Bangor will get its own Halloween flash-mob fundraiser this fall when the city hosts the inaugural Thriller-Thon 2026 at Cameron Stadium. The event — patterned after Portland’s long-running Thriller Throwdown — is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, with registration opening at 9 a.m. and the main activity beginning at 10 a.m.
What to expect at Cameron Stadium
Organizers say the event will mix choreographed group dancing with options for participants who prefer to freestyle, walk or run around the stadium track. Most participants will perform the dance as they travel around the track. A YouTube tutorial will be available in advance to help volunteers and fundraisers learn the choreography.
After the main Thriller routine, additional songs will keep the music and dancing going. Food trucks will be on site, including Del’s Frozen Lemonade of Bangor, and raffle tickets and prizes will be offered for top fundraisers and costume categories.
How the fundraising works
The event benefits Best Buddies, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusion and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants can create individual or team fundraising pages through 99Pledges and collect sponsorships tied to their Thriller-Thon laps and performances.
Best Buddies, founded in 1989, supports friendships, employment, leadership development and community programs aimed at reducing isolation and increasing independence for people with disabilities.
Participation options and on-site activities
- Learn the dance: Use the online tutorial and perform the choreographed Thriller routine around the track.
- Freestyle: Join the larger group without the choreography.
- Walk or run: Use the track for laps while raising funds.
- Attend as a spectator: Enjoy food trucks, music and the costume contests.
There will be awards and recognition for fundraising leaders and costume winners. Raffle tickets will be available on site.
| What | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Thriller-Thon 2026 | Saturday, Oct. 10 — registration 9 a.m.; start 10 a.m. | Cameron Stadium, Bangor |
Local ties and context
The idea follows a popular Portland tradition known as the Thriller Throwdown, which has drawn costumed crowds to Monument Square since 2013 to perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Bangor’s iteration is presented as both a community celebration and a fundraising drive, offering a family-friendly, accessible way for people to support Best Buddies while taking part in a seasonal, theatrical tradition.
Organizers have established a Facebook event page for updates and logistics, and the YouTube tutorial will be posted ahead of the event so newcomers can practice the choreography in advance.
Practical information
Participants should arrive early to register and set up fundraising pages through 99Pledges if they plan to collect sponsorships. Bring cash for food trucks and raffle tickets; some vendors may accept cards but availability may vary. Costume safety is encouraged — avoid props or accessories that could be hazardous on the track.
The event’s family-friendly format makes it suitable for a range of ages and abilities, from those who want to perform the routine to people who prefer to walk or run.
For the most current information on schedules, vendor lineups and fundraising deadlines, check the event’s Facebook page and the organizer’s updates as the date approaches.
Bangor’s first Thriller-Thon aims to combine Halloween spectacle, community activity and charitable giving in one morning at Cameron Stadium — and organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition for the city.
