Good morning, Bangor.

Bangor shelters are preparing extra space as extreme cold brings more people indoors this weekend — Mansion Church is open from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. and the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter is open 24 hours, while city crews advise waiting until the Sunday snowstorm ends before clearing driveways.

CEO and The Company will host a benefit concert called A Night for Riley tonight at the Bangor Elks Lodge at 7 p.m. to support Riley Wheaton who is fighting angiosarcoma with help from Boston Children’s Hospital; tickets must be purchased online in advance.

To beat the winter chill, the Brewer Library is hosting weekly children’s programs, the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor is adding extra activities, and UMO is offering student events to promote movement and socializing (all aimed at keeping locals engaged during cold days).

Penobscot Theatre Company is previewing its production of Almost, Maine this weekend in Bangor.

The preview (at its historic venue) gives local audiences an early look at the play as part of an ongoing arts series.

Eastern Maine Community College has announced a new president, Julius Edwards (a former VP at Ivy Tech), who will begin his role April 1 in Bangor.

He replaces interim leader Janet Sortor following Elizabeth Russell’s passing last year.

Experts explained that frigid temperatures will cause frost cracking in Bangor's ornamental trees.

Benjamin Arruda (Forestry Manager) said trees will not fully implode as social media portrays.

UMaine student Eddie Nachamie turned a class project into a policy paper tracking Maine’s response to PFAS contaminants, noting both extensive regulations and key gaps.

His work will be published next month on the Maine Police Institute website.

Efficiency Maine is offering simple tips to keep homes warm during the cold snap expected this weekend, advising residents to raise thermostats, seal windows, and service heating systems.

It suggests using space heaters only in emergencies and checking local warming centers for extra support.

Maine’s ice fishing season kicks off today with the Long Lake derby and will run through mid-March as competitions offer prizes and trophies.

Anglers can join events at Great Pond, Pushaw Lake Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Moosehead Lake Feb. 6-8, Schoodic and Sebago Lakes Feb. 14-15, and China Lake Feb. 15.

UMaine freshman Ace Flagg scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Black Bears to a 52-49 win over Albany Thursday night after forward Keelan Steele was injured; the team will host Binghamton on Saturday at 2 p.m. (UMaine’s conference play record is 2-4).

Adoption Event & Donation Drive

10 AM – 3 PM — Sandollar Spa & Pool — Adoption fees may be sponsored — Explore adorable dogs and support rescue efforts while enjoying a bake sale and merchandise.

Harlem Globetrotters Game

7-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of basketball entertainment with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters.

Valentine's Day Course Dinner

5-10 p.m. — KANÙ — $31 to $50 — Indulge in a customizable romantic dinner with five decadent courses and wine pairings.

Bangor Anime Convention 2026

3:30-9:59 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Tickets available — Bangor's first and only all-anime convention returns for an exciting three-day event.