There is never a dull moment for the music lovers in Bangor. With venues of every size and style, ranging from a 150-person historic ballroom to a modern 15,300-person outdoor concert venue, there is an opportunity to catch local bluegrass, touring metal bands, and live music of every style.
Among the gems in Bangor’s modern public art realm is “Camel Country,” which was designed by Japanese artist Koichi Ogino and completed as part of the Schoodic Art Symposium, an international project that created a sculpture trail across Maine.
Though some other states claim to be Paul Bunyan’s birthplace, Bangor has his birth certificate on display at City Hall to settle the matter permanently. Visit his 31-foot-high cartoonish replica designed by local artist J. Normand Martin which presides over Main Street.
Be sure to stop and capture a “selfie” at the downtown Umbrella Sky installation, which is part of an international art project Inspired by Mary Poppins and located in cities around the world, from Bahrain to Montreal! It is a great link for visitors to meander around the corner and visit the shops and restaurants on Cross Street.
The Bangor Public Library’s Children’s Department is a place for children to get lost amongst the kiddie-sized stacks. With cozy reading nooks, computers with child-friendly games and activities, and interactive toys and displays, it is a place for kids to explore. Be sure to check out their extensive free activities and programming while you are in town.
The Maine Savings Amphitheater is a 15,300-person, state-of-the-art, open-air amphitheater located on Bangor’s Waterfront Park, on the banks of the Penobscot River in the heart of the downtown district. Catch your favorite National touring acts with the river and sky as your backdrop.
The Gracie Theatre at Husson University is conveniently located in the heart of Bangor, Maine. This beautiful 490-seat performing arts center proudly serves as a cultural center for the Greater Bangor community, presenting touring artists from around the globe.
Located in Downtown Bangor at the Historic Nichols Block, The Bangor Arts Exchange is a collaborative project of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Launchpad. The building, built in 1892, now serves as a performing and visual arts space and includes The Ballroom, a 185-cap performance venue.
Cross Insurance Center brings a variety of performances to Bangor, including Broadway traveling productions and national musical, comedy, and performance troupes.
Open by appointment only, By Design showcases fine arts in a variety of media for sale or enjoyment.
The Lady Victory War Memorial, in Norumbega Parkway, is one of the most photographed vistas in Bangor. The inscription on her base reads: “Dedicated to all who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country.”
Take a self-guided walking tour with highlights from Bangor’s past and present.
The Maine Science Festival in Bangor is the first and only science festival north of Cambridge, MA. With more than 70 events and activities over five days, it’s a celebration and exploration of the national and world-leading science emanating from Maine. Mark your calendar for the 10-year celebration festival to be held March 9-23, 2025.
Bangor Public Library’s Local History Department provides information on Bangor, the Penobscot Valley, the State of Maine, and New England. Rotating exhibits feature archival photographs and documents.
Bangor Pride is a month-long celebration of our LGBTQ+ community culminating in a weekend of dance parties, a parade, a festival with vendors and so much more. Check out the full lineup!
With three length options to choose from, the Bangor Gran Fondo Hincapie is fun for all cyclists. It offers epic views of the Penobscot River and Bay! This is the Ultimate Cycling Experience for the rider looking for their next adventure, challenge, and a taste of Maine during the summer!
As the premier arts and culture destination in Central Maine, the annual Downtown Bangor Sidewalk Art Festival on the first Saturday in July, highlights the artists and arts organizations located in the Bangor Region. With musical and theatrical performances and a children’s activity area, the event is a full day of fun for the whole family.
Arguably Bangor’s most dynamic and well-attended parade, the Festival of Lights Parade, put on by The Rotary Club of Bangor, Maine, draws thousands of spectators to watch the dazzlingly lit floats, dance teams and marching bands pass through historic downtown on their way to light the Holiday Tree located in the heart of the City. Mark your calendar for December 7th Festival of Lights Parade 2024, themed “The Magic of Rotary”
Take a walking tour of some of Bangor’s most prominent public art from past and present
The Bangor Public Library is thrilled to welcome local and regional artists to its galleries. With exhibits in four galleries that change every two months and “Meet the Artists” events at the start of each exhibit change.
Ten Bucks Theatre is home to Bangor’s only acting ensemble and performs classic productions, hosts a 24-hour New Play Festival, and their ever-popular annual Shakespeare production.
Some Theatre Company seeks to inspire, and create a theatrical space where creativity sparks, boundaries are pushed, and community thrives. They utilize bold storytelling and create theatrical experiences that instill empathy and ignite conversation.
Bangor Community Theatre has been providing live theater, musical theater, and theatrical opportunities to the citizens of Bangor and Eastern Maine for over 70 years. Their entirely volunteer organizations bring crowd-pleasing performances several times a year.
Robinson Ballet is a premier performance company and dance school that engages the community through dance, with several productions a year. Check out their professional productions, including the annual Nutcracker performance
Bangor Ballet offers beautifully danced and elegantly costumed productions with an emphasis on classical ballet. The repertoire includes 19th and 20th-century ballet classics, family-friendly story ballets, and new works by contemporary choreographers.
The Cross Insurance Center is a 5,800-seat multi-purpose arena in Bangor, Maine, United States. The expanded arena holds up to 8,500 people for larger concerts and features an attached 2,000-person convention center.
The flagship museum for the University of Maine Systems, the Zillman Museum, is a world-class contemporary art museum featuring a selection of exhibits from living artists that change quarterly and a permanent collection that focuses on art since 1945. The museum is open to the public and offers FREE admission to all.
The Sohn’s Gallery features shows that rotate quarterly and sell pieces from the featured collection.
Bangor’s professional theater company, Penobscot Theatre, has been entertaining Bangor for over 50 years. Housed in the historic 1911 Egyptian Art Deco Bangor Opera House, Penobscot Theatre produces plays that bring new and local productions to the stage, as well as popular musicals and comedies.
Home to an impressive collection of land transportation ranging from antique cars and fire trucks to snowplows and trains, the Cole Land Transportation Museum even has an antique train station inside. It is also home to an impressive collection of military vehicles.
The Maine Discovery Museum helps people of all ages discover the world around them through creative exploration and science. Come visit their interactive displays.
The Bangor Historical Society is the most recognized authority on Bangor’s history and heritage through the stewardship of artifacts, documents, and sites. Visit their museum or take one of their signature tours to learn more about this unique community.
The Wabanaki Youth and Cultural Center in Downtown Bangor will provide a unique local attraction for families with a range of child ages. Visit the Traditional Foods Café, an outdoor walkway to the Penobscot River, a Mount Katahdin rock climbing wall, a cozy cave corner, complete with faux trees and an indoor forest, a Penobscot River epoxy floor installation, and a Youth art gallery.
Mount Hope Cemetery is America’s second oldest garden cemetery, reflective of the 19th century move towards romanticized natural environments. Littered with ornate tombs and sculptures centered around pathways and parks, Mount Hope Cemetery is a great place to visit the graves of Bangor’s most notable figures and even the pet cemetery on which Stephen King based his novel.
The International Cryptozoology Museum is the spot to visit to spy on your favorite “cryptids” like sasquatch, the loc ness monster, and mermaids. See for yourself the evidence that created the myths we love.
Bangor is the muse that inspired many of Stephen King’s stories, and Stephan King’s tours can take you on a trip around town to view that famous storm drain, a pet cemetery, and even Stephen King’s home. This is the tour of a lifetime for King Afficianados.
Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln’s Vice President of the United States, is one of Bangor’s most notable historical figures. He is commemorated with a bronze statue designed by Charles Tefft in Hamlin Park.
