Festivals are one of the many great attractions Mount Desert Island offers. We’ve written posts about Bar Harbor based festivals and Southwest Harbor based festivals. This third and final blog post covers cool festivals happening and around on the rest of the island.

Acadia Birding Festival

Happening: end of May/beginning of June every year across MDI
This robust festival is full of events throughout the island. Whether you are an experienced bird-watcher or a first-timer, this is a great way to explore MDI and see some new places, new birds, and possibly make new friends. This is a great way to kickoff the summer. For info and a full listing of events, visit the official website: http://acadiabirdingfestival.com/

Strawberry Festival

Happening: every July in Somesville
This delightful festival has been feeding delicious shortcakes to hundreds of people annually since the 1970s. If you don’t like strawberry shortcakes, this festival is not for you as the shortcake is the focus of this sweet festival. Bring your friends–and your sweet tooth! For more info, visit: https://mdihistory.org/event/strawberry-festival/

Taste of Ellsworth

Happening: every July in Ellsworth
While technically not on MDI, our neighbor Ellsworth has an amazing local food event. Includes tented open-air dining area, with area restaurants serving appetizer-size tastes of signature menu items,  music acts, family activities and more for all ages. FMI: https://www.heartofellsworth.org/

Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music

Happening: mid to late summer every year in Northeast Harbor
This festival brings world-class chamber music performers right to your doorstep at the historic Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor. If you are looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday evening during the heart of summer, drive on over to Northeast Harbor and enjoy some fine music. For more info, visit the official website: https://mtdesertfestival.org/

Northeast Harborfest

Happening: every August in Northeast Harbor
Notable people in the arts and crafts scene from all over North America descend on Northeast Harbor for a few days of fun. A great opportunity to get gifts for your friends and family–or treat yourself to something nice! For more info, visit their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/NortheastHarborfest1/

Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival

Happening: December every year
This Christmas celebration has something for everyone: Santa coming in on the Sunbeam (boat), sleigh rides for kids through town, and sales and other events at local businesses. Put on by the Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce, it’s family oriented and festive. FMI: http://mtdesertchamber.org/events-calendar/ 

Did we forget any of your favorite festivals? If so, please let us know and we can add them to the right list so even more people can enjoy them!

More: Southwest Harbor Festivals
More: Bar Harbor Festivals