The After Dark Dispatch May 2026
News, updates, and more, from the foggy coast of Maine.
Reverend Redbeard
5/31/20263 min read


Hey there Hikers,
May is winding down, and what a month it’s been. We’ve learned new things, met new faces, and wandered through the shadows of this place we call home. On this last blue moon until 2028, I’m looking ahead to warmer days — even as my furnace stubbornly kicks on after Memorial Day.
Tourist season has officially arrived. Out‑of‑state plates are everywhere, and the Island is buzzing again. If you’re planning a visit to the park, here are a few friendly reminders:
Use only locally sourced firewood. Bringing your own risks spreading invasive pests, and it’s prohibited in the park.
Prepare for bugs. Blackflies, mosquitoes, and their friends are out in force this year.
And please — don’t park like an asshole. You’d think this one would be obvious, yet here we are.
Speaking of tourism, I recently announced our first book: Welcome to Acadia After Dark — a travel guide unlike anything else out there, designed to help you have a fun and spooky adventure in America’s most haunted national park. I’m deep in formatting right now, but we’re aiming for a digital release this summer. More details soon.
In other news, the Fogcast is back. June is stacked with great guests. First up is Jenni Plumstead of Newport, who joined me for a fantastic conversation about her work and some eerie encounters she’s had here in the Pine Tree State. After that, Travis Hartford and Jeff Atwood of the Locating the Lost podcast stop by. I recently appeared on their show to talk about some of the disappearances I’ve investigated, and they were kind enough to return the favor — sharing the cases that haunt them and a few strange personal experiences of their own.
I won’t spoil the rest of the lineup. You’ll have to tune in or follow along on social media to catch each new episode. And remember: Lantern Holders on Patreon get early access to ad‑free episodes, digital extras, and exclusive content. For just $3 a month, you support the show and get more of the stories you love.
If you want another way to support Acadia After Dark — and treat yourself — check out the merch store. I just added a bunch of new designs featuring our updated logo. Grab something before you hit the trails. And with Father’s Day coming up, maybe your resident patriarch would appreciate a little memorabilia from his favorite horror podcast.
There’s a lot happening locally this time of year.
207 Paranormal just kicked off their first ghost tour of the season at Fort Knox. Check the Friends of Fort Knox Facebook page for ticket info.
Boo Fighters Paranormal are hosting a public investigation at the mill in Vassalboro on June 6.
Emporium Spooky Goods and More has officially moved to their new Main Street location in Bangor — the shop looks fantastic and they’ve got room for tons of new treasures.
And last but not least, the International Cryptozoology Museum opens in its new location on June 1.
That about wraps up this month’s Dispatch. Before I go, here’s a little nugget of local lore for you to carry into June: “If June be sunny, the harvest will come early. A damp warm June does the farmer no harm, but a cold and wet June spoils the rest of the year.” A wet June is said to predict a dry September, so plan accordingly. And thunderstorms on Midsummer’s Day (June 24) are believed to be a sign of a harsh, snowy winter. Hard to say how this month will unfold, but we’ll take it as it comes.
I’m off to set out some water for workings. Take care. Don’t forget to vote. Keep those lanterns lit and stay safe out there. Talk soon.
Watch Reverend Redbeard on Locating the Lost: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1F1LHzYCH2/


