▶︎ 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.

FOOD

July 6 through 26
VIRTUAL

Eat Local Challenge 2026

The Marion Institute’s Southcoast Food Policy Council is inviting residents to take part in the free 2026 “Eat Local 21 Day Challenge” beginning July 6.

Participants will spend 21 days learning how to buy, prepare, and eat food grown, caught, or produced within 200 miles of home. After registering, they will receive a daily email with seasonal recipes, nutrition information, shopping tips, and ideas for supporting local farms and food producers.

The challenge is designed to help South Coast residents build lasting habits while strengthening connections to the regional food system.


NATURE

Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WESTPORT RIVER WATERSHED ALLIANCE

Open Days at the River Center

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. Admission is free unless otherwise noted.

  • July 8-10: Nature After Dark
  • July 15-17: Nature’s Prints
  • July 22-24: Wild Survival
  • July 29-31: Shark Week
  • Aug. 5-7: Eco-Olympics
  • Aug. 12-14: Earth’s Extremes
  • Aug. 19-21: Tiny Titans

Trash to Treasure: Jellyfish: Local artist Katy Rodden Walker will lead a workshop using beach plastics and other recycled materials to create jellyfish.

The program is open to adults and children ages 6 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $10 per person.


EDUCATION

Thursday, July 9, 2 to 3 p.m.
VIRTUAL

When Bots Bite: Preparing for a Crisis in the Age of AI

Learn how to respond to AI-related communication challenges during “When Bots Bite: Preparing for a Crisis in the Age of AI.”

This free virtual workshop is on Thursday, July 9, from 2 to 3 p.m. Registration is required.

The session covers misinformation, deepfakes, and AI-generated content.


SAILING

Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, 9 a.m.
NEW BEDFORD YACHT CLUB

New Bedford Junior Regatta

The New Bedford Yacht Club will welcome the New Bedford Junior Regatta on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, bringing more than 200 young sailors to compete in Opti, C420, and Laser classes.

Sailors are expected to arrive around 7 a.m. for registration and preparation. Races typically begin around 9 a.m., with boats returning by midafternoon. Schedule and conditions depend on the weather.


SUBMIT YOUR EVENT
  • 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, […]

  • Eat Local Challenge 2026

    The Marion Institute's Southcoast Food Policy Council is inviting residents to take part in the free 2026 "Eat Local 21 Day Challenge" beginning July 6. Participants will spend 21 days […]

  • New Bedford Family Free Day at the Whaling Museum

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

    New Bedford families can visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum free of charge on Wednesday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The complimentary admission day is offered in […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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. […]

  • Endangered Species Book Talk with David Goethel

    New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center 38 Bethel St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    David Goethel is a commercial fisherman, author, and former fisheries management council member. He will discuss his new book, "Endangered Species," on Wednesday, July 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • New Bedford Junior Regatta

    New Bedford Yacht Club 238 Elm St., South Dartmouth, MA, United States

    The New Bedford Yacht Club will welcome the New Bedford Junior Regatta on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, bringing more than 200 young sailors to compete in Opti, […]

  • 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 […]

  • Methodist Church Yard Sale and Lobster Roll Lunch

    Westport Point United Methodist Church 1912 Main Road, Westport Point, MA, United States

    The Westport Point United Methodist Church, 1912 Main Road, will hold its annual yard sale on Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s sale will be […]

  • Boston Tea Party: Tea Tasting

    Mattapoisett Library 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA, United States

    A tea tasting inspired by the Boston Tea Party is planned for Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m. Attendees will learn about the events of 1773 while sampling teas connected […]