Join the City of Ellsworth and Heart of Ellsworth for the final Downtown Cleanup Volunteer Day of the year!
Meet at the Franklin Street Parklet on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM for task assignments, then help us weed, water, and tidy up downtown as we get Main Street ready for the holiday season. We’ll also be preparing for the installation of the holiday light spheres, so if you love a little sparkle, this is your moment to shine! Snacks and water will be provided—please bring gardening gloves, warm clothing, and sun protection.
Economic Study of The Union River
to be released Nov. 6th
Our community has been asking important questions about the future of the Union River.
Heart of Ellsworth, in partnership with Downeast Salmon Federation, Union Salmon Association, and Frenchman Bay Conservancy, commissioned an analysis conducted by HUB Collective and One Water Econ. Together, these partners researched three scenarios suggested by the community to provide data for thoughtful dialogue about the future of the Union River. We’ll be sharing the results on November 6th.
Ellsworth Downtown Pub Crawl
We’re launching the Downtown Ellsworth Pub Crawl! This is a self guided, two-day event happening November 28–29 that invites folks to explore downtown restaurants with a “Pub Passport” in hand!
Find more details on our social media pages next week!
Holiday Marketplace @ 16 State Street
For two festive weekends, the makerspace will be filled with Maine makers offering handmade goods and thoughtful gifts.
Open Fridays from 3 PM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Keep an eye on our social media pages for vendor highlights as we get ready to celebrate the season.
We’re grateful to have Renewal by Andersen sponsoring this year’s Holiday Marketplace as they continue to grow their presence and connections in downtown Ellsworth.
Five Stars for Ellsworth:
A Small Business Saturday Campaign
In honor of Small Business Saturday on November 29th, we are celebrating big here in the heart of Ellsworth by profiling our star downtown businesses and their offerings. The campaign encourages the community to leave Google reviews for downtown businesses, helping to boost their online presence and visibility. The overall goal is to build awareness, appreciation, and love for the small businesses that make downtown Ellsworth shine.
Special Circumstances Include: An unexpected absence from the municipality during the entire time the polls are open on Election Day (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM); A physical disability; An inability to travel to the polls because the voter is a resident of a coastal island ward or precinct; An incapacity or illness that has resulted in the voter being unable to leave home or a treatment facility.
If you have not, watch the Meet The Candidates recording to be informed about Ellsworth City Council candidates.
FREEDOM & JUSTICE SUMMIT 2025
"WHAT'S YOUR ART GOT TO DO WITH IT?"
“Art, in any medium, equals internal space. Internal space is the foundation for freedom.” — Barbaria Maria.
Throughout November, artists from across Maine explore Freedom and Justice at the Heart of Ellsworth Gallery, the Ellsworth Library, the Conscious Café, The Grand Theater, and more. From incarcerated artists to community changemakers, each piece reflects courage, resilience, and truth.
Inspired by the “Hopeful” sign placed on Main Street in 2024 and by the continued need to lift up our community, this event includes readings, music, and a time for reflection. The event concludes with refreshments and late-afternoon fare. All are welcome.
The Ellsworth Public Library (EPL) is honored to showcase the work of award-winning American commercial and fine art photographer Lynn Karlin alongside Artivism in Maine's (AIMe) third Arts in Action Summit 2025, 'What's Art Got To Do With Freedom & Justice?' The summit will be taking place across Ellsworth from November 6–8. The exhibit, "Nature's Grand Designs," comprises 20 photographs by Karlin, who is known for her striking still-life portraits of vegetables and produce. AIMe and EPL will host an artist reception on Saturday, November 22, from 4–6 PM, where the community can meet Lynn Karlin as well as other AIMe artists. Another special guest at the reception will be Maine’s current Poet Laureate, Julia Bouwsma.
Got something to say? Put it on a tee-shirt! The event is offered in a do-it-yourself spirit, but with some assistance and supplies. Bring your ideas and your own cloth patch or clothing to print or select from donations. Post-cards and poster materials are also available for stenciling and stamping
Get those last-minute strolls in this year’s Pumpkin Hike, brought to you by Frenchman Bay Conservancy in partnership with the Ellsworth Public Library. Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.
Art can play a powerful role in improving health and well-being. Join this free virtual wellness workshop, “Get Your Head Out of Your Art: A Mindful Practice to Free Your Creativity and Build Better Health,” featuring guest Jen Maffett. Part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series.
Art can play a powerful role in improving health and well-being. Join this free virtual wellness workshop, “Get Your Head Out of Your Art: A Mindful Practice to Free Your Creativity and Build Better Health,” featuring guest Jen Maffett. Part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series.
Part of the Freedom & Justice Summit 2025. Experience healing through sound with The Healing Garden and explore personal freedom with Natasha Sidhu of Sanctuary on Church and Steamy Buddha.
Ellsworth Community Music Institute presents The Silver Duo — Noreen Silver (cello) and Phillip Silver (piano) — joined by Anna Maria Baeza (clarinet) and Emily Stodola (viola). Free event.
Part of the Freedom & Justice Summit 2025. Experience healing through sound with The Healing Garden and explore personal freedom with Natasha Sidhu of Sanctuary on Church and Steamy Buddha.
This year’s Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade is headed to Whoville! Gather your crew, deck out your float, and bring the magic of Dr. Seuss to life. The parade steps off Saturday, December 6 at 4 p.m.
Sign up today to join the fun:
ellsworthchristmasparade@gmail.com | (207) 812-0172
Community Engagement at Franklin Street Parklet
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.
Check out the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9:30AM-12:30PM in parking lot of Union River Center For Innovation
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.
