Top Cultural & Arts Experiences In Bangor 

THE BEAUTY OF THE GREATER BANGOR AREA LIES IN ITS WIDE VARIETY OF ARTS, CULTURE, AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

THERE’S MUSIC AND DANCE.

The Greater Bangor region is home to both large entertainment venues and several more intimate spots. From live streaming of The Metropolitan Opera, to National Broadway Tours, and award-winning artists, musicians, and performers, you are sure to find something to suit your taste at one of our local venues. See what’s on stage at the Collins Center for the Arts, The Gracie Theatre, Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, Cross Insurance Center, or Penobscot Theatre Company, to name a few.

If the live sound of a symphony orchestra is what you crave, take in a performance by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO). As one of the oldest symphonies in the country, the BSO has brought the joy of live music to people throughout Maine since 1896 and showcases concerts for many tastes and all ages. If you’re visiting Bangor during the holiday season, don’t miss the annual performance of The Nutcracker.

Enjoy the energetic sounds of the Bangor Band, or one of the many music concerts and festivals on the Bangor Waterfront during the summer.

Bangor’s waterfront is also home to the Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, which is an open air amphitheater located in a 58-acre public park on the banks of the historic Penobscot River in the heart of the downtown district. Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion has hosted such artists as: Jimmy Buffett, Bob Dylan, Sting, Kenny Chesney, Phish, Luke Bryan, ZZ Top, Stone Temple Pilots, Toby Keith, Ray LaMontagne, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Ke$ha, Lil Wayne, Motley Crüe and many more.

The newest addition to Bangor’s entertainment scene is the Cross Insurance Center. From the Harlem Globetrotters to Cirque du Soleil to Elton John to Monster Trucks, and Professional Bull Riding, the Cross Insurance Center has something for everyone.

THERE’S DRAMA.

Visit the architecturally magnificent and historic Bangor Opera House to take in a show by the Penobscot Theatre Company. The professional company creates highly acclaimed productions ranging from side-splitting comedies and joyous musicals to world premiere theatrical work. The Gracie Theatre at Husson University also features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, premium acoustics, and an intimate 500-seat house. You can find a variety of well-known musical acts, ballet and dance performances, comedians, and everything in between. Maine’s own live late night talk show, “The Nite Show With Danny Cashman” is filmed at The Gracie before a live studio audience. The Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine in Orono is another world-class spot to watch live theater and musical acts. From national Broadway tours to shows broadcast live via streaming from The Met in New York City and London’s National Theatre, the Collins Center for the Arts has a jam-packed schedule with events for all ages.

THERE’S ART.

Exhibits at the Zillman Art Museum showcase work by local and world-famous artists. The museum has four galleries that feature a new exhibit every three months. The collection has over 3,100 works and features modern art, contemporary art, and a constant rotation of the museum’s collection. The Robert E. White Gallery on the Husson University campus is dedicated to exhibiting works by Maine artists in every possible medium, including watercolors, oil paintings, pastels, sculptures, acrylics, photographs, and etchings. The Hudson Museum at the University of Maine in Orono features culturally diverse exhibitions, including Maine Indian culture and art.

If you prefer to wear your art, or at least take it home with you, Bangor is home to many fine artisans, whose products can be found at boutique shops in our region, including The Rock and Art Shop, and Willie Wags. There is something special to satisfy any taste at these local shops. You can also find unique products by local artisans at one of the many festivals and fairs throughout the Greater Bangor region.

THERE ARE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.

The Bangor Public Library, housed in a historic downtown building, is home to more than 450,000 books and other media material. The library is also host to many free events, such as story hour and interactive exhibits. Another stop to make in your quest for knowledge is the Bangor Historical Society’s Thomas A. Hill House and Civil War Museum, featuring artifacts and guided tours. Or if aviation history is more to your liking, visit the Maine Air Museum near the airport. See the first plane to cross the Atlantic, a Dow Field Crash Fire Truck, and other unique artifacts from Maine’s aviation history.

If you have kids in town, the Maine Discovery Museum is the perfect place for you. The largest children’s museum north of Boston, MDM has rotating interactive exhibits and hands-on activities guaranteed to keep them amused for hours. You could also spend the afternoon at the Cole Land Transportation Museum. This museum features an acre of history with countless stories to accompany the displays. Children can check out full-sized trains, carts, and automobiles used throughout Maine’s history, and see how transportation has evolved over the years. The Cole Land Transportation Museum is free for anyone under the age of 19, and is open seven days a week between May 1st and November 11th.

For a complete list of culture & arts offerings, please visit www.VisitBangorMaine.com.