The Makerspace at 16 State has officially launched its new website, making it easier than ever to explore and book space in downtown Ellsworth.
From meetings and workshops to pop-ups, classes, exhibitions, and community gatherings, 16 State offers flexible spaces for creative, professional, and community use. The new website brings our rental options into one place, with information about the Conference Room, Gallery, Classroom, and 2nd floor artist studios. All organized in a simple way to inquire about the space that best fits your needs.
If you are looking for a downtown setting with a little more character than the usual four walls, the Makerspace at 16 State is ready to welcome you.
Explore the new website, view available spaces, and start planning your next gathering at:
We're inviting the community to roll up their sleeves for the second Downtown Volunteer Cleanup of the year! This beautification effort is taking place on Friday, July 24, from 10AM - 1PM
Volunteers will meet at the Franklin Street Parklet before heading out to help with weeding, litter pickup, watering, and general tidying throughout the downtown core.
This is a simple, hands-on way to care for the public spaces we all share and help downtown feel welcoming during the busy summer season. Please sign up in advance so we can plan for tools, refreshments, and logistics.
We're officially beginning our Downtown Building Inventory & Development Readiness Assessment with Madeline “Maddy” Fahey serving as Project Coordinator.
This project will use the BOOMS Tracker, a map-based tool developed by Main Street America, to document downtown building use, vacancies and underutilized spaces that may hold future opportunities for housing, business growth and investment.
Maddy brings strong project management experience and a deep personal connection to Ellsworth, from childhood visits downtown to professional experience with property research at the Hancock County Registry of Deeds. We are grateful to have someone so committed to Ellsworth helping move this important work forward!
You may have spotted Heart of Ellsworth board members making their way around Main Street with a few papers, a lot of downtown pride and plenty of questions. These visits are already underway and will continue as part of a larger effort to build stronger one-on-one relationships with the business owners and employees who keep downtown moving every day.
Why? Because supporting downtown well means staying connected to the people who experience it firsthand. These conversations help our board better understand what businesses are excited about, what feels challenging and where Heart of Ellsworth can continue showing up in useful ways. Say hi if they stop in! They are there to listen, connect and share more about the work happening to support a downtown where businesses thrive.
FROM THE MAKERSPACE AT 16 STATE
Inspired By Ellsworth in The Gallery Now
On Display until July 29th
This exhibition invites viewers to experience the city not simply as a destination, but as a living landscape shaped by memory, creativity, work, and community. Through painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and other forms, this exhibition gathers artists’ personal interpretations of Ellsworth, its riverfront and architecture, its small businesses and public spaces, its changing light, seasonal rhythms, and the people who give the city its character.
A new community-centered Clay Program designed for curious beginners, returning makers, and anyone ready to get their hands a little muddy is in the works. The program will include guided workshops, open studio time, and community clay experiences that invite people to play, experiment, build new skills, and connect through hands-on creativity.
A full news blast with dates, details, and registration information is coming soon.
To be the first to know when registration opens, follow The Makerspace at 16 State Street on Facebook and Instagram.
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!
8 Weeks of Summer Programming at Your Local Library
Make this your summer at the library! From July through August, enjoy eight weeks of free concerts, author talks, family performances, outdoor adventures, and activities for every age, Monday through Saturday.
The City of Ellsworth is excited to launch of their Downtown Summer Concert Series, bringing free live music to the Franklin Street Parklet every Thursday evening from July 23 through October 1, 2026.
The eleven-week series will fill downtown Ellsworth with live music, community connection, and summer fun. From local favorites to regional touring acts, the lineup offers something for every musical taste and provides another opportunity for residents and visitors to gather, explore downtown, and enjoy all that The Friendly City has to offer.
Green Ellsworth's Everybody Harvests Community Garden is enjoying its first full year of growing at Frenchman Bay Conservancy's Whitney Forest (at the end of Hannah Way off Rt 1A).
Volunteers have been busily setting up irrigation and planting this beautiful one-acre plot of prime soil on farmland of historic significance. Serving local families, schools, seniors and more than 30 food security organizations in Hancock County thanks to Healthy Acadia's gleaning program, this garden is building community around healthy, locally-grown food.
To get involved with planting, care and harvesting, call (207)667-8878
Frenchman Bay Conservancy Kicks Off 20th Year of Monday Music at Tidal Falls Preserve
Join Frenchman Bay Conservancy every Monday from July 13 – August 3 for Monday Music at Tidal Falls Preserve, featuring a rotating lineup of live music. Now entering its twentieth year, the series has become one of Frenchman Bay Conservancy's longest-running community programs!
3rd Annual Christmas In July Fundraiser at The Grand
The Grand Theater in Ellsworth will host its 3rd Annual Christmas in July Chance Tree Fundraiser from July 16–19 on the Stanley Subaru Stage. Guests can walk through a festive forest of decorated trees and take a chance on winning trees filled with gifts and merchandise donated by local businesses and community members. The event will also include food, a 50/50 raffle, and activities for kids. Admission is $1, and tree tickets are 50 cents each. Sponsored by Rudman Winchell.
Healthy Acadia will host “3 Body Qigong for Summer” with David Sholemson. The session will be held in person in the community room at Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth location. The free event is another installment in Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series.
Celebrate summer with a gentle, nourishing 3 Body Qigong practice designed to support the heart energy—the Fire element in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This seasonal class helps cultivate balance between heart and mind, encouraging joy, calm, and emotional stability.
Browse a wonderful selection of local artisans, crafters, farmers, and young entrepreneurs showcasing their handmade goods, fresh products, unique creations, and small businesses. It's a great opportunity to support local makers and discover something special while enjoying the beautiful grounds at Woodlawn.
Admission is FREE and everyone is welcome!
19 Black House Drive
Rain Date: July 23rd, 4:30PM - 7:30PM FMI
Louisa Stancioff: Family Summer Performance
Wednesday, June 22nd
6PM - 7PM
Hosted by Ellsworth Community Music Institute and Ellsworth Public Library, Louisa Stancioff, currently settled in Hope, Maine, plays indie folk n' roll music. She's toured her album "When We Were Looking" all around the country, and particularly loves playing at Libraries. She's psyched to play some songs for you all. Don't miss the opportunity to dance with balloons, bubbles, and scarves.
Little hands, big imaginations! Mimi’s Craft Basket is hosting a creative kids’ activity hour where young makers can craft their own rainbow snail and enjoy a playful morning of color, creativity, and fun downtown.
51 Franklin Street $15 Per Child - Registration Required
Call (207)266-8209 For a Spot!
Haddock Supper at First Congressional Church
Saturday, July 25th
5PM - 6:30PM
A classic community supper is coming up at the First Congregational Church of Ellsworth, UCC. Stop by for a baked haddock dinner with all the fixings, homemade pie, and the option to dine in or take out.
2 Church Street $12 Per Person, $25 Per Family (2 adults, 2 kids)
FMI: Call Lois at (207)669-2028
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.
Your support of economic growth through projects in the downtown district is what makes our work possible. We are asking for your help to sustain our work year-round. Your generosity will keep the Heart of Ellsworth beating strong.
