โถ๏ธ 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 YWCAโs 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 Rachelโs 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
Events
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New Exhibit Explores Bristol Countyโs History of Incarceration
New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Bristol County Sheriffโs Office will open Bristol County: Incarcerated on Oct. 24. The exhibit traces the history of local incarceration from the 18th-century […]
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PACE Head Start is accepting applications
PACE Head Start 32 Madison St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesPACE 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, […]
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Free Rides for eligible individuals
Mass 2-1-1 and Lyft have teamed up to offer Relief Rides, a limited free transportation program for eligible individuals without access to other local options. Rides are available for critical […]
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Cold and Flu Vaccine Reminder
A reminder that flu and COVID cases rise during this season. Vaccines help protect families and reduce severe illness. Residents can schedule appointments through state vaccination sites or local providers. […]
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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 […]
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Blueberry Harvest Volunteers Needed
Blueberry gleaning address 1149 Main St., Acushnet, MA, United StatesMarion 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. […]
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Martha’s Pantry at Grace
Grace Episcopal Church 133 School Street, New Bedford, MA, United StatesMarthaโs 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 […]
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Open Days at the River Center
Westport River Watershed Alliance 493 Old County Rd., Westport, MA, United StatesThe 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. […]
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M.O. FOOD = L.I.F.E. Food Pantry
M.O. L.I.F.E., INC. 725 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe 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 […]
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Play in the Park Summer Food Service program
The City of New Bedford's Play in the Park Summer Food Service program will provide free meals to children and teens 18 and younger during summer 2026. Lunch: 11 a.m. […]
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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 […]
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Changemaker grant information session
VirtualUnited 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 […]
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Turnkey Services heat pump workshop
New Bedford Public Library 613 Pleasant St,, New Bedford, MA, United StatesLearn 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 […]
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Weekly Targeted Ground Spraying for Mosquitoes
Weekly mosquito spraying in New Bedford begins June 11 and continues through September. Spraying will be done on Thursdays between 2 a.m. and sunrise, weather permitting. Crews will target parks […]
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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 […]
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Author Book Talk: Francesca Du Brock
New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United StatesFrancesca 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 […]
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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, […]
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Weekly Solidarity Gathering
A weekly solidarity gathering meets on Thursdays at 6 p.m. on Center Street in Fairhaven, near the Unitarian church and the library. Participants gather to stand in support of immigration […]
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The Sole Foot Clinic
Pilgrim United Church of Christ 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe 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 guestโs dignity. Volunteers […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 & […]
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North End Neighborhood Association meeting
Global Learning Charter School 190 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA, United StatesNorth 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
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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. […]

