โถ๏ธ Civic Life
Search for area civic, community and municipal events by topic, day, week and month below.
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HEALTH
Friday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
BUTTONWOOD SENIOR CENTER
FAIRHAVEN COUNCIL ON AGING
Free flu vaccine clinics on the South Coast

SEMA is offering free flu vaccine clinics at several South Coast locations this fall. Standard and high-dose vaccines will be available to members of the public age 18 and older.
โข Friday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to noon
Buttonwood Senior Center
โข Friday, Oct. 23, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Fairhaven Council on Aging
Please bring an insurance card if you have coverage. No-cost vaccines are available regardless of insurance status.
HEALTH
Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
LAWLER LIBRARY
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous public meeting

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous will hold a public information meeting Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lawler Library, 745 Rockdale Ave., New Bedford.
The 12-step program is for people who identify as having problems with food or eating behaviors. There are no dues, fees, or weigh-ins. The meeting is open to the public.
GOVERNMENT
Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m.
NEW BEDFORD CITY HALL
New Bedford City Council Audit Committee meeting

The New Bedford City Councilโs Audit Committee will meet Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Room 214, at City Hall.
Members will consider a proposal requiring monthly expenditure reports from all city departments. The committee will also review a recent mayoral staff hire, including the position, salary, funding source, and hiring process.
The committee will also discuss the cityโs health insurance broker and consultant fees. Officials will examine commissions paid over the past three fiscal years.
The meeting will be livestreamed and recorded.
RESOURCES
Oct. 14, 2026 โ April 30, 2027
PACE
Home Energy Assistance applications open

PACE is accepting applications for its Home Energy Assistance Program to help eligible households pay for heating.
Applications can be submitted by mail or in person beginning Oct. 13. Online applications will be available starting Nov. 1.
For more information or assistance, call 508-525-4271.
BUSINESS
Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon
WHITE’S OF WESTPORT
South Coast Capital and Resources Matchmaker event

The One SouthCoast Chamber and U.S. Small Business Administration will host a free South Coast Capital and Resources Matchmaker event Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at Whiteโs of Westport. Registration is free.
Small business owners, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs can connect with local lenders and business resource organizations. Attendees will learn about funding opportunities, hear from business leaders, and meet directly with lenders and resource partners.
Events
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Making Waves at New Bedford YMCA
New Bedford YMCA 25 S Water St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesMaking Waves will run throughout October at the New Bedford YMCA, 25 S. Water St. Participants can choose a swimming goal and raise funds as they go. Proceeds will help support swim lessons, water safety education, youth programs, and financial assistance. Registration is available online.
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Home Energy Assistance applications open
PACE 477 Park St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesPACE is accepting applications for its Home Energy Assistance Program to help eligible households pay for heating. Applications can be submitted by mail or in person beginning Oct. 13. Online applications will be available starting Nov. 1. For more information or assistance, call 508-525-4271.
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Mercy Meals and More: Free Breakfast
Pilgrim United Church of Christ 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA, United StatesMercy Meals & More is a Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a nutritious start to the day for neighbors in need. A hot breakfast is served Monday through Saturday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Guests are treated with dignity and respect. In addition to free meals, the organization offers clothing and foot care. Its mission […]
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Early voting at Dartmouth Town Hall
Dartmouth Town Hall 400 Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA, United StatesEarly voting will be held at Dartmouth Town Hall, Room 103, 400 Slocum Road. Election information: https://www.dartmouthma.gov/235/Election-Information
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Meet Me 4 Coffee networking session
SouthCoast Community Foundation 350 Union St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe SouthCoast Community Foundation will host Meet Me 4 Coffee on Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 to 10 a.m. Members of the foundationโs Community Investment Team will join nonprofit professionals for informal conversation, networking, and peer learning over coffee. Leadership team members may also stop by. Attendees are invited to bring questions, exchange ideas, and […]
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Dartmouth Farmers’ Market weekly schedule
St. Mary's Church 789 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA, United StatesDARTMOUTH -- 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 crafted food and art. The market is located on the St. Mary's Parish Center lawn in Padanaram Village, featuring locally grown produce and flowers, locally […]
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Free flu vaccine clinics on the South Coast
Acushnet Council on Aging 59 1/2 South Main St., Acushnet, MA, United States +2 moreSEMAP is offering free flu vaccine clinics at several South Coast locations this fall. Standard and high-dose vaccines will be available to members of the public age 18 and older. โข Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1 to 3 p.m. Acushnet Council on Aging โข Friday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to noon Buttonwood Senior Center โข Friday, […]
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Damien’s Food Pantry open Thursdays, Saturdays
Damien's Food Pantry 242 Marion Road, Wareham, MA, United StatesWAREHAM -- 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 hunger in the South Coast region of Massachusetts by providing food to individuals experiencing food insecurity, promoting education and awareness about hunger in our community, […]
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Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous public meeting
Lawler Library 745 Rockdale Ave, New Bedford, MA, United StatesFood Addicts in Recovery Anonymous will hold a public information meeting Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lawler Library, 745 Rockdale Ave., New Bedford. The 12-step program is for people who identify as having problems with food or eating behaviors. There are no dues, fees, or weigh-ins. The meeting is open […]
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New Bedford Wellness Initiative free adult wellness programming
New Bedford Boys & Girls Club 166 Jenny St, New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe New Bedford Wellness Initiative offers free Sunday wellness programs at the New Bedford Boys and Girls Club from October through May. Activities include meditation at 9 a.m., yoga at 9:30 a.m., and hypnosis for smoking cessation at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month with hypnotist John Barboza. Programs are free and […]
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Fairhaven Farmers’ Market schedule
Fairhaven Farmers Market 151 Alden Road, Fairhaven, MA, United StatesFAIRHAVEN -- The Fairhaven Farmersโ Market will hold a weekly outdoors market on Sundays into October. Look for the bright yellow farmstand at 151 Alden Road. SNAP, HIP, Senior & WIC, FMNP are accepted by some farmers.
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New Bedford School Committeeโs Academic Achievement Sub-Committee meeting
Keith Middle School 225 Hathaway Blvd, New Bedford, United StatesThe New Bedford School Committee's Academic Achievement Subcommittee will meet Monday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. in the Steven De Rossi Community Room at Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Blvd. Meeting agenda Members will review New Bedford Public Schools' accountability data, including individual school results. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 30.
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New Bedford City Council’s Ordinance Committee meeting
New Bedford City Hall 133 William St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe New Bedford City Council's Ordinance Committee will meet Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall, 133 William St. Public hearings will address a proposal to rezone 30 Brigham St. for mixed-use business and an ordinance that would prohibit data centers in all zoning districts. Both proposals received favorable recommendations […]
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All About Us: Recovery Meetings
YWCA Southeastern Mass 20 South 6th St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesThose on a recovery journey are invited to attend weekly recovery-focused meetings beginning Tuesday, May 26. The meetings aim to provide a supportive space for healing, self-care, and personal growth. Sessions are hosted by Debbie Keiko Kenny, an experienced wellness professional with more than 30 years in massage therapy, holistic healing, and related services. She […]
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YMCA South Coast community market schedule in Dartmouth
St. Mary's Church 789 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA, United StatesDARTMOUTH -- The YMCA South Coast community market is open in Dartmouth every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Parish at 795 Dartmouth St. Please do not enter the lot until 2 p.m.ย Check here for the latest schedule. Y community markets are open to all South […]
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Wellness Workshop at Beyond House
The Beyond House 3057 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA, United StatesA weekly Wellness Workshop meets on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. at Beyond House Young Adult Access Center. The conversation centers on the eight dimensions of wellness and the practical ways they shape daily life. Sessions are presented by the Beyond House and Massachusetts Young People in Recovery. More information is available on Facebook at MAYoungPeopleinRecovery […]
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SYAC Virtual Watch Party
Zoom MeetingJoin a vibrant virtual Watch Party hosted by the Statewide Young Adult Council, where young adults connect around mental health and advocacy. Open to individuals ages 16 to 30, the gathering features guest speakers, peer-led discussion and networking. Sessions take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Attendance is […]
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Weekly Emergency Food Resource Meetings
Zoom MeetingWeekly virtual meetings address gaps in emergency food resources in Southeastern Massachusetts. Sessions are on Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. The same Zoom link is used each week. Southcoast Food Policy Council will lead the discussion. The focus is on preparing for disruptions to food relief programs and strengthening the regional food system. The […]
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Supper Club of South Coast LGBT Seniors
Fairhaven Council on Aging 229 Huttleston Ave, Fairhaven, MA, United StatesSouth Coast LGBT Seniors meets at the Fairhaven Council on Aging on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Email ivy@sclgbtqnetwork.org to RSVP. The program partners with Coastline Elderly Services and the Fairhaven Council on Aging to support LGBTQ elders. Activities focus on social connection, […]
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Hidden in Plain Sight: A Human Trafficking Awareness Forum
Bristol Community College 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA, United StatesThe Bristol and Plymouth County Commissions on the Status of Women and Bristol Community College will host a human trafficking awareness forum Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A moderated panel of experts and representatives from organizations working to combat human trafficking will discuss grooming tactics, warning signs, and prevention strategies. The forum […]
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Damien’s Food Pantry open twice weekly
Damien's Food Pantry 242 Marion Road, Wareham, MA, United StatesWAREHAM -- 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 hunger in the South Coast region of Massachusetts by providing food to individuals experiencing food insecurity, promoting education and awareness about hunger in our community, […]
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Free flu vaccines at NB YMCAS
New Bedford YMCA 25 S Water St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesWalgreens pharmacy staff will administer free flu shots Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the New Bedford YMCA. Vaccines are available for anyone age 3 and older. Participants should bring an insurance card. Free shot vouchers will be available for individuals without insurance. No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome. You […]
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NBEDC 2026 Annual Meeting
New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe New Bedford Economic Development Council will hold its 2026 annual meeting Thursday, Oct. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museumโs Cook Memorial Theater. Discussions will focus on the councilโs work supporting business growth and economic development in New Bedford. Admission is free, with registration available through Eventbrite.
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United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Mobile Market
BankFive Acushnet Ave 1724 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA, United States +1 moreUnited Way of Greater New Bedford's Mobile Market is back, offering free fresh produce to working residents from July through October. Produce is provided by Sharing the Harvest Community Farm, a program of YMCA Southcoast Dartmouth. The market is held on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and alternates weekly between two New Bedford locations. […]


