• New Exhibit Explores Bristol County’s History of Incarceration

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    The 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 jail in Taunton to New Bedford’s Ash Street Jail. The Ash Street facility is the oldest continuously operating jail in the nation. Artifacts include the […]

  • Proteanna: Susan Heideman exhibit

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Proteanna: Susan Heideman is on view at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from May 29 through Nov. 1. The exhibition features large-scale mixed-media works by Heideman inspired by ocean life and imagined underwater forms. Combining watercolor, collage, and hand embroidery, the pieces create richly layered, textured compositions that blur the line between real and imagined […]

  • Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking volunteers

    Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking volunteers for its Playspace Program across Massachusetts. Horizons supports young children experiencing homelessness through early education, play, and family services. The organization operates trauma-informed Playspaces inside family shelters. Spaces include books, toys, crafts, and activities designed to help children feel safe and supported. Volunteers, known as Playspace Activity Leaders […]

  • Sailors’ Valentines: Maritime Art From the Heart exhibit

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    “Sailors' Valentines: Maritime Art From the Heart” is on view through Nov. 8 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Shell-covered keepsakes, known as sailors' valentines, have long been tied to maritime history. The exhibition traces the art form from its 19th-century origins to modern interpretations through historic pieces and contemporary works. Displays highlight the craftsmanship, […]

  • New Bedford Yard Waste collection schedule

    New Bedford has a new yard waste collection schedule in effect from September through December 2026. Yard waste will be collected the day after each household’s regular trash day. Friday routes will have yard waste picked up the following Monday. Residents should place materials at the curb by 7 a.m. using paper yard waste bags […]

  • Fuel Your Creative Vision: New Bedford Creative Opens Grants for 2027

    New Bedford Creative is accepting applications for its 2027 grant cycle, with funding available for local artists, nonprofits, community groups, and small businesses. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. Funding is available through the Art is Everywhere! and Wicked Cool Places programs. General grants range from $3,000 to $10,000 and can support […]

  • SRPEDD Seeks Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee applicants

    The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) is seeking applicants for a new regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Interested individuals are invited to complete the BPAC membership application form by November 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Members will provide input on walking and biking needs across southeastern Massachusetts. The group is expected […]

  • Making Waves at New Bedford YMCA

    New Bedford YMCA 25 S Water St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Making Waves will run throughout October at the New Bedford YMCA, 25 S. Water St. Participants can choose a swimming goal and raise funds as they go. Proceeds will help […]

  • “In the Whale” screening at Acushnet Library

    Acushnet Public Library 232 Middle Road, Acushnet, MA, United States

    The Acushnet Public Library will screen "In the Whale" on Saturday, Oct. 10 at noon. This documentary follows Cape Cod lobster diver Michael Packard, who survived being swallowed by a […]

  • Call for items: 1977 New Bedford Gas Explosion Exhibit

    Photographs, newspaper clippings, artifacts, and personal stories can be submitted for "Inflection Point: A 50-Year Commemoration of the 1977 New Bedford Gas Explosion." The exhibit will explore the disaster’s impact on downtown New Bedford and how historic preservation, building reuse,, and cultural revitalization shaped the area. The works will be on view Jan. 16 through […]

  • Home Energy Assistance applications open

    PACE 477 Park St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    PACE is accepting applications for its Home Energy Assistance Program to help eligible households pay for heating. Applications can be submitted by mail or in person beginning Oct. 13. Online […]

  • Blue Heron in Flight

    Adriance Furniture Makers 288 Gulf Road, Dartmouth, MA, United States

    Adriance Furnituremakers highlights work by local artisans in the Showroom Gallery. Each piece shows the maker’s style. Each one brings character to the space. John Magnan shifted to art after an early retirement from a technical career. The change led to studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Magnan later earned an MFA in […]

  • 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 non-emergency needs such as food access, short-term work transportation, and medical or mental health appointments. The service is open to qualified residents in Fall River […]

  • 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. Information is available at mass.gov/seasonal-vaccines.

  • Factory of Terror

    Factory of Terror
    Factory of Terror 120 Pearl St., Fall River, MA, United States

    Factory of Terror is back for the 31st year on Sept. 12 through Nov. 14. The long-running haunted attraction is open on select nights through Nov. 14, with timed entry and date-specific ticket prices. Ticket prices: General admission ranges from $13 to $30 online. VIP passes range from $37 to $50. Group rates are available […]

  • Damien’s Food Pantry open Thursdays, Saturdays

    Damien's Food Pantry 242 Marion Road, Wareham, MA, United States

    WAREHAM -- 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 […]

  • Boo at the Zoo

    Boo at the Zoo
    Buttonwood Park Zoo 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Halloween gets a little wild at Boo at the Zoo for three October weekends at Buttonwood Park Zoo. Daylight trick-or-treating runs on Oct. 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25 from 10 a.m. […]

  • Wampanoag Experience Powwow at Round the Bend Farm

    Round-the Bend-Farm 92 Allen Neck Rd, South Dartmouth, MA, United States

    Round the Bend Farm will hold its Wampanoag Experience Powwow on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 92 Allens Neck Road in South Dartmouth. The gathering […]

  • Goblins & giggles story time and costume party

    Mattapoisett Library 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA, United States

    Storyteller Rona Leventhal kicks off the Halloween party with a show, followed by spooky crafts and a costume showcase. The program is supported in part by a grant from the […]

  • Harvest Fest: Health Fair & Family Fun Day at Monte Park

    Monte Park So. Second St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Harvest Fest features free fresh produce, local vendors, music, and family activities and is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Monte Park in New Bedford. Community organizations and health and wellness resources will be available. Local vendors and organizations interested in participating can register online.  

  • Adult craft workshop at Mattapoisett Library

    Mattapoisett Library 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA, United States

    An adult craft workshop will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. Participants will paint miniature pumpkins to take home. Registration is required to reserve a spot.

  • Fire on the Land lectures

    Plimoth Patuxet Museums 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth, MA, United States

    "Fire on the Land" will introduce Indigenous speakers from Southeastern Massachusetts and the Islands together to discuss cultural burning and traditional ecological knowledge on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1 to […]