Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island in Maine is one of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, it’s no wonder that Acadia attracts over 3 million visitors each year. If you’re planning a trip to Acadia in July 2024, be sure to check out these seven must-visit events.
From stargazing to sailing races to art festivals, there’s something for everyone at Acadia in July. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of America’s most treasured national parks.
1. Acadia Night Sky Festival
If you’re a fan of stargazing, then you won’t want to miss the Acadia Night Sky Festival. This annual event takes place over several nights in July and features a variety of stargazing activities, including guided night hikes, telescope viewing, and astronomy presentations. The festival is a great opportunity to learn about the night sky and see some of the most amazing stars and planets that the universe has to offer.
Event Details
Dates: July 13-16, 2024
Location: Various locations throughout Acadia National Park
Cost: Free
2. Mount Desert Island Regatta
The Mount Desert Island Regatta is one of the most prestigious sailing races in the United States. The race takes place over several days in July and features a variety of sailboat classes, from small dinghies to large ocean-going yachts. The regatta is a great opportunity to watch some of the best sailors in the world compete in a beautiful setting.
Event Details
Dates: July 17-21, 2024
Location: Northeast Harbor, Maine
Cost: Free to watch
3. Acadia Arts Festival
The Acadia Arts Festival is a two-week-long celebration of the arts that takes place in Bar Harbor, Maine, just outside of Acadia National Park. The festival features a variety of art exhibits, workshops, and performances, including painting, sculpture, photography, music, and dance. The festival is a great opportunity to meet local artists and learn about their work.
Event Details
Dates: July 14-29, 2024
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Cost: Free
4. Bar Harbor Sidewalk Arts Festival
The Bar Harbor Sidewalk Arts Festival is a one-day event that features the work of over 100 local and regional artists. The festival takes place on Main Street in Bar Harbor and features a variety of art, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, and photography. The festival is a great opportunity to find unique and handmade souvenirs to take home from your trip to Acadia.
Event Details
Date: July 27, 2024
Location: Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine
Cost: Free
5. Acadia Mountain Film Festival
The Acadia Mountain Film Festival is a three-day film festival that showcases films about the outdoors, adventure, and the environment. The festival takes place in Southwest Harbor, Maine, just outside of Acadia National Park. The festival is a great opportunity to see some of the best outdoor films from around the world.
Event Details
Dates: July 13-15, 2024
Location: Southwest Harbor, Maine
Cost: $15 per day
6. Wild Blueberry Festival
The Wild Blueberry Festival is a one-day event that celebrates the wild blueberries that are native to Acadia National Park. The festival takes place in Milbridge, Maine, just outside of Acadia National Park. The festival features a variety of blueberry-themed activities, including blueberry picking, blueberry pie eating contests, and blueberry crafts. The festival is a great opportunity to learn about the wild blueberries of Acadia and to enjoy some delicious blueberry treats.
Event Details
Date: July 29, 2024
Location: Milbridge, Maine
Cost: Free
7. Acadia National Park Centennial Lantern Parade and Fireworks
The Acadia National Park Centennial Lantern Parade and Fireworks is a special event that will take place on July 4, 2024, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Acadia National Park. The event will feature a lantern parade through the streets of Bar Harbor, followed by a fireworks display over Frenchman Bay. The event is a great opportunity to celebrate the centennial of Acadia National Park and to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.
Event Details
Date: July 4, 2024
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Cost: Free
Acadia National Park: Culture, Best Months to Visit, Nearby Transportation, Local Food, and Best Hotels
Acadia National Park is a place of natural beauty and cultural significance. The area has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years, and European settlers arrived in the 1600s. The park is home to a variety of historical sites, including the Abbe Museum, which tells the story of the Wabanaki people, and the Bar Harbor Historical Society, which preserves the history of the town of Bar Harbor.
The best time to visit Acadia National Park is during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences. In the spring, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the park is a great place to go for a hike. In the summer, the weather is warm and sunny, and the park is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. In the fall, the leaves change color, and the park is a beautiful place to go for a drive or a hike. In the winter, the park is covered in snow, and visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Acadia National Park is accessible by car, plane, and train. The nearest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), which is located just outside of Bar Harbor. The park is also accessible by train via the Downeaster, which runs between Boston and Brunswick, Maine. Once you arrive in the park, there are a variety of ways to get around, including by car, bike, or foot.
Acadia National Park is home to a variety of local restaurants that serve up fresh seafood, Maine lobster, and other local favorites. Some of the most popular restaurants in the park include the Jordan Pond House, the Asticou Inn, and the Bar Harbor Inn. The park is also home to a variety of food trucks and snack bars that offer a variety of quick and easy meals.
There are a variety of hotels located near Acadia National Park, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some of the most popular hotels in the area include the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, and the Asticou Inn. When choosing a hotel, be sure to consider your budget, your desired amenities, and your proximity to the park.
Acadia National Park is a truly special place that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, swim, boat, or fish, or you simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery, Acadia is the perfect place to visit. So, mark your calendars for July 2024 and start planning your trip to Acadia National Park today!
