It’s the United States Semiquincentennial and Bangor’s ready to celebrate!
There’s no better way to spend the 4th of July than in a bright, art-filled community where the annual parade passes down historic streets, live music fills the waterfront, and a perfect day closes with fireworks sparkling in the sky, mirrored in the beautiful Penobscot River below.
Bangor punches way above its weight when it comes to arts and entertainment. Over the 4th of July long weekend, there are concerts at the Maine Savings Amphitheater including GODSMACK on July 3rd – though there are big shows there all summer long. Embrace local talent with Penobscot Theatre Company’s summer musical, “The Fantasticks,” with shows all weekend, and visit the Zillman Art Museum’s summer exhibits of Maine artists and nationally-renowned painters, photographers and sculptors.
And, of course, July 11th features the annual Downtown Bangor Sidewalk Arts Festival, where more than 100 artists, artisans, musicians and makers take over the streets of Downtown. It’s a beautiful way to summer!
Did you know: Bangor’s 4th of July Festivities are arranged by the Greater Bangor Fourth of July Corporation, a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization, that works all year long to prepare the next year’s festivities? (They’re always looking for volunteers!)
Saturday, July 4th
Bangor’s 4th of July Festivities are arranged by the Greater Bangor Fourth of July Corporation, a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization?
- 9:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. view a rare “official copy” of the Declaration of Independence by William J. Stone, owned by the Bangor Historical Society – viewing at 33 State St.
- 9:45 a.m Walter Hunt 4th of July 3K Road Race (follows parade route, beginning in Brewer)
- 10 a.m. Annual July 4th Parade with Parade Grand Marshal George Hale (Wilson St. Brewer, Chamberlain Bridge, Main St. Bangor, ending on Exchange St.)
- 5:30 p.m. Chords for a Cure with The Stone Doctors at the Bangor Waterfront, Railroad & Front Sts.
- Ongoing: Food Trucks Galore!
Find a fantastic lineup of food trucks serving up delicious eats throughout the day and the concert. - 9:30 p.m. Fireworks, launched over the river from behind the waterfront stage.
The fireworks will light up the sky starting around 9:30 p.m. and the display will be launched from behind the stage over the river.
July 1
From local concerts to plays, Bangor knows how to get ready for a celebration!
JULY 1 – Revolutionary Ideas: How Popular Power Shaped the Declaration
Bangor Public Library: Wednesday, July 1st, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
During this event, Robert Ballingall, Mark Brewer, and Ryan LaRochelle of the University of Maine will discuss the guiding theories and particular complaints of the Declaration of Independence and examine their impact on American politics and government.
The Bangor Historical Society’s William Stone copy of the Declaration of Independence will be on display for you to see the words that the revolutionaries presented to King George III as their complaints. RSVP information here.
JULY 1 – Bangor Public Library PanStorm Summer Concert
PanStorm: Wednesday, July 1st, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Community steel band PanStorm based in Bangor is playing at the Bangor Public Library! (Raindate Thursday.)
JULY 1 – The Fantasticks at Penobscot Theatre
The Fantasticks: Wednesday, July 1st @ 7 PM
Matt & Luisa’s parents have been feuding for years. They’ve even built a wall between their gardens. Despite that Luisa and Matt have fallen in love, a love they’ve kept secret from their parents. But the feud is fake and the parents want their children to fall in love. The parents hire a dashing actor, El Gallo, to stage an abduction so Matt can play the hero. Their best laid plans go awry – the feud becomes real, Matt flees into the world, and Luisa falls in love with someone else. Can they repair this rift?
The Fantasticks is a play about the love between family, the hurt the world can inflict on one’s heart, how to fix what seems utterly ruined, and how a broken heart can heal to become much stronger.
JULY 1 – JULY 31: Find Waldo
Find Waldo in Downtown Bangor:
Where’s Waldo? In Downtown Bangor, of course! The iconic children’s book character in the red-and-white-striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting twenty-five local businesses throughout our community this July. Find Waldo Local is a great summer vacation activity and a wonderful way to support local businesses. This event is sponsored and run by The Briar Patch Bookstore located at 27 Central Street in Downtown Bangor.
Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Downtown Bangor!” stamp card, which contains the names of all the participating sites; with each Waldo they spot, they can get their card stamped or signed by the participating shop.
To make things a little more challenging, at The Briar Patch, host of Final Waldo Local in Downtown Bangor, you’ll have to find both Waldo AND Wizard Whitebeard.
Collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a grand-prize drawing for Waldo books and paraphernalia.
July 2
The play’s the thing! (And if your thing is trivia or karaoke, that works too.)
JULY 2 – The Fantasticks at Penobscot Theatre
The Fantasticks: Thursday, July 2nd @ 7 PM
Matt & Luisa’s parents have been feuding for years. They’ve even built a wall between their gardens. Despite that Luisa and Matt have fallen in love, a love they’ve kept secret from their parents. But the feud is fake and the parents want their children to fall in love. The parents hire a dashing actor, El Gallo, to stage an abduction so Matt can play the hero. Their best laid plans go awry – the feud becomes real, Matt flees into the world, and Luisa falls in love with someone else. Can they repair this rift?
The Fantasticks is a play about the love between family, the hurt the world can inflict on one’s heart, how to fix what seems utterly ruined, and how a broken heart can heal to become much stronger.
JULY 2 – Trivia Night at Nocturnem Draft Haus
Trivia Night: Thursday, July 2nd @ 7 PM
Come participate in trivia night at Nocturnem Draft Haus on Thursdays! From 7 – 9:30pm with weekly prizes to win.
JULY 2 – Karaoke at Penobscot Pour House
Trivia Night: Thursday, July 2nd @ 8 PM
Come participate in trivia night at Nocturnem Draft Haus on Thursdays! From 7 – 9:30pm with weekly prizes to win.
July 3
From big concerts to the First Friday art walk, get ready for the big celebration with Bangor!
JULY 3 – GODSMACK at Waterfront Concerts
GODSMACK: Friday, July 3rd, 5:00pm at the Maine Savings Amphitheater. GODSMACK is playing with Stone Temple Pilots and special guest Dorothy! Tickets start at just $57!
JULY 3 – The Fantasticks at Penobscot Theatre
The Fantasticks: Friday, July 3rd @ 7 PM
Matt & Luisa’s parents have been feuding for years. They’ve even built a wall between their gardens. Despite that Luisa and Matt have fallen in love, a love they’ve kept secret from their parents. But the feud is fake and the parents want their children to fall in love. The parents hire a dashing actor, El Gallo, to stage an abduction so Matt can play the hero. Their best laid plans go awry – the feud becomes real, Matt flees into the world, and Luisa falls in love with someone else. Can they repair this rift?
The Fantasticks is a play about the love between family, the hurt the world can inflict on one’s heart, how to fix what seems utterly ruined, and how a broken heart can heal to become much stronger.
JULY 3 – First Friday Art Walk
First Friday Art Walk: Friday, July 3rd, 4:00pm to 6:00pm
First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Bangor is a MUST visit event. This celebration in our historic downtown shopping, dining, arts and commerce district is held on the first Friday of every month and gives visitors a chance to experience the work of local artists hosted by Downtown businesses. This celebration of art and artists, held in our historic downtown shopping, dining, arts and commerce district, is held on the first Friday of every month.
(And while you’re at it… why not try to find Waldo?)
JULY 4
Experience many events such as the Fourth of July Parade, Chords for Cure concert, the Annual Walter Hunt 4th of July 3k Road Race, the fireworks show, and more! Check out the official Bangor 4th July website for more information!
JULY 4 – The Declaration at 250
Saturday, July 4th, 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Admission: FREE ADMISSION
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with an up-close view of the William J. Stone copy of the Declaration of Independence.
The Bangor Historical Society will display its seldom-displayed Stone copy of the Declaration on the 4th of July in downtown Bangor — a rare opportunity to see what is called the “official copy” of the Declaration. Commissioned in 1820, it took William Stone three years to produce the copperplate for this lithograph.
JULY 4 – Annual Walter Hunt 4th of July 3K Road Race
Saturday, July 4th, 9:45am
The race route runs along the 4th of July parade route, 15 minutes before the 4th of July parade. Want that experience of people cheering for you in a race? This is the race for you. Sign up and let the parade crowd “push” you to the finish! Water and post-race snacks will be available at the race finish. Learn more…
JULY 4 – Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 4th, 10:00am
The parade will line up on Acme Rd in Brewer, enter onto Wilson St, continue onto Main St in Bangor, wrapping up on Exchange St. The bandstand with the announcers are at Main and State St, Downtown Bangor.
Following the parade, food trucks on the waterfront will be available beginning at 1pm.
JULY 4 – Chords for Cure Concert
Saturday, July 4th, 5:30pm
The Stone Doctors will take the stage with their incredible Rolling Stones tribute. If you’ve seen them before, you know they always deliver an electrifying performance! ** Free Parking** is available for this event at the Bangor Savings Bank Parkade.
Last year this event raised over $8k for local kids in Brewer. A bucket collection will be held to raise funds for Maine children through the Pediatric Center in Brewer.
JULY 4 – Fireworks!
Saturday, July 4th, 9:30pm
Fireworks are being lit from a central location and can be viewed as far as Brewer.
For more information visit https://bangor4th.com/#fireworks
JULY 4 – Weekly European Market
Saturday July 4th 8:30am – 12:30pm at Sunnyside Greenhouse
Come shop vendors selling food and goods at the Bangor’s European Market inspired by their worldwide heritage, and local farmers selling produce, meat, cheese, etc.
July 5th
There’s still more to do! Don’t forget the local Bangor farmer’s market and live harness racing at Bass Park!
JULY 5 – Downtown Sunday Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday, come shop the freshest food and products from your favorite local Maine farms and kitchens.
Seasonal vegetables, greens, mushrooms, apples and berries, meats (including beef, pork, lamb, and chicken) fresh bread, pastries, eggs, cheese and other dairy products, locally-roasted coffee beans, flowers, garden plants, canned products and so much more!
Come hungry and enjoy made-to-order crepes and fresh coffee, too!
Every Sunday May to November 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Summer Location: Abbot Square. Across from the Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street.
JULY 5 – The Fantasticks at Penobscot Theatre
The Fantasticks: Sunday, July 5th @ 3 PM
Matt & Luisa’s parents have been feuding for years. They’ve even built a wall between their gardens. Despite that Luisa and Matt have fallen in love, a love they’ve kept secret from their parents. But the feud is fake and the parents want their children to fall in love. The parents hire a dashing actor, El Gallo, to stage an abduction so Matt can play the hero. Their best laid plans go awry – the feud becomes real, Matt flees into the world, and Luisa falls in love with someone else. Can they repair this rift?
The Fantasticks is a play about the love between family, the hurt the world can inflict on one’s heart, how to fix what seems utterly ruined, and how a broken heart can heal to become much stronger.
JULY 5 – Live Harness Racing at Bass Park
Join us at Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park on July 5th at 12:10pm for the 2026 Bangor Harness Racing season!
Post time is promptly at 12:10 PM. Be sure to arrive early to pick your favorites!
For more information: https://www.hollywoodcasinobangor.com/racing/racing-calendar
Bangor & Brewer Historical Monument Tour
Check out the Bangor & Brewer Historical Monument Tour to travel through history in just 1 hour!
And more…
There are many things to see and do, from museums that all ages love to the Downtown Bangor Summer Sidewalk Art Festival (and more.)
JULY 11 – Downtown Bangor Summer Sidewalk Art Festival
Saturday, July 11th, 9 am to 4 pm
Join us for our annual Summer Sidewalk Art Festival! You can expect over 100 Maine-based artists and vendors, a College Art Tent, live music, and plenty of food and drink options all on Harlow, Franklin, and Central Streets in Downtown Bangor.
JULY 11 – Fire of 1911 Walking Tour
Saturday, July 11th, 6:00-7:30 pm
In April, 1911 a spark in a streamside hay shed ignited a fire that devastated much of Bangor’s downtown and threatened many of her neighborhoods. Join us as we follow the flames’ path and learn which structures survived and how Bangor and her people recovered from the devastation.
This tour meets at the Bangor Historical Society/Thomas A. Hill House, 159 Union Street, Bangor. Tickets are $12 per person and must be purchased ahead of time.
AUGUST 2 – Drone Light Show
Sunday, August 2nd, 8:45pm
Instead of fireworks, 300 drones will be flying over the Penobscot River for 2 awesome 10-15 minute aerial light shows celebrating America’s 250th birthday! Bring your chairs and cameras and watch from the riverwalks in Bucksport (Saturday, August 1) and Bangor & Brewer (Sunday, August 2) at 8:45 p.m.!
JULY 28 – AUGUST 3: Penobscot River’s Historic 4-Port Loop
See the mighty Penobscot River come to life with Tall Ships & vessels from the past and future! Visit the 14 riverfront ports of Bangor, Brewer, Bucksport, Castine, Frankfort, Hampden, Orland, Orrington, Penobscot, Prospect, Searsport, Stockton Springs,Verona Island and Winterport to capture the maritime essence of Maine.
From dock-side Tall Ship Tours to week-long Student Training Adventures; from Yacht Races to Gig Boat Crew Races; from special Museum Displays to Maritime History Movies; and so many historical sites all along the 4-Port Loop… you will be ensconced in maritime history from July 28-August 3.
Cole Land Transportation Museum
9 AM to 4 PM, 7 days a week.
www.colemuseum.org
The purpose at the Cole Land Transportation Museum is to collect, preserve, and display (before they disappear forever) a cross section of Maine’s land transportation equipment from which this and future generations will gain knowledge of the past.
INTERNATIONAL CRYPTOZOOLOGY MUSEUM
Summer Hours: 10AM – 6PM – Seven Days a Week
The International Cryptozoology Museum has, as its primary mission: to educate, inform, and share cryptozoological evidence, artifacts, replicas, and popular cultural items with the general public, media, students, scholars, and cryptozoologists from around the world.
We have a wide range of exhibitions from rare, one-of-a-kind scientific, zoological specimens to popular cultural homages to the relevant anthropological and psychological acknowledgements of the sightings and folk traditions to be found within hominology and cryptozoology. As part of our scientific and education mission, we preserve native art and contemporary souvenirs.
Maine Air Museum
Civil, commercial, military and recreational flying have been an important part of Maine history. Civil, commercial, military and recreational flying have been an important part of Maine history. Our goal is to preserve the history of the people and events of the past. From the earliest balloon flights to barn stormer pilots to space travel, Maine has been an active player.
The collection of artifacts and memorabilia are displayed at the Maine Air Museum at 98 Maine Avenue, Bangor, Maine.
Museum hours are Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00, and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 4:00.
Summer Music Series at the Library
Check out the Bangor Public Library for their summer music series! Featuring many different local New England bands!
Summer 2026 Exhibitions at the Zillman Art Museum
The Zillman Art Museum – University of Maine, opens five new exhibitions that run June 1 – September 5, 2026.
ZAM is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm and brings modern and contemporary art to the region, presenting approximately 21 original exhibitions each year.
2026 SUMMER EXHIBITIONS AT ZAM
SAM CADY: Helter Skelter Paradise ~ May 15 – September 5, 2026
GERRI RACHINS: Selected Works on Paper, 2008 – 2025 ~ May 15 – September 5
THUAN VU: Kintsugi In The New World ~ May 15 – August 22, 2026
UNDER THE BIGTOP: FEATURING ALEXANDER NOLAN & WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION ~ May 15 – September 5, 2026
SOCIETY & POWER: WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION ~ May 15 – August 22, 2026
Check out the Downtown Bangor Event Calendar for more things to do all summer long!
Dreaming at Dawn: An art exhibition by the Union of Maine Visual Artists
Sunday Community Jam
Lit Chicks Book Club
Tech Tutoring
STITCH 'N B*TCH
Fun with 4-H
Stitch & Sip
Bangor Pub Run
Tech Tutoring