Live music in New Bedford, MA

Part of New Bedford’s annual Summer Sound Series, the Lower Union Street Stage features a rock and blues set from Neal McCarthy Electric 6 Piece Band. The series is organized by AHA! New Bedford, presented by Mayor Jon Mitchell, and sponsored by Explore New Bedford, WPRI Channel 12, The Black Whale, Candela Cucina, National Club Mexican Cantina, The Whale’s Tail, and the New Bedford Light. Complimentary parking is available during Summer Sound Series concerts at the YMCA, the Elm Street Garage, and the Zeiterion Garage, and all performances are weather dependent.

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.

Metal Godz is bringing a high-energy heavy metal tribute night to The Vault, featuring music celebrating Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. The show kicks off at 8:00 PM, with early admission at 6:30 PM and general admission at 7:30 PM. Entry requires guests to be 21 or older with a valid ID. Ticket sales are final with no refunds or exchanges unless the event is postponed or cancelled, and smoking or vaping is not allowed inside the venue or in the bathrooms.

Catch The James Hunter Six for an evening of timeless rhythm and soul. The band returns with music tied to their latest work, featuring standout collaborations and a sound rooted in classic R&B and heartfelt songwriting. Doors open in the evening, with the performance beginning shortly after.

Catch Josh Kerwin live for a night of music at The Tipsy Toboggan. The show is scheduled to start at 9:00 PM.

Radio Honey makes its acoustic trio debut at Nasketucket Bay Vineyards with Melissa Lee Nilles and Mike Carlucci. The performance spans popular music from the 1970s through the 2000s, highlighting songs by artists from Adele to Zeppelin.

Kicking off The ZYG 808’s Mr. Z Tour, this collaborative showcase with PolyGroove Records and Metafaction Productions brings a lineup that includes Mwalim Daphunkee Professor, Bishop The Shadowman, and Libsey. The event is hosted by TheFaneFox, with sounds provided by GM Slim One and SeeThru Josh.

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.

Sara Achorn brings an intimate acoustic show to Sail house Tavern, blending a soulful core with a fresh, modern touch. Her solo performance reimagines favorites from the 70s through today with unplugged arrangements and an emotive, engaging delivery. Expect acoustic takes on songs by Chris Stapleton, Billie Eilish, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift, all shaped by her expressive voice and genuine stage presence. In addition to her solo work, she leads Little Lies: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, honoring Stevie Nicks on notable stages throughout the Northeast. Past appearances include Soundcheck Studios, Toad’s Place, Wormtown Festival, and performing the National Anthem at TD Garden. Audiences know her for versatility, authenticity, and a commanding vocal style that connects from the first note.

An open jam at Pour Farm welcomes all musical styles. It happens each week with different hosts, many of whom have been part of the Flying Dutchman Jam at some point.

Expect bubbles, lively music, and plenty of dancing with the Toe Jam Puppet Band at Buttonwood Park Zoo. The band presents two 45-minute performances. The program fee is $10 per family after zoo admission, payable in cash.

At The Shep, musicians gather for relaxed jam sessions where every genre and level of experience fits right in. People who prefer to listen are welcome too, creating an easygoing setting for both players and audiences. The music is entirely unplugged, with acoustic instruments only.

Enjoy a summer concert evening at Sweet Berry Farm with live music by Atticus Allen & Friends as part of the Summer Jams 2026 series. The music runs from 6 PM to 8 PM, and the café will be open with dinner options for adults and kids until 7 PM. There will also be RI Cruisin' Cocktails available for purchase and Flatbed Fiction, a rolling bookstore, on site. Bring a beach chair or blanket and plan to relax on the lawn. Please note that outside food and beverages are not permitted. Parking is available with a $10 fee per vehicle, while walk-in and bike-in guests can enter free of charge. Advance registration is required for all attendees.

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.

These are progressive classes that build from session to session and meet on the second and fourth Thursdays. Each class begins with a structured lesson, so bring a notebook and a pen or pencil, followed by a second hour devoted to practicing the material from the first hour. Topics include triads and their inversions, the structure of bar chords, solfege, ear training, and both the purpose of practice and practical ways to approach it. This format supports players who already know how to play and want to understand what they are doing so they can apply that knowledge across the fretboard. The cost is $20 per class.

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.