"I'd rather be sailing…On an open sea"

July brings warm weather, and with it, the chance to get out on the water! Mount Desert Island's cultural and economic history has strong ties to the water and we offer countless opportunities to leave land behind and take off into the other wild blue yonder. Perhaps you'd like to paddle quietly around Bar Harbor's Porcupine Islands and take in the beauty of Bar Harbor's natural history. National Park Sea Kayak Tours, Aquaterra Adventures, Coastal Kayaking Tours, or Crystal Seas Kayaking can all get you started. Perhaps you would rather catch sight of a whale on a Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. trip. Maybe you want to spend the day sightseeing on a Lulu Lobster Boat Ride or want the hands-on experience of Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater. Maybe you'd like to go fishing with Bar Harbor Fishing Trips or just want to relax and spend the day sailing on a Downeast Friendship Sloop Charter. No matter what you choose, there's ALWAYS something to do on the water in Bar Harbor!

IT'S JULY 4TH WEEKEND IN BAR HARBOR!!!

Bar Harbor's July 4th festivities offer event goers entertaining and unique ways to celebrate the birthday of the United States! At 10a.m., the holiday weekend kicks off in downtown Bar Harbor with the most fun you'll ever have a 4th of July parade. Don't miss locals strut their stuff and demonstrate offbeat humor on homemade floats. Wave at the Jackson Lab's employees dressed as mice in the annual installment of their "Mouse Float." Clap at the fast and furious pace of more than a dozen shriners from the Anah Temple in Bangor as they maneuver tiny cars around and over each other. Enjoy the feeling of patriotism and community that only a small town New England parade can provide!

After the parade, follow the crowds to the MDI YMCA Annual Lobster Races. Place your bets on lobsters sponsored by local businesses and help raise money for the MDI YMCA Scholarship Program. Sometimes your lobster wins, but it is more likely to just sit at the starting gate or even move backwards! Still, you'll never have more fun betting on something that is likely unaware it is racing.

As the day draws to a close, make your way first to the Bar Harbor Village Green to hear the Bar Harbor Town Band do what is has done for over 100 years -- entertain event goers with a free concert. Then, continue to down to the waterfront and your final destination -- Bar Harbor's Agamont Park -- to enjoy the annual fireworks display over Frenchman's Bay. Enjoy the night sky as it glows and lights up the outer islands and fishing boats moored a safe distance away. It is truly a unique and unforgettable event that brings visitors back year after year.