Maine Outdoor Film Festival in Franklin Street Parklet
Wednesday, August 20th at 7:30 PM
Sponsored by Volta
🎥 Join us in Downtown Ellsworth for an evening of Outdoor Adventure films from across Maine and around the world.
🎞️ Films will begin at 7:30PM so be sure to show up a little early to get your spot! Bring a lawn chair. This is an All Ages event.
🎟️ Suggested donation of $5 to $10 to support Heart of Ellsworth programming.
Program Notes:The film program will last about 90 minutes with no intermission. There are picnic tables, but consider bringing your own camp chair and a blanket!
Stop by Franklin Street Parklet anytime to relax, chat, eat lunch, work, and more. The Parklet design is an evolving project with new programming each year. Learn more below, and share your input on what you want the Parklet to be.
Envisioning Franklin Street Parklet by Heart of Ellsworth’s Design Committee
Through a series of community engagement opportunities, the project invites residents, organizations, businesses, and visitors to help shape its long-term vision. Together, the community is reclaiming this urban space for public benefit, ensuring the final design reflects shared values, needs, and creativity.
The Franklin Street Parklet is evolving, and we’re excited about its potential. Our goal is to create a beautiful, inclusive space that everyone can enjoy year-round.
Share your vision for the parklet by filling out the survey below.
Since graduating from Wellesley College with a BA in Studio Art and Art History, Sara has taught art for 20 years in public schools, a private school, and a museum while exploring Maine with her husband and 3 children. After living in Dedham and then central Maine, she and her family moved to Ellsworth 4 years ago and Sara has enjoyed taking advantage of the cultural opportunities Ellsworth offers in addition to exploring, hiking, and painting in Downeast Maine. She currently teaches Visual Art at Ellsworth High School.
Come by the Ellsworth Public Library to view sculptures on the lawn (and one inside!) that are part of the Riverwalk North Sculpture Trail. This project pays homage to Downeast Maine as a home of granite quarrying and sculpting, a unique local heritage that dates back hundreds of years.
We've collaborated with the Ellsworth Public Library, the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium, and Frenchman Bay Conservancy to install these temporary sculptures leading to the trail along the Union River. Three more sculptures will be arriving in the Fall for a total of six unique pieces.
Coming Soon: Historic Preservation Downtown Walking Tour
As we prepare the nomination for a national historic registered district, we'll be organizing a public walking tour for community members to learn more about the historic features of downtown Ellsworth. The walk will be led by Kleinfelder, the consultant leading the nomination, who will share their research about buildings in our downtown. We'll share more information soon with walk details scheduled for mid-September!
The Design Committee enhances the physical and visual assets of downtown. Some of the committee initiatives for this year include organizing an outdoor spring cleanup, holding community discussions about the future of Franklin St. Parklet, and installing, planting and maintaining flower boxes, trees, and rain barrels. Beautify Downtown Ellsworth by being active on this committee!
The Union River Center for Innovation (URCI) is right next door to Ellsworth Harbor Park & Marina and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Area makers share their wares at an Evening Market on the Lawn along with summer concerts. The Loveseats will perform on Aug. 1st and Lasers in the Jungle will perform on Aug. 15th. In addition to the Evening Market, URCI staff will be on hand to answer questions about the center and provide tours.
Thursday Night Summer Performances at EPL Continue
Thursdays, August 1, 14, 21
6:00PM
The Ellsworth Public Library’s free adult summer series brings you local talent and knowledge every Thursday at 6 PM until August 21! This month, explore wilderness survival with Alone star Michelle Finn on August 7. Also, don’t miss bestselling author Tess Gerritsen on August 14, and one of Maine’s best acts, singer-songwriter Pete Kilpatrick on August 21.
FBC Monday Music - Outdoor Concert Series At Tidal Falls
Monday, August 4
6:00PM
Monday Music is back! At 6:00pm on Monday, July 21st, The Sugarsnaps we will be kicking off Frenchman Bay Conservancy's concert series at Tidal Falls!
Bring your blankets and chairs, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, and enjoy an evening of music with the beautiful reversing falls as a backdrop.
A fundraiser for The Grand on the Stanley Subaru Stage
For decades, singer/songwriter Noel Paul Stookey has altered the musical and ethical landscape —both as the “Paul” of the legendary Peter, Paul and Mary and as a solo musician who passionately believes in bringing the spiritual into the practice of daily life.
Shop hundreds of gently used fiction and nonfiction books, books for kids and teens, DVDs, and puzzles!
Stop by the library for our Summer Book Sale, hosted by the Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library. You’ll find books and more for all ages and interests—usually available by donation (cash or check only) unless otherwise marked.
The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on the Lawn at the Union River Center for Innovation (URCI)
Thursday, August 28
5-7PM
The Union River Center for Innovation is celebrating its tenth year in operation by hosting Business After Hours on August 28 from 5 to 7PM on the banks of the beautiful Union River at 415 Water Street.
First as a business incubator and community lab, and now providing business advising, entrepreneurial resources, and co-workspace and private office space, the center has lots to celebrate. If you’re not familiar the Center, this is a great opportunity to come and learn more. If you’ve been involved with the Center, you should definitely be part of the celebration!
Fittingly, MTI, one of the initial funding partners of the Center, is the exclusive sponsor of the Business After Hours on the lawn at URCI. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and beverages from several Ellsworth establishments thanks to support from MTI.
Call For Events: Art Of Ellsworth - Maine Craft Weekend
We're excited to be coordinating the 8th Annual Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend, happening October 2–5, 2025! Want to be part of the celebration? Submit your event to be included in this vibrant weekend showcasing Ellsworth’s creative community. Deadline is August 8th!
The Ellsworth American launched of a new, state-of-the-art app for readers!
The Ellsworth American app presents the news in a format that is designed for your iPhone or Android phone or tablet to create a better reading experience. Simple enhancements such as increasing the size of the text and push notifications for breaking news.
Heart of Ellsworth has coordinated a dedicated public restroom for downtown visitors—part of a seasonal pilot to make downtown more welcoming and accessible!
Open 24 hours and on weekends, the clean and convenient facility is located in the municipal parking lot in front of City Hall, just off Store Street If you're at the Franklin Street Parklet, follow the vinyl sticker trail to the yard sign pointing the way!
The restroom is under active surveillance to help ensure safety for all. We kindly ask the public to respect and care for the space so we can continue offering this important amenity. Let’s work together to keep downtown Ellsworth a place we’re all proud of!
Join the Ellsworth Housing Authority Board
The Ellsworth Housing Authority Board has a vacant seat, ready for immediate occupancy. Current Commissioners seek an engaged, committed, community-minded individual to round out their Board.
Candidates must be residents of Ellsworth. Board experience helpful but not required.
For more information contact Theresa Hodgdon at thodgdon@mdieha.org or 207-288-4770, ext. 127.
Welcome Eva - The Ellsworth American's Newest Paper Carrier!
Eva pictured with her mom is The Ellsworth American's newest paper carrier! If you would like to have your paper delivered by Eva please reach out to the paper's office.
Check out the Farmers Market at its new location 25 Pine Street parking lot of Fogtown and Artsworth!
News From City Hall
Be in the know about road closures, parking information and more by following updates from City Hall on their website. Attend and/or watch City Council Meetings by following their YouTube channel as well!
Many of you have told us how much downtown Ellsworth means to you, how a vibrant downtown has enriched your life and increased your sense of pride and connection to this place.
If you're at the Franklin Street Parklet, follow the vinyl sticker trail to the yard sign pointing the way!
