Bar Harbor in October is hauntingly beautiful, with the trees painted in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, and residents’ houses decked out with jack-o-lanterns and spooky décor. Here on Mount Desert Island, we take our holidays seriously, especially for their opportunities to gather and connect as a community—just take our 4th of July or Christmas celebrations for example. And Halloween in Bar Harbor is no exception. We lean on the rich history of our town to bring spooky stories to life and plan lots of activities that get us out into the beautiful, crisp October air.
If you’re a fan of eerie thrills or just happen to be visiting our island this time of year, read on to find 4 things to do in Bar Harbor in October that encompass the magic of Halloween.
Exploring the Haunted Side of Bar Harbor
The Wabanaki, Maine’s native people, have inhabited the area in and around Bar Harbor for 12,000 years and the land is steeped in indigenous spirit tales, burial grounds and more. In addition, our town is full of grand summer estates dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries that are ripe for paranormal activity. The Ledgelawn Inn, for example, was built in 1904 and is largely considered the most haunted building on the island, visited by the ghost of Mary Margaret. For those brave enough, there are two options for delving into the chilling mysteries of Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor Ghost Tours is a 100% Native American Owned and family operated tour company that offers four different ways to explore the spooky stories of our town. Each tour is thoroughly researched and led by experienced, local storytellers. The historically dressed guides guide the way with their eery blue lanterns through Bar Harbor’s ghostly hot spots, telling tales of spirited encounters and even giving you the chance to listen to an Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) of a resident spirit. Cameras are encouraged to capture evidence of orbs, apparitions and other things that go bump in the night. Tours are typically 90 minutes, set just after sunset and cover varying distances.
The Bar Harbor Ghost Walk is run by American Ghost Walks and focuses on the history of Ledgelawn Inn and the jilted bride who wanders its halls. Tour guests will learn about 3 major types of ghosts: residual manifestations, intelligent hauntings, and poltergeists on their walk through Bar Harbor. Trailing along the shore path at night, with more stories of strange goings-on at the Balance Rock Inn and the legendary Bar Harbor Club, this is true spine-tingling activity.
Our Own Spooky Stories
Like much of Bar Harbor, some of Witham’s properties are also historical residences full of stories of residents and guests. The Willows, a historic estate on the grounds of the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, is rumored to be haunted by a young girl. General Manager of the AO, Dede Daigle, shares that staff at the 1913 property have seen lights turn on suddenly in parlor, or doors close of their own accord. But to understand these wandering spirits you must go back to when the building was erected. Miss Charlotte Baker and Miss Clara B. Spence summered together each year in their Regency style seaside mansion. Together they adopted four children, perhaps the culprits of the strange sightings around the Willows today.
Originally built as a literary and social club, the Bar Harbor Inn, likewise has rich history. “Well, we have lots of stories…” said Jeremy Dougherty, Manager of the Bar Harbor Inn. The Reading Room, especially holds the stories—and spirits—of yachtsmen, US Naval officers, victims of the 1947 fire, and hotel guests past.
“There have been multiple times when I’ll be here by myself at the end of the season, everyone has gone home, the lights are off, there are no guests,” Jeremy begins. “I would come downstairs from my office above the dining room and as I walked through history hall, I would hear the sounds of people dining,” he said. Knives and forks scraping on plates, glasses clinking, and the muffled voices of diners. But then he would arrive at the restaurant, and no one would be there, the Reading Room blanketed in darkness. “And I’d think, that’s enough for today!” Let the ghosts have their dinner.
These haunting sounds were not the only inexplicable occurrence at the Inn. At the start of the season, staff have claimed to hear a woman’s voice calling sweetly, “Oh, you’re back.” In the winter, room 120 in the main hotel crackled with paranormal activity, the TV frequently turning on unbidden. Spend a few nights in the Inn and you may unknowingly bump shoulders with one of its spirits.
Trick or Treat in Bar Harbor
What would Halloween in Bar Harbor be without costumes and candy? To ensure the evening of traipsing is safe for all, the town of Bar Harbor closes Ledgelawn Ave. to vehicles between 3pm and 8:30pm. Groups of witches, monsters, fairy tale characters, and superheroes hustle from door to door, enticed by residents’ extravagant decorations and gossip of who has the king-sized candy bars. In fact, children from all around the island carpool to this stretch of downtown for some of the best trick or treat in Bar Harbor. Southwest Harbor also hosts their annual Trunk or Treat at the Southwest Harbor Congregational Church where residents post up with cars adorned in spooky décor to hand out candy, play games, and more!
Acadia Oktoberfest
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Bar Harbor in October, the Acadia Oktoberfest is an event with something for everyone in the family. The festival is more than just beer—although there are 10 different craft brewing vendors in attendance. It also includes local food trucks, wine tastings, craft vendors, live music, and ale-themed games like stein hoisting and the keg toss. It’s a great way to sample local brews, chat with residents, and enjoy the “quietside” of Mount Desert Island. Tickets are $10-35 depending on the amount of tasting you plan to do!
While You’re Here, Enjoy Acadia in October
The national park gets in the holiday spirit too. Halloween in Bar Harbor happens to coincide with the end of peak leaf peeping season for our region of Maine’s coast. The forests of Acadia in October begin to shed their bright red and orange leaves and transform into spindly, spooky fingers reaching to the skies. October’s moon, the Hunter’s moon, will be waning by the end of the month, adding to the perfect Halloween backdrop. For an eerie adventure, visit the park at night to enjoy excellent stargazing. We especially love to bring a blanket and settle down at Seawall where you can get stellar views and the mesmerizing sound of ocean waves.
From spine-chilling ghost tours at the historic Ledgelawn Inn to vibrant community celebrations, Bar Harbor in October offers a unique blend of eerie tales and festive gatherings. Explore haunted histories and enjoy local traditions under a canopy of fiery fall foliage, making your visit a memorable blend of thrill and enchantment. Whether seeking ghostly adventures or festive fun, Bar Harbor invites you to experience its mystical charm firsthand. And if you have any spooky stories from your stay in Bar Harbor, feel free to email us and share them to add to our town’s Halloween lore.
