Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival II 2026

The Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival II is the second edition of the highly popular Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival, held Labor Day weekend in September. This boutique-sized show features approximately 45 artists and takes place on the private grounds of the Bar Harbor Inn, the premier waterfront hotel strategically located in the middle of town on the harbor waterfront. About 50% of the artists return to repeat the show, and based on interview statistics, a majority of artists make a profit above and beyond meeting expenses. The three-day show averages around 5,500 attendees based on extrapolated head-counts, with patrons entering from either Maine Street or the Inn and shore path, ensuring good customer flow for every booth space.

The show attracts both wealthy visitors and locals, with couples in a relaxed purchasing mood during the Labor Day weekend timeframe. International cruise line ships often make Bar Harbor a port of call during the shows, and passengers are regular visitors. Artists will have 2 weeks upon invitation to confirm with payment of their booth space, enabling traveling artists to lock-in their space and plan for lodging in advance. Medium categories are limited to provide a well-balanced show, with categories like jewelry tending to fill quickly.

Show dates are September 11-13, 2026, with setup Friday 9:00-12:00, and show hours Friday 12:00-6:00, Saturday 9:00-6:00, and Sunday 10:00-5:00. Each regular space is 10 feet by 10 feet, and artists must have durable white 10x10 shelters with matching walls. All artworks must be substantively produced by the hands of the applying artist using traditional non-computer assisted means. The jury/application fee is $35.00, and applications require 6 images including one booth shot.