Good morning, Bangor.

A year after two hikers died on Katahdin when harsh conditions claimed their lives, their family traveled from New York to Millinocket to thank Baxter State Park rangers and search teams for their care — honoring the memory of Tim and Esther Keiderling.

Machine Gun Kelly and special guests Wiz Khalifa and De’Wayne kicked off the 2026 Waterfront Concerts season Friday night at Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor — Kid Cudi headlined the Hollywood Casinos Concert Series Saturday night at the same venue.

Bangor High School held its Class of 2026 graduation ceremony at the Cross Insurance Center on Saturday, where 265 seniors received their diplomas.

The event — highlighted by speeches that honored COVID-19 challenges and lasting friendships — marked a new beginning for the students as they prepare to grow.

State officials report that fungus and viruses are killing off invasive browntail moth caterpillars with rash-causing hairs at monitoring sites in Bangor + other areas; the decline in winter webs could ease outdoor risks and residents may clear caterpillars with water if they wander near homes.

Friday, the Maine Board of Pesticide Control voted unanimously to ban toxic rodenticides after 2024 tests found them in bears and hawks — the ban takes effect next week to help protect local wildlife.

Maine Army National Guard held a send-off ceremony Saturday in Bangor to honor about 100 soldiers set to deploy first to Texas then to U.S. Central Command in the Middle East, where they will serve for about a year.

Fans in Hermon braved the rain on today’s opening day at Speedway Presented by Bar Harbor Bank and Trust to celebrate the track’s 60th anniversary (the first event under new owner Ricky Craven), setting a promising tone for upcoming races.

Ballroom Dancing with Robert Causey

8-9 p.m. — The Wilson Center — Free — Learn various styles of ballroom dance in a friendly and inviting environment with no experience or partner required.

Ethan Burdick on The Little Ass Shed Tour

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Maine Savings Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating melodies of rising star Ethan Burdick in a night of music.

31st Annual Maine Child Welfare Education Conference

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Registration required — Explore digital challenges and opportunities for child welfare in a tech-driven world.

Furball Festival 2026

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Binette Park — Free entry — Celebrate animals and community with food, vendors, and adoptable pets at this family-friendly festival.

Riff Johnson Live at Hollywood Casino

Venue Name — 4-7 p.m. — Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor — Admission TBA — Catch a talented one-man band with a nostalgic voice in his home state.