Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island are preparing for several community events this October, including an annual Halloween street closure, family art activities, and a race. The Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department will again host its yearly Halloween street closure on October 31 on Ledgelawn Avenue in Bar Harbor, supporting local trick-or-treating efforts.
According to Sgt. Soren Sundberg, vehicles will be restricted from Ledgelawn Avenue starting at 3:30 p.m. and the roads will reopen at 8:30 p.m. The police department plans to deploy its Mobile Command Post (MCP) in the area, which will be decorated. Sgt. Sundberg noted, "We will have candy available" at the MCP for those who stop by to visit. This annual closure aims to facilitate a safe environment for residents and children participating in trick-or-treating activities. Community members interested in supporting the residents on Ledgelawn can consider donating candy for the evening.
Further October activities include family-friendly events hosted by ArtWaves on Sunday, October 25th. These activities are designed to celebrate Halloween with spooky fun. Participants can carve jack-o’-lanterns and paint pumpkins, which can then be used to decorate their doorsteps. ArtWaves will provide all necessary pumpkins for the event. Cider and hot cocoa are slated to be served during the activities. The day will culminate with the lighting of the carved jack-o’-lanterns, followed by a fireside poetry and story time. This storytelling session is inspired by the shifting seasons.
ArtWaves will also host its resident improv troupe for a special collaborative storytelling session. This portion of the event is described as an audience participation event, where suggestions from attendees will inspire the scenes and games performed by the troupe. While space for pumpkin carving is limited and requires preregistration via the ArtWaves website, no preregistration is necessary for the storytelling portion; attendees can simply show up. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult for these events. Costumes are encouraged for all participants.
Separately, a race is scheduled for Sunday, October 25th, 2026. This event will take place at Marlboro Beach in Lamoine. Check-in for participants will commence at 12 p.m., with the race officially starting at 1 p.m. Registration fees are set at $25 for adults and $15 for youth aged 16 and under. Online registration for the race will close at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd. Participants also have the option to register in person on the day of the race, October 25th.
