▶︎ Culture Calendar

To submit an event for our Culture Calendar, please use our submission form.

MUSIC

Friday, June 5, 6 p.m.
NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM

First Fridays: Funk Lab with MonteiroBots

First Fridays: Funk Lab with MonteiroBots is on Friday, June 5, at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the public and $12.50 for museum members.

Marcus Monteiro leads the New England funk group on saxophone. Band members include Nick Sanfilippo on keyboards, Chris Bryant on guitar, Rob Massoud on bass, and Matt Williams on drums. The band combines improvisation with audience participation. Attendees can help shape the music throughout the night.

A cash bar, light bites, and access to museum galleries are included.


COMEDY

Thursday, June 4, 8 p.m.
LIGHTHOUSE TAVERN

Escape the Box comedy night

Escape the Box comedy night returns to Lighthouse Tavern on Thursday, June 4, at 8 p.m. with a birthday bash edition in New Bedford. Tickets are $29. Doors open at 6 p.m.

New Bedford native Alex Joseph Pires will host the night, featuring Colleen Doyle, Nikki MacCallum, and Matt Vita. DJ Andre Millz will provide music.

Guests can arrive early for food and drinks. Reserved seating is limited. A one-drink minimum is required, and nonalcoholic beverages are included. Lineups may change, and all ticket sales are final.


SEAFOOD

Saturday, June 6, noon to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
CISCO BREWERS

New Bedford Oysterfest 2026

Local oyster growers come together at New Bedford Oysterfest 2026 on Saturday, June 6, at Cisco Brewers New Bedford. Attendees can choose from two entry times, noon to 2 p.m. or 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Presale tickets are $40 and day-of-event tickets are $45, plus fees. Admission includes seven oyster samples from local growers, one complimentary beer or cocktail, and a souvenir shucking knife.

Live music and additional oysters will also be available. Proceeds benefit the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.


ART

Deadline: June 5

Call for Art: Apply now for Arts Illuminated’s next live talk show, sale

Brush up your portfolios, South Coast artists!

It’s time again to apply to The New Bedford Light’s next Arts Illuminated live talk show and sale, on Friday, June 19, at the Steeple Playhouse, New Bedford.

Selected artists will join host Devin “NivedArt” McLaughlin for a five-minute interview in front of a live audience of artists and art patrons. Interviews delve into the artistic process, artists’ histories, and the stories behind two of your submitted works.

DEADLINE is Friday, June 5. Click here to find out more about this unique event, watch video from previous shows and SUBMIT YOUR WORK.

P.S. ALL are invited to sign up for our new Arts Illuminated newsletter!


SUBMIT YOUR EVENT
  • Wheel Throwing For Everyone

    Wheel Throwing For Everyone
    New Bedford Art Museum 608 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Students of every level are welcome in this class, which covers all aspects of the ceramics process. The group will practice throwing techniques, work with larger amounts of clay, and […]

  • New Bedford Science Café

    The Last Round Bar & Grille 908 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA, United States

    New Bedford Science Café is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Last Round Bar & Grille. Admission is free. Guests pay for food and […]

  • FROM the UNDERGROUND

    WNB One Radio

    Dive deep into the groove with FROM the UNDERGROUND, the high-voltage weekly radio show from WAMPTRONICA, bringing you the best in underground House Music, Rare Groove, and Afrobeat every Tuesday […]

  • Watercolor Painting Class

    New Bedford Arts & Cultural Emporium 101 West Rodney French Blvd, Suite 2-60, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Learn watercolor painting through practice and technique in this four-week workshop. Students will explore various techniques like wet-on-wet, wet-on-damp, and masking fluid, as well as color mixing and brushwork. The […]

  • Fitness in the Park: Zumba

    Fitness in the Park: Zumba
    Hathaway Park 28 Water St., Assonet, MA, United States

    Midweek Zumba begins Wednesday, May 6 at Hathaway Park. Classes run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Additional sessions are May 20 and June 3. Registration is required. This is a […]

  • Women’s Health Book Club

    Lawler Library 745 Rockdale Ave, New Bedford, MA, United States

    A new Women's Health Book Club invites readers to explore women’s unique journeys through literature. Brought to you by Oshun Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health and in partnership with the […]

  • Harmonica Classes at Kilburn Mill

    Harmonica Classes at Kilburn Mill
    New Bedford Arts and Cultural Emporium at Kilburn Mill 101 W. Rodney French Blvd. Studio 260, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Learn to Play the Harmonica, Level I and Level II, is on Thursday, June 4. Level II meets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Level I follows from 6 to 7:30 […]

  • The Book Nook at The Gallery Bar

    The Gallery Bar 20 Kenyon St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The Book Nook hosts a Silent Book Club on the first Thursday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Gallery Bar. This global trend, started in […]

  • Ian Motha at Bittersweet Farm

    Bittersweet Farm Tavern 438 Main Road, Westport, MA, United States

    Local singer/songwriter Ian Motha is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. He has been performing and writing songs since 2008. A few of Ian’s influences are The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Oasis, John Mayer, The […]

  • Karaoke at Bayside Lounge

    The Bayside Lounge 125 Sconticut Neck Rd, Fairhaven, MA, United States

    Bayside hosts trivia and karaoke with Wicked Weezy every Thursday night. Sing your favorite songs or enjoy the performances in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Glen Nunes at Knuckle Heads

    Glen Nunes at Knuckle Heads
    Knuckle Heads 85 MacArthur Dr., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Glen Nunes performs live at Knuckle Heads every Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. He performs an acoustic set often with guest collaborators as part of the venue’s regular […]