Band.vFrom 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. there will be a free family dance and then starting at 7:30 p.m. there is an $8 charge to help pay the caller. All dances are taught beforehand and you do not need a partner to have fun.The free family dance is perfect for families and beginners who have never contra danced before. Fowler will teach and lead all the dances which gives everyone a chance to try out contra dancing in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Starting at 7:30 p.m. the regular contra dance will begin and all dances will be taught. There is an $8 requested donation for all adults and kids ages 12 and under and College of the Atlantic students can dance for free. The maximum requested donation for families is $25. The Big Moose Band provides the amazing music that you will dance along with. Big Moose features some of the area’s finest musicians including Ruth Grierson, Keith Davis, Jim Vekasi, Charlie Richardson, Fred Benson, Ed Damm and Anne Damm, among others.
Ongoing
Ellsworth - Knowlton Park's Splash Pad is the place to cool off in Ellsworth!
The restroom facilities are open from 8AM to 9 PM. The changing rooms at Knowlton Park are open as well. Water in the Splash Pad will operate between 10AM and 8PM, everyday, unless the temperature falls below 65, which it will then automatically shut off until the temperature rises again.
Looking for somewhere that's kid friendly and FREE in Bar Harbor to cool off? The place to go is the Glen Mary Wading Pool! The Pool has a maximum depth of 2 feet and is open daily from 10AM to 8 PM. There is no lifeguard on duty, and children under 10 need to be accompanied by someone 14 and over. Pets are not allowed in the fenced in area. Food and beverage is allowed but not in the water. There are changing facilities
The Glen Mary Wading Pool is located at 11 Waldren Road. The easiest way to get there is to go on Park Street and go past the YMCA and cross Ledgelawn Avenue. At the end of the road turn right onto Glen Mary Road. At the end of the road turn left onto Waldren Road.
Handy Phone Numbers
Ellsworth Public Library - 207-667-6363
Southwest Harbor Public Library - 207-244-7065
Northeast Harbor Public Library - 207-276-3333
Jesup Memorial Library - 207-288-4245
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