Acadia Repertory Theatre

Acadia Repertory Theatre has been staging professional summer productions in Bar Harbor since 1973, making it one of the longest-running summer stock theatres in New England. Located in the historic Masonic Hall on Mount Desert Street, the theatre offers families an evening of genuine live performance in an intimate, atmospheric setting that makes theatre accessible and exciting for children experiencing it for the first time.

The ART summer season typically runs from late June through August, featuring a rotating repertoire of comedies, dramas, and musicals that span a range of family-suitability. Families with kids aged five and older will find at least some productions well-suited for young audiences — particularly the lighter comedies and musicals that tend to appear each season.

Attending a live performance at ART is one of those activities that elevates a Bar Harbor vacation from a nature trip into a genuine cultural experience. The intimate 150-seat theatre means every seat has a great view, and the quality of the acting and production is consistently high. It's a great way to fill an evening after a long day of hiking or kayaking.

Check the current season's schedule early — productions sell out regularly in peak summer weeks, and the lineup changes weekly. A pre-show dinner at one of Bar Harbor's many excellent restaurants makes for a memorable family evening out.