Bangor Pride is back with a month full of events that involve the community and reach across the city. Everything from art walks to pub crawls are set to celebrate Pride.
Art walk kickoff
The first Pride event takes place on June 6 with an art walk at the Rock and Art Shop at 36 Central St. from 5 to 6 p.m.
There will be a curated art show at the shop that will focus on local queer talent. The art is already being shown and will be open to view until June 29. Sixty percent of the proceeds from sales will go to the artists while the remaining 40 percent will go to Bangor Pride.
More information can be found on the Bangor Pride event page.
Candlelight vigil for Charlie Howard
A candlelight vigil for Charlie Howard will be held at 6 p.m. on June 8 with speakers beginning at 6:30 p.m. The vigil will be held at the Charlie Howard Memorial by State Street Bridge and the rainbow crosswalk.
The event details state: “As we gather during Pride Month, we remember Charlie—whose life was stolen before he ever had the chance to take part in Pride festivities. This vigil is a moment to reflect, to mourn, and to reaffirm our commitment to a world where all are safe and free to be themselves.”
Pride hits the waterways
Attendees will flock to the water on June 14 for a paddling excursion from 9 to 11 a.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.
Kayaks and canoes will follow naturalist Brianna Guy on a guided tour while learning about nature around them at the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Old Town. Participants can bring their own paddling equipment or pay $20 for a canoe or kayak along with safety equipment.
The route will take two hours. Everyone 8 or older is welcome to attend.
Tickets for the event can be found on the Bangor Pride Facebook page.
A night at the theater
The Penobscot Theatre will host pride night on the June 20 showing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” This interactive show starts at 7 p.m. and includes prop bags for viewers wanting to take a step into the time warp.
Tickets can be purchased through the Penobscot Theatre’s website with a 10 percent discount being offered with the code PRIDE10.
The month’s grand finale
Pride month ends with two events on June 28 — a parade and festival starting at 11 a.m. and a drag show at 8 p.m.
West Market Square will be full of live performers, local food and vendors from noon to 4 p.m.
The parade kicks off in downtown Bangor at 11 a.m. and will comprise walking members and floats. People can sign up to take part on the event’s Facebook page.
ABRACABANGOR, a drag show, will start at 7 p.m. at Hollywood Casino. Carmilla Velour will host the event.
Tickets can be purchased at this link.
