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A note from the editor

This weekend, Bangor Pride comes home to the waterfront.

It's a first. For more than 30 years, the parade and festival have lived downtown. This Saturday, they move to the river, with the parade winding down Water Street and the festival spreading out across the Bangor Waterfront. The organizers are calling it "Color Our World With Pride," and from the look of the schedule, they mean it.

There's a lot in this issue to set you up for the weekend, plus a look at the person making Pride weekend happen, and one of Bangor's older, quieter Saturday traditions that's worth knowing about.

As always, free and in your inbox. Tell a neighbor.

Ken, the editor

THIS WEEKEND IN BANGOR

Pride Weekend is the centerpiece, but the weekend has more going on than just that. Here's the full picture, Friday through Sunday.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

  • Bangor Contradance 💃
    Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Community Dance 6–7 PM, Contra Dance 7–10 PM)
    Venue: Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor, 120 Park St.
    Family-friendly community dance from 6 to 7 PM ($2, kids under 10 free), followed by the main contra dance with a suggested $15–$25 donation. No experience needed. Bring an instrument and join the open band.

  • Pride Party Featuring Delicious Drag Divas 🎤
    Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Venue: House of Entertainment, Bangor
    A Pride kickoff drag party to get the weekend going. Performances, community, and a good time.

  • High Stakes House of Comedy: Ryan Shea and Cher Lynn
    Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Venue: Hollywood Casino, Bass Park
    Ryan Shea has been a fixture of the Boston comedy circuit for 15 years. Joined by Cher Lynn for a night of stand-up.

  • Cryin' Out Loud Live at Penobscot Pour House 🎤
    Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Venue: Penobscot Pour House, 14 Larkin St.
    Maine blues-rock band Cryin' Out Loud playing in support of their latest album. Gritty guitars, good crowd energy.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

  • Bangor's European Market
    Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    Venue: Downtown Bangor
    Weekly Saturday market from Ingrid's German Gift Shop with meats, seafood, produce, baked goods, and gifts from local and international vendors.

  • Bangor Pride Parade and Festival
    Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Parade at 11:00 AM)
    Venue: Bangor Waterfront
    Central Maine's largest Pride celebration moves to the waterfront this year. Free and open to all ages. Parade at 11 AM, followed by vendors, live entertainment, a children and family area, and a community art project through 4 PM.

  • Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour
    Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Venue: Mount Hope Cemetery
    A guided walk through Bangor's 300-acre garden cemetery, the second oldest in the country. Local history, gravestone symbolism, and some of the city's better views. Worth knowing about.

  • ABRACABANGOR Drag Show 🎤
    Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Venue: Norumbega Hall, 40 Harlow St.
    Hosted by Carmilla Velour. A Pride night drag show benefiting Bangor Pride. High-energy performances in a beautiful room.

  • Six Wayz to Sunday Live at Penobscot Pour House 🎤
    Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Venue: Penobscot Pour House, 14 Larkin St.
    High-energy party band covering rock, pop, and alternative. A good late-night option if you want to stay out after Pride.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

  • Faith in Full Color: A Pride Worship Service
    Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    Venue: Hammond Street Congregational Church
    An inclusive, all-are-welcome Pride worship service with music and a sermon titled "Salvation Includes Social Justice."

  • Bangor Farmers Market
    Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
    Venue: Franklin and Harlow Streets (across from Bangor Public Library)
    The weekly Sunday market. Locally grown, locally made.

  • Vigil for Charlie Howard
    Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
    Venue: Kenduskeag Stream Bridge, Downtown Bangor
    An annual remembrance gathering marking the life and legacy of Charlie Howard, the 23-year-old gay man murdered on this bridge in 1984. Coordinated walking routes from downtown. Ends with a vigil and white rose ceremony at the bridge.

  • Sunday Community Jam 🎤
    Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Downtown Bangor
    Musicians show up with instruments and play. That's the whole thing. Every Sunday. Free to watch.

Queen City Weekly Event Listing

Friday, June 26 – Thursday, July 2, 2026

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From Pride parade to steel band to Weezy on the waterfront, this is a week that earns the fireworks coming next. The full listing runs Friday through Thursday — events, classes, and a few things worth clearing your calendar for.

Dive into the daily happenings below and make the most of your week! ✨

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

  • Tech Tutoring Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. Digital Media Librarian Hannah Cyrus takes your tech questions one-on-one — in person, by phone, or over Zoom. Book a 60-minute slot.

  • Pole Conditioning 💪 Time: 10:00 AM–11:00 AM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Core, arms, shoulders, grip — a targeted strength class built specifically for pole. All levels.

  • LEGO Club Time: 11:00 AM–11:45 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. Free-play LEGO fun for kids ages 5–11. Let the imagination run.

  • Live Harness Racing Time: 12:10 PM | Venue: Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park Post time is 12:10 PM sharp. Pick your favorites early and stick around for the Crown of the Queen City promotion on races 3–10.

  • Bangor Contradance 🎤 Time: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM | Venue: Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor, 120 Park St. Every 4th Friday. Community Dance (family-friendly, $2, kids under 10 free) runs 6–7 PM, then Contra Dance takes over 7–10 PM. Bring an instrument and join the open band.

  • Beginner Pole 💪 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B No experience needed. Learn spins, floorwork, and build confidence in a supportive, beginner-friendly class.

  • Pride Party Featuring Delicious Drag Divas 💫 Time: 7:00 PM–10:00 PM | Venue: The House of Entertainment Fierce performances, big energy, and a whole lot of fabulousness to kick off Pride weekend. Come ready to celebrate.

  • Lyra Tips and Tricks 💫 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Polish your hoop game — refine technique, smooth out transitions, and build confidence in the air.

  • High Stakes House of Comedy: Ryan Shea and Cher Lynn Time: 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Venue: The House of Entertainment Ryan Shea brings 15 years of Boston comedy scene cred, and Cher Lynn rounds out a night of laughs. Tickets at the door.

  • Cryin' Out Loud Live at Penobscot Pour House 🎤 Time: 9:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: Penobscot Pour House Maine blues-rock on tap. Cryin' Out Loud hits the stage in support of their latest album — gritty guitars, driving rhythms, authentic Maine grit.

  • The Fantasticks 🎭
    Time: See website for showtimes | Venue: Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St.
    Penobscot Theatre Company closes its 52nd season with a triumphant production of the classic American musical — stellar cast, rich music, and an ending worth the ride. Running through July 12. Tickets at penobscottheatre.org or 207-942-3333.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

  • Bangor's European Market Time: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM | Venue: Bangor's European Market (Ingrid's German Gift Shop area) Weekly Saturday market with meats, seafood, produce, artisanal baked goods, and gifts from near and far.

  • Bangor Pride Parade & Festival Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Waterfront Central Maine's largest 2SLGBTQIA+ celebration — over 30 years running and this year moving to a new home on the waterfront. Parade, music, community, and everything in between.

  • Evolve: An Embodied Movement & Reflection Experience 💫 Time: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Guided dance, meditation, and reflection woven together. Move freely, breathe, and connect with where you are right now.

  • The Zillman's 80th Anniversary: Glitz & Glamor Gala 🎨 Time: 5:00 PM–10:30 PM | Venue: Norumbega Hall, 40 Harlow St. The Zillman Art Museum turns 80 with a proper red carpet gala — music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, and a dress code that calls for your most creative look.

  • Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour Time: 6:00 PM–7:30 PM | Venue: Mount Hope Cemetery, 1048 State St. Learn the stories behind Bangor's famous (and infamous) residents on a guided tour of the nation's second-oldest garden cemetery. Symbolism, vistas, and a few surprises.

  • BLeAK MASS: Pride of the Living Dead 🎤 Time: 8:00 PM | Venue: The House of Entertainment A monthly goth dance night goes Pride. Post-punk, new wave, synth pop, industrial, and a community built to move. No set end time.

  • ABRACABANGOR Drag Show 💫 Time: 8:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: The House of Entertainment The second installment of ABRACABANGOR brings a magical night of high-energy drag to celebrate Bangor Pride, hosted by the electrifying Carmilla Velour.

  • DJ RM Live at The Sound Stage Lounge 🎤 Time: 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Venue: The Sound Stage Lounge DJ RM on the decks Saturday night. Come check it out.

  • Broadway Karaoke 🎤 Time: 8:45 PM–10:00 PM | Venue: The Stage Door Step into the spotlight and belt your favorite show tunes with a live audience cheering you on. Broadway stars, all of you.

  • Six Wayz to Sunday Live at Penobscot Pour House 🎤 Time: 9:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: Penobscot Pour House High-energy party band covering rock, pop, alternative, and more. A Saturday night set built to keep you moving.

  • Queen City Improv Annual Pride Show 🎭
    Time: 7:00 PM | Venue: Next Generation Theatre at Between Friends Art Center, Brewer
    Queen City Improv brings its annual Pride Show to Brewer for a night of improv comedy. $15 in advance via Venmo @queencityimprov2 (don't forget the "2"), $20 at the door. Snacks and $5 beers available.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

  • Faith in Full Color: A Pride Worship Service Time: 10:00 AM–11:30 AM | Venue: Hammond Street Congregational Church Inclusive music, worship, and a sermon — "Salvation Includes Social Justice" — celebrating God's love for the whole community.

  • Bangor Farmers Market Time: 11:00 AM–1:30 PM | Venue: Corner of Franklin & Harlow Streets (across from Bangor Public Library) The weekly farmers market, every Sunday. Local produce, vendors, and community right in the heart of downtown.

  • Community Clothing Swap at Red Rabbit Bazaar Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Venue: Red Rabbit Bazaar Bring what you're ready to let go of, swap for something that fits your life better. $2/lb, with proceeds supporting Maine TransNet.

  • Vigil for Charlie Howard Time: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM | Venue: Downtown Bangor (details at link) A gathering to honor Charlie Howard's memory and recommit to community, visibility, and solidarity — held in the spirit of Pride.

  • Beginner Pole 💪 Time: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Strength and conditioning plus foundational pole moves. A great entry point into the practice.

  • Intro to Pole 💪 Time: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Momentum, hand placement, basic spins — the essentials of getting comfortable on the pole.

  • Burlesque Basics 💫 Time: 1:00 PM–2:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Isolations, peels, props, and all the fundamentals of burlesque. Strut your stuff.

  • Circus Fitness 💫 Time: 2:00 PM–3:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Aerial silks, lyra, tumbling, and circus-inspired movement — strength and coordination through play.

  • Sunday Community Jam 🎤 Time: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Downtown Bangor Bring an instrument, find a seat, and play. The weekly Sunday jam at 2 Feet is relaxed, open to all, and always good.

  • Circus Troupe Training 💫 Time: 3:00 PM–4:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Hoop, spin, juggle, clown — a chance to step into the Eye Candy Circus and train with the troupe.

  • Evolve: A Spiral Journey 💫 Time: 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | Venue: Spiral Studio Monthly movement and music gathering. Gentle yoga, guided free movement, reflection. All bodies welcome.

  • Donkey Walk & Seafaring Museum Adventure 🐦
    Time: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Venue: Downeast Donkey Walks, Searsport, ME
    Stroll with coastal donkeys, do barn yoga, eat a vegetarian picnic, and finish with a visit to the Penobscot Marine Museum. Maine Yoga Adventures at its most Maine. $105; register via the link.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

  • Pole Conditioning 💪 Time: 10:00 AM–11:00 AM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Build the grip, core, and endurance that make everything else on the pole feel more possible.

  • Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks 💫 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Learn foundational skills in lyra and aerial silks — flexibility, strength, and confidence go up together.

  • Beginner Pole 💪 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Conditioning, strength, and introductory pole moves for those just getting started. Mondays, 6–7 PM.

  • Chimera Coffee Trivia 🍺 Time: 7:00 PM–8:30 PM | Venue: Chimera Coffee, Downtown Bangor Monday night trivia with Sir_Quizzalot. Beer, wine, espresso, and snacks. A low-key but surprisingly competitive crowd.

  • Kickboxing & Martial Arts 🥋 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Kick, punch, sweat. Self-defense fitness that also happens to be a great workout.

  • Intro to Pole Dancing 💪 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Momentum, placement, and the basics of spinning — your Monday night pole intro class.

  • Monday Karaoke at Paddy Murphy's 🎤 Time: 9:00 PM | Venue: Paddy Murphy's, Downtown Bangor Monday nights at Paddy's, it's karaoke time. Be part of the rumpus.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

  • Songwriters' Open Mic 🎤 Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Downtown Bangor Every Tuesday. Fifteen minutes, a mic, and whatever you've been working on. Sign up and play.

  • Beginner Belly Dance 💫 Time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Isolations, shimmies, hip work, fluid arms — a welcoming intro to belly dance for total beginners.

  • Lil Wayne: 20 Years of Carter Classics 🎤 Time: 5:30 PM (Gates) 7:00 (Show) | Venue: Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor Waterfront Weezy celebrates two decades of the Carter series with special guest 2 Chainz on the waterfront. A summer night show worth making plans around.

  • Pole Conditioning 💪 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Tuesday conditioning class — grip, core, and the muscles that power everything on the pole.

  • Tuesday Live Irish Sessions & Open Mic at Paddy Murphy's 🎤 Time: 6:00 PM–close | Venue: Paddy Murphy's, Downtown Bangor Live Irish jam 6–8 PM, then open mic from 9 PM to close. Grab a pint and stay a while.

  • An Evening with Jennifer Breedlove Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: BookSpace, 48 Columbia St., Bangor (doors 6:30 PM) Debut novelist Jennifer Breedlove discusses Murder Will Out in conversation with Gabriela Stiteler. A great evening for readers, writers, and anyone who loves a good crime story.

  • Floor & Flow Class 💫 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Floorwork, fluid transitions, and graceful movement on and around the pole. A class built for flow.

  • Gut Health Workshop Time: 5:30 PM | Venue: Thriving Proof, 33 Penn Plaza, Suite B, Bangor
    Free educational workshop exploring the root causes of chronic gut issues — bloating, fatigue, food sensitivities — and a practical framework for healing. Seats are limited; registration required.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

  • Bouncing Baby Story Time Time: 10:15 AM–10:35 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. Action rhymes, songs, and stories with Miss Savannah, designed for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers.

  • Tiny Tots Storytime Time: 11:00 AM–11:30 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. Stories, games, songs, and finger plays for the 2–4 set, with a participating adult along for the ride.

  • Line Dance Workshop Time: 12:00 PM–2:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. Two hours of grapevines, stomps, and line dance fun. All skill levels welcome — boots or sneakers, either works.

  • Tech Tutoring Time: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. Drop-in tech help from BPL's Digital Media Librarian. Any question, any skill level — just book your 60-minute slot.

  • Beginner Pole 💪 Time: 3:00 PM–4:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B The first class on the pole journey. Basic technique, strength, confidence. Open to all.

  • Live Harness Racing Time: 3:00 PM | Venue: Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park Wednesday afternoon racing, post time 3:00 PM. Wagers on races 3–10 count toward the Crown of the Queen City promotion.

  • STITCH 'N B*TCH Time: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | Venue: Red Rabbit Bazaar Sewing, mending, and good company every Wednesday at Red Rabbit. Learn the craft or bring your own project.

  • Intermediate Pole Dance 💫 Time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B For dancers who've got the basics and are ready to push — daring moves, seamless transitions, real choreography.

  • Summer Music Series: PanStorm 🎤 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. PanStorm is a community steel band on a mission to spread joy through steelpan music. Free outdoor performance outside the library. Rain date: Thursday, July 2, 6 PM.

  • Queen City/Creative Arts Center Chess Club ♟️ Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Creative Arts Center, 54 Wilson St., Brewer, ME

    Open to all skill levels, every Wednesday night. Pull up a chair and make your move.

  • Kickboxing & Martial Arts Fitness 🥋 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B High-energy self-defense fitness to end the week. Kick, punch, and sweat it out.

  • Out of this Warren Sci-Fi Book Club: The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 1 Time: 7:30 PM–8:30 PM | Venue: The Briar Patch, Downtown Bangor The Briar Patch's sci-fi book club with guest moderator Aislinn Sarnacki takes on Martha Wells' beloved Murderbot series. Vol. 1 compiles the first two novellas — a great jumping-on point.

  • Benjamin's Brewer Grand Opening 🍺
    Time: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | Venue: Benjamin's Brewer, 46 Acme Rd, Brewer
    A veteran-owned brewery opens its doors just in time for the Semiquincentennial. Stop in Wednesday for the grand opening celebration, and stick around — specials run all week.

THURSDAY, JULY 2

  • Next Chapter Book Club Time: 2:00 PM–3:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. A community book club for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All are welcome, including members who experience books through listening.

  • Intro to Pole 💪 Time: 5:00 PM–6:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B The essentials: momentum, hand placement, and your first spins. Thursdays at 5 PM.

  • Chair Burlesque 💫 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B The art of the tease, seductive chair choreography, and a whole lot of confidence. Thursdays, 6 PM.

  • Beginner Pole Flow 💫 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B New to pole? Build confidence, strength, and fluidity from the ground up. Thursdays, 6 PM.

  • Trivia Night at Nocturnem Draft Haus 🍺 Time: 7:00 PM–9:30 PM | Venue: Nocturnem Draft Haus, Downtown Bangor Thursday trivia with weekly prizes. Come early, grab a stool, bring your best team.

  • Pole Clinic Class 💪 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Open pole practice with instructor support. Work on what you've been building, with someone in your corner.

  • Belly Dance Class 💫 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B Beginner-friendly belly dance rooted in rhythm, movement, and joy. A welcoming introduction to the form.

  • Karaoke at Penobscot Pour House 🎤 Time: 8:00 PM–11:55 PM | Venue: Penobscot Pour House Karaoke is back at the Pour House, every Thursday, hosted by the returning DJ Mad Kat. Bangor asked for it. Bangor got it.

CITY HALL & PUBLIC MEETINGS June 26 – July 2 | All meetings open to the public Agendas posted the Friday before at bangormaine.gov/AgendaCenter. Times subject to change.

⚠️ NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING THIS WEEK June 29 falls on the 5th Monday of June. Per the City's established schedule (2nd and 4th Mondays), no City Council meeting is scheduled for this week. The next City Council meeting is Monday, July 13.

  • Editor's Note

    A fun-filled 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 summer weather and all the wonderful activities our city has to offer!

Support your local newsletter and reach an engaged audience!

❝

Location - Bangor Waterfront

Ca C'est Bon Cajun Food Truck

Wild Cow Creamery

Salt & Cedar Kitchen

The Thai Lotus

Brick & Embers

Contact us to include your food truck and location.

Every World Cup match is a market.

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You're not picking a spread. You buy "Yes" or "No" shares on what you think happens: who wins, who advances, who scores first. Earn returns if you're right. Peer-to-peer. No house. Cash out before the final whistle.

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The Zillman Art Museum is turning 80 this year, and they're celebrating Saturday night with a red carpet gala in the garden at Norumbega Hall. But that's not the Fork and Pint angle.

The angle is that Pride weekend draws people downtown who might not otherwise be down there, and the Fork and Pint pick this week is worth flagging as a pre- or post-parade spot.

Barliman's sits just a few steps from the Charlie Howard memorial on the Kenduskeag, and owner Laura Peppard has been a visible Pride supporter for years. It's a bar with a genuine neighborhood feel. If you're looking for somewhere to land after the parade winds down, Barliman's earns that stop.

Barliman's Facebook

Samantha White, Co-Chair and Co-Lead Organizer, Bangor Pride

Samantha White has been running Pride in Bangor for years. This year, she's doing it with no budget line, no staff, and no organization behind her, just volunteers.

Bangor Pride is fully volunteer-run for the second year in a row. White co-leads the whole operation, which this year moved to the waterfront, broke its own sponsorship record with more than 30 sponsors, and put together a month of programming that stretched from Hirundo Wildlife Refuge to a drag show at Norumbega Hall.

She's also been vocal about the environment her volunteers are operating in. "We are leaning into joy and community," White told WABI earlier this month. "We're trying to be really loud with the fact that we're a safe space and we're not going anywhere."

The parade starts at 11 AM Saturday on the Bangor Waterfront. White and her team will be the ones who made it happen.

Preble Street's Hope House, a 24-hour low-barrier shelter on Hammond Street and the only one of its kind north of Waterville, received a $6,000 grant this spring from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation. The funding goes toward basic needs services and intensive casework for people experiencing homelessness in Bangor.

Hope House has been operating as Preble Street's first year-round 24/7 program outside Portland. Staff there provide trauma-informed care, housing navigation, case management, and meals, and they do it on a shoestring.

The grant was part of a larger round of awards from the Foundation across Maine and New Hampshire.

Presented by: Foam Rush Maine

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Charlie Howard was killed on State Street Bridge in July 1984. The organizing that followed led to the founding of what is now EqualityMaine. What was the organization's original name?

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Charlie Howard Vigil, Sunday June 28: Community members gather annually at the Kenduskeag Stream Bridge to remember Charlie Howard, murdered there in July 1984. This year's gathering starts at 11:30 AM with coordinated walking routes, and ends with a white rose ceremony at the bridge. Contact [email protected] if you want to coordinate a route for a group.

Jennifer Breedlove at BookSpace, Tuesday June 30: The Briar Patch hosts debut novelist Jennifer Breedlove in conversation about her book "Murder Will Out." 7 PM at BookSpace, 48 Columbia St. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Free to attend.

Lil Wayne at Maine Savings Amphitheater, Tuesday June 30: Lil Wayne plays the waterfront amphitheater Tuesday evening as part of his "20 Years of Carter Classics" tour, with special guest 2 Chainz. Show starts at 5:30 PM.

This week's photo by Ken D'Errico.

A progress pride bench sits tucked into one of downtown Bangor's adopt-a-gardens, quiet and ready for the weekend ahead.

Got a great shot of greater Bangor? Submit it for a chance to be featured in Queen City Weekly. Submit your photo here.


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].

Got a great shot of greater Bangor? Submit it for a chance to be featured right here. Submit your photo here.

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Have an amazing week, and see you next Friday. — Ken, Editor

Queen City Weekly | Greater Bangor, Maine

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