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It’s Friday, Bangor! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Invasive species to watch, free tuition for county students, and a pirates’ plight murder mystery + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Bangor protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Safeguard woods and waters: UMaine entomologist Andrei Alyokhin shares which invasive species Mainers should watch for this year, from tree killers to aquatic threats, and explains ways Bangor-area residents can help slow their spread — see how you can help.

Legacy gift expands access: Husson University will offer free tuition to Piscataquis County students starting fall 2026, following a similar Penobscot offer. Income limits and Pell eligibility apply for students who meet GPA requirements — see who qualifies and when.

Pop-up goes brick-and-mortar: A shawarma restaurant from Shamee in Maine owner Abdullah Al-Fdeilat is set to open this spring at 23 Hammond St, bringing Middle Eastern flavors to a long-vacant downtown Bangor spot — see what’s planned and when.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Hear Aimee explore the natural world
• Join the 5th annual Easter egg hunt
• Unwind at Spa Night Out
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Curious finds, zero boring: Whether you’re hunting a gift, craving a little plant therapy, or just roaming downtown, The Rock & Art Shop is a delightfully odd rabbit hole of artful finds that spark joy, curiosity, and conversation for your home, desk, and brain.

Deck dreams, soon: Mainely Decks creates outdoor spaces that feel like your home, built for durability and curb appeal. The process stays simple, from plans to final touches, with clear communication. If that morning coffee perch keeps living rent-free in your head… consider this your nudge.

Riverside seafood fix: For an easy night with river views and classic Maine staples, High Tide Restaurant & Bar delivers lobster rolls, fried seafood platters, and scallops, plus a rotating lineup of local pours for a midweek reset, all without leaving Brewer.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🍀 Toddler St. Patrick’s Party @ Orono Trampoline Park | Friday (3/13) at 10:00 AM – This toddler-sized St. Patrick’s shindig brings easy crafts, a sensory bin, and an excuse to deck your mini leprechaun in head-to-toe green. Ages 5 and under only, grab tickets ahead, one adult jumps free with a toddler ticket, and extra adults need their own.

🛍 Project Graduation Craft/Vendor Fair @ Bangor High School | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Swing by the Bangor High School gym for the Project Grad craft and vendor fair, and treat it like a treasure hunt. M’s GEMS is bringing vintage sterling, crystals, and upcycled beauties, so you can shop small, support the kids, and skip the mile run.

🌿 Women’s Wellness Market @ Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – If your self-care looks like hiding in the car between errands, upgrade it here. A relaxed wellness market with 20+ women-owned vendors, jewelry, soaps, candles, massage, nails, hair, tattoos, plus a bar so you can sip and shop. Free admission, easy parking.

🎼 18th Annual Symphony Soirée @ Cross Insurance Center | Saturday (3/14) at 1:00 PM – Think you can resist a little enchantment? Symphony Soirée serves the good stuff, paddle-raising live auction drama, an online auction, and performances by the Myles Kelly Jazz Trio, the Youth Orchestra, Lindsey Alley, and Maestro Lucas Richman, all supporting Bangor’s symphony and its education programs.

☠ 2026 Murder Mystery: Pirates’ Plight @ Old Town-Orono YMCA | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Trade your Netflix queue for a night of pirate whodunit, complete with appetizers, dinner, dessert, and a cash bar with beer, wine, and soda. You get a character assignment, costume tips, and bragging rights, while your sleuthing boosts scholarships, community meals, swim lessons, and camps.

👢 Line Dance Workshop @ Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio | Sunday (3/15) at 12:00 PM – Think line dancing is just for wedding DJs and tipsy uncles? This beginner-friendly workshop serves easy steps, classic and modern country, and a sneaky cardio boost that feels more like recess than exercise. Come solo or bring your crew, no partner, no pressure, just laughs.

🎻 A Far Cry @ Minsky Hall (Orono) | Sunday (3/15) at 3:00 PM – A Far Cry, Boston’s Grammy-nominated chamber rebels, bring Appalachian Spring in its lean 13-player glory, Shelley Washington’s SAY, and a chamber take on Beethoven’s Pastoral, nature without allergies. Come early for the pre-show talk and reception, tickets $48, and K-12 are free with an adult.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Z.T. Stephen’s @ Bogeys – 6:00 PM
• 3/13 Isaac Raven @ Red Rabbit Bazaar – 7:00 PM
• 3/13 Guilty As Charged @ Nocturnem Draft Haus – 7:00 PM
• 3/14 18th Annual Symphony Soirée @ Cross Insurance Center – 1:00 PM
• 3/14 2026 Murder Mystery: Pirates’ Plight @ Old Town-Orono YMCA – 5:00 PM
• 3/14 Parish Supper @ St. John Church – 5:15 PM
• 3/15 A Far Cry @ Minsky Hall (Orono) – 3:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Bangor report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 38°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 18%

A slight chance of snow after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Snow. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Southeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 41°F – Low: 19°F – Precip: 86%

Snow before 7am, then rain and snow between 7am and 1pm, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Southwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. West wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

This house is wild

This updated 3-bed, 1-bath Bangor ranch delivers one-level living and a 2024-2025 kitchen with butcher block counters, farmhouse sink with touchless faucet, touchless hood, and custom shelving hiding basement access. A den adds space. Two heat pumps enhance comfort, and the bathroom was fully updated in 2026. New decking, private patio, hardscaping, and a concrete driveway set up outdoor enjoyment.

Take a peek inside →

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