Located on beautiful Mount Desert Island in the town of Bar Harbor, the Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance is held on the campus of the College of the Atlantic. Students can choose to stay in campus dormitories, or in any of the many hotels or campgrounds nearby. Meal plans are offered to both residential and non-residential students. See Registration page for more details.

Two thirds of Mount Desert Island is occupied by Acadia National Park, a beautiful park of mountains, hiking trails, carriage roads for bicycling, and breathtaking ocean views. Situated in the north Atlantic, the island is an excellent place for kayaking, birding, nature hikes and boat tours. Even though millions of people visit Mount Desert Island each year, there are many places where the natural beauty is blanketed by peaceful isolation and quiet.

Sustainability

We are committed to putting on a Festival with the least environmental impact possible. The College is a zero-emissions campus, with solar power, composting toilets, and organic locally-farmed foods. We use 100% compostable disposables wherever possible, and we encourage you to bring your own reusable beverage containers, etc. We’re also proud to support the efforts of the Sustainable Touring Artists Coalition. Thanks for helping us keep our planet clean and healthy!

Getting to Bar Harbor

Driving to Bar Harbor, Maine: Bar Harbor is easily accessible by car. From Boston (268 miles) – follow Interstate I-95 through to Bangor (exit 182A – 395), then pick up Route 1A to Ellsworth, and follow Route 3 to Bar Harbor. Another route would be to take I-95 to Augusta, take Route 3 to Belfast over to Route 1 to Ellsworth, then back to Route 3 into Bar Harbor. Local taxi service is available from all airports, ferries, bus stations and cruise ships.

By Boat: Since Bar Harbor is an island and a popular place for both sailing and powerboating, there are many suitable moorings. You should check with the Harbormaster’s Office at 207-288-5571.

By Air: Bar Harbor is serviced by a local airport, the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, located just 12 miles from the village, and by Bangor International Airport only 50 miles away. There is a shuttle service between Bangor airport and Bar Harbor and other ground transportation available.

By Cruise Ship: A wonderful way to visit Bar Harbor is on one of the over 70 beautiful cruise ships that arrive in Bar Harbor each year.