Ultimate Guide to Bar Harbor 4th of July

Red lobsters, white sails, and the sparkling blue Atlantic. Mount Desert Island already has all the right ingredients for Independence Day celebrations. So whether you’re local or visiting, get ready for countless Bar Harbor 4th of July activities, eats, art and more. Packed with fun events for all ages and at the height of Acadia’s beauty, it’s no surprise that the 4th of July brings locals, summer residents and visitors together. In fact, the Today Show and National Geographic have both titled Bar Harbor 4th of July one of the best in the country! Let’s run through the annual Bar Harbor 4th of July events and how you can make the most of your visit to MDI on this special occasion.
Pro Tip: There’s only one way on and off Mount Desert Island—Route 3—so we recommend arriving early to ensure you don’t miss any festivities! Most of our guests stay 2-3 nights, giving them a chance to enjoy downtown celebrations, explore Acadia in July, and just relax.

Start the Day at the Pancake Breakfast

6am-10am
The Bar Harbor Rotary Club, who’s mission it is to bring together MDI’s diverse community, will host their annual pancake breakfast at the Athletic Field on Park Street. And what better way to bond than over a plate of Maine blueberry pancakes? In addition to fresh flapjacks off the griddle, they’ll be serving breakfast sandwiches, sausage, orange juice, milk, water, tea, and coffee. All proceeds from the breakfast go to Rotary projects and local nonprofits, often raising more than $20k in a single day!

Find Your Spot for the Bar Harbor Parade

10am
Don your stars and stripes and find a spot along the 1.8-mile parade route to watch Bar Harbor’s first responders, community organizations and businesses—including Witham Family Hotels!—show off their patriotism. The Bar Harbor parade starts at the corner of Wayman Ln and Lower Main St and heads towards Agamont Park before turning on Cottage and looping back on Mt Desert St. Vintage cars rumble past, trucks tow red, white and blue floats tossing candy, and residents get decked out in costumes to strut their way through downtown. We love to watch the parade from the porch of the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel or set up camp on the Village Green.

Pro Tip: While parking downtown is free on the 4th of July, spots can be limited and some roads are closed to traffic. We suggest leaving your car parked at your hotel and catching the free Island Explorer bus, which stops conveniently in front of the Bar Harbor Motel, Acadia Inn and various stops around downtown.

Pick Up a Souvenir at the Bar Harbor 4th of July Craft Fair

8am-3pm
Head over to the YMCA parking lot on Park St to explore the tents and tables of the Island Arts Association craft fair. From jewelry inspired by the Atlantic Ocean and gorgeous photographs of Maine’s landscape to handmade pottery, traditional quilts and so much more, it’s the perfect opportunity to take something home with you to remember your Bar Harbor 4th of July. And since the craft fair runs from morning to mid-afternoon you have plenty of time to consider your choices and come back when something is calling to you.

Fill Your Belly at the Bar Harbor Seafood Festival

11am-2pm
The Rotary Club is back at it again, serving up the classics of Maine summer eats at their annual Seafood Festival. They begin cooking lobsters and crab at 11am and don’t stop until they run out! You can grab a lobster roll, crab roll, hot dog, or hamburger for lunch along with French fries, corn, watermelon, and chips. Just like the Pancake Breakfast, proceeds from the Seafood Festival go back to the Rotary Club and community funds.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a fuller menu, most restaurants are open on the 4th of July so you can still have a sit-down meal while all the Bar Harbor 4th of July events are going on. We recommend calling well in advance to make a dinner reservation.

Catch Live Music at the Town Pier

3:30pm-9pm
Our very own Bar Harbor Hospitality Group sponsors a free, family-friendly concert series down at the town pier with local bands keeping the afternoon lively. Bring a folding lawn chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the concert in repose or get up and dance! The concert also gives you a chance to stake out your spot for the fireworks a bit early. VisitBarHarbor.com updates the schedule of bands each year so be sure to check out who is playing for your visit!

Catch Live Music at the Town Pier

7:30-8:30pm

If classical is more your style, don’t miss the Bar Harbor Band’s annual performance on the Village Green. A true representation of MDI’s strong community, the town band has been performing since 1898 with a rotating cast of horns, strings, drums and more. They set up under the Village Green pavilion for an hour performance, and lucky for you, they typically play twice a week throughout the summer.

Celebrate with a Bang at The Bar Harbor Fireworks

Approximately 9:15pm
Among all the festive Bar Harbor 4th of July events, the fireworks are the most anticipated and best attended. Visitors and residents alike gather in Agamont Park and along the Shore Path to watch the town put on a spectacular display over Frenchman Bay.

Pro Tip: Those staying at the Bar Harbor Inn can get front row seats to the Bar Harbor fireworks from their rooms, the Terrace Grille, or the Reading Room. You can also catch the special Bar Harbor fireworks cruise by Acadian Boat Tours that departs from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel at 7pm and docks by the town pier for unparalleled views. Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain and look north to enjoy a unique perspective on the fireworks.

More Advice on Bar Harbor 4th of July

• With so many Bar Harbor 4th of July events, it’s a busy day to visit our island town, so it helps to come prepared.
• Sunscreen is a must and should be reapplied throughout the day, even if the weather is cloudy.
• Of course, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars where you can grab a drink, but it helps to bring a water bottle when you head downtown.
• Lawn chairs are great for setting up camp at the seafood festival, live music and fireworks but can be a pain to carry around during the day. Picnic blankets and beach towels are easier to carry and still provide you a place to sit.
• While Bar Harbor in July is often in 80’s under the sun, night can bring a chill so it’s smart to bring an extra layer for watching the fireworks.
• We recommend leaving pets at home for the day. Crowds and fireworks can be stressful for our canine friends, so they’ll likely enjoy an evening at home much more.
• Have fun!

Packing for Bar Harbor

Guide to Packing for 3 Days in Bar Harbor, Maine

So, you’re planning a Bar Harbor vacation, and you want to know what to bring. Besides being full time residents of Mount Desert Island ourselves, we’ve also welcomed guests from across the country to our slice of coastal, Maine and have plenty of advice on packing for Bar Harbor. While we encourage you to stay on our island as long as you can, our average visitor spends 3 days in Bar Harbor exploring the town and Acadia National Park, so we’ll focus our guide on packing for a long weekend.

Weather in Bar Harbor Maine

Now, let’s set something straight before we begin: the weather in Bar Harbor. Of course, weather depends greatly on the time of year you visit, but even in the span of a few summer days, it can be variable. As Mark Twain said, “if you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” In fact, if I turn my head to the left my window is full of blue sky and sunshine, but the window to my right features some glum looking grey clouds.

We recommend checking trusted weather services like the Weather Channel or AccuWeather 2 to 3 days ahead of your Bar Harbor vacation to get the most accurate prediction for temperature and potential precipitation. That said, here’s a general breakdown of weather in Bar Harbor by month:

• January & February: About as cold as it gets! Typically, between 10-30 with occasional snow or chilly drizzle.
• March: The island starts to heat up with mid 20’s to mid 40’s temps and spring rains pick up.
• April & May: We mostly move away from freezing overnight and can get up to low 60’s during the day. Expect a few days of rain.
• June: Summer is just beginning, and temps can range between 50-75. You might still see rain but plenty of sunshine too.
• July & August: Hot days and cool nights during the high season, ranging between 50’s and 80’s.
• September & October: Mild temps mid 40’s to high 60’s along with drier conditions.
• November & December: Teens to mid 40’s plus our snow season kicks off as we head towards the holidays.
  Aside from ranging day to day, Acadia National Park weather can also vary depending on where you are. The blustery top of Cadillac Mountain can be much colder than the tree-protected Park Loop Road, or sunny Sand Beach. Which is why you’ll hear us preach layering for your Bar Harbor vacation. More on that next…

Packing List for 3 Days in Bar Harbor

Okay folks, get out your suitcase—or waxed canvas duffel in my case—and get ready to pack. We’ll plan our packing list for early July, when the park is bursting with life and downtown Bar Harbor’s restaurants and shops are in full swing. Of course, you’ll need the basics like a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, socks, and underwear. The rest, we can help with.

Clothing

Mainers are pretty down-to-earth when it comes to our attire, and with all the walking around town and exploring Acadia National Park you’ll be doing, we suggest prioritizing items that are comfortable. As we mentioned earlier, layering is also important as it helps you adapt to variable temperatures throughout the day without having to fully change your outfit. Here’s my essential inventory when packing for Bar Harbor:

• 3 t-shirts
• 1 long sleeve cotton shirt
• 2 pairs of utility shorts
• 1 pair of comfortable jeans or hiking pants
• 1 cardigan
• 1 set of pajamas
• 1 sweatshirt

I also always bring a light rain jacket. Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, you might find yourself reaching for it to protect against wind on one of Acadia’s mountain peaks or to stay dry as your Bar Harbor boat tour sends ocean mist into the air.

Heading out to dinner at The Bistro or one of Bar Harbor’s many downtown spots and want an excuse to get a little dressed up? Breezy linen pants pair well with a (clean) t-shirt, or a sundress is easy to throw on. Jeans and a button down also add a touch of class. Just make sure to bring a sweater for when you stroll back to your hotel room in the cool night.

You might also want to add a bathing suit to your packing list so you can enjoy a swim in the pool or brave a dip in the ocean at Sand Beach—just be prepared for 50-60 ocean water.

The takeaway is to cater to versatility. Try to pick items that can be mixed and matched or transition from daytime activity to a night in downtown Bar Harbor. And hey, if you forgot something, there’s plenty of shops in town or at the Acadia visitors centers where you can pick up a t-shirt or sweatshirt to remember us by.

Shoes

The first time I ever took a Bar Harbor vacation, I walked 9 miles on day one! Of course, you can drive to many of Acadia’s best attractions, but chances are you’ll want to get out at some point to wander around, so comfortable shoes are important. A good pair of sneakers will do the job just fine, but hiking boots are also a great option if you plan to tackle steeper trails like the Precipice Trail or Cadillac South Ridge.

Sandals are a great addition to your weekend footwear selection for hanging by the pool or going out to dinner. As a Mainer, I’m partial to my Tevas or Birkenstocks but any comfortable sandal will do.

Outdoor Gear

While hanging out in your room at the Acadia Inn can be relaxing, we encourage you to go out, go out, go out! There’s so much to see and enjoy in nature on Mount Desert Island; it’s what will make you fall in love with our coastal haven. That said, you should be prepared with a few items when spending so much time outdoors:

• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Park maps
• Sunglasses and/or a hat
• Simple first aid like band-aids
• Refillable water bottle
• Daypack or bag

Whatever you do, don’t forget to put on sunscreen and don’t be fooled by the weather in Bar Harbor. When you’re outside climbing mountains all day, even cloudy weather can lead to a sunburn.

Bonus Items

With this basic guide to packing for Acadia, you should be set up for a fantastic—and well prepared—3 days in Bar Harbor. You can scale this packing list up if you’re taking a longer trip. And adding a few bonus items to the list might make your Bar Harbor vacation even better.

For example, I love having a disposable camera or Instax on hand to snap photos while out and about. Perhaps it’s old school, but the physical photos just have a certain something that smartphone pics can never achieve.

Portable batteries and chargers are a useful item to bring along, ensuring you can recharge your phone while out exploring Acadia National Park.

If you plan to spend time on a nature boat tour or sunset cruise and have trouble with sea sickness, picking up some Dramamine can be a lifesaver. P.S. we stock this at our front desk for purchase in case your forgot some or weren’t expecting that woozy feeling.

Books to read, playing cards or other packable games ensure you have something to do while lounging by the pool, having a picnic at Fabbri, or winding down at the end of the day. If you want to add another layer to your Bar Harbor adventure, consider bringing or renting bikes to explore the carriage roads on two wheels—just don’t forget a bike lock!

Share your Bar Harbor packing list or pic of your essentials with us to help other visitors get ready for an awesome Bar Harbor vacation!

11 Things to Do in Bar Harbor When it Rains

So, your Bar Harbor vacation is approaching and you’ve been diligently (obsessively) checking the weather to make sure you pack appropriately, but the forecast calls for some rain. Even Vacationland can’t guarantee perfect weather, but don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do in Bar Harbor when it rains.

Our little island may be called Mount Desert but we welcome the rain to replenish the plants, animals, lakes and streams that make our island special. In fact, there’s something magical about a rainy day in Bar Harbor, when mist blankets the granite hills and makes everything appear to move in slow motion. Rain also means the only people you bump into downtown and in the park are the ones who, like you, don’t mind getting a little wet, giving the perfect opportunity to explore MDI’s nooks and crannies. From indoor activities in Bar Harbor to ways to explore Acadia in the rain while keeping (relatively) dry, we’ll help you make the most of your trip to MDI no matter the weather.

Rainy Day Activities in Bar Harbor

When it pours, play indoors! Here are six of our favorite indoor activities in Bar Harbor you might not have otherwise had on your itinerary.

Get Hands On At The Oceanarium

The Mount Desert Oceanarium and Education Center is a favorite for all ages, creating a window into the lives of the uncountable and incredible creatures that inhabit our shores and waters, plus the people who have built communities around them. They have 9 different tanks featuring different snapshots of Maine ocean habitat, an authentic lobster boat you can explore indoors, and a touch pool brimming with sea stars, crabs, fin fish and more. You can even get a peek at rare cotton candy, blue, and orange lobsters—not for eating!

The Oceanarium is open from mid-May to late October and is located on the shore of Salt Pond just off route 3. Tickets $18 for ages 12 and up, with discounts for younger children, seniors, and veterans available.

Explore the Abbe Museum

Continue your journey of learning with a trip to the Abbe Museum, Maine’s one and only Smithsonian affiliate right in downtown. This ever-evolving museum showcases the history and cultures of Maine’s Native people, the Wabanaki through rotating exhibitions, special events and workshops. With thousands of artifacts that tell the story of the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Micmac, and Maliseet tribes who have made Maine home for over 12,000 years, the Abbe Museum is worth a visit no matter the weather.

The Abbe’s main museum is located in downtown Bar Harbor while its second, original location is within Acadia National Park in Sieur de Monts Spring. The Abbe opens for the season at the beginning of May and has special events throughout the summer so it’s always worth checking their calendar before your visit. Tickets are $10 for adults, with discounts for younger children and seniors available.

Visit the Dorr Museum of Natural History

Part of the College of the Atlantic, the Dorr Museum of Natural History is housed in the original headquarters of Acadia National Park. Its exhibits are designed and produced by students of the college, so you’re bound to discover new ways to learn about Maine’s wildlife with each visit. It features dioramas of our coastal creatures, a tide pool tank, and of course the gift shop full of goodies inspired by the natural sciences.

The Dorr is free to enter and is open year-round with seasonal changes to their hours, which you can find on their website. Plus, the Island Explorer bus stops at the museum so you can catch a ride there directly from your room at the Bar Harbor Motel.

Sample Some Beer or Wine

What better way to spend a rainy day in Bar Harbor then sipping some local brews? Take a trip to the Bar Harbor Cellars tasting room on Sweet Pea Farm where you can stay cozy and dry while overlooking 100 acres of vineyard. They offer a wide range of wines to try from delicately sweet fruit wines to bold reds. Plus, with a wood fired pizza and a whole room dedicated to chocolate, it’s truly everything you need in one place.

If beer is more your style, pay a visit to Fogtown Brewing, which uses Maine-grown malt, hops, oats, spelt and other locally foraged ingredients to create a suite of delicious beers that are rooted in the land. They have a great food menu and often have live music, trivia, and other events to keep you entertained. Next head down to Atlantic Brewing Company, where they’ve been brewing specialty batches since 1991 with a taste for simple, yet stand-out beers. You can take a tour of their small-scale brewing facilities, experience a guided tasting, or just enjoy your picks independently in one of their two tasting rooms in Bar Harbor.

Catch a Movie

When hunting for things to do in bar harbor in the rain, us locals often turn to the theater. Built in 1932, the Criterion Theater is an art deco gem that shows movies seven nights a week. A beacon for all arts in Bar Harbor, the Criterion also hosts live dance, comedy, music, plays and more. If you want to combine dinner and a movie, Reel Pizza Cinerama is the place to go. This funky 2-screen dinner theater serves specialty pizzas inspired by film favorites like Godzilla, The Godfather, Casino Royale, and more. Sip a local beer and cozy up on one of their mismatched couches for a truly unique movie experience. Reservations are required so explore current showings online to snag your tickets.

Acadia Rainy Day Activities

Ask the locals and you’ll discover that Acadia in the rain is no deterrent for outdoor exploration. While steep trails like Precipice and Beehive should be avoided when slippery, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience the majesty of our National Park when the sky opens up. Grab your wellies and a rain jacket because we’ve got 3 awesome Acadia rainy day activities for you.

Cozy Tea Time at Jordan Pond House

Acadia’s only on-site restaurant, Jordan Pond House has been serving tea and their famous popovers to park guests since 1893. The historic building is perched on a gardened hill overlooking peaceful Jordan Pond. It’s floor to ceiling windows are the perfect way to enjoy stunning views of the water, the Bubbles, and Acadia’s surrounding pine forests while staying warm and dry. Enjoy the crackling fireplace and slather plenty of butter and strawberry jam on your popover, we promise you’ll spend the rest of the day smiling. Reservations can be made in advance on their website and they are open for lunch, teatime, and dinner.

Drive Up Cadillac Mountain

As the tallest peak in the park, Cadillac Mountain boasts 360-degree views of Mount Desert Island and the surrounding ocean. While most popular at sunrise and sunset, Acadia in the rain makes any time a spectacle for driving to Cadillac’s summit. There’s nothing quite like watching the rain sweep across the water and forests, making patterns on the surface and demonstrating the true magnitude of nature’s power. Even in the rain, you can still spot Bar Harbor’s fishing boats charting their course across Frenchman Bay. Driving Cadillac Mountain requires advance vehicle reservations as summit parking is limited. Reservations cost $6 in addition to your park entrance fee.

Stop at Thunder Hole

After you descend Cadillac, continue along the Park Loop Road to reach Thunder Hole. There is a convenient parking lot or nearby street parking, so you don’t have to go far from your car to see this popular destination. Carved by years of tides, this narrow channel is named for the thunderous reverberation created by waves rushing into it. Storms can increase the wave size and strength so visitors should be cautious of their potential to wash over surrounding ledges, outcrops, and walkways. While best viewed 1-2 hours before high tide, visiting Thunder Hole in the rain is a testament to the ocean’s majesty at any time of day. Careful not to get mesmerized by the bursting waters or you might soon find the rain has soaked you through.

Our advice: don’t let a little rain stop you from enjoying Acadia. If it isn’t raining heavily, many of Acadia trails and sights can still be enjoyed and the Park Loop Road makes it easy to catch a break from the wet as you travel between areas of the park. The carriage roads, for example, are a great walk on a rainy day, with relatively flat gravel paths, plenty of tree coverage, and unparalleled views of Acadia’s lakes and mountains. Stop at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center or Sieur de Monts Nature Center to get additional advice on Acadia rainy day activities from a park ranger.

Beyond Bar Harbor

If you want to travel farther afield in search of pastimes on a rainy day in Bar Harbor, Ellsworth makes a great outing. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Bar Harbor, is a lovely historic town where you can get your shop on!

Shop the L.L. Bean Outlet

Forget your rain gear or hiking boots? No problem! There’s no better place to get outfitted for adventure than L.L. Bean, a staple of Maine since 1912. The Ellsworth outlet store offers some of the best discounts on outdoor gear and classic L.L. Bean items like boots, flannels, fleeces and more. If you plan on having a cozy night in, shop their super soft pajamas and shearling slippers. You can also find plenty of gadgets to enhance your visit to Acadia like binoculars, water bottles, daypacks and more.

Hunt for Antiques

In our opinion, Maine has some of the best antiques in the country, with heritage furniture built by hand with local maple and pine, rustic farm equipment, gorgeous glassware and so much more. Spend your rainy day weaving through 130 booths of antiques and collectibles at 1A Relics where you’re guaranteed to find something interesting. Then make your way over to the Old Creamery Antique Mall for round two. Oil paintings of Maine’s coast, Hudson Bay blankets, and hundreds of other antiques finds await your discerning eye.

Relax!

When in doubt, take a load off! You’re on vacation after all, and a rainy day in Bar Harbor is a great excuse to kick off your shoes and stay in. Pick up a new book from Maine’s oldest bookstore, put on your comfiest clothes, settle in and just be. It might just provide the rejuvenation you didn’t know you needed.