Celebrate Independence Day Weekend and the Fourth of July in Bangor, Maine!
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.
And then – there’s even more to do all weekend long!
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 Def Leppard on July 1, Old Dominion on July 3 and Kidz Bop Live on July 5 – though there are big shows there all summer long.
Speaking of local talent, Penobscot Theatre Company’s summer musical, “The Rocky Horror Show,” has shows all weekend at the Bangor Opera House, while the Zillman Art Museum’s summer exhibits include Maine artists like John Marin and Peter Walls, as well as nationally-renowned painters, photographers and sculptors.
And, of course, July 5 features the annual Downtown Bangor Sidewalk Arts Festival, where more than 100 artists, artisans, musicians and makers take over the streets of Downtown.
July 1
From big concerts to karaoke, Bangor knows how to get ready for a celebration!
JULY 1 – Def Leppard at Waterfront Concerts
Def Leppard: Tuesday July 1st at 7:30pm at the Maine Savings Amphitheater. Come see Def Leppard in concert with guest The Struts!
July 2
From big concerts to karaoke, Bangor knows how to get ready for a celebration!
July 2 – Bangor Public Library PanStorm Summer Concert
Wednesday, July 2nd, 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Community steel band PanStorm based in Bangor is playing at the Bangor Public Library!
July 2 – Live Harness Racing
Wednesday, July 2nd, 3:00 pm at Bass Park Raceway
Bangor Raceway is located at historic Bass Park in downtown Bangor, Maine. Harness racing has been conducted continuously at Bass Park since 1893. Nothing makes this colorful, competitive and adrenaline-pumping sport more exciting than seeing your horse cross the finish line first.
July 2 – Rocky Horror at Penobscot Theatre
Wednesday, July 2nd at Penobscot Theatre Company, 7:00 pm
Karaoke Night at PenobscoRt Pour House
The Rocky Horror Show – live at PTC
A long awaited return of this cult classic. On a stormy night, the newly engaged Brad and Janet find themselves out of gas and on the doorstep of one Dr Frank-N-Furter. They could never imagine the night in store, with a cast of creepily alluring characters who will test their boundaries, take their innocence and teach them to do The Time Warp.
July 2 – Karaoke Night at Penobscot Pour House
Wednesday, July 2nd at Penobscot Pour House, 8:00pm to 1:00am
Karaoke Night at Penobscot Pour House
Come enjoy or participate in Karaoke Night at Penobscot Pour House every Wednesday!
July 3
From big concerts to karaoke, Bangor knows how to get ready for a celebration!
JULY 3 – Old Dominion at Waterfront Concerts
Old Dominion: Thursday, July 3rd, 5:00pm at the Maine Savings Amphitheater. Old Dominion is playing with Ernest and special guest Redferrin! Tickets start at just $45!
JULY 3 – Bangor Historical Society’s Best of Bangor Walking Tour
Thursday, July 3, 6:00-7:00 pm, The Best of Bangor walking tour tells the stories of our first settlers, the greatest disaster in U.S. Naval History (until Pearl Harbor), the British Occupation during the War of 1812, the Great Fire of 1911 and so much more. Tickets are $12.
This tour meets at the Bangor Historical Society/Thomas A. Hill House, 159 Union Street, Bangor.
Old Dominion: Thursday, July 3rd, 5:00pm at the Maine Savings Amphitheater. Old Dominion is playing with Ernest and special guest Redferrin!
July 3 – Rocky Horror at Penobscot Theatre
Thursday, July 3rd at Penobscot Theatre Company, 7:00 pm
The Rocky Horror Show – live at PTC
A long awaited return of this cult classic. On a stormy night, the newly engaged Brad and Janet find themselves out of gas and on the doorstep of one Dr Frank-N-Furter. They could never imagine the night in store, with a cast of creepily alluring characters who will test their boundaries, take their innocence and teach them to do The Time Warp.
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!
JULY 4 – 44th Annual Walter Hunt 4th of July 3K Road Race
Friday, 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
Friday, 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 – First Friday Art Walk
Friday, July 4th, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
First Friday Art Walks 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.
Visit the Dream in Gold Charm Bar on Central Street and The Emporium Spooky Goods on Hammond, and then head to a free dance lesson in West Market Square from Eye Candy Dance Fitness Studio!
July 4 – Swing Dance Lesson
Friday, July 4th, 6:30 PM
Learn how to swing dance during this free dance lesson in West Market Square from Eye Candy Dance Fitness Studio! Open to everyone!
JULY 4 – Chords for Cure Concert
Friday, July 4th, 6:30pm
The Stone Doctors will keep you dancing all evening at this fun, free concert! Join us for an evening of great music, tasty food, and community spirit, all leading up to the spectacular fireworks show! Don’t forget to bring your friends, family, and generosity to support a wonderful cause. Free Parking is available for this event at the Bangor Savings Bank Parkade.
The Stone Doctors @ 6:30 pm will take the stage with their incredible Rolling Stones tribute. If you’ve seen them before, you know they always deliver an electrifying performance!
July 4 – Fireworks!
Friday, July 4th, 9:30pm
Fireworks are being lit from a central location and can be viewed as far as Brewer.
July 5th
Summer Sidewalk Art Festival, Kidz Bop! in concert, weekly European market and more!
July 5 – Downtown Bangor Summer Sidewalk Art Festival
Saturday, July 5th, 10:00am to 4:00pm
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 5 – Weekly European Market
Saturday July 5th 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 5 – Bangor Historical Society Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour
Saturday, July 5th, 10:00am – 11:30am
Learn little known facts about some of Bangor’s famous—and infamous– residents during our guided tour. Hear about the importance of symbolism in the gravestones and get a chance to take in some of the city’s beautiful vistas.
Built in 1834, Bangor’s 300 acre Mount Hope Cemetery is the nation’s second oldest garden cemetery. It was designed by renowned architect Charles G. Bryant as part of a national movement to provide respite from grassless urban landscapes. Garden cemeteries were created as much for living as for those who had passed on.
JULY 5 – Kidz Bop Live at Waterfront Concerts
Kidz Bop live: Saturday July 5th, 3:30pm at the Maine Savings Amphitheater.
July 5 – Rocky Horror at Penobscot Theatre
Saturday, July 5nd at Penobscot Theatre Company, 7:00 pm
The Rocky Horror Show – live at PTC
A long awaited return of this cult classic. On a stormy night, the newly engaged Brad and Janet find themselves out of gas and on the doorstep of one Dr Frank-N-Furter. They could never imagine the night in store, with a cast of creepily alluring characters who will test their boundaries, take their innocence and teach them to do The Time Warp.
And more…
There are many things to see and do, from museums that all ages love to a classic New England farmers’ market (and more.)
July 6 – 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 6 – Bangor Historical Society Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour
Sunday, July 6, 10:00am – 11:30am
Learn little known facts about some of Bangor’s famous—and infamous– residents during our guided tour. Hear about the importance of symbolism in the gravestones and get a chance to take in some of the city’s beautiful vistas.
Built in 1834, Bangor’s 300 acre Mount Hope Cemetery is the nation’s second oldest garden cemetery. It was designed by renowned architect Charles G. Bryant as part of a national movement to provide respite from grassless urban landscapes. Garden cemeteries were created as much for living as for those who had passed on.
July 6 – Rocky Horror at Penobscot Theatre
Sunday, July 6rd at Penobscot Theatre Company, 3:00 pm
The Rocky Horror Show – live at PTC
A long awaited return of this cult classic. On a stormy night, the newly engaged Brad and Janet find themselves out of gas and on the doorstep of one Dr Frank-N-Furter. They could never imagine the night in store, with a cast of creepily alluring characters who will test their boundaries, take their innocence and teach them to do The Time Warp.
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.
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.
Check out the Downtown Bangor Event Calendar for more things to do all summer long!