BAR HARBOR
CRITERION THEATRE
Updated
This week at Criterion Theatre: Mon 10/12 — Natalie Merchant – A Special Acoustic Performance with Erik Della Penna, Tue 10/13 — You Had To Be There, Sun 10/18 — Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble. Upcoming: Fri 10/23 — CQ Productions: HalloQWEEN Drag Spectacular!, Fri 10/30 — Maine Academy of Modern Music’s “Ghoul of Rock”, Fri 11/6 — Kevin Kling: Unraveled.
ABOUT
The Criterion Theatre is an Art Deco movie palace and live performance venue at 35 Cottage Street in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Mount Desert Island. The theater seats approximately 877 in its main floor and balcony, making it one of the larger historic theaters in the state. It is one of only two Art Deco theaters in Maine and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The venue hosts live concerts, community events, and film screenings. Its restored Art Deco interior features a "flying" unsupported balcony that is among the longest attempted in the United States, hung by slanting beams secured in the wall rather than supported by posts. The French glass chandelier and original architectural details have been preserved.
HISTORY
The Criterion opened on June 6, 1932 with vaudeville performances and a screening of "Arsene Lupin." It was founded by George C. McKay, Sr. The Art Deco decoration was executed by D.H. Pickering of Boston. The theater changed hands several times and was closed for a period before being revived in late 2014 by Michael Boland, who organized a new nonprofit backed by a $2 million anonymous donation. The subsequent restoration addressed structural issues and returned the interior to its original design.
UPCOMING SHOWS as of 10/12/2026
Monday
- Natalie Merchant – A Special Acoustic Performance with Erik Della Penna music magic
Tuesday
- You Had To Be There live vibes
Sunday
- Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble get funky
Saturday - 12/5
- The Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers present The Grinch puppet show
Friday - 12/11
- The Walrus get groovy