Events in Bucksport, ME

Celebrate the craft of woodcarving at a combined show and competition at First United Methodist Church - Bangor. Participants of every experience level can take part. The featured theme is Songbirds, yet entries from any carving category are welcome. Information about rules and entry fees is available online.

Set amid Maine Craft Weekend, Downtown Bangor transforms into a lively open-air celebration of creativity. Over 75 Maine-based artists and artisan makers showcase their work along the sidewalks, while live music and a variety of food trucks create a festive atmosphere throughout the downtown. Exhibitors are selected by a jury and represent a wide range of mediums, styles, and price points. In addition to the visiting booths, the neighborhood’s arts-focused retailers offer more to discover, inviting attendees to step inside and explore. Artist applications open in late summer.

As outdoor gardens slow down in Maine, this session explores how to keep fresh, clean, nutrient dense produce on the table all year. Tower Garden expert Edee Howland will share how aeroponic gardening works so you can grow indoors with no soil, no weeding, and far less guesswork. The conversation covers why this method is said to yield more flavorful, nutrient rich harvests than typical store options, how plants can grow up to three times faster while using about 98 percent less water than traditional approaches, what can reliably thrive through a Maine winter, and how taking control of your food can mean no pesticides and fewer compromises. Practical cost insights are included, such as how the system can pay for itself in roughly six to twelve months. The program reflects Thriving Proof’s focus on the connection between what you eat and how you feel, treating clean food as a foundation for well-being. Whether the concept is brand new or already familiar, Edee’s guidance offers clear steps and encouragement to start growing year round.

At UNO Pizzeria and Grill, a hands-on deep dish pizza class explores the techniques behind Chicago-style pies. Learn with expert chefs how to form the crust, layer the toppings, and bake it properly. The class is designed for all skill levels. Each ticket includes instruction, lunch with a salad and a beverage, plus unlimited soft drinks.

All Access brings a lively party to High Tide in Brewer, with an energetic vibe and a fun atmosphere throughout the event.

Comedian Bob Marley brings a live stand up show to the Collins Center at UMaine in Orono, Maine. Enjoy a performance packed with laughs.

With the official start of the so-called F word nobody likes just around the corner, they are ready to welcome everyone.

This 14th annual 5K color fun run and walk supports people affected by cancer. Participants begin in white and are showered with colored powder along the course, then finish awash in color. After the run and walk, the finish area becomes a celebration with photo opportunities, friendship, and fun. The first 200 registrants receive a complimentary goodie bag, and some bags include gift cards at random. Those who register by the stated deadline receive a free event T-shirt. Participants can fundraise for the Purple Iris Foundation, with awards based on the amount raised. All proceeds benefit programs that help individuals in Maine who are dealing with the effects of cancer. The venue is Sea Dog Brewing Company Bangor, and packet pickup takes place at Sea Dog Bangor.

Making its debut in Bangor, this waterfront market will showcase more than 40 vendors along with a selection of food trucks and additional offerings. Further details will be shared.

Bangor Beautiful hosts a monthly gardening party dedicated to sprucing up one of the pollinator gardens the group has planted. Each gathering highlights a different spot, with recent locations including the Maine Audubon Mural, Good of the Hive, and several Welcome to Bangor sites. Seltzer and mocktails are provided.

This supportive gathering brings people affected by stroke together to share experiences and recovery resources. It is intended for those who have experienced a stroke, caregivers, and family members. Sessions take place in person at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, with a virtual option available for those who cannot be there in person. For questions, contact Angela Wheelden, BSN, RN, SCRN, nurse program manager with Northern Light Stroke Care, at 207.973.8278 or awheelden@northernlight.org.

Swan Lake Reimagined honors more than a century of Tchaikovsky’s score and classical choreography, then brings them forward with a fresh creative approach. Graceful dancing is paired with inventive light design, with illuminated costumes that move in sync with each step and wash the stage in evolving color and emotion. Technology is woven into the staging to elevate, not replace, the essence of traditional ballet. Light, music, and movement merge in a contemporary experience that lets audiences encounter a cherished classic anew.

Max and Henry are stranded in a fierce snowstorm and seek shelter in a remote cabin, where an unusual household seems to have been expecting an arrival. As the weather tightens its grip, rituals, fragmented tales, and unsettling discoveries erode any sense of safety and raise the question of whether the haven is really a snare. This home does not simply hide secrets, it clings to them. Levi Holloway’s GREY HOUSE is an intimate horror play that weaves psychological suspense with the supernatural, laces it with dark humor, and leans into disturbing imagery. Intended for mature audiences, the production features strong language, blood and staged gore, graphic violence and injury, body horror, death, violence involving young people, references to abuse and trauma, depictions of psychological distress, mention of sexual assault, alcohol use, loud and sudden sounds with startling moments, flashing and strobe effects, stretches of total darkness, and water based theatrical fog. The venue’s close quarters mean some disturbing or violent moments take place near the audience. It is not recommended for young children, and parental discretion is advised for teens. Those with specific trigger concerns can request additional details in advance without spoilers. After each performance, a talkback of about twenty minutes with the cast and director explores the story, themes, characters, staging, and the eerie world of the play, with time for questions. Participation is optional, and anyone not wishing to attend may depart after the curtain call.

This weekly restorative session invites participants to release accumulated stress and settle the nervous system through a blend of guided meditation, mindful breathwork, gentle body awareness, and immersive sound healing. Designed with busy professionals, caregivers, and others in high-responsibility roles in mind, it offers a dependable pause from constant doing so you can return to balance, clarity, and ease. Each gathering weaves together mindfulness and meditation, breath practices to steady the nervous system, somatic awareness, and a spacious sound bath featuring gongs, singing bowls, chimes, and therapeutic soundscapes, followed by unhurried time to rest and integrate. No prior experience is needed, and you can participate actively or simply relax. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, a pillow, and anything else that will keep you comfortable. The setting is scent-aware and phone-free to support a calm atmosphere. Advance registration is required, capacity is limited to 12 participants per session. The cost is $40 per session, with a limited number of reduced-rate and scholarship options available.

At Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor, Mystery 207 presents an interactive murder mystery dinner that blends suspense and comedy. Guests step into the role of detectives while enjoying dinner, mingling with other attendees to gather clues and piece together the case. Professional actors from Mystery 207 guide the story and unveil clues throughout the evening as participants evaluate motive and opportunity to identify the culprit. Dressing up is welcome but optional. This experience is not a children’s show. Advance ticket purchase is required.

A cozy, welcoming queer hangout at The Wilson Center at UMaine offers a relaxed place to be yourself and connect with community. Keep the spirit of Pride going throughout the year by settling in with a book, making a craft, playing board games, or enjoying easy conversation. The vibe is calm and participant driven, shaped by what attendees want to do together. The Wilson Center has an ADA accessible entrance. Wheelchair users who enter through the lower entrance will need to exit, go up a hill, and re-enter at a different entrance to reach the restrooms. An ASL interpreter will not be available for this event. This gathering is part of a series held on the second Saturday of each month.

This in-person support group offers a calm, caring setting with others who know the experience of loss. Nothing needs to be fixed and there are no expectations, only presence, attentive listening, and genuine connection. You may speak when you are ready or simply sit quietly and feel the support of the community.

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.

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.

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 provides a welcoming place for people living in survivorship to talk with others who truly understand. Sharing experiences in a caring setting can ease feelings of isolation and fear while offering hope. It is intended for those who have completed treatment and want to connect with peers. Advance registration is encouraged, and walk-ins are also accepted.

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.

At Cross Insurance Center, the Glow-N-Fire 2026 tour from Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live brings larger-than-life action with favorite trucks Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus. FMX riders add to the spectacle with daring jumps and stunts, and a fire-breathing, car-crushing robot dinosaur thunders into the show. Making its tour debut, Rhinomite enters the fray as a rhino-themed machine built to charge horn first. The result is a fast-paced arena experience filled with roaring engines, big-air moments, and excitement for all ages.

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 favorite Hot Wheels giants to life with Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus rumbling into action alongside freestyle motocross riders pulling off big-air stunts and a fire-breathing robot dinosaur that smashes cars. The tour also debuts Rhinomite, a rhino-themed newcomer charging into the fray. Expect fast-paced, family-friendly thrills from start to finish. Children ages 2 and up require a ticket, and child tickets apply to ages 2 to 12.

An annual Halloween celebration in downtown Bangor offers a cheerful, kid-focused experience with plenty of treats. Children can dress up and visit dozens of downtown businesses handing out treats while families enjoy a festive stroll together. A map highlighting participating businesses will be shared as the event approaches.

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

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire revs into the Cross Insurance Center with larger-than-life machines and stunts for all ages. See favorites like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus in action alongside freestyle motocross athletes, plus a towering robot dinosaur that breathes fire and smashes cars. The lineup also welcomes Rhinomite, a new rhino-themed truck charging into the competition. Children ages 2 and up require their own ticket, and child tickets apply to ages 2 through 12.

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.

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.

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.

A high-energy concert experience that captures the sound and look of a Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performance. Matt Ryan, known from the Legends In Concert production, began portraying Springsteen in 2000 in the Las Vegas show, then in 2004 assembled a powerhouse lineup of professional musicians to create Bruce In The USA. The production has elevated tribute performance to new heights and is presented as the world’s number one tribute honoring Bruce Springsteen, the E Street Band, and their 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.

This casual gathering focuses on laughter, storytelling, and a welcoming sense of community. Veterans are invited to enjoy complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt. For questions or more details, please reach out to the event 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.