Southwest Harbor and Local Area Events

There are a variety of events that take place in town and on the Island. Art shows/exhibits are very popular. Come for Octoberfest Columbus Day weekend and try some of our wonderful local micro-brews, local area wines and great food; or come for the Quietside Flamingo Festival in July. Help congratulate the runners in the MDI Marathon (26 miles!) each October as they cross the finish line in Southwest Harbor.

MAY 26 - Westside Ride - Join many other biking enthusiasts for a very scenic 29 mile bike race around the Western side of Mt. Desert Island. Race proceeds benefit the Harbor House Sports Programs. For more information and to register call Scott Phelps at  244-3713 or Bob Sheilds at Southwest Cycle at 244-5856. Fee: $15.00 for pre-registration, $20.00 after May 20th. Registration the day of the race begins at 11:00am.

MAY 30-June 2- 15th Acadia Birding Festival - Maine's 1st annual bird watching festival (formerly the Warblers and Wildflowers Festival) established in 1998 is being held on Mount Desert Island this year! For more information, visit the event's website.

JUNE 2nd & 9th  - Spring Garden Tour - Visit the wonderful display of Spring Colors at the Stewart Estate. Tour proceeds benefit The Abbe Museum. For more info, visit the event's website or phone 207-288-5519 for more details.

JUNE 6 - Acadia National Park Half Marathon - First Annual. Visit the event's website and click on "Schedules/Events" or phone the race director at 207-288-3511 - a great experience on a beautiful course!

JUNE 9 - 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run - Visit the event's website and click on "Schedules/Events".

JULY 4 - Fireworks Over Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor. Enjoy the spectacular display on the waterfront, downtown Bar Harbor 9pm.

JULY 12-15 - Southwest Harbor's annual Quietside Flamingo Festival - Every year Southwest Harbor holds this fun filled festival that has something for everyone. Events include a kids carnival, craft fair and, of course, the grand Flamingo Parade on Saturday morning that you must truly see to believe. The weekend ends with the infamous Polo & Yacht Club cocktail party at the Causeway Club Barn. It is important to note that you neither need to play polo, nor own a yacht to attend. All that is required is festive attire and a desire for some fun!  See the Harbor House calendar listings for times and locations.

JULY 27 and 28 - Gallery on the Green - Offered by the Coastal Fine art Alliance of Maine and sponsored by the Southwest Harbor Tremont Chamber of Commerce. Two days of outstanding art work--rain or shine. Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28. Call 207-244-9264 or 800-423-9264.

AUGUST 10 and 11 - Gallery on the Green - Offered by the Coastal Fine art Alliance of Maine and sponsored by the Southwest Harbor Tremont Chamber of Commerce. Two days of outstanding art work--rain or shine. Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11. Call 207-244-9264 or 800-423-9264.

AUGUST 17 - Island Arts Association Craft Fair held on the Pemetic School Green, Southwest Harbor 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 207-288-5008.

SEPTEMBER 14 - MDI Garlic Festival - Fifthteenth annual event with music, beverages and unlimited garlic tastes at Smugglers Den Campground on Route 102 in Southwest Harbor. Nostrano provides some wonderful garlicky fare.

SEPTEMBER 21 - Half Marathon and Fall 5K - Visit the event's website and click on "Events".

OCTOBER 12 - 18th Annual Octoberfest and International Food Festival and Craft Fair. Music, entertainment and all Maine products under giant tents (rain or shine) at Smugglers Den Campground on Route 102 in Southwest Harbor. Recognized as one of the outstanding festivals in the country. Sample dozens of fantastic local microbrews! From 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call 207-244-9264 or 800-423-9264.

OCTOBER 12 - Triathlon - Acadia Lions Triathlon run/bike/canoe at Ponds end in Somesville. Sponsored by the MDI Lions Club and Bar Harbor Bank and Trust.

OCTOBER 20 - Annual MDI Marathon begins in Bar Harbor and ends in Southwest Harbor on Main Street in front of Pemetic High School. Help congratulate the runners as they cross the finish line! 26 miles and a Boston Marathon Qualifyer. For more information visit the official website.

this page is updated regularly when event dates are posted...