▶︎ 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.
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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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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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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 […]
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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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New Bedford Family Free Day at the Whaling Museum
New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United StatesNew 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 […]
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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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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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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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Endangered Species Book Talk with David Goethel
New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center 38 Bethel St., New Bedford, MA, United StatesDavid 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. […]
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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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When Bots Bite: Preparing for a Crisis in the Age of AI
VirtualLearn 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, […]
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Beginner’s sewing class at Mattapoisett Library
Mattapoisett Library 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA, United StatesBring your sewing machine to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library for a beginner's sewing class on Thursday, July 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 11, from 2 […]
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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 […]
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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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New Bedford Junior Regatta
New Bedford Yacht Club 238 Elm St., South Dartmouth, MA, United StatesThe 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, […]
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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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Methodist Church Yard Sale and Lobster Roll Lunch
Westport Point United Methodist Church 1912 Main Road, Westport Point, MA, United StatesThe 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 […]
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Boston Tea Party: Tea Tasting
Mattapoisett Library 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA, United StatesA 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 […]
