Happy Friday, Penobscot Valley. It's going to be a mixed-weather weekend — but don't let a little summer rain slow you down. There's a lot happening out there, and people are fired up. With the Fourth of July just a week away, and this being America's 250th birthday, you can see it everywhere...radio, TV, and all over area towns you'll see American Flags, Bunting, fireworks and more. People are thinking about community, about history, about what it means to be from a place that matters. That energy is out there this weekend — go find it.

This edition is brought to you by North Star Property Solutions — Tony LaPrino helps homeowners get their properties ready to list, sell, or simply shine. If you've got a project on the list before the summer's over, Tony's your call. 207 745-5304

Source: AccuWeather, Bangor ME — pulled Thursday, June 25, 2026

Here's your weekend weather picture for the Penobscot Valley:

Friday, June 27 — Mostly cloudy and warmer. High near 77°. Low chance of rain at 25% — a decent day to get out.

Saturday, June 28 — This is the wet one. Showers are likely with an 84% precipitation chance. Partly cloudy with a high near 79°. If you're heading to Bangor Pride on the waterfront, plan for rain gear and know that the event runs rain or shine.

Sunday, June 29 — Best day of the three. Times of sun and clouds, high near 83°, and only a 25% chance of showers. Perfect timing for the Food Truck Extravaganza at The Furniture Gallery.

This weekend runs the full range — live racing on Friday, one of the region's biggest celebrations on Saturday, and a food truck lineup on Sunday. Here's what to put on your calendar.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Harness Racing at Bass Park
Live harness racing returns to Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park in Bangor. Post time is 12:10 PM. If you've never watched live harness racing, it's one of those old Maine traditions worth experiencing at least once — and the Crown of the Queen City promotion adds a little extra to the stakes this week.
Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park, Bangor | Post time: 12:10 PM | Wagering available

SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Bangor Pride Parade & Festival
Central Maine's largest annual Pride celebration moves to a new home this year — the Bangor Waterfront — and it's a setting worthy of the moment. This year's theme is "Color Our World With Pride." The festival runs 10 AM to 4 PM with live entertainment on the main stage from noon to 4 PM, vendors from across the region, community organizations, a children and family area, and a community art project. The parade steps off at 11 AM. It's free, it's open to all ages, and it's a great day to be in downtown Bangor.
Bangor Waterfront, Bangor | Saturday, June 28 | Festival: 10 AM–4 PM | Parade: 11 AM | Free | All ages welcome | No ticket required

SUNDAY, JUNE 29
Food Truck Extravaganza 2.0
Ten food trucks, one parking lot, zero excuses not to go. The Furniture Gallery on Broadway hosts the second Food Truck Extravaganza — and if Sunday turns out to be the best weather day of the weekend (the forecast suggests it might be), this is where you want to be. Grab lunch, bring the family, and support local vendors doing what they do best.
The Furniture Gallery, 614 Broadway, Bangor | Sunday, June 29 | 11 AM–3 PM

A few other ways to make the most of the weekend:

Start your Fourth of July planning now. With America's 250th just days away, this is the weekend to nail down your plans — fireworks, cookouts, parades. Check your town's municipal website for local schedules. we will have them for you in Tuesday's edition.

Get outside between the showers. Sunday's forecast is the strongest of the three days — if you've been meaning to get on the water or hit a trail, Sunday's your window.

Hit reply and let me know what you're doing this weekend. I read every one.

Property Tip: Before the Fourth of July weekend, take a walk around your property and look at it the way a visitor would. Curb appeal isn't just for selling — it's about taking pride in where you live. A little trim work and a fresh coat of paint on the front door goes a long way.

Movement: Summer weekends are the easiest time to move more without thinking about it. Park farther away at the festival. Walk to the food trucks. Take the stairs. It all adds up — and you'll feel better for it.

This Weekend Edition of the Penobscot Valley Voice is brought to you by:

North Star Property Solutions
Tony LaPrino — Helping homeowners prepare, present, and protect their most important investment.

Tell us what's happening in your corner of the Valley.

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Enjoy every bit of it, Penobscot Valley — the racing, the parade, the food trucks, and whatever you find when you just wander around on a summer weekend. We'll be back in your inbox Tuesday, June 30th with a full Fourth of July guide — fireworks, events, and everything happening across the Valley for America's 250th. Don't miss it.