Southwest Harbor and Local Area Events

There are a variety of events that take place in and around town. Art shows/exhibits are very popular. Come for Oktoberfest around Columbus Day weekend and try some of our wonderful local micro-brews and great food; or come for the Quietside Festival in July or for the frequent walking history tours around town. Help  congratulate the runners in the MDI Marathon each October as they cross the finish line in Southwest Harbor. We keep on top of these events - just inquire for more details.

MAY 30 - Westside Ride - Join many other biking enthusiasts for a very scenic 29 mile bike race around the Western side of Mt. Desert Island. Resurfaced in June 2006. 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.

JUNE 10-13 - 12th 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.

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

JULY 9-12 - Southwest Harbor's annual Quietside Flamingo Festival - Every year on the weekend after the 4th of July, 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 24, 25 - Art Show 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 24 and 25. Call 207-244-9264 or 800-423-9264.

JULY 30 - Sailboat Race in Southwest Harbor - North American Championship Race of the International One Design Class. 207-244-5182.

AUGUST 7, 8 - Art Show 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 7 and 8. Call 207-244-9264 or 800-423-9264.

AUGUST 15 - Island Arts Association Craft Fair held on the Pemetic School Green, Southwest Harbor 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date August 17th. Call 207-288-5008.

SEPTEMBER 12 - Acadia Music Fest an annual event featuring national and regional professionals in a wide range of musical tastes at Smugglers Den Campground---Route 102 in Southwest Harbor. Visit the official festival's website.

SEPTEMBER 18 - MDI Garlic Festival Eleventh annual event with music, beverages and unlimited garlic tastes at Smugglers Den Campground on Route 102 in Southwest Harbor. Nostrano provides some wonderful garlicky options.

OCTOBER 9 - Annual Brewfest 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 10 - 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 16, 17 - Annual MDI Marathon begins 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 Boston Marathon Qualifyer. For more information visit the official website.

OCTOBER 24 - Haunted Hayride Fire Department and Firemens Association annual night of horror and suspense at Smugglers Den Campground on Route 102 in Southwest Harbor at 4:30 p.m. Rain date, October 25.

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