Heart of Ellsworth is hosting a historic walking tour of Ellsworth’s original commercial district. The tour is sponsored by First National Bank, The City of Ellsworth, Renewal by Anderson, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, in partnership with the Ellsworth Historical Society and Design Group Collaborative.
The walk will be led by Kleinfelder, the consultant hired by Heart of Ellsworth to prepare the downtown’s National Historic Register nomination. The walking tour is intended to provide public engagement about the historic value of buildings downtown for the nomination.
On Thursday, September 18th, from 5:30-7:30pm, Kleinfelder will share their research by highlighting buildings on Main, Water, and State streets. The tour begins at 112 Main St, the location of Provender. Refreshments will be provided by Provender at the start of the tour. The event is rain or shine.
Art Exhibit at 16 State Street - In the Making: Selected Works by Abbie Read
Heart of Ellsworth is honored to present In the Making: Selected Works by Abbie Read, showcasing the work of a celebrated artist from Appleton, Maine, whose practice bridges the tactile, the narrative, and the unexpected. In the Making features a curated selection from Read’s diverse body of work—prints, encaustics, gelatin print vessels, and artist books—offering visitors a glimpse into the breadth of her vision.
This exhibition captures a moment in Read’s ongoing exploration of materials, forms, and narratives. Each piece bears the hallmarks of her process: layered textures, thoughtful compositions, and a deep sense of curiosity. Together, they create an environment that invites viewers to slow down, look closely, and discover the subtle connections between mediums.
In the Making is both a snapshot and a conversation—a gathering of works that, while varied in form, share the artist’s distinct voice and her openness to discovery.
A percentage of proceeds from the sale of works in In the Making: Selected Works by Abbie Read support Heart of Ellsworth’s programs and community initiatives, fostering artistic and cultural opportunities in downtown Ellsworth.
Open by appointment or chance at 16 State Street.
Totally Rad 80's Hour Countdown With Mike Down On Star 97.7
Every Saturday at 8am and Sunday at 6pm
Mike will focus on a specific date of this amazing decade and count down the week's biggest hits!
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.
Meet Our Franklin Street Parklet Community Consultant: Robyn Goff
Robyn brings over 14 years of nonprofit program development experience and has helped organizations secure more than $4.6 million in grants. Her expertise includes diversion, deflection, reentry supports, and the intersections of criminal justice, substance use, and mental health.
She is currently supporting Heart of Ellsworth and the Trust for Public Land project by collaborating with the community to gather input and data that will shape the vision for the Franklin Street Parklet. She is also passionate about using the arts and holistic approaches as pathways for healing and community connection, and has spoken at national conferences on innovative justice initiatives.
Healthy Acadia invites community members to participate in a free virtual wellness workshop, “The way of being: How we can stay centered, focused, and be the calm center amidst the storms of life,” on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. The event, part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series, will feature special guest Tom Speare of Tenth Gate Center for Yoga and Meditation.
Branch Lake Public Forest Forum - The City of Ellsworth's Arbor Commission
Monday, September 8th
6:30PM
The City of Ellsworth’s Arbor Commission will host a public forum focusing on the Branch Lake Public Forest. In the context of having recently expanded the forest to more than 800 acres, the City has recently contracted with David Wardrop of Golden Forestry Services to do an inventory and management plan for the forest.
At the forum Brittany Merrill, City Planner will describe recent work to expand the forest and Wardrop will present his initial findings. The public will then be asked to weigh in on their vision for the forest and the goals and objectives that should inform the plan. Given the importance of this forest for preserving water quality in Branch Lake, the City’s public drinking water supply, as well as its potential as a recreational and educational community asset, this forum should be of interest to a broad range of local residents.
1 City Hall Plaza
Ellsworth City Hall (Council Chambers)
Midday Concert - Ellsworth Community Music Institute
Friday, September 12th
1PM
Ellsworth Community Music Institute (ECMI) offers its next Midday Concert at 1pm on Friday, September 12 with Peregrine Road: Karen Axelrod, piano and accordion and Rachel Bell, accordion.
On Saturday, September 13th from 10:00AM to 2:00PM Green Ellsworth will be hosting a Trash-Talking Fair at the Moore Community Center. With the goal of helping residents reduce the amount of waste they produce, the fair will offer displays, guest speakers, demonstrations, fun activities and games for the whole family. In particular, it will feature the launch of a pilot community composting project in partnership with Chickadee Compost.
Looking for an opportunity to give back to your community? Volunteers are needed at the Ellsworth Community Build! Spend a few hours helping your neighbors stay warm this winter by assembling insulating window inserts. There are several different jobs that are easy to learn and accessible to a wide range of ability and mobility levels. Community Builds are fun events and they foster a spirit of volunteerism, participation, and connection. All are welcome!
THE BUDDHI HOUR: A Freedom & Justice Pop-Up Event!
Saturday, September 13th
2PM
Similar to Moth Hour that we hear on NPR, this is an open-hearted space for people to tell a short story of what Freedom & Justice means to you or share anything at all to celebrate the human spirit and uplift others.
This event is free and open to the public and will take place at Conscious Cafe. They will be open for lunch and food and beverage available for purchase. See you on the Patio at the Cafe; bring a poem, a song or a story to share Come with yourself or come with a friend, we will see you there!
Momentum is building toward “Act Four” of Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry’s annual Fill The Grand food and funds drive to benefit the pantry’s clients. To be held Saturday, September 13, this “fourth act” represents the ongoing success of this popular annual fundraiser. Loaves & Fishes hopes the event will raise $10,000 to help the pantry continue to purchase and distribute food in the face of increasing demand and shifting federal priorities on nutrition support.
Proceeds from the vendor table reservations directly support the City of Ellsworth General Assistance fund, benefiting the Backpacks for Kids program and the Christmas for Kids Program. The Backpack initiative ensures that children in our area who are in need receive essential school supplies for the 2026/2027 academic year. The Christmas for Kids program helps families in need so children who may not otherwise receive a gift experience the joy of the holidays.
Saturday, September 27th Market from 11 am to 4 pm
Food Fest runs through October 4th Businesses throughout town with specials for passport holders!
Food Fest Ellsworth is part of a bigger effort to grow Ellsworth into a vibrant hub of the Downeast Food System. With support from the City of Ellsworth and the Union River Center for Innovation, and thanks to a growing group of passionate food professionals, we’re building momentum to support food entrepreneurs, reduce hunger, and celebrate local abundance. Heart of Ellsworth will have a table supporting the festival this year.
September is Library Sign-Up Month: Join the Party!
September is Library Sign-Up Month, and EPL is celebrating with a varied program including an author talk by Martha Dudman, a presentation about Jane Austen's fashion choices, an art exhibit showcasing the beauty of everyday life, an opportunity to experience forest bathing, support groups, creative classes and so much more! Already a cardholder? Spread the word—invite a friend or family member to sign up, and you'll both be entered to win a special prize.
Save the Date: Art Of Ellsworth - Maine Craft Weekend October 2-5
Mark your calendars! Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend returns October 2–5, 2025. Celebrate our city’s creative spirit with four days of local art, craft, music, food, and community.
Get informed and engaged at Meet the Candidates, happening October 14th at The Grand Theatre. Hear from local candidates, ask questions, and learn more about the issues that matter to our community. Stay tuned for details and times.
Ellsworth Famers Market
Visit the Farmers Market
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.
