Events in New Bedford, MA

YMCA instructors Mark Borgetti and Ellen Selley lead a mindful yoga session in the garden, offering a refreshing way to begin the morning. The practice supports flexibility, strength, stability, a sense of calm, and focused attention. Please bring a yoga mat and water. YMCA Southcoast members attend at no cost, and other participants pay $10, with advance payment requested.

A playful toddler dance class at Dance Clinic welcomes little ones who like to bounce, spin, and keep moving. Designed for ages 2 to 3, it focuses on music, movement, imagination, and play while supporting confidence, coordination, independence, and classroom readiness. A free trial is available. Families can choose a nonrecital option with no costumes and no stage performance for a full season of learning, or select a recital path that requires a costume and dance shoes and includes a live stage performance for family and friends. Enrollment is open, and space tends to go fast.

North Fairhaven Farmers Market opens a new season at Livesey Park with Cabral Family Farm among the vendors. Shoppers can find a weekly selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus cage free unwashed eggs from the farm. The market begins a new chapter under new management, with gratitude expressed to Chris for many years of dedication and warm wishes for a happy retirement. A range of payment options is accepted, including debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SNAP benefits, WIC coupons, cash, and Venmo. Support local farms, local families, and small businesses while stocking up for the week.

Now in its sixth year, Music in the Woods at the Lloyd Center for the Environment turns the trails into a roaming concert experience. Stroll through the woods and hear live performances by musicians from the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, with more artists to be announced. Admission is free for Lloyd Center members. Non-members may attend for $50 per car or $10 per walk-in. Reservations are available, and a rain date is planned.

Players can expect local Grand Archive play with best of three matches, and prizes awarded based on attendance.

Now in its sixth year, this 5k run and walk at Buttonwood Park brings the community together to raise suicide awareness and encourage open conversations about mental health. National figures show that nearly 50,000 lives are lost to suicide in the United States each year, and 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health condition. The focus is on connection, support, accessible care, and everyday kindness that helps people feel seen and heard. Participants can move at their own pace, whether running, jogging, or walking. Many take part to remember someone lost, stand with a friend who is struggling, or honor their own journey. Check-in takes place on site, honor beads are available, and same-day registration is accepted.

This family program invites participants to create, explore, and learn together through hands-on activities connected to park stories and themes. Activities may vary, and the experience is welcoming for all ages. Children should attend with a parent or other adult. All supplies are provided.

Compete in a Yu-Gi-Oh locals event with a clear prize structure. Entry is $10. Each registration includes an OTS pack and a pack of your choice, and it also contributes one pack to the overall prize pool. For every two players participating, an additional OTS pack is added to the pool. A valid Konami ID is required to take part, and one can be provided if you do not have one.

An intergenerational bowling meetup for LGBTQ+ people from the South Coast takes place at Wonder Bowl. It brings community members across generations together for games on the lanes. Registration is requested for headcount.

A weekly, all-genre open jam takes place at The Pour Farm Tavern in New Bedford. Each session is hosted by a rotating lineup of musicians, many with ties to the Flying Dutchman Jam, creating a relaxed space for players to make music together.

Presented by the Friends of the Millicent Library at Millicent Library, journalist and author Ted Reinstein offers a lively look at America’s 250th by revisiting the moments, myths, and rivalries that shaped how the nation remembers its founding. He explores Paul Revere’s ride from an unexpected angle that includes the bill that followed and what may be the country’s first expense report. He untangles the long-standing confusion between Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill, introduces Jed Breed, a thirteenth-generation descendant tied to that story, considers why Concord and Lexington still spar over Revolutionary bragging rights, and visits Copp’s Hill Burying Ground to find the headstone the British used for target practice and the reason behind it. Drawn from nearly three decades of reporting across New England, the program runs just under an hour and mixes rich history with humor and behind-the-scenes insight. Since 1995, Reinstein has been a reporter for WCVB’s Chronicle and has served on the station’s editorial board since 2010. He has hosted television specials for Discovery Channel and HGTV, and for the Travel Channel series FreezeFrame he explored Hawaii’s volcanoes, the caves of Puerto Rico, and Tahiti. His honors include a National DuPont-Columbia Broadcast Journalism Award as part of Chronicle’s coverage of Boston’s Big Dig and a 2018 Emmy Award for his story on the Good Night Lights tradition in Providence. His books include New England Notebook, named a Best Pick by National Geographic Traveler, Wicked Pissed, Before Brooklyn, and, with his wife Anne-Marie, New England’s General Stores. His latest title, Travels Through the Heart and Soul of New England, was released in July 2024 by Globe Pequot Press. A native of Winthrop, Massachusetts, he lives just west of Boston. This program is free and open to the public, with registration requested.

SouthCoast LGBTQ+ Network, together with BCL Family Support Center, is launching a social group for LGBTQ+ people on the autism spectrum. It welcomes participants age 16 and older and offers a relaxed, supportive place to meet peers, build friendships, and share experiences in a comfortable setting. Whether you want to connect with others, practice social skills, or spend time with people who understand, this gathering provides a welcoming community. For more information, call or text 774-775-2656. All are welcome just as they are.

Enjoy a Pokemon themed bingo session with sign ups taking place first so cards and markers can be handed out and everyone can get registered. Entry is $10 per player and includes a bingo card that is valid for all rounds. Additional cards are available for $5 each, up to a maximum of four cards. The prize pool depends on attendance and may include Elite Trainer Boxes, Mini Tins, Booster Bundles, Booster Packs, and Prize Packs. If a round ends in a tie, prizes are split evenly among the winners.

Celebrate autumn at a craft fair taking place at St. Joseph's School in Fairhaven.

Now in its third year, the Ghost Tour returns to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park with stories that bring the city’s past to life. Hear about New Bedford’s history through ghostly tales and meet characters from earlier eras as the park’s historic setting sets the tone for an atmospheric experience.

David Sedaris, a best-selling humorist and sharp-eyed social satirist, takes the stage for an evening of brand-new, unpublished stories and commentary that mix laughter with thoughtful observation. The reading is paired with book signings before and after the program. His latest collection, In The Land and It's People, the first since Happy-go-lucky, delves into the roles of foreigner, brother, and steadfast friend. He recounts caring for his boyfriend Hugh after hip replacement surgery with both triumphs and missteps, buying his sister a cape, chatting with a jaded Duolingo bot, trekking miles with his friend Dawn and daring her to eat a truck tire, and adding to his running list of “Countries I Have Been To,” from riding a horse named Tequila in Guatemala, to ordering a bespoke priest’s cassock in Vatican City, to taking a photo-free safari in Kenya. Across these tales, he finds humor and heart in the everyday and the far-flung alike. Sedaris is the author of Calypso, Theft By Finding, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays on Ice, Naked, and Barrel Fever, and he contributes regularly to The New Yorker and BBC Radio 4. The event features a 60 minute reading followed by 20 to 30 minutes of audience questions, with no intermission. Photography and video recording are not permitted.

This annual Nicole Podkowa 5K walk and run brings the community together to support cancer patients and their caregivers. Proceeds benefit the Nicole Podkowa Cancer Patient and Caregiver’s Assistance Fund, which helps people receiving treatment at Southcoast Health Cancer Centers and their families with essential costs like utility bills, groceries, housing, transportation, and needed cancer care supplies. Participants can choose an in-person 5K run, an in-person 5K walk, or a virtual 5K, each priced at $39.94 including a $4.94 fee. A kids run is free for children 8 and under. Registration is available online, and day-of registration will be offered at the Southcoast Health Cancer Center. A sponsor tent will be on site with Care Free giveaways and snacks after the finish.

A special meet and greet with K.E. Poland takes place inside 3GenLove: The Wandering Tale at Kilburn Mill, a bookstore and gift shop. Attendees can chat with the author, browse for new reads, and have books signed.

Nasketucket Bay Vineyard hosts an adoption-focused day alongside a lively market of local crafters, makers, and small businesses. Explore one-of-a-kind goods, take in the vineyard setting, and meet adoptable dogs being walked around the grounds as they search for new homes. Whether you are ready to welcome a pet or simply looking for a relaxed outing, expect a friendly mix of wine, shopping, and plenty of wagging tails.

UUNB teams up with Octave Avenue for a collaborative open mic that welcomes every genre. Sign ups will be available for those who want to take the stage, and attendees can look forward to a varied mix of performances. More details will be shared as they become available.

Third Eye Unlimited hosts the return of The ZYG 808’s Mr. Z tour in New Bedford with the opening of the second installment of 15 songs 15 scenes: Visualizations of Mr. Z. The evening features an opening reception and live performances by The ZYG 808, Mwalim Daphunkee Professor, Sole Cole, and TFB Breezy. Presented by PolyGroove Records and hosted by TheFaneFox, the night’s sound is provided by GM Slim One and SeeThru Josh. The exhibition remains on view after the opening.

Now in its 21st year, this New Bedford seaport celebration brings together local restaurants and caterers for a friendly showdown decided by attendees. Guests can sample an array of chowders and soups, then cast a vote for a favorite. Live music adds a festive backdrop with entertainment suitable for all ages.

Gather over tea to talk about beloved authors and the books you enjoy. Each month showcases a different signature tea.

The experience takes place at the Lagoda, the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s half-scale model of a whaling bark, and includes a special visit below deck. There is no additional charge beyond Museum admission.

Get creative with a paint-your-own pumpkin experience at West End Grill. Each ticket includes a pumpkin to decorate, a paint palette with brushes, and a food-and-drink choice. Pick two slices of pizza with soda or water, or opt for two chicken tenders with soda or water. Welcoming for families, kids, and anyone who loves the fall season.

Hosted by The Salvation Army of New Bedford, this annual Soup Bowl Supper brings the community together at The Vault Music Hall for a night of soup, conversation, and compassion. Attendees can savor a wide variety of soups donated by more than a dozen local restaurants while supporting programs that help families across the South Coast. Proceeds benefit the programs and services provided by The Salvation Army of New Bedford. The event also features drawings and other fundraising activities, along with opportunities to connect with friends, neighbors, and community leaders. Tickets are $50 per person, sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses and community partners, and early purchase is recommended since this local favorite often sells out.

Spend 90 minutes with a quick-fire blend of improvised comedy and music where every scene springs from audience suggestions. Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, and Joel Murray create characters, stories, and songs in the moment, with attendees offering prompts and some even joining the performers on stage. Ryan Stiles is known for roles on The Drew Carey Show and Two and a Half Men, while Greg Proops has voiced characters in Star Wars: Episode I, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Brother Bear. Jeff B. Davis brings years of improv experience and credits that include Harmonquest, Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show, and Improv-a-Ganza, along with spot-on impressions of Christopher Walken, Keanu Reeves, and Jeff Goldblum. Joel Murray, the youngest of the nine Murray brothers including Bill Murray, is recognized for Freddy Rumsen on Mad Men and Eddie Jackson on Shameless, and has appeared in One Crazy Summer, The Artist, Scrooged, and God Bless America. The show features favorite improv games from the well known TV series along with new twists, all with musical direction by Laura Hall. All ages are welcome.

This annual Halloween gathering at West End Grill features trick-or-treating with vendors, costumes, and sweet treats. Guests are encouraged to dress up and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere suited for families and the broader community.

The 2026 “Fall In Love” Grand Wedding Expo brings engaged couples to Seaport Inn and Marina for an afternoon of inspiration, practical guidance, and connections with trusted wedding professionals. Presented by SouthCoast Event Management, Inc. in collaboration with Sassyangel Events, the team draws on more than 30 years of combined industry experience to help make planning joyful, smooth, and memorable. Explore a curated lineup of vendors, gather expert tips, and find ideas for every detail of the big day, all in one convenient setting. Admission is free for brides and their invited guests. Optional bridal VIP packages will be available for purchase, offering special deals, incentives, and giveaways from participating vendors, with additional information to be shared.

Set among the vines at Running Brook Vineyard & Winery, this hands-on workshop blends candle making with a relaxing sip-and-social vibe. Participants can enjoy a glass of wine, meet fellow creatives, and learn traditional pouring techniques while crafting two personalized soy candles. Premium materials are provided, including soy wax, cotton wicks, a variety of vessels, organic fragrances, and botanical accents, and guests can experiment to create a signature scent to take home. The winery’s scenic setting in Southeastern Massachusetts, known for handcrafted wines and countryside charm, provides a welcoming backdrop for conversation and creativity. Tickets start at $36 for creating two 8 oz artisan tin candles, with additional options and vessel upgrades available at checkout, and Eventbrite fees apply. Hosted by Hand.The.Light, an artisan group devoted to the joy of making through creative gatherings and original artwork. Refunds are available up to seven days in advance. Late arrivals beyond 20 minutes may not be admitted for safety and process reasons. Each attendee must have their own ticket, and children may participate when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited.

The 11th Annual New Bedford Food Truck & Craft Beverage Halloween Festival brings a full day of flavors and festivities to historic Fort Taber, with more than 20 New England food trucks serving fan favorites and specialties alongside craft beer, wine, cocktails, and other beverages. Expect great music throughout the day, local artisan vendors, lawn games, and family-friendly activities, all in a Halloween-themed setting for all ages. This event takes place rain or shine. A growing lineup features BerrySweets, Lobsta Love Food Truck, and Uncle Joey’s Cannoli, with artisan participant Adult and Teen Challenge. Beverage partners will be announced, and all lineups are subject to change. Costumes are encouraged, with a $500 Best Costume prize on the line. Attendees can enjoy festive music, explore artisan booths, savor a wide range of foods, and sip seasonal drinks with family and friends. VIP and general admission options are available.

This historic drama by John Logan, directed by Lawrence R. Houbre, Jr., revisits the case of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, convicted in what was dubbed the crime of the century for the kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh baby. Hauptmann maintained his innocence, and the events of 1932 captivated the country while also dividing it. The production unfolds through haunting flashbacks and clashing viewpoints, prompting reflection on whether justice or convenience stood beneath the sensational headlines of a grieving nation. Production rights are licensed through Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical arrives in New Bedford for one night as the Hadestown National Tour shares a mythic tale where music can alter destiny. This acclaimed production intertwines the journeys of Orpheus and Eurydice with those of Hades and Persephone, created by singer songwriter Anaïs Mitchell with original direction by Rachel Chavkin, known for Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. The score blends folk traditions with the sounds of New Orleans jazz, shaping an experience that is both haunting and hopeful. Recipient of eight Tony Awards in 2019, including Best Musical, and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this staging highlights the power of love, resilience, and song. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Ticket prices for newly added shows include fees.

Get moving before the feast with a friendly 5k open to everyone. Walkers and runners are welcome, and even dogs, babies, grandmas, and college students home on break can take part. Volunteers support the route, and the finish happens on the track at Cushman Park. Proceeds help food stability programs on the Southcoast. Non-perishable food donations for Shepherd’s Pantry in Acushnet are requested, and additional contributions also benefit the pantry. There is no official timing, but a clock will be at the finish. Registration and number pickup are available on event day, with an additional pickup opportunity the day before. The race starts near Cushman Park.

A solo acoustic performance from Sara Achorn showcases a compelling voice and guitar, blending soulful warmth with a modern spark. She reshapes songs from 70s rock through today’s hits, offering pared-down versions of favorites by Chris Stapleton, Billie Eilish, CCR, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift. Achorn also leads Little Lies, a Fleetwood Mac tribute honoring Stevie Nicks, with appearances on notable Northeast stages such as Soundcheck Studios, Toad’s Place, and Wormtown Festival, along with singing the National Anthem at TD Garden. The set highlights versatility, sincerity, and a commanding vocal presence.

Start or wrap up your holiday shopping at a craft fair that supports the scholarship fund. Admission is a $1 donation at the door. The event takes place at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

The annual craft fair at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School features many vendors and a cheerful setting for holiday shopping. Matthew’s Creations will be there with a table showcasing more than 200 pillow designs, seasonal crafts, and their well known gazebo houses. The event is not accepting additional crafters, and vendor inquiries should be directed to the school.

Experience a lively marketplace celebrating the charm of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, with skilled artisans, local flavors, and musical performances. More than 150 vendors are spread across multiple buildings, including a newly added building for 2026, with outdoor tents enhancing the scene and food trucks serving throughout both days. Browse handmade pottery, woodworking, glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and other creations from Nova Scotian makers. Sample baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, a variety of beverages, and local wines. Admission includes a weekend pass bracelet that makes returning simple. Bringing cash is recommended. Only service dogs are allowed inside buildings. For more information, contact Sabcreationkey50@gmail.com.