▶︎ 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
Events
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New Exhibit Explores Bristol County’s History of Incarceration
New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe 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 […]
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Savers Fundrive at Groundwork Southcoast
Groundwork 90 Hatch St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesGroundwork 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 […]
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Scholarships Available for Westport Art Group’s Kids Summer Art Camp
Westport Art Group 1740 Main Road, Westport, MA, United StatesScholarships 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. […]
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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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Menstrual Access Drive
YWCA Southeastern Mass 20 South 6th St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesThe 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. […]
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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 […]
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Monthly “Can We Talk” Healing Circles
Bethel A.M.E. Church 532 County St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesBethel A.M.E. Church is hosting “Can We Talk,” a monthly gathering focused on community healing and support. The program is available for anyone dealing with stress, pain, grief, or trauma. […]
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League of Women Voters Rochester Candidates’ Night
Rochester Memorial School 16 Pine St., Rochester, MA, United StatesThe 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 […]
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Appointments and Briefings Committee meeting
New Bedford City Hall 133 William St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesNew 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 […]
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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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Martha’s Pantry at Grace
Grace Episcopal Church 133 School Street, New Bedford, MA, United StatesMartha’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 […]
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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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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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Historic Homeowner Meet Up
New Bedford Public Library 613 Pleasant St,, New Bedford, MA, United StatesJoin 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 […]
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Clark’s Point Neighborhood Association
Wastewater Treatment Plant 1000S S Rodney French Blvd, new bedfordThe Clark’s Point Neighborhood Association meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wastewater Treatment Center. The group focuses on improving safety and quality of life […]
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New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site — Annual Update Meeting
Zoom MeetingThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a virtual annual update meeting on the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site on May 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will […]
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One SouthCoast Celebrity Scholarship Dinner
Venus de Milo 75 Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Swansea, MA, United StatesOne 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. […]
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Committee on Economic Development meeting
New Bedford City Hall 133 William St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesNew 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 […]
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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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The Chat with three New Bedford school chiefs
Zoom MeetingWant 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? […]
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Business After Hours at the Country Club of New Bedford
Country Club of New Bedford 585 Slocum Rd, New Bedford, MA, United StatesOne 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. […]
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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 guest’s dignity. Volunteers […]

