Sandy Smith
Aug 28, 2026
| Aug 28 Weekend|Issue #48|Penobscot Valley |
YOUR WEEKEND WEATHER
Friday, August 28
Saturday, August 29
Sunday, August 30
Weather Source: National Weather Service — Caribou, Maine | Bangor Forecast |
The final weekend of August is here, and there is plenty happening across the Penobscot Valley.
The Piscataquis Valley Fair is underway in Dover-Foxcroft, Brad Paisley takes the stage on the Bangor waterfront Saturday night, and there are plenty of smaller events, markets and outdoor activities happening throughout the region.
Friday may bring some showers and thunderstorms, but Saturday and Sunday are looking much better for getting out and enjoying one of the last weekends of summer.
Here’s what caught my attention for August 28–30. |
139th Piscataquis Valley Fair — Dover-Foxcroft
Friday–Sunday, August 28–30 One of the region’s great late-summer traditions is back for its 139th year. The Piscataquis Valley Fair brings together agricultural exhibits, livestock, midway rides, pulling events, demonstrations, food and live entertainment throughout the weekend. Friday night features Lexi James + Wildheart from 7–10 PM, while Josiah Dyer takes the main stage Saturday from 7–10 PM. Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds — Dover-Foxcroft
Brad Paisley Live — Bangor
Saturday, August 29 | 7:00 PM Country superstar Brad Paisley comes to the Maine Savings Amphitheater Saturday night with special guest Jake Worthington. It should be one of the biggest concert nights remaining on Bangor’s summer calendar. Maine Savings Amphitheater — 1 Railroad Street, Bangor Bangor Contra Dance
Friday, August 28 | 5:30–10:00 PM Looking for something a little different Friday night? Bangor Contra Dance welcomes musicians Larry Unger and Tory Horner, with caller Chrissy Fowler, for an evening of live music and dancing. The evening begins with a beginner-friendly guided jam at 5:30 PM, followed by a family-friendly community dance from 6–7 PM and the full contra dance from 7–10 PM. Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor — 120 Park Street, Bangor Explore the Wildlands — Orland
Sunday, August 30 | 7:00 AM–6:00 PM The South Trailhead at Great Pond Mountain Wildlands will be open Sunday, giving visitors vehicle access farther into this beautiful conservation area near Bucksport. It’s a great opportunity for hiking, walking, biking or simply getting outside for one of the final weekends of August. Great Pond Mountain Wildlands South Trailhead — 1589 Acadia Highway, Orland |
Bird Walk at Fields Pond — HoldenFriday, August 28 | 8:00–9:30 AM Start Friday morning outdoors with a casual guided bird walk along the Fields Pond sanctuary trails. All experience and ability levels are welcome, and the program is free. Fields Pond Audubon Center — 216 Fields Pond Road, Holden
Running With Scissors — BangorFriday, August 28 | 8:00–10:00 PM One of Maine’s longest-running improv comedy groups brings an evening of completely unscripted comedy to Bangor. Every show is different because the audience helps inspire what happens on stage. Hollywood Casino Bangor — 500 Main Street, Bangor
Summer Exhibitions at the Zillman Art Museum — BangorSaturday, August 29 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM There’s still time to catch the Zillman Art Museum’s summer exhibitions before they close in early September. A good indoor option if you’re looking for something quieter Saturday. 40 Harlow Street, Bangor
Mahjongg at the Orono Public Library — OronoSaturday, August 29 | 12:00–3:00 PM Spend part of Saturday afternoon around the table at the Orono Public Library’s Mahjongg group. Orono Public Library — 39 Pine Street, Orono
Tessa’s House Run for Recovery — Hampden
Sunday, August 30 | 8:00 AM Runners, walkers and supporters will gather at Hampden Academy for the inaugural four-mile Tessa’s House Run for Women in Recovery. Proceeds support treatment and recovery services for women in Maine. Race registration and packet pickup begin at 6:30 AM, the four-mile race starts at 8:00, and a Kids Fun Run for ages 8 and younger begins at 9:30. Hampden Academy — 89 Western Avenue, Hampden |
Fifteen years ago Adam Barker-Hoyt was teaching mathematics at the university and had never heard of a heat pump. Then he spent a year working for free under Jim LaBrecque to learn the trade, and today MAC Heat Pumps is one of the most trusted names in the state. I sat down with Adam this week and we talked about all of it — the rebate boom that grew the company 600% two years running, the fourteen-hour days when he was just trying to make payroll, and the question every Mainer asks him: can one of these things really handle February? His answer is more honest than you'd expect from a man who sells them. Listen at pod.link/1896782233.
Coming up next week: Meaghan Staples of Refine Physical Therapy in Hermon closes out our Founding Voices chapter. |
Late August means some of the best local produce of the season. Here are markets open around the Penobscot Valley this weekend.
Friday, August 28
Lincoln Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Holden Farmers’ Market
Hampden Farmers’ Market
Newport Community Market
Saturday, August 29
Orono Farmers’ Market
Brewer Farmers’ Market
Bangor European Market
Dover Cove Farmers’ Market
Sunday, August 30
Howland Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Bangor Farmers’ Market Fresh vegetables, fruit, baked goods, meats, eggs, flowers and locally made products vary by market and vendor. |
Give Yourself a Recovery Day
Late summer weekends can get busy fast — yard work, fairs, concerts, hikes, markets and everything else we try to squeeze in before fall. One of the simplest things you can do for your body is build in a little recovery time. Take a walk instead of pushing through another hard workout, stretch the areas that feel tight, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep. Recovery is not doing nothing. It is part of staying active, feeling better and being ready for whatever comes next. |
Penobscot Valley Voice is made possible with the support of local businesses and organizations that believe in keeping our communities connected.
Marshall Communications
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MESA-Maine We appreciate their support of Penobscot Valley Voice and the communities we serve. |
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The last weekend of August always hits me with a little angst. It's a sign that another summer has come & gone by too quickly.
The days are still warm, the farm stands are full, fairs and markets are busy, and summer is still very much here. But September is close enough that you can feel the season beginning to turn.
This weekend, take the back road. Stop at the market. Walk a trail. Sit by the water. Spend a little extra time with the people you care about. Summer moves quickly in Maine. Make sure you enjoy some of it before it slips away.
Scout & I will be back on Tuesday with our 49th edition of Penobscot Valley Voice.
— Sandy |