A note from the editor

Summer doesn’t ease in around here. It arrives all at once, and suddenly the parking lots are full and the music is carrying across the river and nobody wants to be inside.

This weekend is a good example. Bass Park After Dark is back at the Cross Insurance Center on Saturday, and if you haven’t been, it’s worth going. More than a hundred vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, live music from Ritchie K, and not a cover charge in sight. Just a few thousand Bangor people turning a parking lot into something that feels like a town square.

That’s the thing about summer here. The city stops waiting for permission to have a good time.

We’ll see you out there.

One more thing: Got a great shot of greater Bangor, a moment, a place, something that caught your eye? We want to see it. Submit your photo and a quick description using the following link. No guarantees, but the best ones will run right here.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there!

As always, thanks for reading.

Ken, the editor

THIS WEEKEND IN BANGOR

Summer is here and there’s no better time to get outside. Here’s what’s happening this weekend.

Friday, June 19

Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Venue: Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor Waterfront

Watch the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon on the LL Bean Lawn, free of charge, presented by Maine Savings Amphitheater and Bangor Parks and Recreation.

Saturday, June 20

• Bass Park After Dark 🎤

Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Venue: Cross Insurance Center, Lot A, Bangor

100+ vendors, food trucks, beer garden, and live music by Ritchie K. Free to attend, free parking.

• Summer Solstice Garden Party 🌿

Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Venue: Norumbega Parkway, Downtown Bangor

The Downtown Bangor Partnership’s annual outdoor gathering in the adopt-a-gardens at peak bloom. Lawn games, community, and free admission for all ages.

• Jelly Roll at Maine Savings Amphitheater 🎤

Time: 5:00 PM

Venue: Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor Waterfront

Jelly Roll’s Little ASS Shed Tour with special guest Kashus Culpepper.

Sunday, June 21

And on Sunday morning, slow it down.

The Bangor Farmers' Market runs every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Abbot Square, across from the Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street. Local vegetables, meats, baked goods, flowers, and made-to-order food. A good reset after a concert weekend. Bangorfarmersmarket

Coming Up: The Downtown Bangor Summer Sidewalk Art Festival returns Saturday, July 11, with over 100 jury-selected Maine artists, live music, food trucks, and family activities spread across Harlow and Central Streets. Free and all ages. Mark your calendar.

Your Week Ahead in Bangor: June 19th - June 25th! 🗓️

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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, JUNE 19

  • Free Movie Night at Maine Savings Amphitheater
    Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM | Venue: Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor Waterfront
    The new live-action How to Train Your Dragon hits the LL Bean Lawn for a free outdoor screening, courtesy of Bangor Parks and Recreation. Bring a blanket and show up early.

  • Live Harness Racing 🐦
    Time: 12:10 PM | Venue: Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park
    Post time is 12:10 sharp at the raceway. Wagers on races 3–10 count toward the Crown of the Queen City promotion.

  • Beginner Pole 💫
    Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Never touched a pole in your life? Good. This class is exactly where you start — spins, strength, and confidence, no experience required.

  • Lyra Tips and Tricks 💫
    Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Already in the hoop? This one's about the small details that make a big difference — cleaner transitions, sharper technique, more flow.

  • GummyShark Promotions: Live Music 🎤
    Time: 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Venue: TBD
    GummyShark brings independent artists to new rooms. Expect good ears and good energy.

  • No Warning Weekend at Penobscot Pour House 🎤
    Time: 9:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: Penobscot Pour House
    No Warning is one of Central Maine's go-to party bands, and they're back for two nights at the Pour House. Night one of two — pack the dance floor.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

  • Bass Park After Dark
    Time: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM | Venue: Bass Park
    Vendors, food trucks, beer garden, and live music — all free, all outside. Night one of three for this summer market series.

  • Summer Solstice Garden Party
    Time: 5:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Norumbega Parkway, Downtown Bangor
    The Downtown Bangor Partnership celebrates the solstice in the park with lawn games, garden walks, and full-bloom scenery. Free, all ages, no tickets needed.

  • Jelly Roll at Maine Savings Amphitheater 🎤
    Time: 5:00 PM | Venue: Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor Waterfront
    Jelly Roll brings the Little ASS Shed Tour to Bangor with special guest Kashus Culpepper. Big night at the waterfront.

  • Jessi Mallory Presents an Elvis Tribute 🎤
    Time: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Venue: Hammond Street Congregational Church
    International award-winning tribute artist Jessi Mallory walks through both sides of the King — the rock and the soul. A different kind of Saturday night.

  • Divisi Choir: Spectrum — The Human Journey 🎭
    Time: 2:00 PM–2:45 PM | Venue: TBD
    Bangor's Divisi Choir performs their spring concert, tracing the human journey through music of love, loss, resilience, and connection. ⚑ Verify venue before publication — no location listed on Downtown Bangor.

  • Kayla Wass Live at The Sound Stage Lounge 🎤
    Time: 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Venue: The Sound Stage Lounge
    Live music from Kayla Wass. Good local show to close out Saturday night.

  • Broadway Karaoke 🎤
    Time: 8:45 PM–10:00 PM | Venue: TBD
    Grab the mic, pick your number, and belt it out in front of a live audience. Show tunes only — this is not the night for "Livin' on a Prayer." ⚑ Verify venue before publication.

  • No Warning Weekend at Penobscot Pour House 🎤
    Time: 9:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: Penobscot Pour House
    Night two of No Warning's weekend takeover. Same band, same energy, second chance if you missed Friday.

  • FOLKs Trail Days 🐦
    Time: 8:00 AM–9:30 AM | Venue: Behind Penquis, Harlow Street
    The Friends of Lower Kenduskeag Stream hold their monthly volunteer trail day on the third Saturday. Meet behind Penquis and help keep this downtown green corridor in shape.

  • Bangor's European Market
    Time: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM | Venue: Bangor's European Market
    Ingrid's weekly market brings local and international meats, seafood, produce, baked goods, and gifts to downtown every Saturday morning.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

  • Bangor Pride Parade & Festival
    Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Waterfront
    Bangor Pride moves to a new home this year — the waterfront — under the theme "Color Our World With Pride." The parade steps off at 11 AM, followed by a full afternoon of vendors, live entertainment on the main stage (noon–4 PM), a children and family area, and community organizations. Thirty-plus years in the making, and this year's setup looks like the biggest yet.

  • Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour
    Time: 10:00 AM–11:30 AM | Venue: Mount Hope Cemetery
    The second-oldest garden cemetery in the country gets a guided tour — famous residents, gravestone symbolism, and some of the best views in the city. Worth your Sunday morning.

  • Sun Bi-weekly Crochet Clinic
    Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Venue: TBD
    A supportive drop-in clinic for crochet at any level, every other week. Bring your project, bring your questions. ⚑ Verify venue before publication.

  • Bangor Farmers Market
    Time: 11:00 AM–1:30 PM | Venue: Corner of Franklin & Harlow Streets (across from Bangor Public Library)
    Every Sunday through the season. Local growers, local goods, a reliable downtown ritual.

  • Beginner Pole 💫
    Time: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Foundation-focused class covering conditioning and basic moves on and off the pole. Come barefoot or in heels.

  • Intro to Pole 💫
    Time: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Momentum, hand placement, and basic spins. Your first steps in the studio.

  • Burlesque Basics 💫
    Time: 1:00 PM–2:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Isolations, classic burlesque moves, and prop work. Get ready to strut.

  • Circus Fitness 💫
    Time: 2:00 PM–3:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Aerial silks, lyra, tumbling basics, and circus-inspired movement. A genuinely fun way to build strength you didn't know you had.

  • Sunday Community Jam 🎤
    Time: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Downtown Bangor
    Musicians just show up and play. Bring an instrument, bring a drink, see where it goes.

  • Circus Troupe Training 💫
    Time: 3:00 PM–4:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Hoops, juggling, dance, and clown arts — the Eye Candy Circus troupe keeps the big top alive in Bangor.

MONDAY, JUNE 22

  • Summer Reading Program Opening Day
    Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library
    The library kicks off summer reading with games, treats, a craft, and a visit from Darling's Ice Cream Truck (11 AM–1 PM). All ages welcome for the full-day celebration.

  • Performance Track: Matilda the Musical 🎭
    Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Venue: TBD
    A youth performance program working through Roald Dahl's classic — Matilda, Miss Honey, Miss Trunchbull, and all the chaos in between. ⚑ Verify venue before publication.

  • Pole Conditioning 💪
    Time: 10:00 AM–11:00 AM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Monday morning strength class targeting the muscles pole work demands most.

  • Beginner Pole 💫
    Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Conditioning and foundation moves on and off the pole. Monday nights, 6 PM.

  • Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks 💫
    Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Learn the basics of lyra and aerial silks — flexibility, strength, and new skills in a class that meets you where you are.

  • Kickboxing & Martial Arts 🥋
    Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Kick, punch, sweat. A fitness class with self-defense foundations built in.

  • Intro to Pole Dancing 💫
    Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Monday nights, 7 PM. Momentum, hand placement, basic spins.

  • Chimera Coffee Trivia 🍺
    Time: 7:00 PM–8:30 PM | Venue: Chimera Coffee
    Sir_Quizzalot runs Monday night trivia every week. Beer, wine, espresso, and snacks — and a chance to be right in public.

  • Monday Karaoke at Paddy Murphy's 🎤
    Time: 9:00 PM | Venue: Paddy Murphy's
    Monday night karaoke, every week, no judgment. Be part of the rumpus.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

  • Lord Huron at Maine Savings Amphitheater 🎤
    Time: 4:30 PM | Venue: Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor Waterfront
    Lord Huron comes to Bangor for what should be a special night at the waterfront amphitheater.

  • Songwriters' Open Mic at 2 Feet Brewing 🎤
    Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Downtown Bangor
    Every Tuesday, songwriters get 15 minutes each. Show up with something original and a willingness to share it.

  • Beginner Belly Dance 💫
    Time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Shimmies, hip work, isolations, and fluid arm movements — belly dance from scratch, in a welcoming class.

  • Summer Music Series: The Bangor Band 🎤
    Time: 6:30 PM–7:30 PM | Venue: TBD
    The Bangor Band has been playing every summer since 1859. That's not a typo. Conductor Philip Edelman leads this season's installment. (Rain date: Wednesday, June 25.) ⚑ Verify outdoor venue before publication.

  • Fire of 1911 Walking Tour
    Time: 6:00 PM–7:30 PM | Venue: Bangor Historical Society (meeting point)
    In April 1911, a fire in a streamside hay shed tore through much of downtown Bangor. This tour follows the flames' path and explores how the city — and its people — rebuilt. History you can walk.

  • Tuesday Live Irish Sessions & Open Mic at Paddy Murphy's 🎤
    Time: 6:00 PM–close | Venue: Paddy Murphy's
    Irish session jam runs 6–8 PM, then open mic takes over through close. Two good reasons to stay.

  • Pole Conditioning 💪
    Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Tuesday night strength session on the pole.

  • Floor & Flow Class 💫
    Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Floorwork and fluid transitions around the pole — a more expressive, movement-focused class.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

  • Bouncing Baby Story Time
    Time: 10:15 AM–10:35 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library
    Songs, action rhymes, and stories with Miss Savannah. Best for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers.

  • Tiny Tots Storytime
    Time: 11:00 AM–11:30 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library
    Thirty minutes of stories, songs, and finger plays for ages 2–4 and a participating adult.

  • 12th Annual Children's Book Drive at The Briar Patch
    Time: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM | Venue: The Briar Patch, Downtown Bangor
    The Briar Patch teams up with Literacy Volunteers of Bangor and Darling's Ice Cream for Cause. Buy a new book or bring a gently used one to donate. Early chapter books are especially needed right now.

  • Line Dance
    Time: 12:00 PM–2:00 PM | Venue: TBD
    Two hours of stepping, stomping, and smiling. All levels welcome — grapevine skills optional. ⚑ Verify venue before publication.

  • Live Harness Racing
    Time: 3:00 PM | Venue: Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park
    Wednesday afternoon at the raceway. Post time 3 PM.

  • Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
    Time: 4:00 PM–5:30 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library
    Every Wednesday for grades 6–12. All skill levels welcome, all character classes accepted.

  • STITCH 'N B*TCH at Red Rabbit Bazaar
    Time: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | Venue: Red Rabbit Bazaar, Downtown Bangor
    Learn to sew and mend clothes alongside other people who actually do it. Every Wednesday, no experience needed.

  • Beginner Pole 💫
    Time: 3:00 PM–4:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    First class in the pole fitness journey. Open to all skill levels — come as you are.

  • Intermediate Pole Dance 💫
    Time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    You've got the basics. Now push further — daring moves, seamless transitions, real choreography.

  • Kickboxing & Martial Arts Fitness 🥋
    Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Wednesday night version of the signature kickboxing class. Kicks, punches, self-defense foundations.

  • Derry-Free Horror Book Club
    Time: 7:30 PM–8:30 PM | Venue: The Briar Patch, Downtown Bangor
    June's book: She Waits Where Shadows Gather by Michelle Tang — a house that feeds on fear and two skeptics who definitely shouldn't be there.

  • 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.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

  • Intro to Pole 💫
    Time: 5:00 PM–6:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Momentum, hand placement, basic spins. Every Thursday, 5 PM.

  • Chair Burlesque 💫
    Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Seductive chair work, sassy choreography, and the confidence to own the room.

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

  • Belly Dance Class 💫
    Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St., Suite B
    Beginner belly dance — rhythms, foundational steps, and a class that's genuinely joyful.

  • 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 whatever you've been building toward.

  • Trivia Night at Nocturnem Draft Haus 🍺
    Time: 7:00 PM–9:30 PM | Venue: Nocturnem Draft Haus
    Thursday night trivia with weekly prizes. A great excuse to actually use that knowledge.

CITY HALL & PUBLIC MEETINGS

June 19–25 | All meetings open to the public. Agendas posted the Friday before at bangormaine.gov/AgendaCenter. Times subject to change.

  • 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.

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Bass Park After Dark

If you’re heading to Bass Park After Dark on Saturday, do yourself a favor and skip dinner beforehand.

The food truck lineup at these events rotates, but the quality tends to be solid, and half the fun is walking the row and deciding what looks good. Bangor’s food truck scene has grown up over the last few years. You’re not choosing between a hot dog cart and a hot dog cart anymore.

A few tips for navigating a multi-truck setup: walk the whole row before you commit. The best option is usually not the first one you see. Go early if you want the full selection, since popular trucks can sell out by 7. And if you’re coming with a group, split up and report back. It’s more fun that way.

Doors open at 4. Bring cash, though most trucks take cards.

Brick & Embers Facebook

Jonathan Howorth, Senior Marketing Manager, Cross Insurance Center

Jonathan Howorth spends a lot of time thinking about how to fill a parking lot.

As Senior Marketing Manager at the Cross Insurance Center, Howorth is the person behind Bass Park After Dark, the free summer night market that has quietly become one of the more anticipated events on the Bangor calendar. When it launched, the first two editions got rained out and moved inside the arena. Then they took it outside, and 4,000 people showed up.

“It’s just been growing and growing,” Howorth said after last season’s run. “The turnout has been great.”

Before landing in Bangor, Howorth built his career in arena and sports marketing, working at Stride Bank Center in Oklahoma and doing early-career work with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer club. He knows the live events business, and he brought that sensibility to a venue that most Bangor residents associate with hockey games and the occasional big concert.

Bass Park After Dark is what happens when someone with that background asks a simple question: what can we do with this space on a summer Saturday night that’s free, local, and actually fun? The answer, apparently, is something worth showing up for.

He’ll be at the Cross Insurance Center Saturday. So will a few thousand of your neighbors.

The Maine Veterans Project Donation

The Maine Veterans Project handed over the keys to a vehicle this week, the fourth donation of the season, in partnership with Twin City Tire in Brewer. The recipient, a veteran who asked to remain anonymous, had been without a vehicle since December.

“Vehicles in the state of Maine mean mental health, they mean groceries, they mean medical appointments,” said Doc Goodwin, president of the Maine Veterans Project. “It’s one of the most important things we can do for a veteran.”

MVP Facebook

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Your tax bill. Your chance to weigh in.

The Bangor City Council meets Monday, June 22 at City Hall, 73 Harlow Street. The proposed city and school budget totals $146.8 million, up from $137.7 million last year. Under the current proposal, the average Bangor resident’s tax bill would rise nearly 19%, from $4,334 to $5,151. Public comment will be accepted at the meeting. If you have thoughts, show up.

Photo submissions

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

Queen City Weekly | Greater Bangor, Maine

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