Events in New Bedford today

Enjoy a garden yoga class guided by YMCA instructors Mark Borgetti and Ellen Selley. The practice focuses on building flexibility, strength, stability, calm, and mental focus. Please bring a yoga mat and water. YMCA Southcoast members may attend at no cost, and the price for other participants is $10. Payment in advance is requested.

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.

Explore marine life with an aquarium feeding, then get hands-on with aquarium craft activities. Part of Summer at NBWM, this experience combines an engaging look at the aquarium with a chance to make something creative.

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.

Aligned with the Lions Gate Portal, this Heaven on Earth retreat takes place in Fairhaven, MA at a private residence with a private beach and a yurt. Master Energy Healer Lisa Ishwari Murphy guides a day focused on new potential, inviting participants to tap into destiny, manifest a highest timeline, expand consciousness, and connect deeply with the earth so the energy of Heaven is felt in the present. Tuition is $222. The experience features gourmet meals by High Vibe Medicine Arts, a gong-accompanied whale sound journey on the beach, an Oracle Healing Mandala Drum transmission, yoga, and a fire ceremony. Created by Lisa to nurture a profound relationship with the Earth and the Cosmos, the retreat holds sacred space in a small group setting so the support of collective energies can help reveal what is beyond limiting beliefs, patterning, and fear. Please bring a journal and something comfortable to sit on, such as a floor cushion, chair, yoga mat, or blankets. Meals are provided, and bringing water and favorite snacks is welcome. A bathing suit and towels are recommended for ocean time, and layers are helpful if it becomes chilly. Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors. For those who want to stay overnight, the local Seaport Inn is recommended. Questions can be directed to svahahacademy@gmail.com.

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.

Join Site Specific Happenings for the opening night of ambrosia/salad, a site-responsive exhibition that brings installations, performance, and participatory moments to the landscape of Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens. During the evening, guests can wander through the gardens and encounter works that explore sound, movement, food, sculpture, and collective participation, with featured opening-night activations by a range of artists. Dress in your “ambrosia/salad” best and come ready for an interactive, playful celebration in an outdoor setting.

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.

LA Cycle + Yoga hosts an outdoor spin series at Cisco Brewery on the New Bedford waterfront, blending an energizing ride with a scenic setting. Expect bikes set up under the open sky, motivating instruction from LA Cycle + Yoga’s team, and a playlist designed to keep the momentum strong. Each class is $28 and includes a drink ticket to enjoy afterward. The experience is welcoming to all fitness levels, from first time riders to seasoned cyclists.

Barbosa Family Farm brings a wide range of seasonal produce, plus cage-free unwashed eggs, to Roxann’s Garden Center. Pick up farm fresh ingredients while exploring the garden center. Accepted payment options include debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SNAP benefits, WIC coupons, cash, and Venmo. This market highlights local agriculture, fresh foods, and small family businesses.

Each Sunday throughout the summer, participants create original artwork inspired by pieces in the Museum. This recurring program centers on hands-on art making sparked by the Museum's collection.

Meet-and-greet featuring adoptable dogs from PAWS New England who are searching for their forever homes. Interact with the pups and get a sense of their personalities to see if one might be a match.

Author Kade Charest appears at 3GenLove: The Wandering Tale at Kilburn Mill for a meet and greet and book signing inside the new bookstore and gift shop. Visitors can meet the author, browse for new reads, and leave with a signed copy.

This event features 3 to 4 rounds with best of three matches. Entry is $10. Each participant receives a pack of choice and two OTS packs. Every entry also adds one pack to the prize pool, plus one OTS pack for every two entries.

Every other Sunday, the shop opens briefly so people can pick up Sorbae. There are no regular storefront hours, so availability is limited to these Pop Drop Sundays.

Families can explore the Art Museum together through hands-on activities designed for children ages 4 to 12. Participants learn about the museum’s exhibitions, make their own artwork, and enjoy a creative experience. The program is offered in a drop-in format, and each child must be accompanied by an adult, such as a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend.

Step into New Bedford’s past on a walk through historic streets, tracing its rise as a global center of whaling. Explore how this busy seaport connected to the wider maritime economy, as whalemen journeyed across the world and helped shape a city known for industry, commerce, and innovation. Tour details may change.

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.

Begin the week with a gentle meditation led by Kelley Lynne that supports intention, presence, and a sense of connection. The session invites participants to pause, breathe, and settle into the moment, reconnecting with themselves before moving into the days ahead. No prior experience is needed, and both newcomers and seasoned meditators are welcome. It is offered as a drop-in, with contributions that are flexible and based on what feels right and within reach. Come as you are.

Learn the basics of windsurfing in this hands-on session designed for kids ages 9 to 17. The program covers fundamental concepts of how windsurfing works, proper stance and footwork, safety procedures for rescue and gear use, and key maneuvers like tacking and gybing. Students will also get an introduction to more advanced windsurfing techniques, with plenty of time to practice and build confidence on the water.

This week spotlights a Camp Olympics theme at Summer Friends, a longtime Friends Academy day camp for children entering Kindergarten through Grade 5 in fall 2026. Campers enjoy a mix of classic activities that include crafts, sports, music, water play, hands-on science, and nature exploration on the Friends Academy campus in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Each session features weekly themes, field trips, and special guest presentations to keep the experience lively and varied. Registration is offered by the week, and the program follows a full-day format with optional Surround Care available for added convenience.

Kids can drop in to the Children's Room for a self-guided craft, with a fresh project set out each week. No registration is needed. A new activity is placed on the craft table every Monday and can be made anytime over the course of the week.

Little Friends offers an inviting introduction to summer camp for preschoolers. Week 8 features a Camp Olympics theme, highlighting age-appropriate games and activities that celebrate friendly teamwork. Based in the Friends Academy Farmhouse on the North Dartmouth campus, campers enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences tailored for young children, such as crafts, beginner sports, music, water play, simple science projects, and nature discovery. The program is open to children ages 3 to 4 who are not entering kindergarten in fall 2026. Families can choose half-day or full-day enrollment, with optional surround care, and register by the week. Special guest visits add extra excitement to the theme.

This summer program at Little Patch of Heaven Sanctuary introduces participants to animal care and rescue with sessions designed for ages 6 to 17. Groups are organized by age so learners receive guidance suited to their stage of development. Run by the nonprofit sanctuary, the program shares knowledge about farmed and exotic animal rescue, highlights responsible animal care, and encourages compassion. Learning centers on caring for animals, understanding their needs, and building meaningful connections between people and animals. Additional options on the farm include D&D and storytelling learning programs for teens. For questions, contact Alexis at 617.838.6501.

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.

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.

Take part in a local Pokemon tournament featuring Standard, best-of-one matches. Entry is $10, and each registration adds $10 in store credit to the prize pool. Prizes will be awarded based on the number of participants.

Audiobook Night Walks bring the story off the page and onto the sidewalk. Each month a single audiobook is selected through Libro.fm, then the group meets weekly, alternating days to suit different schedules. These gatherings are open to everyone, family-friendly, and stroller friendly. Every walk begins and ends inside the bookstore, and participants can move at their own pace. After the stroll, there is time to chat about the book, browse the shop, or simply enjoy conversation. RSVPs help the hosts plan simple goodies and water. Comfortable walking shoes and headphones are recommended, and a friendly spirit is welcome. Getting started with a basic Libro.fm membership provides one credit each month along with a coupon for two free audiobooks, which can make it easy to follow along. The heart of the series is building community, meeting new people, getting fresh air, and sharing stories together.

A weekly club centered on arts and crafts, designed for patrons in middle school and high school. Each session sets aside time to focus on creative projects for this age group.

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.

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.

Stems at Sunset offers a relaxed, hands-on floral workshop at Open Gate Farm where participants create an arrangement to take home with guidance provided throughout. Each monthly session highlights what is in season, featuring perennials, herbs, and annuals that are grown exclusively in Westport with no imports. The series moves from spring tulips through summer and fall varieties, then wraps up with dried designs made to last through winter. All necessary materials are included, and there is also time to eat, drink, and enjoy conversation.

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.

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.

Toddlers can enjoy a friendly gathering at the Lawler Branch featuring stories and fun activities in a welcoming setting.

Step inside an inflatable whale and get creative with whale-themed crafts. This interactive activity takes place every Wednesday.

Take a guided walk through New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park to explore the extraordinary world of whales. Along the route, learn about their immense scale, unique adaptations, and the ways they communicate and travel across oceans. Discover how these animals shaped New Bedford’s history, powered global industries, and connected this port to people and places around the world. Please note that tour plans may change.

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.

Join the Southcoast Hispanic Chamber and local partners for a joint chamber luncheon at Merrill’s on the Waterfront. The event includes a lunch buffet, with meal, tax, and tip covered in the $30 per-person price. Beverages are extra and paid by attendees on site.

This weekly patio siesta offers a calm break to rest and read in silence, then conclude with quiet conversation. Open to all, weather permitting.

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.

A weekly yoga class designed for people of any age, body type, or ability level focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of practice. Sessions are led by Audra Andrade, a practitioner with low vision, and are fully accessible to participants who are blind or have low vision. Expect clear, supportive guidance in an inclusive setting where everyone can feel comfortable and progress at a pace that works for them. Please bring a yoga mat, a water bottle, and a hand towel. Advance registration is required, and walk-ins are not accepted.

Cool off with a Stardew Valley gaming session. This farming sim is a sandbox where you can grow crops, explore the mines, fish, pursue romance, and discover many other activities.

Millicent Library hosts a new club for plant enthusiasts of every level. Whether tending a backyard garden or caring for a single windowsill succulent, participants can hear from expert speakers, pick up timely seasonal tips, and take part in a community plant swap by bringing extra seeds or cuttings. It is a friendly space to share knowledge, exchange plants, and grow skills together.

Spend part of the summer exploring interactive STEM projects on a rotating Thursday schedule in July and August. A squid dissection is available for those who want to take the learning further. Admission is $7. Advance registration is suggested due to limited capacity.

Get practical guidance for thriving vegetable gardens in a presentation led by The Garden Lady, C.L. Fornari. The program explores solutions to midseason challenges such as insect damage, diseases, and plants that are not thriving, along with what can still be planted now for abundant fall and even winter harvests. It also covers techniques for productive growing in small spaces and suggestions for standout varieties to add to a 2027 seed list. The session highlights the appeal of homegrown produce, from flavor and freshness to the satisfaction of harvesting it yourself. C.L. Fornari is the author of nine books, including Hydrangea Happiness. She hosts The Garden Lady on CAI and GBH 89.7, speaks frequently to gardening groups and green industry events, and grows vegetables, flowers, and other plants at Poison Ivy Acres in Sandwich.

Settle in with a warm cup while chatting about beloved writers and the books people are reading. Each gathering pours a featured signature tea, and the selection changes monthly. It is a relaxed space for book talk paired with a fresh brew.

Delve into the experiences of women aboard whaleships and how they shaped life at sea during the nineteenth century. Using diaries, personal narratives, and historical records, this program reveals the ways they handled day-to-day responsibilities, contributed to navigation, provided medical care, and fostered ties with other whaling families in ports around the world.

Grades 6 to 12 are invited to a fun volcano experience hosted by teen librarians. Expect eruption noises and a hands-on volcano activity taking place in the park. Registration is required.

An informal two person race where results are based on the sum of both runners’ times. Team up with a spouse, friend, family member, or another runner and aim for a fast total. Divisions include male pairs, female pairs, mixed male and female pairs, and nonbinary, and there are no age categories. The top three duos earn bragging rights. If you already have a partner, have one runner register both of you together as a team. If you do not have a partner, select the solo option and you will be matched on race day. Registration includes post race pizza and beverages for both teammates.

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.

A garden-themed science program presented by The Children's Museum Easton is designed for children ages 5 to 10. Supplies are limited and will be provided until they run out. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the New Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

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.

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.

In partnership with Reverie Theatre Group, this staging of Hamlet relocates the story to a Baptist church in the contemporary American South. The production considers the line often drawn between church and state, while delving into the play’s enduring concerns with mortality, madness, and moral decay. Performances include sensory friendly matinees. Donations are accepted in lieu of a ticket fee. Partial funding comes from the Acushnet, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, and New Bedford Cultural Councils, which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council. Additional support is provided through the Wicked Cool Places grant, funded by the City of New Bedford via its Arts, Culture and Tourism Fund, and facilitated by New Bedford Creative at the New Bedford Economic Development Council.