Good morning, Bangor.

Dog Fest 2026 was held on Sunday, Jul.

12 at Bangor Dog Park, featuring vendors with homemade leashes, treats, art, and stained-glass decor. Proceeds will fund a new pavilion + equipment upgrades + a rainbow bridge to honor past park dogs.

Families can legally pick blueberries at Brunswick Topsham Land Trust on 277 Pleasant Hill Road, open dawn to dusk, and at Rockport’s Beech Hill Preserve during a free pick week from July 20 to 26, while Wild Blueberry Weekend on Aug.

2 to 3 offers farm tours + tasting events.

The new owners of Hermon Mountain have begun operating the ski hill year-round after opening Scenic Eats and an 18-hole disc golf course earlier this week.

They plan a comedy show on July 17 and future activities like ski lift rides for cider and doughnuts to welcome *families* throughout all seasons.

Retired teacher Captain Paula now offers lobster boat tours in Stonington Harbor, sharing Maine’s rich lobster heritage with visitors (including stops at Mark Island Lighthouse and seal colonies) along with a free seafood dinner.

Tours last 75-90 minutes from June through September.

Maine Maritime Academy welcomed the new training vessel State of Maine on Sunday in Castine.

The 525-foot, $330 million ship gives the academy room to train up to 600 cadets and boosts hands-on learning for future mariners.

Malia and Ella Johnson joined the Marine Learning Project by sailing aboard the Harvey Gamage to earn safe boat certification and connect with sailors from around the world.

Their adventure offered a unique learning experience and advice for future seafarers to simply give it a try.

The Bangor Daily News is launching a series that examines Maine’s public schools (across the state) to understand why students and schools face more challenges than they did a decade ago.

Readers are invited to share their experiences for positive change.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources requested NOAA on June 4 to review whether Endangered Species Act measures can boost Atlantic salmon recovery in hopes of eventually offering controlled catch-and-release fishing.

The review follows decades of habitat restoration and aims to reconnect communities with a historic sport fishery.

A local guide for fall bear hunts offers three tips to help hunters estimate a black bear’s size by checking ear shape & belly position from 40 yards in waning daylight; wide, rounded ears suggest a young bear and smaller, set ears point to maturity.

Maine home inspectors advise first-time buyers to get a professional inspection before closing; Bangor-based Dan Smart (owner of Affordable Home) said the check reveals flaws in key systems and helps avoid costly repairs later.

Paul Doiron Book Launch Event

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Bangor Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate the release of 'Storm Tide' with author Paul Doiron and enjoy a Q&A session.

Wheels for Warriors Car Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Cross Insurance Center — Free entry — Celebrate automotive passion at Maine's premier car show featuring a variety of vehicles.