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A note from the editor
Summer hasn’t officially arrived on the calendar, however, we had a glimpse of it recently. The weather did not get the memo that it’s nearly June as we continue to deal with cool temps and more rain.
This weekend is bringing clouds, showers, and temperatures that feel more like early April than late May. That's fine. We've done this before. The long weekend is behind us, the baseball diamond is starting to smell like dirt again, and there's still plenty happening if you know where to look. Some of it is even indoors.
We'll get there.
Ken, the editor
THIS WEEKEND IN BANGOR
The rain is real, but it doesn't have to run your weekend.
If you made no plans whatsoever, tonight might be the most fun you'll have. The I Love the 90s Tour rolls into the Cross Insurance Center at 7 p.m. with Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd, and Young MC. Yes, all of them. On one stage. In Bangor. That's either the greatest thing you've heard all week or a deeply alarming sign of where the years have gone. Either way, tickets are still available.
Sunday is your best window for getting outside, even briefly. The Bangor Farmers Market runs 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Abbot Square, across from the public library on Harlow Street. It's one of the better reasons to leave the house on a gray morning: fresh bread, local meat and cheese, made-to-order crepes, and coffee. If Saturday suits you better, the Bangor European Market is open year-round at Buck Street from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This Sunday also happens to be one of the best weekends of the year to show up at the market if you have any interest in growing things. Call it peak seedling week. Maine's last frost dates run late May into early June, which means right now is the narrow window when local farmers are selling the starts they've been growing indoors all spring, and gardeners are finally ready to put them in the ground. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers, you name it. Late May through mid-June is the prime window for getting heat-loving vegetables into the ground in Maine, and buying from a market vendor means you're getting varieties that were actually grown for this climate, not shipped in from a greenhouse in New Jersey. Check the Bangor Farmers Market Facebook page for what vendors are bringing this week before you go.
Also on Sunday: harness racing at Bass Park. Post time is 12:15 p.m. The grandstand is open-air, so check the radar before you go, but it's one of those quietly great Bangor things that a lot of people have never tried. The track has been running continuously since 1893. That's not a typo.
Your Week Ahead in Bangor
May 29th - June 4th! 🗓️
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Welcome to your essential guide to upcoming events in Bangor! This week is packed with outdoor adventures, engaging workshops, community gatherings, and lively entertainment. Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, enjoy some live music, or connect with your neighbors, there's something for everyone.
Dive into the daily happenings below and make the most of your week! ✨
Friday, May 29th ✨
* Warbler Walk at Fields Pond 🐦
Time: 8:00 AM
Venue: Fields Pond, Holden
Discover the avian gems of spring on a walk around Fields Pond. Learn the keys for identifying common Maine warblers while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. View Event
* Pole Conditioning 💪
Time: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Build strength. Gain control. Level up your pole skills. View Event
* Beginner Pole 💪
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Start your pole fitness journey with this beginner-friendly class. Learn foundational moves in a supportive environment. View Event
* Tech Tutoring
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Want to organize your emails? Having trouble using a particular website or program? Wondering why that annoying message keeps popping up on your screen? Whatever your question, Hannah will work with you to find an answer and help you to solve your problems. View Event
* I Know What You’re Reading This Summer: Horror Writers Panel Event
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: BookSpace
Join The Briar Patch for a panel event called “I Know What You’re Reading This Summer” featuring Maine horror creators and moderated by Justin Soderberg of the Capes and Tights podcast. View Event
* Kickboxing & Martial Arts Fitness 🥋
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Get an invigorating workout with this kickboxing and martial arts fitness class. Improve your strength, endurance, and self-defense skills. View Event
* I Love the 90’s Tour 🎤
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Cross Insurance Center
Relive the golden era of hip-hop and R&B with the "I Love the 90s Tour." Get ready to dance and sing along to your favorite throwback hits. Get Tickets
* Lyra Tips and Tricks 💫
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Ready to level up your aerial game? This class is all about the little details that make a BIG impact. View Event
* Sweet Motha Child Reunion Show
Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Venue: Bodywise Pilates Studio
The Derry to Derry Sweet Motha Child Reunion Tour! View Event
* Comedy Night
Time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Venue: Hollywood Casino
Experience a night of wit and laughter as comedy takes center stage in the Lancaster Room. Headliner: Andrew Dela Volpe View Event
Saturday, May 30th ✨
* Storytime & Book signing
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Venue: The Briar Patch
The Briar Patch is pleased to invite you to a Storytime and Book Signing to celebrate the new book LOBSTER BAKE AND BLUEBERRY CAKE by Karen Richards Toothaker. We do hope you and your children will join us on the carpet at The Briar Patch for this fun event! View Event
* Bangor's European Market 🥕
Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: Ingrid's German Gift Shop - 117 Buck Street
Explore a unique selection of goods at Bangor's European Market. Find fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and more from local vendors. View Event
* Evolve. Embody. Empower ~ A Movement and Reflection Mini-Retreat
Time: 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Venue: Spiral Studio
Through movement, breath, and embodied meditation, we’ll expand into the fullness of who we are—awakening the light within our whole selves. View Event
* Sauna, Plunge & Big Moon Barrens Adventure
Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Venue: Dedham, ME
Join MYA for yoga outside, sauna relaxation, plunging into the water (optional!), eating yummy vegetarian food, and watching a super-close-to-full moon rise in the blueberry barrens… View Event
* Bangor Pride’s Big Dig Day
Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Venue: Norumbega Park - Victory
Downtown Bangor Partnership’s Big Dig is back, and this year, we are bringing our own vibrant splash of color! We are thrilled to announce that we have officially adopted a garden plot in Norumbega Park on the Central St side and we have a very special vision for it. View Event
* Scottish fiddler Sean Heely and Beth Patterson in Concert 🎻
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Next Generation Theatre
Bangor Celtic Crossroads presents a captivating concert featuring Scottish fiddler and singer Sean Heely with bouzouki player and singer Beth Patterson. View Event
* Dance to Rock & Roll Live music 🎸
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Ellsworth YMCA
Join the Downeast Dancers for a night of live rock & roll music with "Rockin' Ron & The New Society Band." Get ready to hit the dance floor! View Event
* DJ Joshua Carl Live at The Sound Stage Lounge 🎸
Time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Venue: Hollywood Casino
DJ Joshua Carl will be playing live at The Sound Stage Lounge on May 30th at 8pm! Come check them out! View Event
Sunday, May 31st ✨
* Community Clothing Swap @Red Rabbit Bazaar 👚
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Venue: Red Rabbit Bazaar
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at the Community Clothing Swap. Bring your gently used clothes and find new treasures. View Event
* Bangor Farmers Market 🍎
Time: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Venue: Across from Bangor Public Library
Support local farmers and producers at the Bangor Farmers Market. Discover fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. View Event
* Intro to Pole ✨
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Experience the exciting world of pole fitness in this introductory session. Learn fundamental moves and build confidence. View Event
* Burlesque Basics 💃
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Explore the fundamentals of burlesque in this fun and empowering class. Learn classic movements and expressive techniques. View Event
* Spring Concert 🎶
Time: 2:00 PM
Venue: All Souls Congregational Church
Enjoy a delightful spring concert featuring local talent. A perfect afternoon to appreciate beautiful music. View Event
* Sunday Community Jam 🎸
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Venue: 2 Feet Brewing
Join fellow musicians for an afternoon of impromptu music-making at the Sunday Community Jam. All instruments and skill levels welcome. View Event
* Circus Fitness 🎪
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Get fit the fun way with Circus Fitness! This class combines strength, flexibility, and acrobatic elements inspired by circus arts. View Event
* Circus Troupe Training 🤸
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Hone your acrobatic and performance skills at this Circus Troupe Training session. Perfect for those looking to advance their circus arts. View Event
Monday, June 1st ✨
* Rabbit Rabbit Start of Month Sale 🛍️
Time: 12:00 am
Venue: downtownbangor.com, Bangor
Kick off the new month with great deals at the Rabbit Rabbit Start of Month Sale. Don't miss out on special offers! View Event
* Monday Karaoke at Paddy Murphy's 🎤
Time: 9:00 pm
Venue: Paddy Murphy's
Get ready to sing your heart out at Paddy Murphy's Monday Karaoke! A lively night of music and fun awaits. View Event
* Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks 🤸♀️
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Experience the beauty of aerial arts with this beginner class in Lyra and Aerial Silks. Learn to move gracefully in the air. View Event
* Kickboxing & Martial Arts 🥊
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Join an energetic kickboxing and martial arts session for a full-body workout. Improve your fitness and learn new techniques. View Event
* Chimera Coffee Trivia 🧠
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Venue: Chimera Coffee
Gather your team and test your trivia prowess at Chimera Coffee. Enjoy a stimulating evening of questions and fun. View Event
* Intro to Pole ✨
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Experience the exciting world of pole fitness in this introductory session. Learn fundamental moves and build confidence. View Event
Tuesday, June 2nd ✨
* Lit Chicks Book Club 📚
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Join the Lit Chicks Book Club for an engaging discussion on this month's selected read. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow readers. View Event
* Songwriters' Open Mic 🎸
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: 2 Feet Brewing
Showcase your original music or enjoy listening to local talent at the Songwriters' Open Mic. A vibrant evening for music lovers. View Event
* Beginner Belly Dance 💃
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Discover the ancient art of belly dance in this beginner class. Learn basic steps and graceful movements in a welcoming atmosphere. View Event
* Tuesday Live Irish Sessions & Open Mic 🍀
Time: 6:00 pm
Venue: Paddy Murphy's
Immerse yourself in traditional Irish music at this live session and open mic. Bring your instrument or simply enjoy the lively tunes. View Event
* Best of Bangor Walking Tour 🚶♀️
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Bangor Historical Society
Explore the highlights of Bangor on this guided walking tour. Discover fascinating history, architecture, and local gems. View Event
* Floor & Flow Class 🧘♀️
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Unwind and connect with your body in this Floor & Flow Class. Focus on fluid movements, flexibility, and graceful transitions. View Event
Wednesday, June 3rd ✨
* Line Dance 💃
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Get your boots on for another energetic line dance session! Learn new steps and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon. View Event
* Tech Tutoring 💻
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Get personalized assistance with your tech questions at Tech Tutoring. From smartphones to computers, get the help you need. View Event
* Teen Dungeons and Dragons Club 🎲
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Join the Teen Dungeons and Dragons Club for an afternoon of adventure and camaraderie. Craft epic tales with fellow fantasy enthusiasts. View Event
STITCH 'N BTCH 🧵
Time: 4:00 PM
Venue: Red Rabbit Bazaar, Bangor
Gather with fellow crafters for STITCH 'N B*TCH. Work on your projects, share tips, and enjoy good company. View Event
* Back on the Trail: A Workshop for Those Done Saying No Because of Knee Pain 🚶♀️
Time: 5:30 PM
Venue: Thriving Proof, Bangor
This workshop is for anyone whose social calendar is limited by knee pain. Learn strategies to get "back on the trail" and enjoy life without regret. View Event
* Intermediate Pole Dance ✨
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Continue to refine your pole dance techniques in this intermediate class. Focus on strength, flexibility, and dynamic movements. View Event
* Celebrate the 250th – A Community Exhibit 🖼️
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Join in celebrating the 250th anniversary with a special community exhibit. Explore local history and artistry. View Event
* Kickboxing & Martial Arts Fitness 🥋
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Boost your fitness with this high-energy kickboxing and martial arts class. Improve agility, power, and discipline. View Event
Thursday, June 4th ✨
* Next Chapter Book Club 📚
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Join the Next Chapter Book Club for literary discussion and camaraderie. Dive into compelling stories and share your insights. View Event
* Teen Fun with 4-H
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Join Emily from Penobscot County 4-H on the first Thursday of every month for STEM fun in the Teen Room! Grades 6-12 only, please. View Event
* FUSION: Bangor with PRIDE!
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Venue: Paddy Murphy's
FUSION:Bangor is excited to partner with Bangor Pride for our June FUSION:First event at Paddy Murphy’s outdoor patio in downtown Bangor! 🌈
Along with an evening of networking and connection, we’ll also be collecting donations for a tie-dye event that Bangor Pride is hosting at Bangor Area Recovery Network (The BARN) later this month. View Event
* Beginner Pole Flow 💪
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Learn the art of smooth transitions and graceful movements in this Beginner Pole Flow class. Combine basic tricks into fluid sequences. View Event
* Chair Burlesque 💃
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Unleash your inner performer with Chair Burlesque. Learn empowering and seductive choreography using a chair as your prop. View Event
* Film Screening of "The Extraordinary Caterpillar" 🐛
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Celebrate Pollinator Month with a free screening of "The Extraordinary Caterpillar" at the Bangor Public Library. All are welcome! View Event
* Trivia Night at Nocturnem Draft Haus 🧠
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Venue: Nocturnem Draft Haus
Team up for Trivia Night at Nocturnem Draft Haus! Challenge your mind and enjoy a night of fun and competition. View Event
* Belly Dance Class 💃
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Dive into the enchanting world of belly dance with this engaging class. Learn and perfect classic techniques and movements. View Event
* Pole Clinic Class 💫
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Refine your pole skills with targeted instruction in this Pole Clinic Class. Focus on specific challenges and receive personalized tips. View Event
Editor's Note
What a vibrant week ahead for Bangor! From cultural performances and lively markets to unique fitness classes and community gatherings, there's truly something for every interest. We encourage you to step out, explore, and connect with your local community. Enjoy the beautiful spring weather and all the wonderful activities our city has to offer!
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Location - The Furniture Gallery, Broadway
Friday, 5/29 Rizza’s Kitchen
Location - Bangor Waterfront
Ca C'est Bon Cajun Food Truck
Wild Cow Creamery
Salt & Cedar Kitchen
The Thai Lotus
Brick & Embers
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The upsides are always there. We’ll find them before breakfast.
MJ’s Catering & Event Center | 16 Union St.
The padlock showed up on the door at 16 Union Street on a Friday morning earlier this month. Salt North Tap Room, which had been open less than a year, was done.
The short version: a Penobscot County judge hit Salt North's owner with a $135,000 default judgment in April after a lawsuit from a former head chef who accused the owner of violating labor laws and failing to pay him for all hours worked. The owner didn't show up to court. The building's owner confirmed the closure to the Bangor Daily News, citing a litany of issues without getting into specifics. Bangor Daily News
It's worth saying: the concept had real promise. Caribbean soul food, craft cocktails, a beer garden, live music. Bangor could use more of that. The space just didn't make it.
What comes next is more interesting. The building is being reworked into MJ's Catering and Event Center, run by building owner Mark Greenleaf, who operated Carolina's Sports and Spirits at that same address for more than 20 years before stepping away last spring.
MJ’s Catering Facebook
The plan is a buffet-style setup open to the public before shows at the Maine Savings Amphitheater, pay at the door, servers bringing drinks, in and out before the headliner. The menu will carry over some recipes from the Carolina's kitchen, and the concert season kicks off June 5. Q106.5
Greenleaf knows that room. If anyone can make 16 Union Street work again, it's probably him.
Carl Bruce Farnsworth | 1947–2023
If you've ever eaten at Pat's Pizza in Orono, you've been in Bruce Farnsworth's place.
Bruce, known around town as "Pat Junior," spent decades behind the counter talking with customers and building Pat's Pizza into a household name across Maine and beyond. He was the son of C.D. "Pat" Farnsworth, who opened Farnsworth's Cafe in Orono in 1931, adding pizza to the menu in 1953. It proved so popular he rebranded the whole restaurant around it. Bruce carried that legacy forward, and then some.Bangor Daily News
He was also a car guy, through and through. His passion for Ford Shelby Mustangs carried him far, and his first restoration was a 1931 Model A, started when he was just fourteen years old. The walls of Pat's told that story for anyone who looked up long enough to notice. Bangor Daily News
Bruce passed away in November 2023. His family has kept his memory alive the right way. Last year, close to 100 vehicles turned out for the first annual charity cruise-in held in his honor, with proceeds going to the Bangor Humane Society, the Old Town Animal Orphanage, and Shriners Children's Hospitals. Newscenter Maine Foxbangor
The second annual Bruce Farnsworth Car Show is coming up Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 550 Odlin Road in Bangor. Free admission, all vehicles welcome, food and music on site. If you knew Bruce, you already know why this matters. If you didn't, showing up is a pretty good way to start.
The Bangor Fire Department quietly hit a milestone this month. For the first time ever, a fourth rescue is officially staffed and operational in the city. The new unit, designated Rescue 2, is based out of Central Station on Main Street and is staffed during daytime hours Tuesday through Friday, added in response to increasing call volumes. It won't make headlines the way a lot of things do, but more ambulances on the road means faster response times when it matters most. That's worth knowing.
City of Bangor Facebook
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Harness racing has been run continuously at Bass Park right here in Bangor since what year?
Cruise Nights of Bangor is already underway for the summer at Dysart's Flatbed Pub on Broadway, every Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Classic cars, cold drinks, no admission. If this weekend's forecast has you staying in, put next Thursday on the calendar instead. Follow Cruise Nights of Bangor on Facebook for themed nights and updates.
Got a car show or cruise night coming up in the greater Bangor area? Reach out to us at Queen City Weekly and we'll get it in front of readers.
Cruise Nights of Bangor Facebook
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.
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Stay dry out there and see you next Friday. — Ken, Editor
Queen City Weekly | Greater Bangor, Maine