Free events in New Bedford, MA

Step into the spotlight at community karaoke at The Shep. Sing solo, partner for a duet, bring a group, or make it a family act. Not ready to take the mic? Enjoy the show and cheer on friends and neighbors from the audience. On-site signups are available. This event is free and open to all ages, and donations are welcome and appreciated.

Gather at Lagoda, the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s half-scale model of a whaling bark, for a chance to explore below deck. This visit is free with Museum admission.

North Fairhaven Farmers Market returns for a new season at Livesey Park. Cabral Family Farm will be on site with a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus cage free unwashed farm eggs. The market begins a new chapter under new management, and a warm welcome is extended to the new manager. Appreciation is also shared with Chris for years of dedication, hard work, and care for the market and its vendors during retirement. Multiple payment options are accepted, including debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SNAP benefits, WIC coupons, cash, and Venmo. Thank you for supporting local farms, local families, and small businesses.

NIMFest (Newport Independent Music Festival) is bringing live, outdoor music to the King Park Gazebo. This free weekly concert series runs on Sundays, and the August 9 show features the Coe Street Co-Op with Lily Rhodes.

Enjoy a free family movie in the third floor meeting room at New Bedford Main Library. The lineup includes Zootopia 2, Elio, Encanto, Luca, Migration, Despicable Me 4, Onward, and Ralph Breaks the Internet.

Led by New Bedford Wellness Initiative certified yoga instructors, this free summer yoga class is open to the public and welcomes all wellness levels. Bring a yoga mat, towel, water, and optional blocks. For arrival, park at the Warming House, then cross the street to the right toward Buttonwood Arboretum by way of the greenhouse and playground.

Enjoy an outdoor wellness session in Hazelwood Park that welcomes every experience level to practice yoga in a natural setting. Certified instructors will guide a mix of styles with an emphasis on gentle movement, breath awareness, relaxation, and a sense of connection. Bring a mat and water, and consider inviting a friend. This event is free and open to the public. Support for the program is provided by the Art is Everywhere grant funded by the City of New Bedford through its Arts, Culture and Tourism Fund, and it is facilitated by New Bedford Creative at the New Bedford Economic Development Council.

Residents of New Bedford Ward 5, including the South End and Cove Street area 02744, receive free admission to Buttonwood Park Zoo as part of Ward Wednesdays. Guests must present proof of address upon entry. Rides are not included. This initiative reflects the zoo’s commitment to reducing cost barriers and creating opportunities to experience wildlife, education, and meaningful family moments.

Enjoy a day of Magic: The Gathering focused on casual Commander with free entry. Players create their own pods and keep the games going throughout the event. An optional raffle takes place later with a $10+ entry. One prize is added for every four entrants, so the prize pool grows with participation, and if at least 32 people enter, the top winner takes home a box of Play boosters. Attendance often lands around 40 to 50 participants, offering plenty of opponents and a wide range of decks to face.

Seeds to Sprouts brings Backyard Band Jams’ musical gardening experience to Down to Earth Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, blending music, nature, and hands-on learning for families in a relaxed setting that can move between indoors and outdoors. The series is donation based, with support from the Dartmouth Cultural Council, the MassCulturalCouncil, and Down to Earth Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. For details, direct message or text 508 493 0355.

Enjoy a free yoga class in a garden setting led by NB Well Yoga instructors. This outdoor session is open to the public and welcomes all experience levels. Please bring a yoga mat and water. Towels and blocks are optional. The class takes place at Haskell Public Gardens.

Enjoy a free, one-hour classical concert featuring a string quartet from the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. The program will include performances by two violinists, a violist, and a cellist, presented in the Manton Room at the library.

Come out for a live, in-person open mic night with Anomaly Poetry as they’re back for the next round of performances during AHA New Bedford. It’s a free event where you can share your voice and enjoy other poets’ work.