▶︎ 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.

EDUCATION

Thursday, May 21, noon
ZOOM

The Chat

Want to know more about how the New Bedford public schools are working? About how the district school system and the city’s charter schools are working together on some issues?

Register for The Chat with Jack Spillane on Thursday, May 21, at noon. Spillane’s guests will be New Bedford Superintendent of Schools Andrew O’Leary along with Taylor DeLoach, executive director of Alma del Mar Charter School, and Stephen Furtado Jr., executive director of Global Learning Charter Public School.


REMEMBRANCE

Monday, May 25, 9:30 a.m.
THE SEAMEN’S BETHEL

Remembrance and Blessing of the Fleet

The New Bedford Port Society will hold its annual Memorial Day service on Monday, May 25. A procession begins at 9:30 a.m. at the historic Seamen’s Bethel and continues to the waterfront for a 10 a.m. ceremony at Pier 3.

The remembrance is held along the historic New Bedford waterfront. It honors veterans, members of the nautical community, and all who sacrificed in service to the country. Veterans, families, and visitors gather each year for remembrance and reflection.

Music, readings, and a moment of silence are part of the program, which recognizes all branches of the armed forces and New Bedford’s deep ties to the sea. Attendees are asked to arrive early to explore the Bethel and its nearly two centuries of maritime history.

In case of rain, the service will move indoors to the Seamen’s Bethel. Pre-registration is encouraged.


HISTORY

Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m.
RURAL CEMETERY

New Bedford Civil War Round Table Memorial Day service

The New Bedford Civil War Round Table will hold its annual Memorial Day service on May 23 at 9 a.m. at Rural Cemetery, in the Civil War veterans’ plot. The event honors and commemorates New Bedford residents who served in the Civil War.

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, established by Civil War veterans to remember fallen soldiers. The ceremony continues that tradition with a moment of remembrance.

Coffee and donuts will be available following the service. Organizers invite the community to begin the holiday weekend with a meaningful tribute.


PRESERVATION

Wednesday, May 20, 5 to 7 p.m.
NEW BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Historic Homeowner Meet Up Dinner

Join WHALE at the New Bedford Free Public Library (3rd Floor meeting room) for an evening with fellow lovers of old homes.

Those deep into a restoration, starting a first project, or dreaming about historic homeownership can connect, share ideas, and trade tips. Conversation is welcoming, offers helpful insights, and has a strong sense of community.

Light refreshments will be available. The event is free and open to all.

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 […]

  • Scholarships Available for Westport Art Group’s Kids Summer Art Camp

    Westport Art Group 1740 Main Road, Westport, MA, United States

    Scholarships remain available for WAGKids Summer Camp sessions in July and August. The program serves children ages 7 to 11 who are entering second grade. Applications are available at www.westportartgroup.com. […]

  • 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. […]

  • League of Women Voters Rochester Candidates’ Night

    Rochester Memorial School 16 Pine St., Rochester, MA, United States

    The League of Women Voters of SouthCoast will host a Rochester Candidates’ Forum on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Rochester Memorial School. Admission is free. The forum will feature […]

  • Appointments and Briefings Committee meeting

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

    New Bedford’s Appointments and Briefings Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 19, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed and recorded. Agenda […]

  • 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 […]

  • Historic Homeowner Meet Up

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

    Join WHALE at the New Bedford Free Public Library (3rd Floor Meeting Room) for an evening with fellow lovers of old homes. Those deep into a restoration, starting a first […]

  • One SouthCoast Celebrity Scholarship Dinner

    Venus de Milo 75 Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Swansea, MA, United States

    One SouthCoast Chamber will hold a Celebrity Scholarship Dinner on Wednesday, May 20, 6 to 8 p.m. featuring former New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri. Check-in begins at 5:45 p.m. […]

  • Committee on Economic Development meeting

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

    New Bedford’s Committee on Economic Development will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in City Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed and recorded. Agenda items […]

  • 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 Chat with three New Bedford school chiefs

    Zoom Meeting

    Want to know more about how the New Bedford public schools are working? About how the district school system and the city’s charter schools are working together on some issues? […]

  • Business After Hours at the Country Club of New Bedford

    Country Club of New Bedford 585 Slocum Rd, New Bedford, MA, United States

    One SouthCoast Chamber will hold a Business After Hours networking event sponsored by BayCoast Bank on May 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Country Club of New Bedford. […]

  • 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 […]