What follows are just a few of the events happening in New Bedford this week. For more events, visit our arts and culture calendar. And learn how to get your event listed here. We want to hear from you.

COVID-19 WARNING: While we continue to list New Bedford’s array of cultural offerings, readers are advised to heed the latest public health recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors in public in areas of higher transmission, including Bristol County. 

FESTIVALS

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16
BUTTONWOOD PARK

20th Annual Boo at the Zoo

Wondering how you and the whole family can get into the Halloween spirit in a bucolic setting? Look no further than Boo at the Zoo, returning for its 20th spooky year on Saturday. Kids can come in costume and trick-or-treat during the day. It’s a great way to introduce your little ones to the joyous occasion that is Halloween.

This year there are seven opportunities to enjoy this family-friendly outdoor event throughout October. Participants will take a socially-distanced stroll with some twists and turns along the way. Upon entry into the Zoo, masks are required to use the restrooms, indoor cafe and the Rainforest building.

EVENT DETAILS
4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14
ROTCH-JONES-DUFF HOUSE AND GARDEN MUSEUM

The Great Pumpkin Parade

Nothing says Halloween like pumpkin-carving. This week you, can visit the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum to view Jack-O-Lanterns carved by community members in all their glory. Children will have the chance to go on a scavenger hunt and perform music with Cool Banana Wig.

Want to carve pumpkins for the Great Pumpkin parade? Don’t miss RochtoberFest, scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13. Learn more about that event here.

EVENT DETAILS

MUSIC

8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16
PUB 6T5

Get the Funk Out

Get your Saturday night groove on with Get the Funk Out at Pub 6T5. This funky crew of local musicians incorporate a full-fledged horn line in the mix. Brass instruments allow the group to closely emulate the sounds of popular funk, soul, and R&B artists like Tower of Power, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and more.

EVENT DETAILS

CULTURE

5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14
WHALING MUSEUM

Azorean Night

Southcoast is home to a vast Azorean community spanning many generations. During the October AHA Night, the Whaling Museum celebrates New Bedford’s vibrant Azorean American culture. This free outdoor event features traditional music, dancing, folklore, and maritime traditions. Masks are required.

EVENT DETAILS

ART

5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14
ALISON WELLS FINE ART STUDIO AND GALLERY

Gallery seventh anniversary celebration on AHA! Night

Beautiful, vibrant art by Alison Wells awaits you in downtown New Bedford, where it has been brightening William Street for the last seven years.

On Oct. 14, 2014, the first customer walked through the doors of the Alison Wells Gallery on William Street in New Bedford. Today, the downtown establishment has a loyal and supportive community of collectors, clients, and followers. Celebrate seven years of creativity with art and live island music by the steel drum band El Caribe.

EVENT DETAILS

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