Visit Ellsworth
Ellsworth, Maine
Crossroads of Downeast Maine and the gateway to Acadia National Park. Home to ZAOstock, held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Franklin Street Parklet, as part of the 9th Annual Art of Ellsworth during Maine Craft Weekend.
Getting here
How to reach Ellsworth.
About 40 min (30 mi) from Bangor, ~3 hrs (135 mi) from Portland, and ~5 hrs from Boston. Route 1 / Route 1A run right through downtown.
Nearest major airport, ~40 min away by car. Best bet for most travelers.
Smaller regional airport ~20 min away, with seasonal Cape Air service (including from Boston). Closest to the venue.
Franklin Street itself has no vehicle parking during the parklet season. Use the free Franklin Street Parking Lot or Ellsworth City Hall's own lot instead - both a short walk from the Franklin Street Parklet. Map below.
Where to stay
Beds near the venue.
One of the newest hotels in town. Indoor heated saltwater pool, breakfast included.
Indoor saltwater pool and hot tub, free WiFi, daily continental breakfast.
85-room property, renovated in 2016. Central to downtown.
Suites with full kitchens - good for a multi-night stay. Breakfast + onsite laundry.
Eat & drink
Where to refuel.
The ZAOstock after-party venue, 142 Main St. Details at zaostock.com/afterparty.
Seasonal seafood on the banks of the Union River downtown - lobster and a famous slice of pie.
Mediterranean bistro in the historic 1938 Luchini building on Main Street.
Award-winning Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine.
Chef-driven contemporary American at 112 Main St, 4.5-star. Reservations recommended.
Irish food and pub fare at 156 Main St, 4.4-star, casual.
Taproom with a dog-friendly beer garden.
British-style local beers and classic pub fare.
Things to do
Make a weekend of it.
Ellsworth is the gateway - about 25 mi to Bar Harbor and the park. See the full ZAO Guide to Acadia for must-see spots, reservations, and excursion plans.
The historic Black House on 180 acres - gardens, trails, and a croquet court.
Rescued birds and miles of quiet walking trails, plus the Stanwood homestead museum.
19th-century Main Street: galleries (Courthouse Gallery, Atlantic Art Glass), shops, and cafes climbing up from the river.
Missed ZAOstock?
It happened on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Franklin Street Parklet, Ellsworth, Maine. It was free, with music from noon.