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Events, Parades, Family and fun

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Events, Parades, Family and fun

Events, Parades, Family and fun
Enjoy this long weekend with Family, friends, BBQ, Fun and in rememberance

Sandy Smith

May 22, 2026

Published by Maine Valley Voices Media

Hey neighbors,

 

We’ve got a pretty good-looking Memorial Day weekend ahead across the Valley. Between community events, parades, cookouts, spring markets, and people getting outside, there’s a lot happening around Bangor and the surrounding towns over the next four days.

 

Memorial Day weekend always brings a different kind of energy around here. You start seeing lawn chairs set up along parade routes, grills getting cleaned off for the first big cookouts of the season, and families making plans to spend time together while also remembering those who served and sacrificed for our country

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We pulled together a relaxed guide to some of the events, activities, and community happenings taking place across the Penobscot Valley this weekend. Whether you’re heading to a parade, checking out a local market, spending time outdoors, or just enjoying a quieter weekend with family and friends, hopefully you’ll find something here worth exploring.

 

Thanks for spending part of your weekend with us, and thank you to all of the veterans and military families throughout our communities.

 

— Sandy

Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25

Friday, May 22
Partly sunny and comfortable. High near 68°, low around 39°. A good day for getting outside or heading to Friday evening events.

 

Saturday, May 23
Partly sunny and mild. High near 69°, low around 43°. Best outdoor day of the weekend for markets, plant sales, trails, and cookouts.

 

Sunday, May 24
Some sunshine, a little cooler. High near 63°, low around 45°. Still a decent day for outdoor plans.

 

Memorial Day — Monday, May 25
Cloudy and cooler with a couple of showers possible. High near 56°, low around 45°. Good idea to keep an eye on the forecast if you’re headed to a parade or ceremony.

Bangor Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

Exchange Street → Main Street → Davenport Park
Bangor

Monday, May 25
Parade Begins at 10:15 AM

Bangor’s annual Memorial Day Parade will begin on Exchange Street, travel up Main Street, and conclude at Davenport Park. Following the parade, a short remembrance ceremony will include the Bangor Band and a traditional 21-gun salute honoring those who gave their lives in military service.

 

Bangor Memorial Day Ceremony

Mount Hope Cemetery – Civil War Memorial Area
Bangor

Monday, May 25
10:00 AM

Community members, veterans, and local organizations will gather for Bangor’s annual Memorial Day observance honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

 


Brewer Memorial Day Observance

Veterans Memorial Park
Brewer

Monday, May 25
Morning Ceremony

Residents are invited to join local veterans groups and community leaders for a Memorial Day remembrance ceremony recognizing military service members from across the region.

 


Orono Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

Downtown Orono

Monday, May 25
Late Morning

A longstanding community tradition featuring veterans organizations, local groups, and a Memorial Day observance following the parade.

 


Old Town Memorial Day Ceremony

Veterans Memorial Area
Old Town

Monday, May 25
Morning Ceremony

A respectful community gathering honoring Maine veterans and remembering those who served and sacrificed.

 


Lincoln Memorial Day Observance

Lincoln

Monday, May 25
Morning Ceremony

Residents throughout the Lincoln area are invited to participate in local Memorial Day remembrance activities honoring veterans and military families.

 


Millinocket Memorial Day Activities

Millinocket

Memorial Day Weekend

Veterans groups and community organizations throughout the Katahdin region will host Memorial Day weekend gatherings and remembrance activities honoring those who served.

Bangor’s European Market

117 Buck Street, Bangor

Saturday, May 23
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

A weekly market hosted by Ingrid’s German Gift Shop featuring local and worldwide meats, seafood, fresh produce, artisanal baked goods, and specialty gifts.

 

Bucksport Garden Club Spring Plant & Bake Sale

74 Main Street, Bucksport

Saturday, May 23
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Plants, perennials, annuals, bulbs, pies, baked goods, books, crafts, raffles, and more. A classic Maine spring community event perfect for gardeners, families, and weekend explorers

 

Best of Bangor Walking Tour

Downtown Bangor

Saturday, May 23
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Explore Bangor’s rich history, mystery, and powerful stories on this guided walking tour through one of Maine’s most historic cities. Learn about lumber barons, shipping magnates, and the people who shaped Bangor’s past.

 

Freedom Riders Association Maine Chapter #3 Annual Breakfast

Donald V. Henry American Legion Post 80
970 Central Street, Millinocket

Sunday, May 24
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM

A hearty Memorial Day weekend fundraiser breakfast hosted by the Freedom Riders Association Maine Chapter #3. Menu includes French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, baked beans, coffee, and juice.

Cost: $12

Joey Peavey Live at The Sound Stage Lounge

Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, Bangor

Saturday, May 23
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Enjoy a live performance by Joey Peavey at The Sound Stage Lounge inside Hollywood Casino.

 


Burlesque Basics

Sunday, May 24
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

This class focuses on foundational burlesque movements including isolations, peels, prop work, and stage presence in a fun and welcoming environment.

 


Circus Fitness

Sunday, May 24
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Discover aerial silks, lyra, tumbling, and circus-inspired fitness movements in this high-energy class designed to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.

 


Sunday Community Jam

2 Feet Brewing Company, Downtown Bangor

Sunday, May 24
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Bring an instrument or simply stop by to enjoy this relaxed weekly community jam session featuring local musicians and craft brews in the heart of downtown Bangor.

 


Circus Troupe Training

Sunday, May 24
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Step into the world of the Eye Candy Circus and learn hooping, juggling, dance, clowning, and circus performance skills in this energetic training session.

 


Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks

Monday, May 25
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

A beginner-friendly aerial arts class focused on building flexibility, confidence, strength, and foundational skills using lyra and aerial silks.

 


Monday Karaoke at Paddy Murphy’s

Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub, Bangor

Monday, May 25
9:00 PM

Wrap up Memorial Day weekend with karaoke night and lively entertainment at one of Bangor’s favorite Irish pubs.


 

Downtown Bangor Patio Season Returns

Restaurants and breweries across downtown Bangor are opening patios and outdoor seating areas for Memorial Day weekend.

 


Explore the Bangor City Forest

Miles of trails, bridges, and wooded paths make this a perfect weekend destination for hiking, walking, or family adventures.

 

Downtown Bangor Shopping & Dining

From coffee shops and bookstores to local restaurants and breweries, downtown Bangor remains one of the region’s favorite weekend destinations.

 


Visit Local Farmers Markets

Several weekend markets across the region will feature fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, flowers, and locally made products.

 


Take a Scenic Drive Through the Katahdin Region

Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times to enjoy northern Maine before summer crowds arrive.

 


Brewer Riverwalk & Waterfront

A great option for an evening stroll, fresh air, and views of the Penobscot River.

Whether you’re training for a race, gardening on the weekends, chasing grandkids around the yard, or simply trying to stay active without pain, many Mainers eventually find themselves needing help getting back to feeling their best.

 

This week’s Expert Spotlight features Brad Libby of Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, who recently joined Maine Thrive Insights to talk about injury prevention, recovery, movement, and helping people across the region stay healthy and active.

 

Whether you’re running the trails in Bangor, playing basketball in Brewer, gardening in Holden, or simply trying to keep up with the grandkids — staying active in Maine isn’t always easy.

 

This week’s Maine Thrive Insights story highlights someone helping our neighbors move better, feel stronger, and enjoy life longer.

 

Helping Mainers Stay Active & Pain-Free

 

Brad Libby, a Brewer native and physical therapist, has been helping people across the Penobscot Valley for more than 13 years. In his recent Maine Thrive Voices conversation, he shared practical advice on everything from sports injuries and back pain to vertigo, TMJ, and when it’s time to stop “pushing through” the discomfort.

 

Here's a link to the interview

 

A few key takeaways you’ll find in the full story:

 

• Why waiting too long to get help can actually make recovery harder


• The real difference between physical therapy and chiropractic care — and how they can work well together


• Simple, Maine-friendly injury prevention tips including consistent stretching, smart strength training, gradual training increases, and listening to your body


• Two powerful local success stories — including a man who returned to running after rupturing both quad tendons and a child who learned to walk against the odds

 

“Don’t be scared to seek help. Your body is designed to move.”
— Brad Libby

 

Read the full story here →

https://mainevalleyinsights.com/brad-libby-performance-physical-therapy

 

The full Maine Thrive Voices conversation is embedded at the top of the article.

 


Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation

Bangor-Brewer, Maine

 

Website: performancephysicaltherapy.org

 

They welcome questions — even quick ones about whether something is worth getting checked.

 


This is our very first Maine Thrive Insights feature focused on the Penobscot Valley. More local stories highlighting the businesses, leaders, and people helping our region thrive are coming soon.

 

If you know a great local business, nonprofit, or community leader who should be featured, simply hit reply and let us know.

 

Stay connected to what’s happening in the Penobscot Valley — and feel free to forward this to a friend, neighbor, or family member who might benefit from Brad’s advice.

 

Warmly,


Sandy Smith, Editor
Maine Thrive Voices & Maine Thrive Insights

Bangor, Maine

 

P.S. Pain that’s getting worse, waking you at night, or keeping you from doing what you love shouldn’t be ignored. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can get back to enjoying life here in Maine.

 

Sponsored by Gavin’s Lawn Care 207 745-4237

 

As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer here in Maine, it’s also the season when lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces begin coming back to life across the region.

 

This week’s edition is proudly sponsored by Gavin’s Lawn Care, helping homeowners throughout the Bangor area keep their properties looking clean, healthy, and ready for summer gatherings, cookouts, and family weekends outdoors.

 

From routine mowing and trimming to seasonal cleanup and dependable property care, Gavin’s Lawn Care continues to build a reputation for reliable local service and attention to detail.

 

As you spend time outside this weekend, remember to support the local businesses helping our communities thrive every day.

I hope you’re able to slow down a bit, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy some of the many events happening across our region over this long weekend.

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Whether you’re attending a parade, visiting a local market, listening to live music, exploring downtown Bangor, or simply relaxing at home with loved ones, this weekend is also an important time to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

 

Thank you for spending part of your weekend with Penobscot Valley Voice.

 

We’ll be back Tuesday morning with another edition featuring local stories, community happenings, and more ways to stay connected across the region.

 

Until then, enjoy the weekend and take care of one another.

— Sandy

 

Penobscot Valley Voice

© 2026 Penobscot Valley Voice.

Penobscot Valley Voice is your friendly guide to life in greater Bangor and the Penobscot valley. With a warm, community-first tone, we bring you local news, events, and stories that keep you connected to the people, places, and traditions that make our corner of Maine so special.

© 2026 Penobscot Valley Voice.