Things to Do in Brewer, Maine

Right across the Penobscot River Bridge in Bangor lies its sister city, Brewer. It’s a quiet area with a population of just over 9,000 people. Brewer feels more like a town than a traditional city; perfect for those who want simple living in a more suburban setting. Its proximity to Bangor means that Brewer residents can take easy and full advantage of Bangor’s activities while still enjoying a relaxed place to live.

Brewer, Maine, is a charming town with a lot to offer. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, here are 11 things to do in Brewer:

Brewer Riverwalk

Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Brewer Riverwalk. It offers beautiful views of the river and the Penobscot Bridge.

Mason’s Brewing Company

Enjoy some local craft beer and delicious pub food at Mason’s Brewing Company, a popular spot among locals.

Indian Trail Park

Explore the Indian Trail Park for a relaxing day of picnicking, hiking, or bird-watching.

Brewer’s Farmers’ Market

If you’re in Brewer between May and October, go to the Brewer’s Farmers’ Market in front of the Brewer Auditorium Complex. There you’ll find delicious produce and artisan goods from a variety of local farmers. These vendors gather from different areas in the state. If you’re a Maine resident visiting Brewer, you may find yourself a new favorite farm or company to buy from.

Brewer Historical Society

Learn about the town’s history at the Brewer Historical Society, which often hosts exhibitions and events.

Penobscot Ice Arena

Winter visitors will love ice skating or watching a hockey game at the indoor Penobscot Ice Arena (though it is open year-round). The rink is huge, admission is cheap, and they offer skate rentals too. They also have concessions and a small “warm room” with arcade games where you can heat up. Public skating hours are limited, so check their website for the daily schedule. They also have frequent hockey games of different local leagues that you can watch.

Explore Wilson Street

Crossing the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge into Brewer brings you down Wilson Street where you’ll pass every major spot in town plus plenty of unique ones along the way. Driving down the street you’ll see an organic-based grocer called Tiller & Rye, Maine Country Classic Antiques, Brewer Family Dentistry, Options Salon & Day Spa, and more. Pretty soon you’ll get to a large intersection. Keep going and you’ll come across Hannaford, a Mobil station, Walgreens, Aubuchon Hardware, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. There’s plenty more than this to see, and for anything you need that Brewer doesn’t have, Bangor is just a bridge away.

Brewer Auditorium

Check out events and performances at the Brewer Auditorium, which hosts concerts, plays, and more.

Local Eateries

Brewer has many restaurants, offering largely American cuisine: Eagles Nest, The Coach House, Brewster’s Fine Food, High Tide, and Jason’s Pizza, to name just a few. It also has a big chunk of fast-food chains: Subway, McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Burger King, Dunkin’, and Tim Hortons. There’s also a variety of non-Americana restaurants to choose from. You can go to Pepino’s Taco Stand for Mexican food, Kosta’s for Greek food, and Rainbow or Four Seasons for Chinese food. No matter where you choose to eat, you won’t be disappointed!

Go for a Swim

If you want to cool off on a summer day, Brewer Municipal Swimming Pool is an outdoor pool that’s open to the public for a small fee for both residents and non-residents. You can even enroll your kids in swimming lessons here. The pool is part of the Brewer Auditorium Complex, which has some other family fun spots like a playground and recreational field.

Brewer Public Library

If you’re looking for a quiet spot, spend some time at the Brewer Public Library, where you can read, study, or browse their collection.