▶︎ Civic Life

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Looking for ongoing exhibits, shows and listings? You’ll find them all here.

FUNDRAISER

Thursday, June 18, 5:30 p.m.
NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM

Starry Night at the Museum

Starry Night at the Museum is on Thursday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m., at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Tickets are $200.

Guests will move through museum exhibits to learn about the impact of the initiative’s education programs and meet students supported by the initiative. Proceeds support educational opportunities for local families.

New Bedford Star Kids Scholarship Program provides scholarships and support for K through 12 students from families affected by incarceration and substance abuse. Support focuses on education, enrichment opportunities, and social and emotional well-being.

Guiding Star sponsorship comes from The MacLean Children’s Fund in memory of Biff MacLean.

EVENT DETAILS

ENVIRONMENT

Saturday, June 20, 7 to 11 a.m.
CISCO BREWERS

33rd annual Buzzards Bay Swim

The 33rd annual Buzzards Bay Swim will kick off summer on June 20 from 7 to 11 a.m. The 1.2-mile open water swim crosses New Bedford Harbor, from New Bedford to Fairhaven. Once a year, the harbor’s shipping channel closes to boat traffic for the event. Registration is $35, with a $300 fundraising minimum.

Swimmers of all ages and abilities follow a scenic route past Butler Flats Lighthouse and through the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier before finishing at Fort Phoenix. A beach party follows with live music, pancakes, coffee, and local beer.

Participants raise funds to support clean water. Registration includes shuttle service, parking, food and drinks, a T-shirt, a swim cap, and a finisher’s medal. Youth and lifeguards have a $150 fundraising minimum.

EVENT DETAILS

FOOD

Until Friday, Aug. 28
DAMIEN’S FOOD PANTRY

Damien’s Summer Snack Bag

Damien’s Place will offer free summer snack bags every Friday from June 5 through Aug. 28. Pick up snacks and small surprises from 7 to 10 a.m. while supplies last.

The program serves Wareham families. There is no distribution on June 19 or July 3.

EVENT DETAILS
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Today

  • New Exhibit Explores Bristol County’s History of Incarceration

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    The New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office will open Bristol County: Incarcerated on Oct. 24. The exhibit traces the history of local incarceration from the 18th-century […]

  • Savers Fundrive at Groundwork Southcoast

    Groundwork 90 Hatch St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Groundwork Southcoast is hosting a community drive with Savers to raise funds that directly support access programs that help get healthy food to those who need it most. Every donation […]

  • PACE Head Start is accepting applications

    PACE Head Start 32 Madison St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    PACE Head Start is accepting applications for the September 2026 school year. The free program serves about 200 children ages 3 to 5 from income-eligible families in New Bedford, Dartmouth, […]

  • Juniors: Discover rowing this summer at NBRC

    New Bedford Rowing Center 4 Popes Island, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Secure your spot today!  The Juniors Summer Rowing Program at the New Bedford Rowing Center is now taking signups. Open to ages 12-18, the two-week sessions in July and August […]

  • Menstrual Access Drive

    Menstrual Access Drive
    YWCA Southeastern Mass 20 South 6th St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The community is encouraged to support women and girls through a menstrual access drive addressing period poverty in the region. Organizers have spent years providing advocacy, education, and product distribution. […]

  • Martha’s Pantry at Grace

    Martha’s Pantry at Grace
    Grace Episcopal Church 133 School Street, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Martha’s Pantry at Grace provides groceries each week to households in Greater New Bedford. The food available includes fresh produce and bread. The goal is to supply three meals a […]

  • M.O. FOOD = L.I.F.E. Food Pantry

    M.O. FOOD = L.I.F.E. Food Pantry
    M.O. L.I.F.E., INC. 725 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The M.O. FOOD = L.I.F.E. Food Pantry, operated by M.O. L.I.F.E., Inc., helps feed neighbors across Greater New Bedford. It is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The […]

  • Sailing Through History: The Remarkable Journey of USCGC Eagle

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    The New Bedford Whaling Museum welcomes author Will Sofrin for a Sailors’ Series program on the history of the USCGC Eagle. Admission is $25. The ship launched in 1936 as […]

  • Mayor Mitchell to Hold Office Hours

    Rua’s West End Pizzeria 196 Shawmut Ave., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Mayor Jon Mitchell will hold office hours on Wednesday, June 17, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Rua’s West End Pizzeria, 196 Shawmut Ave. City residents are invited to attend and meet […]

  • Damien’s Food Pantry open twice weekly

    Damien's Food Pantry 242 Marion Road, Wareham, MA, United States

    WAREHAM -- Damien's Food Pantry provides food to residents of Bristol, Plymouth and Barnstable counties on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Its mission is to help end […]

  • Juneteenth Flag Raising

    New Bedford City Hall 133 William St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The New Bedford Human Rights Commission invites the community to the annual Juneteenth Flag Raising on June 18 at 4:30 p.m. in front of City Hall in New Bedford. The […]

  • BE GREAT Donor appreciation event

    Buzzards Bay Brewing 98 Horseneck Rd, Westport, MA, United States

    The BE GREAT Donor appreciation event is on Thursday, June 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Buzzards Bay Brewing. Recognition goes to supporters who contributed over the past year. […]

  • Starry Night at the Museum

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Starry Night at the Museum is on Thursday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m., at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Tickets are $200. Guests will move through museum exhibits to learn […]

  • The Sole Foot Clinic

    The Sole Foot Clinic
    Pilgrim United Church of Christ 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA, United States

    The Sole Foot Clinic meets on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at Mercy Meals & More, focusing on spiritual, mental, and physical well-being while respecting each guest’s dignity. Volunteers […]

  • Dartmouth Farmers’ Market weekly schedule

    St. Mary's Church 789 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA, United States

    DARTMOUTH -- The Dartmouth Farmers' Market is open weekly on Friday afternoons outdoors at St. Mary's Church into October. The Dartmouth Farmers' Market is centered around locally grown, raised and […]

  • 33rd annual Buzzards Bay Swim

    Cisco Brewers Kitchen & Bar 1480 East Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The 33rd annual Buzzards Bay Swim will kick off summer on June 20 from 7 to 11 a.m. The 1.2-mile open water swim crosses New Bedford Harbor, from New Bedford […]

  • Damien’s Food Pantry open Thursdays, Saturdays

    Damien's Food Pantry 242 Marion Road, Wareham, MA, United States

    WAREHAM -- Damien's Food Pantry provides food to residents of Bristol, Plymouth and Barnstable counties on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Its mission is to help end […]