Kick off the first weekend of May by exploring local events, trying seaweed-inspired specials, and visiting the businesses participating throughout downtown!
These free, volunteer-led walking conversations invite community members to explore local history, art, design, walkability, downtown stories, and even a seaweed-centered stroll through participating Maine Seaweed Week businesses.
Walks are happening throughout the day on Saturday, May 2, with options starting at Woodlawn, The Grand, the Ellsworth Riverwalk, Main Street, and 16 State Street.
Last Chance to Get Tickets to Our Fundraising Dinner
Do not miss your chance to join us for an exclusive dinner at Provender Kitchen + Bar on Sunday, May 3 at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $125 and seating is limited. Ticket sales close Saturday, so grab yours now before the table is full!
Heart of Ellsworth invites the community to roll up their sleeves for a Downtown Volunteer Day, a beautification effort taking place on Saturday, May 16, from 10AM - 1PM in downtown Ellsworth.
Projects will include weeding, tree and flower planting, placing flower boxes along the downtown bridge, and assisting the City of Ellsworth with hanging flower baskets that will be displayed on light poles throughout the community.
On Display May 5th - 22nd
Opening Event: May 5th 5PM - 7PM
Ellsworth High School senior Julie Jewett will present her capstone exhibition, the culmination of a year-long independent project through the Visual and Performing Arts Academy, showcasing a fully realized body of work developed through research, mentorship, and creative exploration. Join us in celebrating this milestone as Julie shares her artistic voice with the community and marks her transition from student to emerging artist.
Accepting Submissions Until May 31st
On Display June 25th - July 29th
Opening Event: June 25th 5PM - 7PM
The Makerspace at 16 State Street invites artists to submit work for Inspired by Ellsworth, a juried summer exhibition celebrating the character, creativity, and sense of place that define Ellsworth, Maine.
We are seeking artwork that reflects, interprets, or reimagines the landscapes, people, architecture, businesses, waterfront, parks, and creative culture of our community. This exhibition is part of our ongoing effort to activate downtown through the arts and highlight Ellsworth as a vibrant and evolving creative hub.
The Ellsworth Farmers Market has returned for the season, bringing local favorites, new vendors, and community energy back to Harbor Park.Shoppers can browse fresh foods, handmade goods, drinks, crafts, and more while supporting farmers, makers, and small businesses from the area.
Vendor applications are still being accepted as space allows. Opportunities are open for food vendors, craft vendors, coffee and drink vendors, and musicians interested in providing market entertainment.
The market takes place at Harbor Park every Saturday from 9:30AM to 12:30PM now through November.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with fresh flowers, chocolates, and beautiful hanging baskets from The Bud Conncetion. This is one of their favorite weeks of the year, when the shop fills with colorful outdoor baskets ready to brighten porches, patios, and gardens.Deliveries will be available all week, and customers are welcome to stop in for pickup.
89 Main Street | Call (207)667-9595 | Order Online
Union River Watershed Summit May 15th - 16th
Green Ellsworth will host the annual Union River Watershed Summit on May 15-16 (on zoom and in-person). With the theme of “Back to the Future” the Summit will consider short and long- term river management goals and challenges as well as leadership and partnership models for guiding the process. With insights on the historic and ongoing stewardship of our rivers, James Francis, Tribal Historian for the Penobscot Nation will be the keynote speaker at 10:00AM on Saturday, May 16 while Senator Nicole Grohowski will kick off the Summit as moderator of a watershed management panel at 4:00PM on May 15.
Frenchman Bay Conservancy is Seeking Volunteers for May 30th
Help FBC complete the restoration of Jordan River Preserve! In 2023, FBC acquired what we now know as the Jordan River Preserve, formerly the Bar Harbor Golf Course. The property needed extensive restoration, specifically restoring tidal flow to the salt marsh that had been previously flooded. Now that tidal flow has been reconnected, we need your help to complete the restoration! All are welcome to attend, whether you are an experienced gardener, or someone looking to learn more.
What to bring: BYOT – Bring Your Own Tools
Bring plenty of water, bug & tick repellent, sunscreen and sun protections is strongly encouraged. Consider bring a lunch or snack, and a camp chair if you need to sit for a break.
The preserve underwent significant changes this past year and may be muddy, depending on the weather. We encourage guests to wear waterproof boots and clothes to get dirty.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact FBC’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager, Jane Parlee, at jane@frenchmanbay.org.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong with ECMI
Wednesday, May 6th
10:30AM - 11:30AM
Families are invited to join Peter van Reesema, Executive Director of the Ellsworth Community Music Institute, for a lively celebration of Louis Armstrong.
Through hands-on activities and engaging conversation, attendees will explore Armstrong’s life, music, and lasting impact, including learning more about his beloved song What a Wonderful World.
Restorative Somatics: A Gentle Practice for Body Awareness and Nervous System Care
Thursday, May 7th
5PM - 6PM
Healthy Acadia invites community members to join the next session of its Monthly Mindfulness Series, featuring special guest Kalindi Dinoffer. Experience restorative somatic practices designed to balance your nervous system, enhance self-awareness, and integrate internal sensations through gentle movement, breath, body sensing, reflection, and meditation, including a guided Yoga Nidra practice.
A major fundraiser for The Grand - based on the popular TV show, DWES wants you to vote for your favorite ballroom team with your dollars! Sure to be an evening of glamour, community spirit and unforgettable ballroom hilarity on The Stanley Subaru Stage.
Hosted by Top Chef contender Chrissy Camba, The Grocery List Show celebrates the varied communities and cultures that make up the United States, bridging divisions of politics and class. Viewers can learn regional history, observe the creation of new dishes, and develop kitchen skills. The series also allows audiences to discover new places, explore different cultures, and deepen their comprehension of the world around them. Food can be a reminder of similarities among people and serve as a means of connection and understanding.
PROGRAM SPONSORS: Maine Public, The Maine Monitor, WERU 89.9, The Ellsworth American and Downeast Digest.
Join Artsworth for a listening room concert with Reese Fulmer. Reese is from Saratoga Springs NY and has been awarded the best Americana Artist in 2023 and 2024 by the Thomas Edison Music Awards. The doors will open at 6:30 and the music will start at 7.
To reserve your seat, please email artsworthstudios@gmail.com
25 Pine Street Suggested Donation: $20
FMI:Website
Children's Art Class at Mimi's Craft Basket
Saturday, May 30th
10AM - 11AM
Little hands, big creativity, and a few happy birds are all on the agenda at Mimi’s Craft Basket! Kids are invited to make their very own pinecone bird feeders during this sweet hands-on activity class. It is a fun, nature-inspired project perfect for welcoming feathered friends to the backyard.
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!
As we continue developing the space, planning workshops, gallery opportunities, rentals, and creative community programming, we invite you to follow along.
For all things Makerspace and most current updates, follow on social media.
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.
