From live music and workshops to kids’ activities and festivals, our events calendar keeps happenings across Blue Hill Peninsula in one easy place to scan by date. Browse what’s coming up here, or hop over to the homepage calendar if you like a full grid view.
Community Calendar
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Session 6 Studio Assistant Fellows.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Megan Stelljes, Glass; Stephanie Metz, Fiber.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Jeremiah Ibarra, Ceramics; Ziba Rajabi, Graphics; Jessica Calderwood, Metals.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
DIAA “Small Works” Reception
The Deer Isle Artists Association is delighted to present “Small Works,” from August 18-September 13. This popular annual exhibit showcases the work of many artist members, offering a variety of small works in mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, weaving, woodwork, glass, and jewelry. Buyers will be able to carry away work when it is purchased. As work is sold, it will be replenished with new pieces, so patrons can return often to purchase beautiful art to collect or to give as unique gifts.
The public is warmly invited to a reception with the artists on Friday, August 21, from 3-5PM. The gallery will be open Tuesday–Saturday from 10AM– 4PM and Sunday from 11AM-3PM.
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Session 5 Studio Assistant Fellows.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Family Beach Walk with BHHT, Healthy Peninsula, and Island Heritage Trust
Join us for a fun shoreline exploration event for families and kids of all ages! Learn about the interesting creatures that call our intertidal zone home, the challenges they face, and how we can safely look at them up close. You will be joined by staff from Blue Hill Heritage Trust, Healthy Peninsula, and Island Heritage Trust.
Please note that trails and shoreline areas have varied terrain and rocks can be slippery - if you have any accessibility concerns please get in touch with us. Snacks will be provided, and we will have nets and buckets on hand. Drop in anytime during these hours, and no registration is required. All are welcome!
Pop Up Exhibit
Visual artist Susan Webster and poet Stuart Kestenbaum have exhibited their work widely, often combining words and images.They will be showing both new work--Kestenbaum's blackout poems and Webster's mixed media assemblages-- and seldom seen work. Signed copies of their book, A Quiet Book (Brynmorgen Press 2024) will also be available. At Webster and Kestenbaum's barn/gallery 5 North Deer Isle Road Deer Isle, ME
What's All This Temporary Construction? Reflections on Haystack and the Creative Process
Part of a year of special programming celebrating 75 years since Haystack’s founding, the Distinguished Speaker Series highlights leading voices from the School’s faculty, alumni, and craft community. Stuart Kestenbaum is a poet and the former poet laureate of Maine from 2016-2021. For 27 years, Kestenbaum led Haystack Mountain School of Crafts as director until 2015.
https://www.haystack-mtn.org/haystack-75#distinguished-speaker-series
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Aspen Golann, Wood; Taylor Wright Rushing, Graphics; Courtney Martin, Ceramics.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Fernanda Gaspar, Fiber; Adeye Jean-Baptiste, Fiber; Mia Kaplan, Metals.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Aurora Robson, Fab Lab Resident; Marshall Coles, Fab Lab Resident; Christopher Kerr-Ayer, Glass.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Pop Up Exhibit
Visual artist Susan Webster and poet Stuart Kestenbaum have exhibited their work widely, often combining words and images.They will be showing both new work--Kestenbaum's blackout poems and Webster's mixed media assemblages-- and seldom seen work. Signed copies of their book, A Quiet Book (Brynmorgen Press 2024) will also be available. At Webster and Kestenbaum's barn/gallery 5 North Deer Isle Road Deer Isle, ME
From Tide to Table: Celebrating Farmed Scallops with Island Institute + The Ark
Join Island Institute and The Ark—named one of The New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants in the U.S. in 2025—for a memorable evening on Deer Isle celebrating Maine’s farm-raised scallops and the people championing this sustainable aquaculture practice. The evening will feature a curated menu showcasing locally farmed scallops, alongside lively conversation with scallop farmers and Island Institute staff about sustainable aquaculture, Maine’s working waterfronts, and Island Institute’s work in the community.
"Expressions," at the DIAA Gallery
The public is cordially invited to a reception for an “Expressions,” with the artists on Friday, August 7, from 3-5PM at the Deer Isle Artists Association. “Expressions,” will be on view from August 4-16, showcasing a rich variety of artistic perspectives and evocative styles. A range of mediums will be on display, including painting, printmaking, photography, weaving, and wood. The artists featured in this show are Marianne Alweis, Sarah Baskin, Sue Bolton, Ray Dinsmore, Steve Ettlinger, Mary Gage-Los, Jeri Gillin, Emily Johansen, Susan Keating, Jadyn LaDeau, Jerry Levitt, BC Martin, Elaine O’Neil, Jeanne Rotunda, Walter Smalling, Roz Sommer, and Robert Starkey.
Kate Caldwell & Friends Benefit Concert
Please join Kate Caldwell & Friends at the Deer Isle-Sunset Congregational Church on Wednesday, August 5 at 7 PM for a benefit concert in support of the Community Fund. Kate is a well established Singer/Songwriter acoustic guitarist and pianist who will lead a program of favorite sing-along American Folk and Patriotic songs, and will also feature visiting guest musicians, Janine Wilson and James key in music that spans roots-rock, alt-country, and blues; and Basha Wyeth, original songs and piano. $20 suggested donation. Reception following. Katecaldwellmusic.com 207.348.6602
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Session 4 Studio Assistant Fellows.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Scott's Landing Ecology Walk with Boot Boutwell
Join “Boot” Boutwell on an easy to moderate hike for some basic plant identification as well as fun and interesting natural history of some of our common trees, shrubs and wildflowers. The walk will include a few seasonal or topical poems and readings as well as some fun tips and mnemonics to help you remember what you have learned.
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Eleanor Ingrid Rose, Metals; Angie YooJin Kim, Fiber; Cedric Mitchell, Glass.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Ibrahim Said, Ceramics; Spookah, Graphics; Wu Hanyen, Wood.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
"12 x12 (x12)" at the DIAA Gallery
The Deer Isle Artists Association announces the opening of its popular annual 12 x12 (x12) show on Tuesday, July 28. The show will run through Sunday, August 2. This is the time to purchase art created by both new and returning gallery members for the enticing price of $144. Each work of art measures 12” x 12” (x 12”). Offerings change frequently. The public is cordially invited to a reception with the artists on Friday, July 31, from 3–5PM. The gallery will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 10AM–5PM. In addition, artworks can be purchased online at https://www.deerisleartists.com from 6PM–8AM during this special exhibit.
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Eli Nixon, Visiting Artist; Alexandra Bachmayer, Fab Lab Resident; lee wilkins, Fab Lab Resident.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Soulbenders Concert at Deer Isle Hostel
One of Deer Isle's favorite summer traditions returns on Saturday, July 25, when The Soulbenders bring their signature blend of soul, funk, rock, and rhythm and blues to the Deer Isle Hostel for an evening of live music and dancing. The show, from 7pm-11pm, is outdoors in our garden. Farm-raised sausage and veggies will be available from Hart Farm's Lulu's Lunch food truck.
Tickets are $25, and can be purchased in advance (recommended) or at the door. Visit tinyurl.com/deerislehostel to buy tickets. This show will be cancelled in case of rain. Watch @deerislehostel on instagram for weather updates.
Bruce Bulger Retrospective at Seamark Gallery
Join Seamark Gallery on Wednesday, July 23, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. for the opening reception of a special exhibition featuring the work of Deer Isle artist Bruce Bulger.
The exhibition showcases drawings, paintings, sculpture, and woodworking influenced by more than 50 years of Bruce's life as an artist. It is an opportunity to experience the breadth of his creative work and craftsmanship.
Following the opening, the gallery will be open by appointment or by chance. All are welcome.
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Session 3 Studio Assistant Fellows.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Yuri Kobayashi, Wood; Chris Staley, Ceramics.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Tali Weinberg, Fiber; Laura Wood, Metals; Daniela Rivera, Graphics.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
Haystack Artist Presentations
Presenters: Hannah Vaughan, Metal Fabrication; Vivian Beer, Metal Fabrication.
Coinciding with each of our summer sessions, Haystack faculty, Visiting Artists, studio assistant fellows, and Fab Lab Residents share their inspirations, ideas, and work. These presentations take place in the Gateway Auditorium (89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle, Maine) and are free and open to the public. Full schedule available online: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/visit
“Songs of the Sea” at Deer Isle Artists Association
The Deer Isle Artists Association presents “Songs of the Sea,” its second show of the 2026 summer season, on view June 16–28. This coastal-themed exhibition evokes the rolling landscapes and bracing seascapes of the Maine shore through painting, drawing, printmaking, basketry, jewelry, glass, and ceramics, featuring work by Sue Bolton, Christopher Brumfield, Katherine Carlson, Judith Felch, Judy Holder, Patrick Keating, Joy Kleeman, Alice McKenna, Thomas Moore, Rick Osann, John Rohman, Jeanne Rotunda, Linda Smiley, and Tracy Van Buskirk. The public is invited to meet the artists at a reception on Friday, June 19, from 3–5 p.m., and to visit during regular gallery hours throughout the run.
Deer Isle Adult Education: Beginner Ukulele with Abby Litman
Learn Ukulele basics with singer-songwriter Abby Litman! What You'll Learn: - Fundamentals of playing chords, strumming, and tuning your ukulele - How to play simple chord progressions - Some music theory - How to read rhythms and dissect strumming patterns - How to read chord charts and play along with others By the end of this course, you'll be able to search up chords to your favorite songs and play on your own!
Sign up at bit.ly/isleuke, email gupham@su76.org, or call 207-656-6262.
Studio Walk-Through + End-of-Session Auctions
The end-of-session Studio Walk-Throughs provide program participants and the public with the opportunity to visit all the Haystack studios and view the work created during the session’s workshops. Walk-Throughs are free and self-guided.
A Silent Auction will be open throughout the duration of the Walk-Through. A Live Auction will begin at 5:00 PM. Auction proceeds benefit Haystack’s fellowship programs and studio improvements.
Submit your event
We’re glad to list community-focused events on the calendar at no cost. Good fits include:
Library and school events
One-time classes and workshops
Public talks and forums
Nonprofit fundraisers
Performances, festivals, and other open-to-the-public gatherings
To keep the calendar useful and readable, we don’t post regularly recurring events (for example, an ongoing fitness class or month-long shows), but we do welcome special sessions, series kickoffs, and standalone workshops.
If you’d like extra visibility we also offer a wide selection of advertising options starting at $25/week.
Not sure if your event is a fit, or want help choosing the right level of promotion?
Send us a note at info@risingtide.media and we’ll be happy to talk it through.