โ–ถ๏ธŽ Civic Life

Search for area civic, community and municipal events by topic, day, week and month below.
If you’d like to submit an event for our civics calendar, please use our submission form.
Looking for ongoing exhibits, shows and listings? You’ll find them all here.

VOLUNTEERING

July 27 to 30
ACUSHNET

Blueberry harvest volunteers needed

Marion Institute is seeking volunteers to help harvest blueberries for its Fields to Families program. Fresh berries will be donated to local food pantries to support families experiencing food insecurity.

Gleaning sessions are scheduled for Monday, July 27, from 4 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, July 29 from 8 to 11 a.m.; and Thursday, July 30, from 5 to 7 p.m., at 1149 Main St., Acushnet.

No experience is required. Participants will work alongside Marion Institute staff to pick blueberries. Registration is encouraged.


GRANTS

Wednesday, July 29, 5 to 6 p.m.
ZOOM

Changemaker Grant information session

United Way of Greater New Bedford is accepting applications for its Changemaker Grants, which provide up to $2,500 for volunteer-led projects that strengthen local communities. Neighborhood groups, grassroots organizations, and other all-volunteer teams with annual budgets of $40,000 or less are eligible to apply.

A virtual information session will be held Wednesday, July 29 at 5 p.m. Attendees will learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, and tips for submitting a competitive proposal.

Grant projects need to address local needs through community-driven, solutions-focused initiatives with the potential for long-term impact.


LEADERSHIP

Until Monday, Aug. 24
ONLINE

2026 Women of Distinction nominations

YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts is accepting nominations for its 2026 Women of Distinction Awards and Spirit of Leadership Award by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24.

Women of Distinction honors women who demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, advocacy and professional achievement as it advances the YWCAโ€™s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. The Spirit of Leadership Award recognizes women younger than 30 who have made an impact through leadership, community service and scholarly or professional excellence.

Awards will be presented Oct. 29 at Rachelโ€™s Lakeside in Dartmouth.


RESOURCES

Saturday, Aug. 8, noon to 3 p.m.
384 ACUSHNET AVENUE

We Care Community Health fair

New Bedford Community Health will hold its third annualย We Care Community Health Fair Saturday, Aug. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at 384 Acushnet Ave.

The free, family-friendly event will feature more than 30 local organizations offering health information, wellness resources, educational materials and connections to community services.

Activities include Zumba, music, an ice cream truck, and family activities. Free backpacks will be available for children while supplies last.


SUBMIT YOUR EVENT
  • New Exhibit Explores Bristol Countyโ€™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 Sheriffโ€™s Office will open Bristol County: Incarcerated on Oct. 24. The exhibit traces the history of local incarceration from the 18th-century […]

  • 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, […]

  • Blueberry Harvest Volunteers Needed

    Blueberry Harvest Volunteers Needed
    Blueberry gleaning address 1149 Main St., Acushnet, MA, United States

    Marion Institute is seeking volunteers to help harvest blueberries for its Fields to Families program. Fresh berries will be donated to local food pantries to support families experiencing food insecurity. […]

  • Martha’s Pantry at Grace

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

    Marthaโ€™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 […]

  • Open Days at the River Center

    Open Days at the River Center
    Westport River Watershed Alliance 493 Old County Rd., Westport, MA, United States

    The Westport River Watershed Alliance will host children's activities and workshops this summer at the River Center. "Open Days" are held Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. […]

  • 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 […]

  • Changemaker grant information session

    Virtual

    United Way of Greater New Bedford is accepting applications for its Changemaker Grants, which provide up to $2,500 for volunteer-led projects that strengthen local communities. Neighborhood groups, grassroots organizations, and […]

  • Turnkey Services heat pump workshop

    New Bedford Public Library 613 Pleasant St,, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Learn how moderate-income households may qualify for a no-cost heat pump during a free Turnkey Services workshop on Wednesday, July 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the New Bedford […]

  • 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 […]

  • Author Book Talk: Francesca Du Brock

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

    Francesca Du Brock will discuss her anthology, How to Survive: Practicing Care in a Changing Climate, from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The collection unites artists, writers, and activists to examine climate change through stories from Alaska. It takes a look at environmental justice, community care, Indigenous […]

  • 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 guestโ€™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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Fairhaven Farmers’ Market schedule

    Fairhaven Farmers Market 151 Alden Road, Fairhaven, MA, United States

    FAIRHAVEN -- 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 & […]

  • North End Neighborhood Association meeting

    Global Learning Charter School 190 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA, United States

    North End Neighborhood Association Meets at Global Charter School, first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Check the association's Facebook page for meeting topics. Contact: Scott Pemberton. Contact:ย scottpemberton245@yahoo.com

  • All About Us: Recovery Meetings

    All About Us: Recovery Meetings
    YWCA Southeastern Mass 20 South 6th St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Those 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. […]