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.
COMMUNITY
10a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21
3RD EYE UNLIMITED
The Open(Ish) 2021
For the second year in response to COVID, the youth empowerment group 3rd EyE Unlimited is throwing a scaled-down version of its Open, the annual hip-hop festival it has been producing for about 20 years. Expect the usual mind-blowing dance demos and exquisite graffiti exhibitions, as well as live performances, kids’ activities and local vendors but in a more limited capacity in Wings Court. If you’re having a bad day, we dare you to press play on the Instagram video above from last year’s Open and try not to smile.
FESTA
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19; 6 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Aug. 20 & 21; 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22
CITY GATES PLAZA, FALL RIVER
Day of Portugal
We usually don’t highlight events outside New Bedford but we’re making an exception for this annual celebration of Portuguese culture. It kicks off Thursday evening with a showcase of food from local restaurants and ends Sunday with a performance by New Bedford band Edge. In between there will be comedy from the Portuguese Kids and more live music, including traditional groups from Portugal.
2-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21
CLUB MADEIRENSE S.S. SACRAMENTO
Craft Beer and Food Truck Festa
The organizers of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament are launching a new annual event at Madeira Field. Yes, it involves live music, food and wine, but the star is craft beer. To attend, you must buy tickets online in advance. A wide selection of food trucks will dish out Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Italian and Mexican fare, burgers and dogs, açai bowls, ice cream and more. Craft beer will be flowing from local brewers (Moby Dick, Berkley Beer Co., Canned Heat, Black Hat, Mayflower, Second Wind, Buzzards Bay Brewing, Bog Iron, and Twelve Guns). Performers include Somethin’ Else, Morrissey Boulevard, Craig DeMelo, and Montage Bleu.
FUN FOR KIDS
Monday & Wednesday, Aug. 16 & 18
WHALING MUSEUM
Sharks and dolphins and whales, oh my!
The Whaling Museum does a weekly deep-dive on a different marine animal in a series that can be experienced remotely and in-person. This week’s focus is seals, with a video available starting today and related programming at the museum on Wednesday, including a life-sized model.
OPEN-AIR CONCERTS
6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20
UNION & NORTH WATER STREETS
Live music and local libations in the streets
DNB Inc is hosting two block parties downtown. The first takes place Friday near No Problemo featuring Adam Lufkin Band and mini cash bars from surrounding restaurants.
5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, Aug. 16-22
CISCO BREWERS KITCHEN & BAR
Seacoast Jazz Orchestra, Matt Chase, Neil McCarthy & The Guard Rail Alarm Clock, Higher Education, The Concept, Southcoast Brass Band, Toussaint The Liberator
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17
BROOKLAWN PARK
Bonnie Harlow and Jenny Memoli (New Bedford Symphony Orchestra)
Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18
HASKELL PUBLIC GARDENS
Tim Macri (New Bedford Symphony Orchestra)
4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19
CUSTOM HOUSE SQUARE
The Jethros
11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 21
CLASKY PARK
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Brass Quartet
2-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 21 & 22
PLAY! ARCADE ROOFDECK
Marvin Perry, Craig DeMelo Duo
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