The city enjoys a thriving arts and cultural community, including the nation’s oldest community symphony orchestra, the region’s only professional theatre and many fine arts and historical museums – along with the largest children’s museum north of Boston.

American Folk Festival

Celebrating traditional music, dance, food and crafts, the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront takes place at the end of August each year (in 2007: August 24, 25, & 26). It features more than 20 performing groups on five stages, and admission is free! Visit www.americanfolkfestival.com or call 207.992.2630 for more information.

Bangor Symphony Orchestra

44 Central Street, Bangor, ME 04401, (207) 942-5555 (800) 639-3221. The nation's oldest community orchestra with continuous service (est. 1896) performs classical concerts, casual concerts, youth programs, chamber music, and the Nutcrackers Ballet during its season which runs from October through May.  www.bangorsymphony.com

Hudson Museum

Maine Center for the Arts, University of Maine, (207) 581-1901. The Hudson Museum is an anthropology museum whose exhibits and programs explore anthropology as the study of humans and their reliance on culture. Open Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 4 pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm; closed Mondays and holidays. Free General Admission. www.umaine.edu/hudsonmuseum

Maine Discovery Museum

74 Main Street, Bangor, ME 04401 (207) 262-7200. With seven major interactive exhibit areas on three floors, Maine Discovery Museum is the largest children's museum north of Boston, and never the same visit twice. Located in the historic Freese's building in downtown Bangor, MDM is just an hour's drive from Acadia National Park. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 to 5:00. Open Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00. Closed Mondays except for some school holidays. General admission is $6 for children and adults. Twelve months and under free. Members free. www.mainediscoverymuseum.org

Maine Center for the Arts

Hutchins Concert Hall, University of Maine, Orono 581-1755. Maine Center for the Arts is an extraordinary cultural facility featuring the following types of entertainment: classical, country/western, comedy, theatre, children's performances, jazz, modern, ballet dance and opera. Many of these performances are presently in the Hutchins Concert Hall, Maine's first concert hall. www2.umaine.edu/mca

School of Performing Arts 

University of Maine, Orono The public is invited to attend the variety of exciting events that proudly showcase the abundant talent of University of Maine students and faculty. Nearly 40 music, theatre and dance performances are scheduled seasonally. For tickets and information, please call 581-1755. www.umaine.edu/spa

University of Maine Museum of Art

Norumbega Hall, 40 Harlow Street, Bangor 561-3350. Highlights include works by Winslow Homer, Max Beckmann, Francisco Goya, George Inness, Käthe Kollwitz and Pablo Picasso. In addition, the Museum of Art hosts an annual calendar of exhibitions featuring contemporary artists and ideas. Open Monday-Saturday 9-5. Admission is $ 3.00 per person. No charge for Museum Members and UM students with Maine Card. www.umma.umaine.edu

Penobscot Theatre Company

183 Main Street, Bangor 942-3333. Penobscot Theatre Company, professional theatre in the heart of Maine, producing a nine-month season of six plays, with special summer events and a Creative Arts Program for youth, teens and young adults. www.penobscottheatre.org

Summertime Delight Concert Series

Bangor Cool Sounds Concerts in Pickering Square and Artisans' Market on the Banks of the Kenduskeag every Thursday evening during June and July. www.downtownbangor.com