Downtown Countdown Schedule of Events
Bangor, Maine – On December 31, 2014 the Downtown Bangor Partnership hosts Maine’s largest, free public New Year’s Eve celebration, Downtown Countdown, presented by Cross Insurance. The evening will be jam-packed with music, dancing, kid-friendly activities, comedy, a ball drop, and more!
Start your evening with a stop at Information Central, located at Epic Sports (6 Central Street) and supported by The Maine Edge. Grab a Downtown Countdown map, warm up with hot chocolate and popcorn, and purchase a $5 “Downtown Countdown” button that will offer exclusive specials and discounts at local businesses throughout the month of January. (Button purchasers will be automatically entered into a raffle for Waterfront Concert tickets and gift certificates from Northeast Whitewater!) Then hop on the “Countdown Connector,” a free shuttle, provided by Eastern Maine Community College, that will pick up and drop off event goers throughout downtown Bangor from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Maine Discovery Museum (74 Main Street), Noon to 8 p.m.
Bring the family to downtown for an afternoon of activity. Face painting, hat and noisemaker creation, snacks, and a multi-language countdown will give kids a fun way to ring in the New Year.
University of Maine Museum of Art (40 Harlow Street), 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Add a final, glittering touch to your New Year’s Eve attire with a handmade crown or tiara. UMMA hosts a family-friendly activities spot where kids and adults can have some pre-Downtown Countdown fun.
West Market Square, 7:45 p.m. to Midnight
Central Maine Fire Twirlers kick off the festivities with a spectacular flaming showcase. Then, The Trendy Robots will bring the streets of downtown Bangor to life with a mash-up of country, classic rock, and pop music favorites. Broad Street will be closed. Dancing in the streets is encouraged!
At midnight, revelers will gather in West Market Square to watch as the iconic beach ball, wrapped in holiday lights, is dropped from the top of Paddy Murphy’s.
Organ Recital at St. John’s Episcopal Church (225 French Street), 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Experience a unique and memorable concert with music from St. John’s fully restored and completely functional pipe organ, a rare surviving example of pre-Civil War American organ building.
ImprovAcadia at The Rock & Art Shop (36 Central Street), 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The Bar Harbor based improvisational group brings cutting-edge comedy to downtown. Three, half-hour performances will begin at 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. Supported by Bangor Daily News.
Hollywood Casino (500 Main Street), 9:00 p.m.
A red carpet New Year's Eve at Hollywood Casino with live entertainment featuring Motor Booty Affair, the ultimate disco tribute band. Celebrity impersonators, a special NYE feast at Epic Buffet, non-stop gaming, and much more!
Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s Juniper Quartet at Central Gallery (89 Central Street), 9:00 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra's Juniper Quartet features co-concertmaster Lynn Brubaker (violin), Amanda Cushman (violin), Linda Theriault (violin), and Tim Garrett (cello). Supported by the City of Bangor’s Commission on Cultural Development.
RetroRockerz at the Union Street Brick Church (126 Union Street), 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Good time oldies performed in Bangor’s landmark church in the heart of the downtown historic district, with plenty of room for dancing. Supported by Epstein Commercial Real Estate.
Juke Rockets at Bagel Central (33 Central Street), 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
High energy beats from the Juke Rockets, Maine Blues Society’s “Best Blues Band in the State of Maine.” Supported by Paul Cook.
Penobscot Theatre Company (131 Main Street), 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
*Please note tickets are required for this venue.
One night only! Performances of “Legends: The Music of Judy Garland” at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 for subscribers and $35 for the general public. To purchase tickets or for more details, call the Box Office at (207) 942-3333 or go online at www.penobscottheatre.org.
The Parking Garage will be open from 7 a.m. on December 31, 2014 until 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Every year, the generous support from our community partners makes Downtown Countdown possible. Thanks to Cross Insurance, Eastern Maine Community College, the City of Bangor’s Commission on Cultural Development, Bangor Daily News, Paul Cook, Epstein Commercial Real Estate, Hollywood Casino, The Maine Edge, Maine Discovery Museum, Penobscot Theatre Company, University of Maine Art Museum, Bangor Savings Bank, Brewer Federal Credit Union, Caron Signs, Emera Maine, Northeast Whitewater, The Beta Agency, Creative Print Services, The Henry’s Bridal Boutique, Rudman Winchell, Waterfront Concerts, Webber Energy, Jeff Kirlin—The Thing of the Moment, Justin Russell Photography, The Law Offices of Joe Baldacci, Mexicali Blues, and The Rock & Art Shop for partnering with the Downtown Bangor Partnership to make this event happen!
(Editor’s Note: Due to a lack of contestants, the Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bunyan Competition, which was slated to be part of the Downtown Countdown 2015 activities, has been cancelled. While we regret the loss of this event, the schedule of activities in Downtown Bangor remains full and exciting throughout New Year’s evening!)
The Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of Downtown Bangor, encouraging retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district. For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit www.downtownbangor.com.
