Events in Bangor, ME

Morita’s School of Dance in Hermon, ME hosts a Halloween Dance Party for children ages 3 to 10. Young dancers can explore movement alongside Halloween-themed games, creative crafts, and a festive atmosphere. Costumes are welcome, with a selection available to borrow. Comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing is encouraged, and soft dance shoes or clean sneakers work well. Participants are grouped by age for a two-hour session centered on making friends, trying something new, and celebrating Halloween through creativity. Entertainment, craft supplies, and a snack are provided by staff, and families are asked to share any food allergies in advance. Admission is $20 for current studio members and $25 for guests.

At Thriving Proof in Bangor, Maine, this restorative session creates a calm space to release stress and return to a grounded state. The experience weaves together guided mindfulness and meditation, calming breathwork, gentle somatic awareness, and an enveloping sound journey with gongs, singing bowls, chimes, and other therapeutic tones. Quiet time for rest and integration is included. It is designed with busy professionals, caregivers, and anyone carrying significant responsibilities in mind, and no experience is required. Participants are welcome to engage fully in the practices or simply settle in and relax. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, a pillow, and anything else that adds comfort. The environment is scent aware and phone free to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Advance registration is required, capacity is limited to 12 participants, and the fee is $40 per session with a limited number of reduced rate and scholarship spots available.

Guilty As Charged makes its debut at Sweet Cheeks Diner & The Red Room in Bucksport, sharing an eclectic mix of music. The evening offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for familiar faces and newcomers alike.

Friends of Lower Kenduskeag Stream hosts a volunteer trail care session focused on the Kenduskeag Stream Trail. Participants work to improve the corridor that extends from Franklin Street in Downtown Bangor to Harlow Street by picking up litter, painting over graffiti, pruning vegetation to increase visibility, removing invasive plants, and raking the trail and drainage ditches to slow erosion. Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, water, sunscreen, and bug spray, wear sturdy shoes, and, if possible, bring pruning tools such as trail saws, loppers, or pole saws, along with wheelbarrows and trash pickers.

At Bucksport Area Senior Citizens Center in Bucksport, a community card signing event supports Evan’s Veterans Project in its goal of sending 5,000 holiday cards to active duty service members and veterans worldwide. Volunteers of all ages help by signing greeting cards. Hosted by Evan’s Veterans Project, American Legion Post 93, and the Bucksport Senior Center.

Ghostport returns to downtown Bucksport for its sixteenth year with Halloween fun for all ages. Highlights include the Lil' Goblins Parade down Main Street, a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Alamo Theatre with a shadow cast, and tales of terror at the gazebo presented by the River Observer. Creative spirits can enter the carved pumpkin contest or launch a pumpkin into the Penobscot using a trebuchet. Additional thrills include the Reach Schools Haunted House, trunk or treat, and the Bump in the Night costume dance on the waterfront. Adults can also test their wits with terrifying trivia and catch the late night show. A spirited celebration of all things spooky and sweet fills downtown throughout the festival.

Billed as Maine’s largest Halloween celebration, this family friendly gathering features a lively market and a spirited community walk. The festivities begin with the market opening, followed by a group dance rehearsal. The walk then departs from the compass rose and leads to a witch dance on the center green before the market winds down.

Celebrate Halloween with a family friendly gathering featuring costumed fun, creatively decorated car trunks handing out candy, and an afternoon filled with sweet treats. It brings together families, friends, and the community, and kids of every kind, from tiny ghosts and goblins to superheroes, princesses, and witches, can show off their looks. Costumes and trick or treat bags are encouraged... dare to enjoy some spooky fun.

Discover how 19th-century Maine gravestones used carved imagery to mark lives cut short, with motifs like toppled columns, broken branches, and clipped buds. Ron Romano explores the meanings behind symbols, epitaphs, monument styles, and cemetery landscapes, bringing to light stories of untimely deaths from lightning, shipwrecks, accidents, illness, and even a sensational murder. Romano is a national award-winning cemetery historian and guide and the author of five books centered on Maine cemeteries and gravestones. He has created tours for twenty historic cemeteries and has served on local and national nonprofit boards devoted to preserving historic burial spaces and grave markers. After the talk, copies of his new book will be available for purchase and signing.

After a full season of competition, the three-year-old finals bring the best of the best to the track. The top eight horses from each of four racing divisions will compete for the 2026 Sire Stakes Season championship. This culminating event highlights the dedication and accomplishments of Maine-bred horses, celebrating the hard work that carried them to the finals.

At the Collins Center for the Arts, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra opens its 131st season with cellist Zuill Bailey performing Michael Daugherty’s Tales of Hemingway, the work that earned him the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Solo Performance. The program begins with Peggy Stuart Coolidge’s New England Autumn, a suite inspired by New England life and shaped by vivid orchestral color, and concludes with Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 2 in C major, written during his pursuit of calm and inner peace. Celebrated for a resonant tone and formidable virtuosity, Bailey appears as the featured soloist. This concert is currently offered as part of a subscription package.

Life after cancer can bring lasting physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges. This support group offers a welcoming place for people living in survivorship to talk with others who understand. Participants can share experiences, reduce feelings of isolation and fear, and find encouragement. The group is intended for those who have completed treatment and want to connect with peers. Registration is recommended, and walk-ins are welcome.

Step into a secluded cottage deep in the woods, where a witch welcomes visitors to settle by the fire and hear the story of her life. She speaks of a first love, the awakening of her powers, and the ways she chose to use them. Unswayed by sentiment, she knows the human heart from every side, having been both its victim and its avenger. Her justice is unyielding, untouched by pleas for mercy, and she laughs at easy excuses. The tale unfolds in her own voice, drawing listeners into a world of memory, power, and consequence.

Homecoming 2026 brings the UMaine community together for a weekend of traditions, activities, and celebrations for alumni and families. Classmates and fellow Black Bears reconnect during a full slate of events. Registration with the UMaine Alumni Association includes perks available while supplies last, such as discounted football tickets, a catered meal at the Alumni Village Tailgate, the option to reserve a Homecoming T-shirt for $5 in a preferred size with pickup required, and access to campus tours.

A women’s leadership luncheon at Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor features Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, for a Lean in and Learn conversation centered on purpose-driven leadership. Guided by her commitment to Always Press Forward, Always Give Back, she leads a team of hunger-relief professionals focused on tackling the root causes of hunger through innovative solutions, sourcing nutritious and culturally relevant food, and collaborating with a network of more than 600 partners across Maine. Her career also includes pivotal work at Ahold Delhaize addressing evolving retail consumer and associate needs in an omnichannel era, along with roles spanning marketing, brand management, cross-functional team leadership, and operating model redesign. At Hannaford, she served as Vice President of Retail Services, overseeing payroll, asset protection, pharmacy, retail communications, and operations support. Her accolades include recognition in the Griffin Report’s Women of Influence in the Supermarket Industry in 2021 and 2017 and the 40 under 40 list in 2016. She is a graduate of the NEW Executive Institute 2015-2016 and has shared insights as a keynote and panelist with UNE Health Majors’ Leadership Conference, the Network of Executive Women, the National Diversity Council, and the University of Southern Maine. Doors open first, followed by lunch and a program. Pricing is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. A table sponsorship for eight is $250. Registration is requested. Presented by Maine Savings, with table sponsorship from Machias Savings Bank.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire brings larger-than-life action to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Fan favorites Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus roar to life, with FMX riders unleashing high-flying tricks and a fire-breathing, car-crushing robot dinosaur adding to the spectacle. The tour also spotlights the all-new Rhinomite, a rhino-themed newcomer bursting into the lineup. This fast-paced, family-friendly show packs in big jumps and glowing thrills from start to finish.

This once-a-year program explores the notorious 1937 case of Al Brady and his gang. It begins with a gathering inside the Thomas A. Hill House, where participants examine photos and artifacts connected to the FBI’s most wanted gangster of that year. A talk follows the trail of the crimes that led to the gang’s demise on Central Street on a bright October morning in 1937. The experience concludes with a walk to the site of the shooting to stand where history unfolded 89 years ago. Tickets are limited and cost $20 per person.

At Brewer Auditorium, this curated marketplace celebrates the strange, the beautiful, and the delightfully uncommon. Drawing inspiration from old-world cabinets of curiosity, it brings together artists and makers whose creations live just beyond the everyday. Handmade and art-driven work takes center stage, from dark themed art to oddities, curiosities, and carefully crafted objects for collectors who seek the unusual. The experience is created to feel like stepping into a cabinet of wonders come to life, where each table tells a story and every piece rewards a closer look. It is tailored for those drawn to the eerie, the enigmatic, and the beautifully strange.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire brings fan favorites to life with massive machines and nonstop action. Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus share the spotlight with FMX riders delivering gravity-defying tricks, plus a robot dinosaur that breathes fire and crushes cars. The tour also introduces Rhinomite, a new rhino-themed truck that rushes into the competition horn-first. This high-energy spectacle offers thrills for the whole family. Children ages 2 and older need a ticket, and kids tickets are valid for ages 2 to 12.

Hosted at UNO Pizzeria and Grill, this deep dish pizza class focuses on crafting classic Chicago-style pies from start to finish. Work alongside experienced chefs as you prepare the dough, layer the ingredients in the proper order, and bake your creation to a satisfying finish. The session is designed for all skill levels, whether you are a dedicated pizza lover or trying something new. Each ticket includes step-by-step instruction, a lunch with salad and a beverage, plus unlimited soft drinks.

An annual Halloween outing in downtown Bangor celebrates community spirit with treat-focused fun for young attendees. Costumes are welcome as participants visit dozens of participating downtown businesses handing out treats. A map of locations will be available as the event approaches.

Beaverstock brings Downeast Maine together for a music-filled celebration of peace, love, and community. Bring your own beverages and a chair, then plan to sing, play, dance, and enjoy local food while local musicians perform. Meet people who are working to build community across the region. Parking is free. The festival takes place in the barn at Bad Beaver Farm in Ellsworth and will go on rain or shine. Tickets are available.

Step into the historic Merithew House for an immersive indoor tour where volunteer actors embody ghosts from the past. As you move from room to room, you will hear vivid tales of shipwrecks, sudden waterspouts, encounters with Confederates, outbreaks of yellow fever, and even a menagerie said to rest on the ocean floor. Advance registration is encouraged, while walk-ins are welcome. An accessible seated version is also available, with the ghosts rotating through the room to share their stories. Tickets are $8 with preregistration and $10 at the door.

Enjoy a calming lakeside Paint and Sip led by Teresa, focused on a serene autumn landscape. A presketched outline is provided, and participants receive guidance through each stage to complete the artwork on a compact 11 by 14 inch canvas. An optional $15 charcuterie mini box is available in partnership with Downtown Charcuterie. If added to the ticket at least 24 hours before the class, it will be delivered to the studio shortly before the session. The box includes nuts, dairy, gluten, and meats, and those with special dietary needs should order directly from their website.

Old Town welcomes the return of live pro wrestling as Ring Wars 9 presents a heartfelt farewell to a legend at Penobscot Indian Reservation. This event marks Eric Johnson’s final active in-ring performance and features an inter-promotional championship showdown with champion Chad Casanova. The card also includes tag team grudge action with The Stigma taking on The Pathway’s JP and Rex, plus The Pathway’s Miller and Matthews awaiting opponents to be announced. Additional appearances include Grand Champion Jason Maverick, “Classic” Kalvin Strange, the debuts of All Go Nelli and Red Jack, the return of the Dunky Boy Bandit, as well as Hyper Poutine, The Wild, Logan Lennox, and more. Front row seating is sold out, and general admission is available for $20.

Brooke & Haley Music perform live at Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor, marking their first appearance at this venue.

Celebrate the season at Orono Trampoline Park with an annual costume gathering featuring a contest with prizes and plenty of games. Wear your favorite costume and enjoy 60 minutes of jumping for $12. Memberships are not valid for this event. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and first-time visitors should complete a waiver before arriving. The plaza will also host a trunk or treat on the same day.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire 2026 Tour brings larger-than-life versions of favorite trucks to the action, featuring Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus. Freestyle motocross riders take to the air with high-flying stunts, and a towering robot dinosaur breathes fire while crushing cars. The lineup also introduces Rhinomite, a new rhino-themed truck charging horn-first into the competition. This high-energy showcase is built for families who enjoy big thrills. Children ages 2 and up require a ticket, and children’s tickets apply to ages 2 through 12.

A free annual expo celebrates and supports families who are expecting or parenting young children, featuring diaper donations, raffles, activities, and a wide range of community resources. The Prevention Council hosts a community baby shower, supported in part by the Bracey Memorial Trust. The event includes many vendors offering information and services for parents and caregivers.

Equestrian adventurer Jessie Dowling visits NCC to share firsthand stories from The Gaucho Derby, a 500 kilometer horse race across Patagonia, Argentina. She placed 15th among 40 international riders and will describe how competitors travel for 10 days carrying their own gear while navigating remote, windswept terrain with handheld GPS. The event blends survival challenges with rigorous horsemanship. Competitors are assigned eight different horses at random throughout the race, and the animals undergo veterinary inspections along the route. Dowling will also highlight time spent with Argentina’s criollo horses and the challenge of forging quick, trusting partnerships with strong, agile mounts. Based at Iron Ledge Farm in Maine, she teaches lessons, trains horses, coaches endurance riders, and leads endurance focused riding retreats. Admission is free.

PTC ensemble member and ghost expert Ben Layman leads a guided tour of the Bangor Opera House, offered after a spooky reading at The Stage Door. Participants hear stories about three longtime spirits associated with the venue, go behind the scenes in PTC backstage spaces, and learn ways to communicate with the spirit world.

A family friendly Trunk or Treat at Brewer Center features trick or treating, candy and treats, and costumes, welcoming the community to celebrate the Halloween season together.

The gathering begins with time to chat and to buy, sell, or swap stamps and stamp-related items. A club business meeting follows.

Celebrate spooky season at Sweet Cheeks Diner & The Red Room with a Halloween drag showcase featuring dazzling looks, high-energy numbers, and a festive party vibe. Talented queens take the spotlight with crowd-pleasing performances that keep the momentum going. Food and cocktails will be available for purchase. This event is for ages 21 and up. Tickets are nonrefundable unless the event is canceled.

Browse a mix of creations from a variety of crafters and vendors at this craft fair with free admission. The event will be set up in the large room only, so vendor spaces are limited and applications are encouraged to secure a spot. To request a registration form, email tlmorrison1969@gmail.com or call or text 207-554-7412. Tina Morrison is the sole contact for this event, and inquiries should be directed only to Tina or the event page to avoid scams. This event is not sponsored by the Bangor Elks Club.

A Halloween themed edition of Maine Hobby Fest takes place at Brewer Auditorium. Collectors of all levels will find sports cards, Pokémon and other trading card games, memorabilia, and a wide range of collectibles. Over 60 vendor tables, including sellers from around New England, offer chances to hunt for rare finds and trade with fellow enthusiasts. The event features raffles throughout the day, on-site concessions, a costume contest, and candy for kids, creating a family friendly atmosphere among thousands of items. Admission is $1. Hosted by Coastal Sports Collectibles.

Take part in a community science bioblitz at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Old Town, Maine. Spend a few minutes or the entire day exploring the refuge and photographing the plants and animals you encounter. Use the iNaturalist app to document your sightings, with no prior experience required. The app assists with identification and adds each entry to a large database used by researchers and conservation enthusiasts. This is a self guided, free activity, and participants can come and go during the refuge’s open hours, either on their own or with a group. Travel any of the seven miles of trails, including hard packed gravel routes designed for accessibility, though availability can vary by season. Most paths have minimal elevation change, but conditions can be wet or muddy with roots and rocks along the way. Restrooms are limited to pit toilets, including one that is accessible, and there is no running water or lighting. Plan for an outdoor day and dress for the weather.

The fifth annual Bridge Street Halloween Block Party features a food truck, a haunted house walkthrough, and sweet treats at the Trunk R Treat. Costumes are encouraged, and the Scream Queen Pageant is part of the festivities. Additional activities will be announced.

A festive costume contest pairs with a slightly spooky walk through a decorated vault and shop. Families with trick or treaters can pick up candy, take a photo either on site or at home, then submit the picture on Facebook to enter for gift certificates. Gift certificates may be redeemed when reopening occurs in May or used for products that will be available at H and H Mercantile during the winter. Additional contest details will be shared closer to the event. This is a free event.

Celebrate Halloween at The Break Room in Ellsworth with a costume-centered evening set to music made for dancing. Expect lively, playful chaos and a fun atmosphere where your best costume can take the spotlight as you move to the beat.

Harness racing takes center stage at Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park for the 39th race of the 2026 Bangor Harness Racing season. Arrive early to choose your favorites before the action begins. Tellers are available to explain how to earn rewards on wagers.

The season’s 40th Bangor Harness Racing event takes place at Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park in Bangor. Arrive early to choose your picks before the action begins, and ask the tellers on site about ways to earn rewards on wagers.

AIGA Maine hosts a free coworking meetup series designed for students and creative professionals. Each gathering is open format, so participants can bring a laptop, focus on personal projects, and choose between quiet concentration, easy conversation, or a mix of both. There is no set agenda, no presentations, and no pressure to network unless you feel like it.

When cholesterol keeps climbing despite careful eating and extra workouts, the cause is not always your food. This free workshop explains what else might drive those numbers and why common guidance can miss important factors. It explores how midlife muscle loss changes the way the body handles cholesterol, the connection between hormones and cholesterol with attention to shifts during menopause, the influence of thyroid function even when standard lab results are in the normal range, the impact of blood sugar fluctuations on stubborn readings, the importance of effectively absorbing protein rather than only focusing on intake, and ways to support the liver so cholesterol is processed. It is designed for people who are frustrated by rising cholesterol despite their best efforts and want clear, root-cause insights. Registration is required, and space is limited.

John Mulaney brings his latest stand-up tour, Mister Whatever, to Cross Insurance Center. A four-time Emmy winner with Critics Choice and WGA honors, he is a writer, comedian, and actor with a wide range of work on stage and screen. He recently hosted, wrote, and executive produced the Netflix talk show Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney, a follow-up to Everybody’s in LA that blended monologues, guest interviews, filmed sketches, and musical moments. He also appeared on Broadway in All In: Comedy About Love alongside Fred Armisen, Richard Kind, and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Up next, he appears in the Amazon MGM Studios film Madden directed by David O. Russell.

The ASM Book Club offers a supportive space for autistic adults to read and talk about books that reflect autism and broader neurodivergent experiences. Participants explore memoirs, nonfiction, novels, graphic novels, and more, with a strong emphasis on works by autistic authors to keep representation at the center. Meetings take place in the 2nd Floor Balcony Room at Bangor Public Library. Reader guides and assistance are available for anyone interested in starting another branch of the club.

Brian Walker takes the stage at The Sports Arena for a three hour set, offering a long form showcase of his music.

Waldo District Scouting units are coming together for an annual community breakfast honoring those who have served. This year features a tribute to Searsport resident Don Garrold, who passed in 2026, a dedicated community member whose family has supported scouting for much of their lives. Everyone is welcome. Veterans receive a complimentary meal, and contributions are appreciated. A flag retirement ceremony will conclude the gathering, and organizers can arrange pickup for flags that need proper retirement.

Old Town Riverside Grange is putting on a combined craft fair, bake sale, and vendor sale, with opportunities to browse crafts, pick up baked goods, and explore a variety of vendor tables. To inquire about reserving a table, please send a direct message to Old Town Riverside Grange or Deb Lancaster.

A festive marketplace returns to Anah Shrine for the third annual Shriner’s Holiday Fair, hosted by the Shriner’s Sunshine Club. M’s GEMS will be a participating vendor, featuring restored mid century 925 sterling silver pieces alongside a handmade jewelry line crafted with genuine vintage gems. Visitors can also browse a rotating, curated assortment of gemstones, freeform specimens, geodes, and crystals. M’s GEMS accepts cash, cards, and Venmo, though payment options may differ among other vendors. Their setup will be on the stage. Bringing a reusable shopping bag is encouraged, and M’s GEMS is a vendor rather than the event organizer.

A returning exhibitor at the show will offer cabochons, handmade jewelry crafted from those cabs, and a range of rocks that includes carvings, spheres, and other pieces.

Now in its 40th year, the Annual PICA Fundraising Auction brings together community spirit, music, and opportunities to shop for the holidays while supporting social justice efforts in Maine and in El Salvador. Proceeds benefit PICA’s ongoing work and also help support Bangor’s sister city, Carasque, El Salvador. Local artisans, businesses, and generous donors contribute a wide range of offerings, including original artwork, pottery, massage, books, carpentry, gift certificates for local restaurants and stores, flowers, food, and more. The event features both silent and live bidding, creating plenty of variety in one place along with complimentary food and engaging conversations. Attendance is not required to win, and winning bidders will be contacted by phone. For details, to volunteer, or to donate items, email Ellen at elleng@pica.ws.

This high-energy tribute captures the sound and look of a Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band concert with striking accuracy. Led by Matt Ryan of the Legends In Concert cast, who first took on the Springsteen role in 2000 during the Las Vegas production, the project came to life in 2004 when he teamed up with a powerhouse group of professional musicians to create Bruce In The USA. The show has raised the bar for tribute performances and is billed as the world’s leading homage to Springsteen and the E Street Band’s musical legacy.

Dance with the Alumni Jazz Band at Next Generation Theatre at Between Friends Art Center. Admission is $12, and refreshments will be available.

Ladies Day returns with a cheerful kickoff to the holiday season from Quality Jewelers. Enjoy mimosas, a spread of tasty bites, and time to explore fine jewelry perfect for gifting or treating yourself. Staff will be available to help build a Holiday Wish List, and completing it comes with a gift bag while supplies last. Door prizes will be given every hour, so plan to linger, bring a friend, and make an afternoon of it. Expect festive shopping, friendly company, and a sparkling start to the season.

Ten Maine veterans and their families team up with Box of Maine and other local businesses to assemble military care packages, working toward a goal of 1,000. The initiative supports service members through Maine Soldier boxes and relies on community involvement to help spread the word and provide sponsorships that make each package possible.

This casual meetup at sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt (Stillwater Ave) centers on laughs, storytelling, and community. Veterans can enjoy complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt. For questions or additional details, please contact the organizers.

Glass Paradox makes its debut at the Maine Harvest Festival at the Cross Insurance Center. Free admission. Browse autumn themed artware, everyday pieces, and a small selection of holiday items from Glass Paradox, while the broader festival highlights Made in Maine offerings to set a festive tone for the season. Look for Glass Paradox in the ballroom.

Take a breather before the holiday rush at The Break Room. This laid back night centers on easing stress and offers a simple escape before the season shifts into high gear.

An orchestral program sparks curiosity in younger listeners by tracing how composers have inspired one another across eras. Elgar’s orchestral vision of Bach stands alongside Hindemith’s vivid reimagining of themes by Weber, while Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto reveals techniques associated with Mozart, pairing lively contrasts with the confidence of a maturing voice. The repertoire includes the overture to Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber, Piano Concerto No. 2 by Ludwig van Beethoven featuring Henry Kramer, Fantasia and Fugue in C minor by J. S. Bach arranged by Edward Elgar, and Paul Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis shaped from Weber’s themes. Guest artist Henry Kramer is recognized for expressive range, emotional breadth, and assured technique, with critics noting both his poise and electrifying impact. His honors include a second prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels and an Avery Fisher Career Grant from Lincoln Center. This concert is available as part of a subscription package.

Skip the usual post-Thanksgiving crowds and parking hassles. Plaid Friday in Downtown Bangor celebrates locally owned and independent businesses with a relaxed approach to holiday shopping. Many downtown retailers plan extras such as extended hours, deals for shoppers wearing plaid, complimentary gift wrapping, and other surprises. The day also features the debut of the Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway light show along with the lighting of the Holiday Tree in West Market Square.

Downtown Bangor marks the start of the holiday season by lighting the City of Bangor tree and showcasing a colorful animated light show set to music in West Market Square, sponsored by Hollywood Casino. The celebration is part of Plaid Friday in Downtown Bangor, providing a festive pause amid holiday shopping and plenty of options nearby for food, browsing, and entertainment. The tree lighting festivities return at the end of the annual Festival of Lights Parade.

Keep your holiday gift hunt local in Downtown Bangor, where small businesses make seasonal shopping feel welcoming and unhurried. Choosing presents here supports neighborhood culture and directly benefits the local economy. Family-run and independent shops, along with nearby restaurants, offer a calm setting to browse, enjoy a meal, and connect with familiar faces. It is a chance to find meaningful gifts and shop in a way that reflects your values, all while taking in a community-focused experience throughout Downtown Bangor.

Tartan Terrors bring their Celtic Invasion to Gracie’s seasonal festivities, blending the drive of a rock concert with sharp humor and lively step dance. Known for keeping Celtic music vibrant and welcoming to any audience, the group has toured widely across North America, with appearances at The Iridium in Times Square, Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville, Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival in Florence, and The Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival in Dunedin. Expect foot-tapping tunes, spirited choreography, and an atmosphere filled with holiday cheer.

Brooke & Haley Music return to Blue Sky Lounge Bangor for a live performance. Enjoy a drink or two and some good food while they play.

Formed in Maine, Havvick brings a high-energy rock show filled with powerful riffs, tight musicianship, and straight-up rock and roll.

Explore holiday and winter inspired artware from Glass Paradox at the 40th annual John Bapst Craft Fair. The booth is located in the auditorium, and you can spot it by the white lit trees.

Enjoy a marketplace of crafters and vendors with free admission. To request a registration form, email tlmorrison1969@gmail.com or call or text 207-554-7412. Tina Morrison is the only point of contact for this event, so please do not engage with anyone else, as scammers may try to reach out. This event is not sponsored by the Bangor Elks Club.

Downtown Ellsworth glows during the annual Christmas Parade of Lights, a long-standing tradition that brings residents and local organizations together. Floats and participants will travel along State Street, cross School Street, continue onto Main Street to the lower traffic light, then head back up State Street. This year’s theme, Gingerbread Dreams & Candy Cane Wishes, sets a sweet and festive tone as spectators line the route to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. The celebration continues immediately after the parade with the City of Ellsworth’s Community Tree Lighting in front of City Hall, offering families and neighbors a cheerful way to keep the festivities going. For information or registration, contact ellsworthchristmasparade@gmail.com or call Kimberly Fitch at (207) 812-0172.

This is a return visit to the Old Town Elks lodge, glad to be back.

This event features live music at the Elks Club, along with food and drinks.

Brewer Eagles Club #3177 hosts a throwback dance night featuring 80s and 90s hits. The playlist centers on nostalgic tracks with an emphasis on dancing.

Maine’s largest authors’ fair brings more than 85 local authors and publishers to the Bangor Public Library for a full day dedicated to the literary arts. Admission and all programs are free. Visitors can meet writers, get books signed, and support the community by purchasing personalized titles while enjoying readings, talks, and panels that fill the library during the winter holiday season. A wide range of genres will be represented, spanning fiction and nonfiction for adults and teens, romance, mystery, adventure, folklore, outdoor writing, self help, science fiction, fantasy, cryptozoology, children’s literature, cookbooks, horror, paranormal, history, and more. Expect plenty to explore with dozens upon dozens of books by Maine authors, along with raffle tickets, sponsor vendor tables, and day-of surprises. The fair also features the launch of "Thinning Light," a charity anthology benefiting the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. While admission and programming are free, many authors may not accept credit cards, so cash, Venmo, or PayPal are helpful for purchases. Programming details will be announced. The event is organized and hosted by Bangor Authors' Collaborative in cooperation with the Bangor Public Library, and the collaborative was founded by author Christopher Packard.

An afternoon tea inspired by the holiday musical White Christmas invites guests into the elegance of that era, with familiar melodies and a wintry Vermont spirit. The themed menu features Bob’s ham and cheese on rye, Phil’s turkey club sandwich, and cucumber and mint on buttermilk bread, with vegetarian options available. Fresh-baked treats include classic English scones with cream and jam as well as Judy’s vanilla malted scones. For dessert, enjoy Betty’s mini butter rum cake, mini popcorn balls, maple sirup gingerbread from a 1947 recipe, and snowflake sugar cookies. Nostalgic touches and comforting flavors set the tone for a relaxed, festive experience.

Bangor Symphony Orchestra presents its annual holiday production of The Nutcracker at the Collins Center for the Arts, featuring Robinson Ballet and the Bangor Area Youth Choirs. Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker take the stage as Tchaikovsky’s score is performed live by the orchestra and youth choirs under the direction of Music Director and GRAMMY award winning conductor Lucas Richman. This concert is available as an add-on to a season subscription package, and single tickets will also be offered.

Autumn Addicts brings a country rock set powered by a frontwoman with a mighty voice. The group’s high energy, talent, and crowd-friendly sound keep audiences singing along all night. Their live show makes clear why there is so much buzz around Autumn Addicts.

Bangor Symphony Orchestra returns with its annual staging of The Nutcracker in partnership with Robinson Ballet and the Bangor Area Youth Choirs. At the Collins Center for the Arts, Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker come to life onstage as Tchaikovsky’s score is performed live. Music Director and GRAMMY Award winning conductor Lucas Richman leads the orchestra, with dancers and young voices shaping a vivid retelling of the classic tale. A seasonal favorite for every generation, this presentation blends symphonic power, choral color, and ballet artistry for a festive experience at the theater.

Christmas is finally wrapped up and that sigh of relief feels good. Take a breather and show off the new gifts you unwrapped.

The Binghamton Bearcats will face off against the Maine Black Bears in a basketball game.