July 4th

Bar Harbor’s Fourth of July has been voted the #1 Fourth of July celebration in America by the Today Show, and recognized by National Geographic as one of the top ten in the U.S.  With a full day of events, there are so many ways to enjoy the holiday, it’s no wonder that people love spending the Fourth in Bar Harbor. 

Join us on July 4th, 2023!

Bar Harbor will once again be celebrating Independence Day with a day of festivities including the annual Fourth of July parade, concert series and evening fireworks display over Frenchman Bay.

The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the businesses and residents in the community to decorate their stores, lodging establishments, banks, restaurants, homes, lawns, or porch to make the entire town red, white and blue!

To participate in the parade, please download the guidelines and registration form here and submit your entry before June 26, 2023.

Please consider making a donation to help support Bar Harbor's July 4th festivities. Contributions to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce are not tax deductible.

Schedule of Events (subject to change)

July 1 - July 5: 3rd Annual Lobster Scavenger Hunt

The 3rd Annual Mount Desert Island YMCA Lobster Scavenger Hunt will take place in downtown Bar Harbor from July 1st to July 5th. Participants will be hunting for lobsters at local businesses throughout the downtown village. Access a digital card here. Completed cards will need to be returned to the YMCA by noon on Tuesday, July 5th to be entered for some awesome raffle prizes. Visit the Y between June 28th and July 5th to get your official YMCA Lobster Scavenger Hunt gear, including T-shirts, lobster hats, and tote bags! Generously sponsored by Geddy's.

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pancake Breakfast

The Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club will hold its traditional Pancake Breakfast at the Bar Harbor Athletic Field on Park Street. Blueberry or plain pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, sausage, orange juice, milk, water, tea, and coffee. A fun morning feast for the whole family, and a great way to fuel up for the day ahead! All proceeds from the event support Rotary projects and local nonprofits.

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Craft Fair/Marketplace
The Island Arts Association will hold a Craft Fair/Marketplace at the YMCA, 21 Park Street, featuring a wonderful selection of Maine crafts, including jewelry, quilts, photographs, pottery, and porcelain dolls. Please join us for this joint fundraiser for the YMCA and the YWCA. Please call the YWCA at 207-288-5008 for additional information.
 
10:00 AM Independence Day Parade 
The community shows off its patriotism and good humor as the parade winds through downtown Bar Harbor from Main Street to Cottage Street to Eden Street to Mt. Desert Street to Ledgelawn Avenue. Click here to download a map of the parade route. 

Produced by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. 

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Seafood Festival

The Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club will be offering delicious lunch options to keep you fueled up for the remainder of the day! Bring the whole family to the Bar Harbor Athletic Field on Park Street to enjoy Maine lobster rolls and crab rolls, hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries, watermelon, chips, water, and sodas. All proceeds from the event support Rotary projects and local nonprofits.

3:30 PM - 9:00 PM Live Music at the Town Pier
Free concert series at the Town Pier leading up to the fireworks. With family-friendly tunes for dancing and listening as you wander by the harbor or stake out your seat for the fireworks! Featuring performances by The Smith Collaboration, Cryin' Out Loud and The Crown Vics. Sponsored by the Bar Harbor Hospitality Group. Produced by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. 

7:30 PM Bar Harbor Town Band

A Bar Harbor institution, the Town Band will perform at the Village Green. 

9:15 PM (approx.) Fireworks Over Frenchman Bay
Enjoy the spectacular display on the waterfront, downtown Bar Harbor. Sponsored by the Bar Harbor Regency, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, Stewman's Lobster Pound, and the Town of Bar Harbor.

Produced by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.