Events in New Bedford

4/24 Spring Break Open Barnyard

Slow down for some farm time with an open barnyard experience where you can meet, pet, and feed friendly residents like cows, goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, ponies, a donkey, bunnies, and pigs. Admission includes one cup of feed for animal interactions, and additional cups are available for $1. The Alpaca Shop will be open with farm-inspired finds. Animal ambassadors such as capybaras, wallabies, and porcupines will not be available for up-close visits, though a quick sighting is possible. Proceeds support the animals through food, enrichment, and veterinary care. Admission is $5 per person for ages over 1, and children under 1 are free. Tickets will be available soon, making this a fitting outing for families and animal lovers looking for fresh air and farm fun.

Pine Meadow Alpacas

APR24

Outdoor Recreation

City Nature Challenge

The world’s largest bioblitz returns to the South Coast with a friendly challenge to document local wildlife. The City Nature Challenge is a global effort where cities compare biodiversity tallies, and locally it features two teams, Greater New Bedford and Greater Fall River. Take photos of wild plants, animals, fungi, and insects in either area and upload them to the iNaturalist app, and each observation will contribute to the team totals while supporting science that protects urban nature. Everyone is welcome, from pro photographers to casual observers with a smartphone and a backyard. During the big weekend, focus on making observations and sharing them in the app. In the identification phase that follows, help the community confirm what was found, with no expertise required thanks to tools and support in iNaturalist. Free hands-on iNaturalist trainings are available at BPZOO to help participants get started, with no registration required. To prepare, download the iNaturalist app, explore a favorite nearby park, trail, or even your front porch, then snap and share your sightings and they will automatically be added to the local project. See which team can find the most species across the South Coast.

Buttonwood Park Zoo

APR24

Speed Dating Ages 25–39 in New Bedford, MA at Royal T

Are you ready to meet local singles in person? This event provides a relaxed environment that helps you make connections. If you are tired of the same old dating routine, then this event is for you. Enjoy a casual mixer to kick things off, then get into guided conversations. A host will keep things flowing and help you meet someone new. Using a simple matching system, you can mark if youd like to connect with that person again. If you both match, you will get each others contact info the next day. Space is limited so reserve your spot soon.

RoyalT Cafe

Mother's Day: Paint Your Own Wooden Heart

At Whaling City Masterworks, participants can paint a wooden heart and personalize it for Mom or Dad as a Mother’s Day gift. This creative activity centers on making a personalized keepsake.

Whaling City Masterworks

Grand Archive Revelfest

Grand Archive Revelfest brings players together for a competitive gathering with prizes on the line. Entry is $15 and includes a Wind Resonance Bauble and a Radiant Origins booster pack. First place earns a Revelfest Wind Resonance Bauble playmat, and additional prizing will be based on attendance. Registration and check-in take place before play begins.

A Magic: The Gathering Chaos Draft where each participant chooses three booster packs from favorite sets, then drafts one card at a time and passes the rest, alternating the passing direction with each pack. Players sit in pods of about six to eight, build 40-card minimum decks from their picks with basic lands provided by the store, and compete in a Swiss event spanning three to four rounds depending on attendance. Entry is $25 or more, based on the packs selected. For prizes, every participant contributes two chosen packs to the prize pool, and all players receive a $5 meal voucher to use in the kitchen during the event. Sign ups take place in the store before the draft begins.

Still Young

From the award winning Neil Young tribute band Forever Young comes Still Young, an acoustic offshoot created by its members and shaped for intimate rooms. The performance spans Neil Young’s catalog from the Buffalo Springfield era through the Promise of the Real years, blending fan favorites with lesser known tracks. The lineup features John Fuzek on vocals, 12 string acoustic guitar, 6 string banjo, and mandolin, Amy Bedard on vocals, violin, mandolin, and acoustic guitar, Dan Lilley on vocals, acoustic guitar, and harmonica, and Pete Vendettuoli on guitar, mandolin, and banjo. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door, and concessions will be available. The facility does not allow alcohol, smoking, vaping, or open flames.

Young Pokemon fans can build skills and have fun at The Armoury’s Junior League for ages 15 and under. Admission is $10 and includes a Pokemon Prize Pack. Participants can learn the game, trade, and collect league points through matches, attendance, teaching, and other activities that lead to rewards such as packs, pins, additional prize packs, playmats, stickers, 3D prints, and more. Each player has a dedicated spot on the league board to track progress from week to week. A Pokemon Professor is available for coaching sessions to help newcomers get started and eventually show others how to play. Players are encouraged to bring their own decks if they have them, and teaching decks are available for anyone who needs one. After the main learning period, players are welcome to keep playing to get more games in.

Independent Bookstore Day

Independent Bookstore Day will be marked by an in-store celebration of the indie book world. Local vendors will be on site, author signings are scheduled throughout the day, and unique in-store experiences will be offered along with discounts on purchases. It will be a full day centered on community, books, and celebration. Additional details will be shared as the event draws closer.

A transformational ceremony centered on Breath of Fire supports a shift from winter’s dormancy into the bright energy of spring. Through guided breathing, sound, movement, and mudra, participants focus on clearing stagnation and turning it into fresh vitality. Drawing on the phoenix as a symbol of rebirth, the experience invites the release of chaos, limitation, and beliefs that no longer serve so the unreal can fall away and the real can take root. Led by Nikki Pepin and Paula Lazaroff at Sva Ha Studio. Admission is $44.

APR26

Open Jam

An open jam for any genre, hosted weekly by various musicians. Many of the hosts have previously participated in the Flying Dutchman Jam.

The Pour Farm Tavern

APR26

Boys & Girls Club of Greater

Sunday Adult Wellness Programming

Adults can start the week with a no-cost wellness lineup at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford. The Sunday program flows from SC of Well-Being into quiet time for meditation, then continues with yoga and finishes with Zumba. Once a month, on the third Sunday, the offerings also include a hypnotism session and a Zumba 101 option, with exact timing noted on the schedule. It is a welcoming way to move, breathe, and connect with others in a supportive setting.

APR26

This Dartmouth Select Board meeting includes an agenda that is posted in advance by Thursday prior to the Monday meeting. The board typically meets on Mondays one to two times each month. Dartmouth Community Media live streams all Select Board meetings on its YouTube channel, giving citizens the option to watch in real time or view the recording afterward.

Lawler: Teen & Tween Crafts

This weekly arts and crafts club welcomes patrons in middle and high school to make art and connect with peers. It offers a creative space tailored to these age groups each week.

FREE Youth Dance Class

Introduce little movers to dance in a free introductory session designed for children ages 4 to 8. Guided activities help kids explore movement, build confidence, and develop a positive connection with physical activity. It is a simple way for families to see whether dance is a good fit. If the experience is a hit, a special discount is available for ongoing classes. Space is limited, and spots can be reserved.

Popular Music Circles

Open jam sessions at The Shep welcome musicians of all styles, genres, and skill levels. Audience members are welcome to attend and enjoy the music. These sessions are acoustic only.

Puddle Jumpers

Designed for preschoolers, Puddle Jumpers offers a welcoming way to explore the outdoors through guided hikes and nature play. A Zoo educator meets the group at various DNRT locations and leads a 50-minute nature exploration activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults and backpack babies may attend free with a registered child. Pricing is for one session.

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Cousins Maine Lobster at Lowe's Dartmouth

Look for the Cousins Maine Lobster truck at Lowe’s of Dartmouth serving a lineup of lobster dishes. Order at the truck with cash or major credit cards, or choose contactless ordering through the Cousins Maine Lobster app by selecting Boston, MA as the location. The app accepts orders during operating hours only. During busy periods, ordering may be paused briefly to manage high demand and maintain product quality.

Lowe's Home Improvement

Buttonwood Community Center

Backyard Composting Workshop

Learn practical steps for composting at home at a free Backyard Composting Workshop at the Buttonwood Community Center. The workshop covers compost bin assembly, composting best practices, and how to use compost at home. New Bedford and Dartmouth residents who attend and complete the workshop can receive one free backyard compost bin and a free 2-gallon plastic kitchen counter bin, one each per address, while supplies last. In addition, four residents will be selected at random to receive a 1.3-gallon stainless steel kitchen counter bin. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Proof of New Bedford or Dartmouth residency is required to receive the free bins.

Universal Participation : Welcome to Yoga

This weekly yoga class is designed to include every body and experience level while highlighting the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of practice. Instruction is led by Audra Andrade, a yoga practitioner with low vision who creates a welcoming, supportive environment where participants can thrive. The session is accessible for people who are blind or have low vision and is open to all ages and body types. Please bring a yoga mat, a water bottle, and a hand towel. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins are not accepted.

Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

Creative Classroom: Beginner Ukulele

Curious about trying an instrument but worried it might be too difficult or too late to start? This beginner-friendly ukulele class focuses on the essentials so new players can get comfortable quickly. No prior music experience is required. Ukuleles are available to borrow, or you can bring your own; please note any loan request during registration. The class is designed for adult beginners ages 17 and up. Reduced-price Card to Culture tickets are available for EBT, WIC, and Connector Care cardholders on a first come, first served basis. These discounted tickets are not sold online, so call the Box Office at 508.994.2900 to inquire.

Sing Along Story Time

Sing-along story time blends music and storytelling at the New Bedford Howland Green Branch Library.

Lawler: Toddler & Preschool Story Time

At the Lawler Branch, toddlers can enjoy storytelling alongside playful activities in a welcoming story time setting.

MTG - Commander Night

Enjoy a relaxed day of Magic: The Gathering Commander with free entry. Players can bring decks and friends, form their own pods, and settle in for casual games. An optional raffle runs toward the end of the night with a $10 or more entry, and about one in four participants wins. The prize pool grows with participation... for every four entries another prize is added, and if 32 or more people enter the raffle, first place takes home a play booster box. Attendance usually ranges from around 40 to 50 players, offering plenty of variety in matchups and decks.

Coastal Bubbles + Wine Bar

Biagio Cru Wine Tasting + Oyster Pairing

At Coastal Bubbles + Wine Bar, Biagio Cru wines are paired with fresh oysters. Expect an elegant night of oyster and wine pairings with a coastal focus.

New Bedford Howland-Green Branch Library

Howland Green: Tote Bag Decorating

At the New Bedford Howland-Green Branch Library, take part in a friendly, hands-on craft session focused on customizing a reusable tote. Use paint and stencils to create a design that reflects your style, and head out with a bag ready for everyday use. Registration is recommended, as supplies are limited.

Lorcana Winterspell League

The Lorcana Winterspell League unfolds across three seasons of four weeks each, with winners recognized at the end of every season. Entry is $15 per season. Matches use Standard format, though pairs may choose to play Infinity format if both agree. Each participant contributes two packs of Winterspell and one pack of Whispers in the Well to the prize pool. Players earn league points by playing games each week, and packs are raffled for attendees weekly. On the fourth week of each season, prizes are awarded to the winners in addition to the raffled packs. As an example based on a 12 player pool, first place receives six packs plus league support, second receives four packs plus league support, and third receives two packs plus league support. Weekly themes offer extra ways to score. Week one focuses on open play. Week two features Pack Rush. Week three uses multiplayer pods of three or more players. Week four is a tournament with a $10 buy in, with one pack added to the prize pool and one pack provided at signup. Multiplayer games are welcome. Play proceeds to the left in clockwise order, and when multiple players must act at the same time, resolution starts with the active player and continues left until everyone affected has completed their action. Playing the weekly theme earns an additional league point.

Outdoor Recreation

Thursday Hills

Participants meet at the Buttonwood Park Warming House for a hill workout. The route heads toward NBHS for hill repeats, and traveling from the park through one set of hills comes to about 5 miles. Choose the number of climbs that works for you, and add loops in the park if you want extra distance. If conditions are icy, a safer road route will be used. Please wear season-appropriate lights and reflective gear.

Buttonwood Senior Center

Blazing Saddles Pony Parties & Petting Zoo's

Enchanted Evenings: Fairies & Treats

Enjoy a whimsical evening at the sanctuary as Lauren from West Island Whimsy Wares guides participants in creating fairy-inspired crafts in a peaceful, scenic setting. Charcuterie boards and light refreshments set the tone for a relaxed ladies’ night out. Spend time unwinding, getting creative, and leaving with a handmade piece to take home. All ticket proceeds support the farm and the care of its animals. Space is limited.

Family Story & Craft

A weekly story time paired with a craft activity that welcomes participants of all ages. This program is free and does not require registration.

Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

Creative Classroom: Speak Easy: Intro to Spoken Word Poetry

Spoken word artist Maia Livramento leads an introductory, three-part class in performance poetry that builds core skills, explores both rhymed and free verse, and supports the creation of original work. Each session balances about 30 minutes of craft discussion, 30 minutes of writing, and 30 minutes of sharing with time to refine delivery. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen, along with a willingness to try something new. The class welcomes all ages and all levels of experience. Discounted admission is available for those with EBT, WIC, or Connector Care cards on a first come, first served basis. These Card to Culture tickets are not sold online, and the box office can provide details at 508.994.2900.

New Bedford Jam

NB JAM gathers musicians and performers at Gallery X for a live music showcase hosted by Jeff Dunn. The event begins with an open mic, with performers taking the stage in the order they register, then continues with a set by the NB Jam Band.

Gallery X

The Vault Performing Arts Center & Pub

Musical Bingo!

Turn music knowledge into a game with a fun spin on bingo where songs take the place of numbers. Presented by Good Thomas Entertainment, this gathering welcomes all ages and is free to attend. Expect chances to take home prizes, plus special offers on food and beverages available during the event.

Buttonwood Buddies

Buttonwood Buddies is a playgroup for children ages 2 to 5 that includes outdoor play, opportunities to make friends, crafts, singing, story time, and chances to meet animals. Each session is led by a BPZOO educator and offers adult and child pairs time for both free play and guided activities.

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Wiggle with Me Dance Class

Designed as a joyful first dance experience for young children and their caregiver, this class invites adults to participate alongside their little ones as everyone bounces, sways, stretches, and explores music together. Each session supports early milestones such as balance, coordination, rhythm, and social interaction through playful movement and shared bonding. The environment encourages confidence and builds early musical foundations while giving grown-ups a welcome movement boost. Tuition is $65 per month on a month-to-month plan, with payment due before class or on the day, no free trials, and no long-term contract.

Dance Clinic

Off-Structure Live: Spring Break '26

Get ready to kick off spring with good vibes and live action. There will be a lineup of performers, including raghuuda, Day2, Bougie, and others. The event is for those ages 21 and up, and doors open at 9 PM.

Bento's Bar & Grill

13th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser Sponsored by Vigilant Insurance

The thirteenth edition of this wine tasting fundraiser, sponsored by Vigilant Insurance, will be held at Seaport Resort & Marina. Ticket sales will open soon.

Seaport Resort & Marina

Riftbound - Unleashed Pre-Rift Event

Take part in a Riftbound Unleashed pre-rift event with Best of 1 play over 4 to 5 rounds, adjusted by the number of players. Entry is $40. Each entry adds two packs of Unleashed to the prize pool. Prizes go to top players, with final distribution determined when the event begins. Sign-ups close before deck building, which takes place ahead of the first round, and the event begins promptly after.

Blazing Saddles Pony Parties & Petting Zoo's

Junk Journal Workshop: On the Farm!

Explore junk journaling in a calm farm setting with artist Kylie Faison. This creative session welcomes anyone who enjoys preserving memories, spending time with animals and nature, and making art. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to try new ideas. Participants can bring photos, paper scraps, or images to personalize their journals, or choose from a shared selection of materials available on site. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with rescue animals, plus a cozy bonfire with marshmallows. Solo admission is $10, and there is a bring-a-friend half-price option.

Tapping Techniques for Acoustic Guitar with Mark Kroos

Award-winning guitarist Mark Kroos leads a workshop for acoustic guitar that explores extended techniques, composition ideas, tapping, harmonics, and alternate tunings. Price is $20.

Sara Achorn

Enjoy an acoustic evening at the new Off The Boulevard in New Bedford with Sara Achorn, a roots artist known for dynamic vocals that blend soulful depth with a modern edge. Her solo performances are raw and emotionally charged, reimagining everything from 70s rock to today’s chart-toppers in stripped-down arrangements with a heartfelt presence. The set draws on favorites from artists like Chris Stapleton, Billie Eilish, CCR, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift, all delivered with rich vocals and an intimate feel. Outside of her solo work, she leads Little Lies, a Fleetwood Mac tribute honoring Stevie Nicks, with appearances at stages across the Northeast, including Soundcheck Studios, Toad’s Place, Wormtown Festival, and a National Anthem performance at TD Garden. Versatility, authenticity, and powerhouse vocals are at the center of every show.

Off The Boulevard

Lawrence Family Greenhouses

Plant Sale Fundraiser

Shop a community plant sale at Lawrence Family Greenhouses while supporting EPIC Southcoast. Explore a wide variety of plants for spring gardening, including annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, hanging plants, and more. Mention EPIC Southcoast at checkout or show the event flyer so that 10 percent of your purchase benefits the organization. Funds raised help support 2026 community programs that are offered at no cost, and your purchase also uplifts a local business.

Lawler: Device Advice

Helpful library staff provide one-on-one technology assistance, offering personalized guidance for your questions and helping you feel more confident using technology.

Howland Green: Storytime

A storytime at the New Bedford Howland Green Branch Library featuring engaging stories and hands-on crafts that inspire imagination and support early learning.

Civic

Full Plate Project – Y Community Market (Fall River)

The YMCA Southcoast has partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank to address the growing lack of access to healthy food. Food will be available. This is a free program, and you do not need to be a YMCA member. Its a first come, first served, drive-through market. Participants will be asked to provide basic information, including zip code and the number of people living in their household. No photo ID is required. Each household will receive pre-packaged bags of groceries that include a variety of nonperishable items, as well as fresh produce and meats when available. Items vary, based on availability.

Fall River YMCA

Lawler: Crafty Kids Club

A recurring weekend craft club for elementary school children, featuring hands-on projects that participants can bring home. Sessions take place on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Foursomes

A program of chamber music at St. Peter's Episcopal Church brings together string quartets by Akshaya Tucker, Lei Liang, and Kareem Roustom, titled Hollow Flame, Gobi Gloria, and Syrian Folk Songs, each approximately ten minutes long, alongside Johannes Brahms's Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60. The performers are EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and Theo Ramsey on violins, Anna Griffis on viola, Leo Eguchi on cello, and Janice Weber on piano.

Tea Cup Bird Feeder Craft

Celebrate the season with a hands-on session led by Chickadee Tea Rekindled Treasures, where participants craft a charming teacup bird feeder from repurposed china. Components come pre-drilled for easy assembly, and clear, step-by-step guidance is provided. Learn thoughtful ways to give new life to cherished dishware, along with practical tips for placement, protection, and upkeep of your feeder. Before leaving, personalize a keepsake tag that notes the maker, date, workshop, and recipient, a fitting touch if it will be given as a gift or for Mother’s Day. Each attendee takes home a small pouch of starter birdseed and a limited-time coupon for a future Chickadee Tea Rekindled Treasures item. Tickets are $45, include all materials, and are nonrefundable.

The Wandering Tale

The Seeds We Sow: RTB's Annual Farmraiser

The Seeds We Sow, RTB’s annual farmraiser, returns for a family-friendly evening at the farm. The event features small bites and beverages, followed by a locally sourced, farm fresh dinner. Funds raised support RTB’s three core programs, including education through field trips and hands-on learning, farming, and the partnered food donation and education program, Manifest Love. Recent editions have generated more than $37,000 one year and about $45,000 the next, enabling subsidies for nonprofit events, packaging supplies for Manifest Love, and expanded access to farm experiences. Support has also reached the agroforestry project, RTB Summer Camp, and Manifest Love. For the third consecutive year, the goal is to reach $60,000 with help from community participation, sponsorship, and partnership.

Round the Bend Farm

Saturday Hobby Night

This weekly hobby night at the Armoury offers a relaxed space to work on any personal project alongside other enthusiasts. Admission is free. A staff member is available to provide guidance, and basic tools and hobby mats are supplied to help you get started. For questions about painting or how to begin, contact @GreyKermit on Discord.

Mark Kroos

Mark Kroos brings his double neck guitar artistry to The Shep, mixing brilliant technique with humor and engaging storytelling. A winner of Guitar Player Magazine’s Guitar Superstar Competition and a performer known for viral online videos, he blends precision, melody, and showmanship. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door, and concessions will be available. The facility prohibits alcohol, smoking, vaping, and open flames.

Festivals

Rope Fest 2026

The annual Rope Fest celebrates 40 years with a family friendly gathering featuring food, music, product demonstrations, knot tying, rock climbing, tug of war, and warehouse specials on marine, climbing, and paracord rope, plus more. People from across New England take part. Limited edition event shirts will be available while supplies last. Those who cannot attend in person can look for online specials to get ready for warmer weather.

R&W Rope

Civic

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day

Safely dispose of household hazardous materials at a community drop-off held at the Crapo Hill Landfill. Participation is limited to residents of Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Freetown, and proof of residency is required. The collection runs rain or shine, and advance sign-up is required, with registration opening a few weeks beforehand. Accepted items include oil-based paints, paint thinner, pesticides, herbicides, old gasoline, pool chemicals, and common household cleaners. Latex paint is not accepted; if it cannot be reused, dry it out and place it in the regular trash. Empty containers are not accepted. Do not bring items that your town’s transfer station or recycling center already handles, such as antifreeze, fluorescent light bulbs and other mercury-containing devices, motor oil, propane or other tanks or cylinders, or televisions and computer monitors. The maximum you can bring is 25 gallons or 50 pounds. This collection is for households only, not for businesses, schools, or contractors. Traffic at the site will move in one direction for safety. For questions about items accepted at local transfer stations, Dartmouth residents can call the Town of Dartmouth’s Department of Public Works at (508) 999-0740, New Bedford residents can call the City of New Bedford’s Department of Facilities and Fleet Management at (508) 979-1520, and Freetown residents can call the Freetown Transfer Station at (508) 644-2202 Ext 3. For general event questions, email Marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org, call (508) 979-1493, message @New Bedford Recycling, or text (774) 503-0254.

Crapo Hill Landfill

Sacred Women’s Circle

Apothecorner presents Tarot Sundays with Zinoe Martin, known as Z (they/them) of Beauty in Z Eye. Expect insight-driven tarot sessions delivered with a down-to-earth, soulful style, along with dedicated time for questions, reflection, and realignment. Readings take place on the first and third Sundays, and both walk-ins and appointments are available. This welcoming setting offers space for clarity, confirmation, and connection with the cards.

Edison Monthly #19

Armoury presents the 19th edition of its monthly Edison Format tournament. Competitors can enter for $20 with packs included. First place earns an Allure of Darkness UTR. Additional prizes go to the top four, and may extend to the top eight depending on attendance, with placements two through eight to be determined and the final prize distribution adjusted based on turnout.

Knotty Witches Candle Making Workshop

Experience a hands-on candle making workshop at Ellaria with Knotty Witches. Participants pour an 8 ounce Knotty Witches candle, choose a scent that reflects their energy, and set intentions as they craft, tapping into a touch of Knotty Witches magic along the way. The atmosphere suits outings with friends as well as solo creative time, and space is limited.

Ellaria

Festivals

Beltane Celebration

Celebrate the shift from spring into summer with a warm, community-focused gathering that honors growth, renewal, and connection. Enjoy music, dancing, and rituals designed to tap into nature’s vibrant energy. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free. Beltane has roots in Gaelic tradition, marking the beginning of the pastoral summer season. Communities once kindled protective fires and held ceremonies to safeguard livestock and crops, support dairy production, and nurture the well-being of people. It is a time associated with optimism, fertility, and the strengthening light of the sun.

First Unitarian Church

Ellaria - Rooted in Beauty. Elevated in Spirit.

Sacred Women’s Circle

A supportive women’s circle focused on letting go, thoughtful reflection, and renewed connection. Each gathering may weave gentle movement, breathwork, guided meditation, and honest sharing, creating space to slow down, feel seen, and reconnect with yourself. Come exactly as you are, you are welcome. Pricing options are $39, $49, or $59, and every tier provides the same guided experience, so choose the amount that aligns with your capacity. Kelley’s approach draws on lived experience, clinical and spiritual training, trauma awareness, steady presence, and compassionate care.

Lawler: Chess Club

This chess club welcomes participants of every age and ability level. Newcomers can learn the basics and build confidence, while experienced players can refine their strategies through friendly games.

Paint Night 🎨

This paint night at Killer B's features artist Kaitlyn Tufts guiding participants through a beach margarita painting. Capacity is limited, and complimentary refreshments are available when doors open.

Killer B's

Stems at Sunset: Floral Workshops in Westport

Stems at Sunset is a monthly, hands-on floral workshop series at Open Gate Farm that spotlights what is in season. Each session is relaxed and guided, and every participant creates an arrangement to take home. All blooms are grown in Westport, featuring perennials, herbs, and annuals with no imports. The series begins with tulips in spring, moves through summer and fall varieties, and concludes with dried designs that last into winter. Tickets cover everything needed, and the experience includes flowers, food, drinks, and conversation. Choose a full season option that covers seven workshops or select individual sessions.

Open Gate Farm

The Vault Performing Arts Center &Pub

Kings Of Thrash

Tickets are listed for Kings Of Thrash at The Vault Performing Arts Center &Pub in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Lawler: Tail Waggin' Tutors

Young readers can build confidence and make a furry friend by reading aloud to Lola, a therapy dog. Sessions are 15 minutes and require registration by phone. To reserve a spot, call the New Bedford Free Public Library Francis J. Lawler Branch at 508-991-6216. Children of all reading levels are welcome.

📚💌 Blind Date Book Night! 💌📚

Enjoy a bookish crafting session where participants create a Blind Date Book to give as a gift or keep for themselves. Wrapping paper and decorative supplies are provided, along with wax seals, stickers, fillers, and more. Books are available for purchase, or you can bring your own. The cost is $25 and covers all crafting materials, with the book not included. Tickets are nonrefundable.

Open Mic Night

All ages and talents are invited to take the stage at this open mic, while attendees can enjoy a showcase of local performers. There are ten spots available, with each entertainer getting up to ten minutes. The order of performances will be chosen at random by audience members drawing from the "Oracle Ukulele." Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.

The Acushnet Council On Aging

Wednesday Membership Meeting

The Greater New Bedford Garden Club is hosting a membership meeting featuring Holly Langfield from Walnut Plain Gardens. The program is titled “The Art of the Pot: Design Principles for Container Gardens.” There is a guest fee for this event, and space is limited, so reservations are required.

Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern

Mother's Day Bouquet Making Class

Prepare to create a beautiful bouquet in a hands-on, in-person workshop. Learn straightforward floral arranging techniques that make the process simple and enjoyable. Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced enthusiasts, with guidance to help you design a bouquet with confidence.

MAY7

Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum

House Tour

Explore the Rotch-Jones-Duff mansion on a guided 45 minute tour led by an RJD Docent. There is no additional fee beyond regular admission.

MAY7

Howland Green: Wooden Mom Ornament

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a creative project at the New Bedford Howland Green Branch Library. Make a wooden “Mom” ornament for DIY home decor or to give as a gift.

MAY7

Take a closer look at Our Sisters' School through an admissions presentation that highlights a culture of limitless possibility. Learn how experiential learning in robotics, art, and design, together with support from committed teachers and mentors, helps students build confidence, develop skills, and set ambitious goals. Applications are open for Grades 5 and 6 for the Class of 2027, with details on how daughters can grow in a community that puts no ceiling on achievement.

MAY9

📚✨ Silent Book Club – A Monthly Escape! ✨📚

A low-pressure gathering for readers who want quiet time with their current book. Bring a novel, memoir, fantasy, romance, or even something from the to-be-read stack and settle into a comfortable, welcoming setting. The rhythm is simple... arrive, pick up a drink or snack, chat with fellow readers, then enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading. Afterward, sharing is optional... talk about what you are reading or simply relax and enjoy the bookish atmosphere. There are no assigned titles or deadlines, just a community that values calm, independent reading. This meetup takes place once a month at 3GenLove: The Wandering Tale.

MAY9

Board Game Social

Come socialize, play games, and have fun at the New Bedford Board Game Social. All are welcome.

DEAF, Inc.

Mothers Day - Seaglass Art

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxing seaglass art experience that welcomes all skill levels. Design a one-of-a-kind piece using sea glass found on the beach, with instructors available to guide your ideas. Enjoy a calm, creative atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind and explore your artistic side.

These Two Crafty Chicks

Mattapoisett Town Wharf, Mattapoisett, MA

Mattapoisett Mother’s Day 5K 2026 at 8:30am

Begin Mother's Day with a scenic 5K that raises funds for postpartum support on the South Coast. Runners and walkers of every age are welcome. The route starts and finishes along the water at Mattapoisett Town Wharf, offering coastal scenery that includes a midway loop around Ned's Point Lighthouse with views of Buzzards Bay and a stretch by Mattapoisett Harbor.

Cisco Brewers New Bedford

16th Annual Mother's Day 5K Walk & Run

A warm community 5K road race and walk honors mothers and the people who lift up their communities by celebrating movement and connection. Taking place at Cisco Brewers New Bedford beside the water, participants follow a scenic oceanfront course, then meet at the finish for live music, refreshments in the beer garden, activities for children, and time by the shore with family and friends. The event welcomes every age and pace, whether you plan to run, walk, bring a stroller, or cheer along the route, and many make it part of their Mother’s Day tradition. Proceeds support the Women’s Fund SouthCoast and its efforts to advance gender, racial, and economic justice through research, grants, and advocacy.

Coastal Bubbles + Wine Bar

Mother's Day + Macarons Wine Flight Pairing

Mark Mother’s Day with a relaxed tasting that pairs a thoughtfully selected wine flight with delicate French macarons. Savor sweet and bubbly pours matched to elegant confections for an indulgent treat. A simple, delicious way to make the day feel special.

Holidays

Mother's Day Henna | Green Grotto Rituals | Apothecorner

Apothecorner hosts a Mother’s Day henna gathering with artist Rickie Clavin of Green Grotto Rituals. The focus is on self expression and beauty through the calming tradition of henna, offering a meaningful way to honor moms or treat a loved one. Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis. Guests can also browse handmade self care goods in a welcoming setting, and a halotherapy promotion will be available for moms.

Apothecorner

KidZone: Family Art Sundays at the New Bedford Art Museum

Families are welcome to explore current exhibitions and participate in hands-on art activities led by museum educators. The projects are accessible, playful, and engaging for a wide range of ages and skill levels. There is no set start time. Families are welcome to drop in and create together. It is a great way for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers to make art alongside children. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and all materials are included. Tickets are $5 per family.

New Bedford Art Museum

Nasketucket Bay Vineyard & Distillery

Sara Achorn

Sara Achorn performs a solo acoustic set celebrating moms at Nasketucket Bay Vineyard & Distillery.

MAY11

Pokemon - Perfect Order Prerelease Day 1

Day 1 of this prerelease features deck building followed by best-of-one matches. Each participant starts with a 40-card deck and receives four booster packs to customize it before playing. The event is limited to 20 players and will run three or four rounds based on attendance. Entry is $35. All players earn two additional booster packs for participating, and one extra pack goes into the prize pool.

MAY11

Lawler: In the Loop Knitting Group

Knitting group where participants work on current projects or start new ones while chatting with fellow knitters.

MAY13

sea glass gnome workshop! SUMMER GNOMIES!!!

Design a playful gnome with sea glass in an interactive crafting session. Friendly instruction leads you step by step, and a broad selection of colors and shapes lets you customize your piece. All materials are provided, including boards, sea glass, glue, embellishments, and the necessary tools, and you will head home with a finished gnome. This welcoming class suits beginners and participants of all ages, and it makes a fun outing for a girls night, a mother and daughter activity, dedicated crafters, or anyone who enjoys coastal style. Bring only yourself, everything you need is supplied.

These Two Crafty Chicks

Curious Figure 3 - May AHA! Night Reception

Discover Curious Figure 3 at The Star Store during New Bedford’s AHA! Night, a citywide evening devoted to arts and culture. This reception presents a juried national exhibition focused on contemporary figurative work and includes artists from 38 cities across 21 states. As downtown fills with open galleries, performances, and other cultural happenings, the exhibition links perspectives from across the country with the energy of the South Coast arts scene and explores the lasting resonance of the human figure in today’s art. It can be part of an AHA! Night art walk through downtown New Bedford. Free and open to the public.

The Star Store

Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum

Living The Old House Dream

A talk presented with WHALE explores the character and challenges of historic homes, from their unique charm and beauty to the realities of maintenance and restoration. An expert will share guidance on established practices, practical processes, and useful resources to help care for an older home. This program is part of Preservation AHA and is free to attend.

New Bedford Whaling Museum

Old Time Fiddle Session and Community Gathering

A traditional fiddle session and community gathering, presented by EPIC Southcoast in partnership with AHA! NB, at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Old Time Fiddle Session began in 2017 and remains active. No prior experience is required, and musicians of all levels gather in a circle to play old time fiddle tunes while others simply listen. This program is supported in part by a grant from the New Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Admission is free.

Narrows Center for the Arts

Amy Helm

Find tickets to see Amy Helm perform live at a concert.

Bristol Community College

Civic

Bristol Community College – Mobile Food Markets (Fall River, New Bedford, Attleboro & Taunton)

Through a collaboration between Bristol Community College’s Student and Family Engagement team, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and Takeda, a Mobile Food Market is offered each month to support people in need. The distribution uses a drive-thru format to provide food to the community.

MAY15

Power of Breath: Decode Your Patterns

Refocus the aim of nervous system care, not just to relax, but to build strength and capacity. This experiential breath class explores how intentional breathing can expand your ability to stay steady through challenge, change, and growth. Through guided breathing and somatic awareness, participants practice shifting more fluidly between activation and rest. You will take away practical techniques for working through stress, build emotional resilience, feel steadier under pressure, and gain clearer insight into how your nervous system responds as responsibilities and opportunities increase. This experience is presented in partnership with The Studio at Mattapoisett Wellness, where studio members receive special pricing.

The Studio

MAY15

The Vault Performing Arts Center &Pub

A Farewell To Kings

A Farewell To Kings brings a Rush tribute to The Vault Performing Arts Center &Pub in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The band's songs take center stage in a performance devoted entirely to their music.

New Bedford Free Public Library - Main Library

Main Library: Puzzle Solvers Club

A friendly gathering for people who enjoy word puzzles, from word searches to crosswords. Participants can bring a favorite puzzle to work on or choose a new one available on site. Appropriate for all ages.

The Vault Performing Arts Center & Pub

Kornballz, LimpBallz & MoreBallz Than Ballz at the Vault!

The Vault Performing Arts Center & Pub hosts a celebration of nu metal nostalgia, creating a lively, high energy throwback atmosphere for a single night.

Fort Phoenix State Reservation

Commemoration of the 1st First Naval Engagement of the Rev War

At Fort Phoenix State Reservation, this event commemorates the first naval engagement of the Revolutionary War with an encampment, cannon firings, and the possibility of a battle. The usual amenities will be available for participants. It is open to the public on both days.

Greater New Bedford Garden Club Plant Sale

The Greater New Bedford Garden Club Plant Sale will take place at a new location. Find the sale at the Buttonwood Park Greenhouse across from the pond.

West End

Open Farm Day - May 16th

Held on the third Saturday of each month, this free open farm day welcomes visitors of all ages. It offers a friendly, inclusive atmosphere and takes place rain or shine. Families can join guided tours of the farm, children can enjoy age friendly activities, and both kids and adults can take part in workshops. Hot farm fresh meals will be available for purchase, and a market will feature seasonal vegetables and sustainably raised meats. A free section will offer clothing, books, kitchenware, and more. SNAP, HIP, and WIC benefits are accepted, along with senior coupons. For safety, pets should remain at home since this is an active working farm. The Learning Center provides accessible bathrooms and parking for those who need them. For questions, call 508-938-5127.

Round the Bend Farm

Andrea McCoy Recreation Center

Family Fest

A family-focused gathering with hands-on activities for all ages, plus a fair highlighting resources that connect households with a wide range of programs available across Greater New Bedford. Additional details will be shared soon.

Festivals

Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival

Discover the path from fleece to fabric through live demonstrations of sheep shearing, wool preparation, dyeing, weaving, and spinning. Browse goods from vendors and artisans from Rhode Island and across New England. See the farm’s sheep up close.

Coggeshall Farm Museum

Theresa Street's 5th Annual 5K Harbor Run

Now in its fifth year, the Theresa Street 5K Harbor Run supports South Coast Unified Sports. Participants can run or walk, and spectators can cheer from the sidelines. The day centers on fitness, community spirit, and showing support.

Lunettes and Friends at Circa

Circa Vintage Wear welcomes Lunettes and Friends for a special event.

Circa Vintage Wear

MAY17

KidZone: Family Art Sundays at the New Bedford Art Museum

Families are welcome to visit the museum and explore current exhibitions. They can participate in hands-on art activities led by museum educators. The art projects are designed to be accessible, playful, and engaging for a wide range of ages and skill levels. There is no set start time; families are welcome to create together at their own pace. This is a great way for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers to make art alongside kids in a welcoming museum environment. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are included. Tickets are $5 per family.

New Bedford Art Museum

MAY18

VGA trip to Allendale CC

VGA returns to Allendale Country Club for an outing on the same course featured in last year’s Mass/RI Combined Championship, offering another chance to take it on. The round will use a shotgun format. Registration will open once final details are confirmed. Thanks to Bob Giusti, Director of Golf, and the Allendale staff for making space once more. More events are planned.

Allendale Country Club

MAY19

Howland Green: Flower Keychains

Get creative with a hands-on craft session making flower-shaped keychains. Design and assemble your own playful accessory using bright pony beads and easy stringing methods.

MAY19

Fairhaven Healing Arts Center

Channeled Messages from the Archangel Realm

A guided sacred sound journey with channelers and sound conductors Amy Knox and Nikki Pepin invites participants to ground into the Earth’s rhythm and tune into the akashic field so that clear, uplifting messages from the archangel realm can be received. Guidance may arrive through imagery, sensation, inner hearing, intuitive knowing, taste, or scent. The archangel realm is described as a source of communication, action, protection, clarity, and order, reflecting cosmic truth and alignment while offering light, direction, courage, and discernment to cut through confusion. The experience is designed to activate the pineal gland and other clair senses as the mind settles into an alpha state, encouraging a shift from limitation to expansion, strengthening life force, and deepening connection with your soul’s blueprint and true nature. Amy and Nikki will share a collective message through oral transmission informed by the law of relativity. The price is $44, and registration is available through Momence. For questions, contact Amy at 508-243-1556 or Nikki at 508-525-5784. Both facilitators trained with teacher and mentor Lisa Ishwari Murphy of Fairhaven Healing Arts.

MAY19

Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum

Modern Music Concert in the Garden

Student musicians from New Bedford High School present an outdoor modern music concert in a garden setting. The program spans jazz and contemporary repertoire from the past 100 years. The New Bedford High School Jazz Band is an after-school ensemble directed by Tim Mason and explores multiple jazz styles with improvisation. The New Bedford High School Steel Band is an after-school group for grades 6 through 8 conducted by Lee Dias and performs contemporary music rooted in the traditions of Trinidad and Tobago. The New Bedford High School Rock Band, directed by Tom O’Leary, performs modern selections from different eras of rock and roll history. Admission is free, with general seating available on the lawn and patio.

MAY20

Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum

Family Storytime

This family storytime, presented in partnership with the New Bedford Free Public Library, unfolds in the garden and features a 30-minute program of read-alouds for attendees of all ages.

MAY21

Reiki Shares: May 21st

An evening of community healing and rhythmic connection guided by Sherrie and Sue features an opening Synergy of Sound TM bioscalar meditation to establish grounding. Participants can deepen the potency of embodied Reiki practice, feel supported as they access intuition, and move toward harmony and balance. Skills and gifts are nurtured in a nonjudgmental, supportive setting with a sense of open potential, and attendees may choose to offer Reiki or receive it. Sharing heart-centered light together is emphasized as a way to strengthen collective coherence. Held in the cave at Sva Ha Academy with Sherrie and Sue. A donation of 10 to 20 dollars is requested.

Sva Ha Academy

MAY21

Lonely Parrots RETURN to RTB Farm intimate concert

The Lonely Parrots return to RTB Farm for an intimate folk-pop concert featuring Michael Martinez and Max Embers. The Bay Area musicians met a decade ago at Berklee College of Music and, after pursuing solo paths, formed their duo with joint credits that include collaborations with Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Naika, and John Oates of Hall & Oates. They also co-founded MORF, Music on Regenerative Farms, an initiative dedicated to bringing live, intimate performances to sustainable projects with a focus on permaculture, reflecting their belief in the healing power of music and care for the planet. Round the Bend Farm, a working farm and educational nonprofit, serves as a center for Restorative Community and a living laboratory that cultivates, educates, and empowers people of all ages, valuing diversity, modeling nature, and redefining wealth. The performance is free, with a suggested sliding-scale donation of $5–$20 per person or more, and donors are asked to include “Round the Bend x Lonely Parrots” with their contribution. The concert takes place indoors in a post and beam classroom with chairs provided, and attendees are welcome to bring items for extra comfort. The first hour is set aside for arrival, snacks, and socializing, followed by the music. Everyone is asked to be fully present during the performance. All are welcome, and the event observes a carry in, carry out approach to trash. Filtered water will be available for refilling bottles. No dogs are allowed. No drugs or alcohol. Local beer, wine, and soda will be sold, along with farm fresh food from Chef Shaun VanLaarhoven.

Round the Bend Farm

MAY21

Sonia Bettencourt

Sonia Bettencourt appears at Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford. Details about tickets, photos, video, and reviews are available for this event.

Zeiterion

MAY22

Lawler: Book Sale

The New Bedford Free Public Library’s Francis J. Lawler Branch hosts a large book sale. A bag of books costs $1.00, and payment is cash only. Proceeds benefit library programming. Sponsored by the Friends of the New Bedford Free Public Library.

MAY23

Howland Green: Cozy Coloring Club

2nd Annual Forever22 Fundraiser and Wiffle Ball Tournament in memory of Alex C Perez

This second annual fundraiser honors Alexander C. Perez with a community gathering that features a Wiffle Ball Tournament and activities for all ages. The day begins with remarks, recognition of scholarship recipients, and a balloon release in honor of Alex’s second heavenly birthday. Food, ice cream, baked goods, raffle tickets, and other items will be available for purchase, and all proceeds support scholarships for local high school seniors in Alex’s memory. Free lawn games and activities are planned, and the playground and splash pad are close by. Teams can register for the Wiffle Ball Tournament, with a cost of $20 per player and teams of five. The organizers welcome donations of raffle baskets, items, or baked goods to sell. Cash and check contributions will be accepted at the event, and donations are tax exempt, directly benefiting the scholarship fund.

Brooklawn Park

JUN8

UMass Dartmouth Chancellor's Cup Golf Outing

Alumni and friends gather for a day on the course in support of scholarships for UMass Dartmouth students building their futures. The Chancellor's Cup directs proceeds to financial aid that helps put a degree within reach at the university. Companies can participate through sponsorships or by entering a foursome, with involvement directly supporting academic and career goals. Recent tournaments generated nearly $70,000 for scholarships, providing assistance to 34 students over the last two years. The schedule features check in with lunch, a shotgun start, and a reception with dinner. The outing takes place at CCNB Golf Club.

CCNB Golf Club

JUN9

Sacred Women’s Circle

A supportive women’s circle offers a grounded space for release, reflection, and reconnection. Activities may include gentle movement, breathwork, guided meditation, and honest sharing, creating room to slow down, feel seen, and come back to yourself. The environment is welcoming to participants as they are. Pricing is tiered at $39, $49, or $59, with the same guided experience at every level. Kelley’s approach draws on lived experience, clinical and spiritual training, trauma awareness, steady presence, and compassionate care.

JUN9

Fairhaven Healing Arts Center

Channeled Messages from Red Dragon

Guided by channelers and sound conductors Amy Knox and Nikki Pepin, this channeled sound experience shares messages from the Red Dragon through the Sva Ha Synergy of Sound. Participants are grounded into the Earth’s pulse to attune with the akashic field, creating space for uplifting guidance from the Red Dragon’s highest essence to move through the luminous energy field. Insights may arrive as visuals, bodily feelings, sounds, inner knowing, or even taste and smell. The work emphasizes activation of the pineal gland and awakening of clair senses, inviting an alpha state that supports a shift from limitation to expansion, increased life force, and a clearer link to your soul’s blueprint and true nature. Together, Amy and Nikki will offer a collective message through oral transmission and the law of relativity. The price is $44, with registration available through Momence. For questions, contact Amy at 508-243-1556 or Nikki at 508-525-5784. Amy and Nicole completed their training with teacher and mentor Lisa Ishwari Murphy of Fairhaven Healing Arts.

JUN11

Mattapoisett Congregational Church

An Evening with Bestselling Author Ruta Sepetys

Mattapoisett Free Public Library hosts an author talk with internationally bestselling historical fiction writer Ruta Sepetys, part of the Purrington Author Series, at Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Known for Salt to the Sea, Sepetys will discuss her writing and introduce her new novel, A Fortune of Sand. Admission is free and all are welcome. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The first 100 people who register are eligible for a complimentary copy of A Fortune of Sand, which will be handed out at the venue while supplies last. Registration is not required to attend, but it is required for the book giveaway, and recipients must be present to claim their copy. Presented by the Mattapoisett Free Public Library Trust.

JUN12

Comedy

Next Stop Comedy at Nasketucket Bay Vineyard

Next Stop Comedy brings a stand-up show to Nasketucket Bay Vineyard, featuring a fresh roster of comedians each time. Expect performers with credits on television and appearances on well known podcasts. Experience top talent in a local setting with new faces at every show.

JUN13

2026 Youth Mile

GNBT presents an annual kids run at Cushman Park for children from the Greater New Bedford and Fall River communities. Races are organized by grade level, with PK and K covering 200 meters, first and second graders running one lap, third and fourth graders completing two laps, fifth and sixth graders tackling three laps, and seventh and eighth graders finishing four laps. Pre-registration is encouraged, and same-day registration with race number pickup will be available. Runners can enjoy snacks and activities such as lawn games and tie-dye before and after they compete. The first 100 participants will receive a T-shirt, with sizes not guaranteed. Local high school students will support participants during their races. There is no entry fee, and optional donations help offset event costs in the future.

Cushman Park

JUN14

Gig with Katie at Sail House

Katie teams up with a fellow musician for their first gig together at Sail House Tavern. The performance leans heavily into recent country while mixing in pop, rock, and jazz covers, featuring songs by Ed Sheeran, Miranda Lambert, Sara Evans, Fleetwood Mac, Richard Marx, Lady A, Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton, John Mayer, Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter, and Norah Jones.

Sail House Tavern

JUN17

Apponagansett Beach And Park

That 80s Band at Dartmouth Gazebo

That 80s Band brings an outdoor performance to Apponagansett Beach And Park. Guests are welcome to bring the family and their own chairs for comfortable seating. Further details will be shared as they become available.

JUN18

Power of Breath: Mastering Your State

Explore how breath can unlock concentration, creative drive, and motivation. This experiential class uses deliberate breathwork and somatic awareness to help you tap the charge behind feelings such as passion, urgency, frustration, and inspiration, then channel that energy into clear action. Guided practices show how to shift your inner state to sustain productivity, spark creative flow, express emotion without overwhelm, and follow through on commitments. You will take away practical tools to direct your energy on purpose and bring added clarity, momentum, and passion to daily life. Presented in partnership with The Studio at Mattapoisett Wellness, with special pricing for studio members.

The Studio

JUN20

2026 Buzzards Bay Swim

Start summer with the 33rd Buzzards Bay Swim, a 1.2 mile open water crossing from New Bedford to Fairhaven that welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels. The harbor’s shipping channel is temporarily closed to boats so swimmers can follow a monitored course past Butler Flats Lighthouse and through the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier. An experienced safety fleet supports the field throughout the swim. The finish at Fort Phoenix leads into a beach celebration featuring cheering spectators, live music, hot-off-the-griddle pancakes, specialty coffee, and local beer. Every entrant raises money for clean water, with a $35 registration and a fundraising minimum of $300, or $150 for youth and lifeguards. Registration benefits include shuttle service, parking, food and drinks, a commemorative T-shirt, an event swim cap, and a custom finisher medal.

Cisco Kitchen + Bar

JUN20

Divine Dough at North Fairhaven Open Air Market

Divine Dough brings a cozy microbakery experience to the North Fairhaven Open Air Market with a craft fair showcase of fresh, small-batch baking. Enjoy slow-fermented sourdough loaves alongside cookies, cinnamon rolls, and other comforting treats, all made with care. The cinnamon rolls are already a favorite, and there is something for sharing or for a personal pick-me-up. The full menu and pricing will be posted the week of the event.

Celebrate the start of summer at Off the Hook Bar & Grill. Enjoy a season kickoff at a waterfront marina bar and grill.

Off the Hook Bar & Grill

JUN27

2026 Fairhaven Homecoming Day Fair

Sponsored by the Fairhaven Improvement Association, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, this community fair at Fairhaven Center features more than one hundred booths showcasing artisans and craftspeople from across New England. Families can explore activities for kids and enjoy nostalgic fire engine rides. The day highlights art, a variety of food, lively music, and live entertainment, all celebrating a long-standing local tradition.

Fairhaven Center

JUN29

SUMMER FRIENDS ☀️😎 Day Camp for Grades K-5! 🚀 WEEK 2: Blast Off!

Summer Friends brings a classic day camp experience to Friends Academy’s North Dartmouth campus, blending crafts, sports, music, water play, science activities, and nature exploration. This session highlights the Blast Off theme, with the program’s usual mix of field trips and visits from special guests adding to the excitement. Designed for children entering Kindergarten through Grade 5, the camp follows a full day format and offers optional extended care before and after the program. Weekly registration provides flexibility while the camp’s long-standing tradition offers a familiar, welcoming setting.

JUN29

Creating with Recycled Materials 🌿📦♻️ Full-Day Creative Camp! ☀️ for Grades 2-6

Give young creators a chance to turn discarded items into art while learning why reuse matters. This full-day creative camp welcomes students entering grades 2 through 6 in fall 2026 to gather materials from the beach and transform them into a collaborative sculpture. Participants also explore how trash and recycling affect different parts of the world. Instruction is provided by Friends Academy art teacher Hanna August. A full-day schedule is offered, with optional Surround Care available before and after the camp day.

JUN29

New Bedford Free Public Library - Main Library

LITTLE FRIENDS ☀️😎 Day Camp for Ages 3-4! 🚀 WEEK 2: Blast Off!

Designed for preschoolers ages 3 to 4, Little Friends offers a warm first camp experience with activities created for the youngest campers. Week 2 features the Blast Off theme and blends indoor and outdoor fun such as crafts, gentle sports, music, water play, hands-on science and nature discoveries, plus visits from guest presenters connected to the weekly theme. The program takes place at the Friends Academy Farmhouse. Families can choose half-day or full-day enrollment, and Surround Care is available. Registration is open to children ages 3 to 4 who are not yet entering kindergarten.

JUL4

Holidays

July 4th, Come Celebrate the USA’s 250th Birthday Bash.

A waterfront celebration honors the United States' 250th anniversary, also known as the Semiquincentennial. This gathering recognizes a historic national milestone by the water.

Take a practical look at how mushrooms grow in a hands-on workshop for adults who want to begin with mushroom propagation. Learn the fundamentals of cultivation, assemble your own mushroom grow bag, and take home recipes along with clear growing instructions. Oyster mushrooms are resilient and quick to produce, so the skills covered can be put to use in any season. The program is led by Heather Fisher from Little Room Mushrooms. Registration is required, and capacity is limited to 15 participants.

JUL13

SUMMER FRIENDS ☀️😎 Day Camp for Grades K-5! 🦀 WEEK 4: Under the Sea

Week 4 of Summer Friends at Friends Academy celebrates an Under the Sea theme with a blend of classic day camp fun and special add-ons. As the school’s original and longest-running summer program, it features crafts, sports, music, water play, science experiments, and nature exploration on the Friends Academy campus in North Dartmouth, MA, plus field trips and guest presentations that connect to each week’s theme. Registration is open to children entering Kindergarten through grade 5. The camp follows a full-day schedule, and optional Surround Care is available before and after the camp day. Weekly registration is offered.

JUL13

Design With Found Materials 🪨📦♻️ Creative Camp for Grades 3-6

Young makers entering grades 3 through 6 can dive into creative reuse by transforming found and forgotten objects into original art while learning how upcycling benefits the environment. Campers explore Friends Academy’s 65-acre campus to gather discarded or underused materials, then design and build pieces that give these items new life. Along the way, they learn about artists who work with unconventional supplies and discover techniques to spark their own ideas. The program follows a half-day schedule, with optional afternoon sessions and Surround Care available.

JUL15

Backyard Synergy of Sound Meditations

Experience a soothing backyard sound meditation in Fairhaven led by Paula Lazaroff. Rest beneath the trees and wide-open sky as layered tones help you let go and settle into stillness. The session blends connection with the elements, binaural beats from bowls and gongs, and gentle drum rhythms to support deep self-awareness and a steady sense of calm. Bring a yoga mat, blankets, and anything else that will keep you comfortable on the ground. Street parking is available. The gathering space is tucked behind the house and can be reached by walking through the yard from the street.

JUL16