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A note from the editor
There is a moment every May when Bangor exhales.
The boats start showing up on the Penobscot. The deck at the Sea Dog fills up. The Maine Savings Amphitheater schedule fires up shortly. And for one Monday, the city stops to remember the people who made all of it possible.
Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of something around here. This issue leans into that.
We have a full weekend card, a cold pint with a river view, a look back at one of the most remarkable lives this city has ever produced, and the news that your summer concert calendar is about to get very busy.
Welcome to Issue No. 7.
Ken, the editor
THIS WEEKEND IN BANGOR
Bangor kicks off the holiday weekend with the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, at 10:15 a.m. Organized by the Bangor High School JROTC, the procession begins on Exchange Street, travels south down Main Street, and concludes at Davenport Park with a 21-gun salute and a Bangor Band performance.
Weekend Events & Activities
Cole Land Transportation Museum: The museum hosts its annual Memorial Day service featuring a picnic, patriotic music by the Alumni Jazz Band, and a color guard presentation. Throughout the weekend, you can view over 3,000 flags placed on the grounds to honor Maine military members who died in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Bangor Waterfront: The recreational docks are installed for the season, making it an ideal time for a scenic stroll along the Penobscot River.
Stephen King's Tour: Take a self-guided walk along the Kenduskeag Stream and past the famous author's historic Victorian mansion in the Whitney Park Historic District.
Day Trips
Acadia National Park: Just an hour’s drive away, you can hike popular trails or drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
You can also hike the less-crowded Schoodic Mountain trail on the Schoodic Peninsula or time your visit to cross the tide bar and explore Bar Island during low tide.
Before heading out, check the City of Bangor Official Website for downtown parking updates and potential road closures during the parade
Your Bangor Events Digest
May 22 - May 29, 2026
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Hello Bangor! Get ready for a week packed with diverse activities, from engaging workshops and live music to community gatherings and fitness classes. Whether you're looking to learn something new, get active, or simply enjoy local entertainment, there's something for everyone!
Friday, May 22 🌟
Tech Tutoring
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Need help with your devices? Drop in for free tech tutoring and get assistance with your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Crafts & Coffee
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Start your Friday morning with a creative boost! Join fellow crafters for a relaxed session of crafting while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Pole Conditioning
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
This class is designed to help you build strength, gain control, and become stronger, safer, and more confident on the pole. Level up your pole skills with focused strength and conditioning.
Bangor Contradance
Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church
Join the vibrant community for an evening of traditional contradancing, a fun social activity for all skill levels. No partner or experience is necessary to participate.
Lyra Tips and Tricks
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Enhance your aerial lyra skills with this specialized workshop, offering valuable tips and tricks to improve your technique and flow.
Korean Swordsmanship Beginners Class: First Class Free Friday
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Kishintaikan Dojo Location: 88 Central Street, Bangor
Discover the dynamic sword-focused martial art of Haidong Gumdo, with techniques dating back to the Korean Three Kingdoms period. Your first class is free.
Saturday, May 23 ☀️
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, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts at Bangor's European-style market. It's a wonderful way to spend your Saturday morning.
Evolve ~ An Embodied Movement & Reflection Experience
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Spiral Studio
Engage in a transformative experience combining embodied movement and reflective practices to connect with yourself and your surroundings.
Best of Bangor Walking Tour
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Bangor Historical Society Location: 159 Union Street, Bangor
Uncover Bangor's rich history, mysteries, and powerful events on this walking tour, featuring tales of lumber barons, shipping magnates, and manufacturing pioneers.
Open Drag Night
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: House of Entertainment, Bangor
Join Lady D for a night of glamour, talent, and unforgettable performances, welcoming all drag performers to the stage. Bring your best looks and fiercest moves!
Joey Peavey Live at The Sound Stage Lounge
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: The Sound Stage Lounge, Bangor
Catch Joey Peavey performing live at The Sound Stage Lounge for an evening of great music. Don't miss out on this local talent!
Sunday, May 24 🌻
Sun Bi-weekly Crochet Clinic
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Hone your crochet skills or learn new techniques at this bi-weekly clinic, suitable for all experience levels. Bring your projects and questions!
Beginner Pole
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Discover the exciting world of pole fitness in this introductory class, designed for newcomers to learn basic moves and build confidence.
Intro to Pole
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Get a taste of pole dancing with this intro class, perfect for those curious about the art and fitness of pole.
Burlesque Basics
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Learn the fundamental movements and playful artistry of burlesque in this fun and empowering introductory class.
Sunday Community Jam
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Venue: 2 Feet Brewing
Bring your instruments and join fellow musicians for an afternoon of improvisational music and collaboration in a relaxed community setting.
Circus Fitness
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Get a unique workout combining strength, flexibility, and acrobatic elements inspired by circus arts. This is a fun way to stay active.
Circus Troupe Training
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Circus, Bangor
Step into the dazzling Eye Candy Circus and learn to hoop, spin, dance, juggle, and become the clown who brings endless smiles.
Evolve — A Spiral Journey
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Venue: Spiral Studio
Continue your embodied movement and reflection journey with this recurring experience. Explore deeper connections and self-discovery.
Monday, May 25 🇺🇸 (Memorial Day)
Monday Karaoke at Paddy Murphy's
Time: 9:00 pm
Venue: Paddy Murphy's
Kick off the week with some singing at Paddy Murphy's karaoke night. Grab the mic and belt out your favorite tunes!
State offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
State offices will observe Memorial Day and be closed. Plan accordingly for any administrative needs.
Memorial Day Parade
Honor our heroes at the annual Memorial Day Parade, starting on Exchange Street at 10:15 a.m. This is a cherished community tradition.
Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Soar to new heights in this beginner-friendly class introducing aerial lyra and silks. Learn basic poses and build strength.
Chimera Coffee Trivia
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Venue: Chimera Coffee
Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun evening of trivia at Chimera Coffee. Gather your team and compete for bragging rights!
Kickboxing & Martial Arts
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Join this energizing class to learn kickboxing techniques and martial arts fundamentals. It's a great way to improve your fitness and self-defense skills.
Tuesday, May 26 🎨
Winter Exhibitions at the Zillman Art Museum – University of Maine
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Zillman Art Museum – University of Maine, Bangor
Explore captivating art collections at the Zillman Art Museum. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking visual experiences.
Community Clothing Swap @Red Rabbit Bazaar
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: Red Rabbit Bazaar, Bangor
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at this free community clothing swap. Bring items to trade or find new treasures.
Beginner Pole
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
This beginner pole class is a fantastic way to build strength, flexibility, and confidence in a supportive environment. No prior experience is needed.
Intro to Pole
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Curious about pole fitness? This introductory session covers basic pole moves and safety, giving you a taste of what pole is all about.
Burlesque Basics
Time: 1:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Learn the fundamentals of burlesque, embracing movement and stage presence in a playful and empowering class. Find your inner performer!
Sunday Community Jam
Time: 2:00 PM
Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Bangor
Musicians of all levels are welcome to join this relaxed jam session. Connect with others and share your musical talents.
Circus Fitness
Time: 2:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Engage your core, improve flexibility, and build strength with exercises inspired by circus arts. It's a challenging and fun workout.
Circus Troupe Training
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Join the Eye Candy Circus troupe and learn various circus skills, from hooping to juggling, in preparation for dazzling performances.
Plant a Seed at the Library
Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Venue: Children's Department, Bangor Public Library
Join the library as they plant flower seeds in the new Youth Services outdoor planter. Ages 5-18 are invited to participate and take home their own seed to grow.
Songwriters' Open Mic
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: 2 Feet Brewing
Share your original songs or listen to local talent at this open mic night dedicated to songwriters.
Beginner Belly Dance
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Learn the graceful and expressive art of belly dance in this beginner-friendly class. Discover fundamental movements and rhythms.
Pole Conditioning
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Strengthen your body for pole fitness with targeted conditioning exercises. This class helps build the necessary power and endurance.
Tuesday Live Irish Sessions & Open Mic
Time: 6:00 pm
Venue: downtownbangor.com, Bangor
Enjoy traditional Irish music and an open mic session, perfect for musicians and listeners alike.
Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights
Time: 06:00 PM
Venue: City of Bangor Calendar, Bangor
Attend the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights. Agendas are finalized the Friday before and are subject to change.
Floor & Flow Class
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Explore fluidity and graceful movement on the floor in this class. Enhance your flexibility and coordination.
Yoga Flow
Time: 9:00 PM
Venue: Keith Anderson Community Center
Unwind with a late evening yoga flow class. This session focuses on fluid movements and mindful breathing to relax and rejuvenate.
Wednesday, May 27 🌿
Line Dance
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Get your boots moving with a lively line dance session. All skill levels are welcome to join the fun.
Tech Tutoring
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Another opportunity to get personalized tech support for your devices. Bring your questions and get expert help.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons Club
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Venue: Teen Lounge, Bangor Public Library
Calling all barbarians, rangers, sorcerers, and warlocks! Join fellow teens for Dungeons and Dragons, suitable for all skill levels (grades 6-12).
Queen City/Creative Arts Center Chess Club
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: The Creative Arts Center, 54 Wilson St. Brewer
City Council Workshop
Time: 05:15 PM
Venue: City Hall Council Chamber, 73 Harlow St.
Attend the City Council Workshop, where important city matters will be discussed. Agendas and materials are finalized the Friday prior.
Intermediate Pole Dance
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Take your pole skills to the next level in this intermediate class, focusing on more complex tricks and sequences.
Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Experience the grace and strength of aerial arts with this introductory class to Lyra and Silks. Learn basic techniques in a supportive environment.
Chimera Coffee Trivia
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Chimera Coffee, Bangor
Challenge your knowledge and enjoy a fun evening of trivia at Chimera Coffee. Prizes and bragging rights are up for grabs!
Kickboxing & Martial Arts Fitness
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
This fitness class combines kickboxing and martial arts for an intense and effective full-body workout. Improve your stamina and technique.
Join us virtually on TEAMS - Resources for Laid Off Workers (Rapid Response)
Time: 11AM
Venue: Virtual
Join this virtual session on TEAMS to learn about resources available for laid-off workers. Get essential information and support for your job search.
Thursday, May 28 🌸
Melodies for the Mind
Time: 6:00 pm
Venue: The Gracie, Husson University
Melodies for the Mind, a magical & musical event to benefit Unlimited Solutions Clubhouse. Featuring Comedy from Adam Hatch and live music from Maine St R&B.
Line Dance
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Enjoy another session of energetic line dancing, a fun way to exercise and socialize in the community.
Next Chapter Book Club
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Join the Next Chapter Book Club for a lively discussion on this month's chosen book. All avid readers are welcome.
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue: Bangor Public Library
Join the Next Chapter Book Club for a lively discussion on this month's chosen book. All avid readers are welcome.
Songwriters' Open Mic
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Bangor
An evening dedicated to original music, where local songwriters can showcase their talent. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and great tunes.
Beginner Belly Dance
Time: 5:30 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Dive into the enchanting world of belly dance with this beginner class. Learn basic movements, shimmies, and isolations.
Beginner Pole Flow
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
This class focuses on smooth transitions and combining basic pole moves into fluid sequences. Perfect for beginners to find their flow.
Chair Burlesque
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Add a new element to your burlesque repertoire with this fun and unique chair-based routine class. Learn to use a chair as a prop.
News & Brews @ Bangor Beer Co.
Time: Team check-in starts at 5:30pm. Trivia starts at 6:00pm!
Venue: Bangor Beer Co.
Join Maine Public for an engaging evening event. Check the link for specific details about this exciting gathering.
Tuesday Live Irish Sessions & Open Mic
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Paddy Murphy’s, Bangor
Immerse yourself in traditional Irish tunes and enjoy local performances at Paddy Murphy's lively open mic night.
Pole Conditioning
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Strengthen and prepare your body for more advanced pole techniques with this dedicated conditioning class. Improve your overall fitness.
Trivia Night at Nocturnem Draft Haus
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Venue: Nocturnem Draft Haus
Gather your friends for an evening of brain-teasing trivia and craft beers at Nocturnem Draft Haus. Compete for prizes and enjoy the atmosphere.
Pole Clinic Class
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Receive individualized instruction and feedback in this clinic-style pole class. Perfect for working on specific moves or challenges.
Belly Dance Class
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
Continue your belly dance journey or start anew with this engaging class. Learn more intricate movements and choreographies.
Floor & Flow Class
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio
This class focuses on graceful movement and fluidity on the floor, enhancing flexibility, coordination, and creative expression.
School Committee
Time: 07:00 PM
Venue: Council Chambers, 73 Harlow St.
Attend the School Committee meeting to stay informed on local education matters. Meeting details are finalized the Friday before the event.
Editor's Note ✍️
What a fantastic array of events happening around Bangor this week! From Memorial Day tributes to creative workshops and lively open mic nights, there's truly something to brighten every day. Don't forget to check out the links for full details on each event
Support your local newsletter and reach an engaged audience!
Location - The Furniture Gallery, Broadway
Monday, 5/25 The Thai Lotus
Wednesday, 5/27: Brick & Embers
Thursday, 5/28: Rizza’s Kitchen
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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Sea Dog Brewing Company | Front St.
If there's one place in Bangor built for a holiday weekend, it's the Sea Dog Brewing Company on Front Street.
The Bangor location has been sitting on the banks of the Penobscot since 1995, and on a warm weekend afternoon, the deck out back is the best seat in the city. It overlooks the river, it fills up fast, and it earns every bit of that crowd. Dogs are welcome out there. Kids do fine. It's the kind of outdoor setup that reminds you why you live here.
The beer is brewed on site, English-style, and the Bluepaw Wild Blueberry Ale is about as Maine as it gets. The menu runs pub fare with a seafood lean, chowder, haddock, mussels, alongside burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Nothing pretentious. Solid food with a great view.
Memorial Day Weekend marks the real start of deck season in this part of the world. Get there a little early, grab a pint, and watch the Penobscot do its thing.
Sea Dog Brewing Company | 26 Front Street, Bangor | seadogbrewing.com
Galen Cole | 1925–2020
Some people talk about giving back. Galen Cole just did it, for about 94 years straight.
Galen and Sue Cole
Born and raised in Bangor, Cole graduated from Bangor High School in 1944 and went straight into the Army as a combat infantryman with the 5th Armored Division. On April 2, 1945, fighting in Germany, he lost his entire squad. Five killed. Eight wounded. He came home with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and, by most accounts, a quiet resolve to make sure nobody forgot what those men gave.
He took over his family's trucking company, Cole's Express, and spent 50 years building it into a regional carrier stretching across New England and into the Canadian Maritimes. He served on the Bangor City Council at 29. He was mayor at 32. He sat on the boards of banks, hospitals, and civic organizations for decades.
Then, in 1990, he and his wife Sue opened the Cole Land Transportation Museum on Perry Road. What started as a collection of Maine vehicles became something bigger. The museum's Ambassadors of Patriotism program connected more than 50,000 Maine schoolchildren with veterans, face to face, for recorded oral histories. He gave hand-carved Maine maple walking sticks to more than 10,000 veterans. He raised money for literacy programs, youth camps, and adult education. The museum's grounds became home to the Maine World War II Memorial, the Maine Vietnam War Memorial, and the Maine Purple Heart Memorial.
He did most of this quietly. That was the point.
This Monday, the Cole Museum holds its annual Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. It is worth showing up for.
Cole Land Transportation Museum | 405 Perry Road, Bangor | colemuseum.org
Summer concert season at Maine Savings Amphitheater kicks off in two weeks, and the 2026 lineup is one of the better ones the Bangor waterfront has seen.
Waterfront Concerts has booked a full summer's worth of shows, with something for just about everyone. June alone brings Kid Cudi, Mumford and Sons, Jelly Roll, Lord Huron, and Lil Wayne. July loads up with Godsmack, the Pussycat Dolls, Jason Aldean, Weird Al Yankovic, Motley Crue, and Toto, among others. Billy Idol hits in August. ZZ Top closes out the summer in September.
This is what summer in Bangor looks like now. Warm nights on the waterfront, the Penobscot in the background, and a real concert calendar that people drive hours to get to. The Queen City punches well above its weight on this one.
Tickets and the full schedule are at waterfrontconcerts.com.
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Hannibal Hamlin, one of Bangor's most famous residents, served as Abraham Lincoln's first Vice President. But what did Hamlin do after leaving the Vice Presidency in 1865?
Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day. Banks and post offices are closed. The City of Bangor offices are closed.
Bangor Memorial Day Parade: Monday, May 25. Steps off from Exchange Street at 10:15 a.m. All veterans are invited to march.
Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour: Thursday, May 28, 6 p.m. $12. Tickets at bangorhistoricalsociety.org.
I Love the 90s Tour: Friday, May 29, 7 p.m. Cross Insurance Center. Tickets from $85 at crossinsurancecenter.com.
Full Steam Ahead Walk for Autism: Saturday, May 30. Registration at 10:30 a.m., walk at noon. Husson University. asmonline.org.
Modest Mouse Early Listening Event: Saturday, May 30, 2 p.m. Bull Moose, Hogan Road. Free.
The Fantasticks is Coming to the Bangor Opera House Penobscot Theatre Company's next production, the classic musical "The Fantasticks," runs June 11 through July 12 at the Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St. Tickets and info at penobscottheatre.org.
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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See you next Friday. — Ken, Editor
Queen City Weekly | Greater Bangor, Maine