This Weekend in Bangor
59th Annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
Saturday, April 18 — 11am start
Every April, a few hundred people willingly throw themselves into 16.5 miles of cold Maine whitewater. That's the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, and this Saturday it turns 59.
The race kicks off at 11am at the Kenduskeag Union Church and winds down to the confluence of the Penobscot in downtown Bangor, dropping through Class II and III water along the way, including two mandatory portages. It's the largest paddling event in New England, and last year more than 700 people registered to run it. Whether you're in a boat or not, Six Mile Falls is the place to be, where spectators gather to watch paddlers go over the drops. There's even a name for the watchers: river vultures. Bill Green coined it on WLBZ back in 1985, and it stuck.
This year's race carries a little extra weight. Edwin "Sonny" Colburn, who co-founded the event back in the 1960s, passed away earlier this year at 93. The race going on is probably exactly what he'd want.
After the finish, head to Sea Dog Brewing on the waterfront for free chili, chowder, and the awards ceremony.
Registration is still open at bangorme.myrec.com. Late fee is $75 per paddler. You can also register in person race morning at the Union Church from 8:30 to 10:15am.
Maine's Largest Vintage Pop-Up - Lost & Found Market
Saturday, April 18 — 11am to 5pm, Cross Insurance Center
If you're not on the water Saturday, the Cross Insurance Center is hosting what they bill as Maine's largest vintage pop-up market. Hundreds of vendors, everything from furniture and vinyl to clothing and oddities. It runs all day, so you can catch the canoe race finish at the waterfront and still have time to dig through someone's grandmother's jewelry collection. Free to browse.
Your Bangor Events Digest
April 17-24, 2026
Hello, Bangor community! 👋 Get ready to mark your calendars with the latest happenings around our city. This digest brings you a curated list of upcoming events, from crucial committee meetings shaping our city's future to special community celebrations. Dive in and discover how you can engage and connect!
Bangor Events This Week: April 17th - April 22nd 🗓️
Hello Bangor residents! Get ready for a week packed with diverse events, from live music and community gatherings to outdoor adventures and important civic meetings. We've curated a daily digest to help you make the most of what our vibrant city has to offer.
Friday, April 17th ✨
POSTPONED: Event Marking New Affordable Senior Housing
Time: 10:30 AM
Venue: 35 Milford St. Extension, Bangor
This event, originally scheduled to mark new affordable senior housing, has been postponed. Please check local announcements for rescheduling information.
Middles at the Museum
Time: Various
Venue: Maine Discovery Museum, Bangor
Engage with unique exhibits and activities designed for a middle-aged audience. Explore art and culture in the heart of Bangor.
Coffee Talk Bangor
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Venue: Dysart’s, Broadway, Bangor
Tune into Coffee Talk Bangor for local discussions, news, and community insights. Stay informed on what's happening in our city.
The Driver Era
Time: 7pm
Venue: Cross Insurance Arena, Bangor
Don't miss The Driver Era performing live in Bangor for an evening of captivating music and dynamic stage presence.
Adult Drop-In Basketball
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: Eastern Maine Community College
Join fellow enthusiasts for Adult Drop-In Basketball, a casual and active way to enjoy the sport.
Saturday, April 18th ☀️
Bobby Shmurda Live at Salt North – Saturday
Time: 9:00 PM
Venue: Salt North, Bangor
(via www.eventbrite.com)
Don't miss Bobby Shmurda performing live at Salt North for an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.
Feud Gone Wild with Blue Sky
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Blue Sky Lounge
(via www.eventbrite.com)
Join "Feud Gone Wild" featuring Blue Sky for an evening of lively competition and fun. Gather your friends for a hilarious game show experience.
An Afternoon with Irene Drago
Time: 1:00 PM
Venue: Books-A-Million, Bangor
(via www.eventbrite.com)
Spend a delightful afternoon with author Irene Drago, engaging in conversations about her work and literary insights.
Bangor Blitz Scavenger Hunt
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: Nest, Bangor
(via www.eventbrite.com)
Embark on an exciting Bangor Blitz Scavenger Hunt, exploring the city while solving clues and challenges.
Beginner Bird Walk
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Old Town
(via www.eventbrite.com), Bangor
Grab your binoculars and join a beginner bird walk to spot local avian species. A perfect outdoor activity for nature lovers.
FOLKs Trail Days
Time: Various
Venue: Downtown, Bangor
Connect with nature and community during FOLKs Trail Days, dedicated to trail maintenance and outdoor enjoyment.
Bangor's European Market
Time: 8:30am-12:30pm
Venue: Ingrid's German Gift Shop
Stroll through Bangor's European Market, featuring a variety of unique goods, delicious foods, and artisan crafts.
The Queen's Tea Party
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Venue: The Stage Door, Bangor
Experience an elegant and enchanting afternoon at The Queen's Tea Party. Enjoy delightful treats and charming company.
Core & Pelvic Floor Workshop
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Venue: Wellness Works of Maine, Bangor
Information: downtownbangor.com
Do you struggle with low back pain, weakness during workouts, leaking when you jump or laugh, or a general feeling of disconnection in your core?
You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck with it
Sunday, April 19th 🧘♀️🏀
2026 Husson University Campus Walk
Time: 10am-12pm
Venue: Husson University
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Campus Walks engage students in the fight to prevent suicide
Bangor Winter Farmer’s Market
Time: 11am-1pm
Venue: Sea Dog, Bangor
WINTER Bangor Farmers Market is held every 1st and 3rd Sunday through April at the Seadog Restaurant banquet room, 26 Front St, far left entrance! 11-1pm
Beginner Pole
Time: 11am-12pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Try your hand at Beginner Pole, a fun and challenging way to build strength, coordination, and confidence.
Intro to Pole
Time: 12pm-1pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Get started with the fundamentals of pole fitness in this introductory class. Discover a unique form of exercise and artistry.
Burlesque Basics
Time: 1pm-2pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Learn the foundational moves and expressive techniques of burlesque in a supportive and empowering environment.
Circus Fitness
Time: 2pm-3pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Engage in Circus Fitness to develop strength, flexibility, and aerial skills with a unique and exciting workout.
Sunday Community Jam
Time: 2pm-5pm
Venue: 2 Feet Brewing
Sundays at 2 Feet, come to the community jam, where people just show up with instruments and play from 2 to 5.
Embodied Parts: A Yoga & Internal Family Systems Workshop
Time: 2pm-4pm
Venue: Spiral Studio
A 2-hour guided journey of self-discovery, compassion, and integration
Monday, April 20th 🎤🎶
Monday Karaoke at Paddy Murphy's
Time: 9pm
Venue: Paddy Murphy’s, Bangor
Unleash your inner rock star or enjoy the show at Monday Karaoke at Paddy Murphy's. A lively night of singing awaits.
Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks
Time: Various
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Soar to new heights with Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks classes. Learn foundational techniques in these graceful aerial arts.
Patriots' Day
Time: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM (All Day)
Venue: Bangor, ME 04401
Celebrate Patriots' Day, a state holiday in Maine. Please note that City Offices will be closed.
Tuesday, April 21st 👶🎙️
Bouncing Baby Story Time
Time: 10:15am-10:35am
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Bring your little ones for Bouncing Baby Story Time, a delightful session of stories, songs, and sensory play.
Tiny Tots Storytime
Time: 11am-11:30am
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Engage your preschoolers with Tiny Tots Storytime, featuring captivating stories, rhymes, and interactive activities.
Songwriters' Open Mic
Time: 5pm-8pm
Venue: 2 Feet Brewing
Share your original music or discover local talent at the Songwriters' Open Mic. A supportive community for aspiring musicians.
Tuesday Live Irish Sessions & Open Mic
Time: 6pm
Venue: Paddy Murphy’s
Enjoy traditional Irish music and an open mic session for a vibrant evening of cultural melodies and performances. Paddy Murphy’s Live Irish Jam 6-8pm & Open Mic, 9pm to close!
Pole Conditioning
Time: 6pm-7pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Enhance your strength, stamina, and technique with Pole Conditioning. This class focuses on building the necessary fitness for pole arts.
Floor & Flow Class
Time: 7pm-8pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Discover fluidity and expressive movement in the Floor & Flow Class, exploring dynamic floorwork and creative sequences.
Marketing Subcommittee Monthly Meeting
Time: 5:15 PM
Venue: Zoom Meeting, Bangor
FUSION:Bangor’s Marketing subcommittee holds its monthly meeting. If interested in joining, reach out to [email protected].
Bangor Water District Board of Trustees
Time: 3:45 PM
Venue: 614 State St., Bangor
The Bangor Water District Board of Trustees will convene for their meeting. Agendas are finalized the Friday before and are subject to change.
Personnel Committee
Time: 5:15 PM
Venue: 73 Harlow Street, Bangor
The Personnel Committee will hold a meeting to discuss relevant matters. Agendas and materials are finalized the Friday prior and may be subject to changes.
Planning Board
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: 73 Harlow St., Bangor
Attend the Planning Board meeting to stay informed on local development projects and urban planning initiatives. Agendas are subject to change.
Tuesdays at KACH (cancelled)
Time: Various
Venue: KACH, Bangor
Please note that the "Tuesdays at KACH" yoga adventure class, originally scheduled for today, has been cancelled.
Wednesday, April 22nd 📺💼
The Nite Show Live
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: (via www.eventbrite.com), Bangor
Be part of the studio audience for "The Nite Show Live," a local talk show featuring interviews and entertainment.
Stitch ‘N B*TCH
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Venue: Red Velvet Bazaar
Come learn how to sew and mend clothes with other people at Red Rabbit Bazaar! Every Wednesday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
Holiday Youth Convention 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Calvary Apostolic Church, Hampden, ME
Attend the Holiday Youth Convention 2026 for an inspiring and engaging gathering designed for youth development and community.
Raven // Slack Jaw @ OTT
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Old Town Theater
Catch Raven and Slack Jaw performing live at OTT for an evening of energetic music and compelling performances.
Finance Committee
Time: 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM
Venue: 262 Harlow St., Bangor
The Finance Committee will hold a meeting to discuss budgetary matters and financial oversight for the city. Agendas are subject to change.
Business & Economic Development Committee
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Venue: 262 Harlow St., Bangor
Join the Business & Economic Development Committee meeting to discuss strategies for fostering local economic growth.
Infrastructure Committee
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue: 262 Harlow St., Bangor
The Infrastructure Committee will convene to address city infrastructure projects, planning, and maintenance. Agendas are subject to change.
Thursday, April 23rd
City Council Budget Workshop
Time: 5:15 PM
Venue: Council Chambers - 73 Harlow St., Bangor
The Infrastructure Committee will convene to address city infrastructure projects, planning, and maintenance. Agendas are subject to change.
Next Chapter Book Club
Time: 2:00- 3:00 PM
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Next Chapter Book Club is a community-based book club for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Garbologist
Time: April 23 at 7:00 pm – May 10, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Venue: Penobscot Theatre Company
So much of who we are can be discovered in what we throw away, and no one knows that better than a city sanitation worker.
Friday, April 24th
Anah Shrine Circus
Time: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Venue: Cross Insurance Center
Welcome to Anah Shrine Circus, bringing big-top excitement to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor—one of Maine’s favorite spots for a night out with family and friends. For locals and visitors alike, Anah Shrine Circus – Bangor Bangor feels like a tradition worth cheering for.
Bangor Contradance
Time: 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church
We are so excited to see you again! Join us as we welcome in a new era of Bangor Contra Dance! Every 4th Friday!
Comedy Night
Time: 8:00 PM-10:00 PM
Venue: Hollywood Casino
Bring your friends and get ready to laugh all night long—comedy is taking over the Lancaster Room at Hollywood Casino!
Headliner: Ray Harrington
Editor's Note:
We hope this daily digest helps you explore the wonderful events happening in Bangor! From cultural experiences to community meetings, there's always something to do. Enjoy your week!
Food Truck Frenzy at The Furniture Gallery
April 18 - Food Truck Day - 10am-4pm
April 20 - Thai Lotus
April 21 - Mainely Taco
April 22 - Brick & Embers
April 23 - Brick & Embers
Rasa Indian Cuisine | 175 Exchange St., Downtown Bangor
Sai Guntaka noticed something when his cousin moved to Bangor for school: no Indian food. So he brought some. Guntaka, who co-owns the popular Taj restaurant in South Portland, opened Rasa Indian Cuisine at 175 Exchange St. on March 29, filling a storefront between York and Hancock streets that got a full gut renovation, ceiling and all, designed by Ervin Architecture, the same firm behind the Maine Savings Amphitheater and Blaze downtown.
Photo Rasa Instagram
Rasa runs a lunch buffet from 11am to 2pm and dinner from 4 to 9pm, seven days a week. If you haven't been yet, this is the nudge.
Soubanh Phanthay | The Maine Attraction
The Maine Attraction: A Local Love Story in the Making — And How You Can Be Part of It
Something exciting is taking shape right here in Maine.
“The Maine Attraction,” a locally produced reality dating show, is officially underway and it’s already generating buzz among singles and businesses alike. Designed to bring together young adults ages 21–35, the show aims to do more than just create entertaining television. Its mission is to help Mainers build real relationships, discover meaningful connections, and experience the unique adventures and opportunities our state has to offer.
*Where the Project Stands Today*
Production planning is in full swing. Casting has begun, early applicants have stepped forward, and the creative direction of the show is coming to life. The format will blend high-energy, competitive elements with authentic relationship-building experiences. Participants will take part in activities like speed dating, guided connection exercises, group mixers, and curated Maine-based adventures that highlight everything from local culture to outdoor experiences.
The goal is simple but ambitious: create a show that is entertaining, emotionally engaging, and rooted in the real lives of Maine residents.
Photo by Patricia Schimpf at Eye Tide Images
*A Call for Singles Ready for Something Different*
If you’re single in Maine and feel like you’ve “tried everything” when it comes to dating, this may be your opportunity to try something bold.
We are actively looking for individuals who are:
* Between the ages of 21–35
* Open to new experiences
* Ready to form genuine connections
* Interested in being part of something bigger than themselves
Whether you’re someone who thrives on competition, enjoys meeting new people, or simply wants a fresh approach to finding love, we encourage you to apply. This is not just about dating, it’s about growth, connection, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
*Opportunities for Local Businesses*
“The Maine Attraction” is also shaping up to be a powerful platform for local businesses to gain visibility and community engagement.
We are currently opening the door for partnerships in several areas, including:
* Sponsorship opportunities
* Advertising placements
* Product integration and placement
* Hosting filming locations
* Supporting production needs such as transportation, catering, and set design
This is a chance for businesses to align themselves with a positive, locally driven project that highlights Maine’s people, places, and potential. Participating businesses won’t just be sponsors, they’ll be part of the story.
*Building Something Maine Can Be Proud Of*
At its core, “The Maine Attraction” is about strengthening connections—between people, within communities, and across the state. It’s about showing that Maine is not just a place to live, but a place to build relationships, careers, and meaningful lives.
We’re just getting started, and the next phase depends on you.
*Apply. Get involved. Be part of the attraction.*
Hike for the Homeless/Homelessness Advisory Committee
The 31st annual Hike for the Homeless returned to the Bangor Waterfront recently, bringing hundreds of people together to raise money for local shelter and housing services. Thirty-one years is a long time to show up for something. This city keeps showing up.
And at City Hall, the Bangor City Council voted on March 23 to form a new Advisory Committee on Homelessness, bringing together experts, people with lived experience of housing instability, and representatives from peer municipalities to help shape a more coordinated response. The council is currently seeking volunteers to serve. If that's you, reach out to the city at bangormaine.gov.
Photos: Memorymaker Photography
What item was invented in Bangor?
The Friends of Lower Kenduskeag Stream, the all-volunteer group that maintains the Kenduskeag Stream Trail from Franklin Street to Harlow Street, holds its monthly trail day this Saturday, April 18, from 8am to 9:30am. Meet behind Penquis on Harlow Street. Good way to start the day before the canoe race chaos kicks in.
Food Resources
If you or someone you know needs a meal or groceries, here are some places operating in Bangor right now. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
Salvation Army Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, 65 South Park St. Meals Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 1pm. Food pantry Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 to 11am (walk-in). 207-535-9572.
Manna Ministry, 95 Center St. Hot meals Monday through Friday, 4 to 5pm. Food pantry Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3 to 4pm.
Brick Church, 126 Union St. Meals Monday through Friday, 4:30 to 5:30pm. Clothes and showers also available Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 2pm.
Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, 263 Main St. Soup kitchen daily at 11:45am. Food pantry Sunday and Tuesday, 1 to 4pm (one visit per month).
Bangor Food Pantry, 28 High St. (at Hammond Street Congregational Church). Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am to noon. Bangor residents only.
Bangor Region YMCA, 17 Second St. Food pantry Tuesdays 6 to 8am, Thursdays 6 to 7:30pm, Saturdays 12:30 to 2:30pm.
Have an announcement, job posting, event, or local news tip for Queen City Weekly? Reply to this email or reach us at [email protected]. Paid listings coming soon.
See you next Friday. — Ken, Editor
Queen City Weekly | Greater Bangor, Maine