Fun for Kids

Bring the family downtown for fun!

Families and children are welcome downtown!  People often think of downtown Bangor as a destination for employees Monday-Friday or young adults enjoying the nightlife.  Downtown Bangor has many offerings for children and families.   Explore our Business Directory for information on places to eat and shop and ideas beyond what is listed below.


American Folk Festival - The American Folk Festival is a large-scale, three-day event. Held each year at the end of August in downtown Bangor, Maine, the Festival presents the music and dance from the many cultures that make up America today.

Bangor Area Children's Choir - The Bangor Area Children’s Choir is a two choir organization. The Treble Choir is a training choir comprised of singers ages 9-16.  The Youth Chorale, ages 12-18, is auditioned from singers who have at least two years experience in the Treble Choir. BACC frequently performs at various venues Downtown.  Auditions are typically held in the fall and performances are held in winter and spring.

Bangor Museum and History Center - Located just outside the downtown district, on Union Street, BMHC offers programming that is fun and teaches children about the Bangor of yesteryear.  Thomas A. Hill House and Civil War Museum is open June-October, BMHC offers downtown "Ghost Lamp Tours" during the summer and fall, as well as additionally programming and workshops.

Bangor Public Library - The Children's department offers a number of activites for kids, teens and their families.  a sampling of their offerings include; art gallery, story time, concerts, recitals, reading buddies, reading groups.  Bangor Public Library also collaborates with other arts organizations through offering Bangor Symphony Orchestra tickets and Maine Discovery Museum passes.  Teen programming includes; writting club, aname club, open mic night and fantasy book club.  BPL also offers a summer music series appropriate for all-ages.

Bangor Y - Located just outside the Downtown distrcit on Second Street the Bangor Y more than 140 programs with something for all ages including health and fitness, aquatics, martial arts, sports, childcare, camp, youth-at-risk, leadership development, women’s health and more.  The Bangor Y is a complete community center.

Cool Sounds Summer Concerts - Sponsored by the Downtown Bangor Partnership this free 8-week summer concert series is fun for children and adults.  Come downtown and dance to the tunes of a different band each week.  Thursdays June-August.  Find the schedule here.

Downtown Bangor Artwalk - Sponsored by the Downtown Bangor Arts Collaborative, is a free, Friday night open studio tour highlighting the lively and varied art scene in Bangor. In addition to the various studios, many shops and businesses host artists as well, providing a larger base of support for the arts. Artwalks are hosted quarterly on the 3rd Friday. Why not make it a family night out downtown!

Downtown Countdown - Organized by the Downtown Bangor Partnership Bangor's New Year's Eve Celebration features activities for all ages.  Children love making noise-makers and marching in the Maine Discovery Museum's "Count UP" parade, Bangor Public Library hosts dancing, magicians, games, karaoke and more.  They can make a crown at the University of Maine Museum of Art or visit music venues scattered all over downtown at alcohol free venues appropriate for all ages.

Trick or Treating - Organized by the Downtown Bangor Partnership; trick or treating at downtown businesses.

Kenduskeag Stream Heritage Trail - This 2.5 mile trail carries you through the bustle of Bangor’s business district and then abruptly into an area of quiet and scenic beauty. The trail can be biked, run or walked.  Along the way you will find plaques providing information about this history of Bangor and the stream itself.  A great opportunity to spot some wildlife too!