• Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the SouthCoast

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

    In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Cape Verdean independence in 2025, the New Bedford Whaling Museum presents Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast. The exhibition is part of the Contemporary Cape Verdean 2025 project and explores the Cape Verdean and Cape Verdean American experience through contemporary art and community storytelling. Hosted in the San Francisco Gallery, next to the museum’s permanent Cape Verdean exhibit, the display features oral histories, music, photographs, and personal items from individuals and community organizations across the South Coast, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod. It highlights the region’s cultural ties to Cabo Verde […]

  • 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 […]

  • Community Food Drive

    New Bedford City Hall 133 William St., New Bedford, MA, United States +2 more

    The City’s Department of Community Services is running a food drive that will continue through March 31, 2026. Nonperishable food donations will benefit PACE, the New Bedford Housing Authority, and local food pantries. Items can be dropped off at: City Hall, Room 113 (Community Services) New Bedford Council on Aging, 181 Hillman St., Building 9, […]

  • Donation Drop Sites Needed

    Local food pantries need help building supplies as SNAP benefits change. Reggae on West Beach (ROWB) is organizing a food and baby item drive for area families in need. Businesses are asked to host donation boxes provided and maintained by ROWB. Boxes will be picked up monthly or sooner if full. The business with the […]

  • Call for Art: 2026 Seaport Art Walk Invites Artists to Create “Good Trouble”

    The Seaport Art Walk is seeking proposals for its 2026 outdoor exhibition in New Bedford. This year’s theme is “Good Trouble.” It takes its cue from the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis and the city’s longtime ties to activism. Artists can submit new or existing temporary sculptures, murals, or photography. Exhibition dates run from July […]

  • Artistic Luminaries: Three Local Icons Exhibit

    New Bedford Art Museum 608 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Artistic Luminaries: Three Local Icons exhibit is on view from December 11 through February 23, 2026. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. For decades, friends Willoughby Bill Elliott, Severin Sig Haines, and Marc St. Pierre shaped studios and classrooms at the Swain School […]

  • Ahab’s Head: American Vengeance

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

    Ahab’s Head: American Vengeance opens December 13 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The new installation is by Boston artist and sculptor Heidi Whitman. It is an immersive look at obsession, power, and the American whaling story. Whitman is known for intricate “mental maps” that explore emotion, memory, and place. She applies that style to […]

  • Early Portrait Photography in New Bedford

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

    See the faces of 19th-century America in a new special exhibition opening Jan. 16, 2026.  "Look Pleasant, Please: Early Portrait Photography in New Bedford," explores portrait photography in a growing and diverse coastal city. Images highlight the changing relationship between photographer and sitter in a complex urban economy. Featured works include one of the last […]

  • Call for Submissions: ArtWeek SouthCoast

    ArtWeek SouthCoast is back May 8 to 17, 2026, with events planned across southeastern Massachusetts. The festival website is live, and event submissions are open at artweeksouthcoast.org. Artists, cultural organizations, municipalities, local businesses, and community groups may submit events for inclusion in the 2026 schedule. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. This regional arts […]

  • Rose Alley’s 17th Annual Beer Summit

    Rose Alley Ale House 94 Front St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Rose Alley Ale House in New Bedford announces its 17th annual Beer Summit from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28, 2026. The month-long craft beer challenge features 28 beers in 28 days. Participants try a new beer each day and earn special, handcrafted mugs for completing the summit. The summit draws regulars and beer enthusiasts to […]

  • United Way of Greater New Bedford: Changemaker Grants

    Have an idea that could make a difference, even on a small scale? United Way of Greater New Bedford is accepting applications for Changemaker Grants, offering up to $2,500 for all-volunteer groups with annual budgets under $40,000. Projects should be community-driven, action-focused, and centered on bringing people together. Applications are due Feb. 13. Learn more […]

  • The Homecoming Exhibit at New Bedford Art Museum

    New Bedford Art Museum 608 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The New Bedford Art Museum celebrates local patronage with The Homecoming on view Feb. 5 through March 29, 2026. The exhibition launches a new series focused on the collecting interests of South Coast art patrons. Works come exclusively from private local collections and are rarely shown publicly. An eclectic mix reflects the tastes of eight […]

  • FY27 YouthReach Grants Open

    Virtual

    YouthReach grants are now available through Mass Cultural Council. The FY27 round supports Creative Youth Development programs that use arts, humanities, and science to connect with young people. Funding is multi-year, with awards starting at $20,000. Programs led by organizations, schools, or government entities are eligible if they have been running for at least six […]

  • Westport Cultural Council Accepting Grant Proposals

    The Westport Cultural Council is accepting applications for Community Grants from Feb. 6 through March 11 at 4 p.m. Funding is supported by the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust, administered by Bank of America, and the Carol Vidal Cultural Fund. Applications, guidelines, and details are available at wptculturalcouncil.org/apply-for-funding. Local artists, teachers, and nonprofit organizations may […]

  • 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.

  • Original Works Lab Opens Submissions for 2026

    Your Theatre Inc has opened submissions for its 2026 Original Works Lab, inviting SouthCoast playwrights to share original work. The Original Works Lab, known as OWL, supports writers at all levels of experience. Playwrights are encouraged to submit a short, one-act original script. Selected works will be workshopped in person with writers, directors, and actors […]

  • Morgan Reitzas at Bittersweet Farm

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

    Morgan Reitzas is back on stage, playing solo shows and with friends. His set list covers songs from the 1950s to today’s pop hits. Performances often feature his sister, Julie, and father, James, bringing a family feel to shows across southern New England and Martha’s Vineyard. Morgan also enjoys featuring local musicians along the way. […]

  • Mardi Gras Night with the Southcoast Brass Band

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

    Mardi Gras Night with the Southcoast Brass Band happens Friday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Bayside Lounge. Festive attire and masks are encouraged. The Southcoast Brass Band plays New Orleans-style jazz. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets cost $20 per person. Sponsorship options are available online. Proceeds benefit the Boys and […]

  • No Way Out at Knuckle Heads

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

    No Way Out is a cover band that performs classic and contemporary rock and roll.

  • 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 […]

  • New Bedford Indoor Farmer’s Market

    New Bedford Farmer’s Market
    Buttonwood Park Lawler Library 745 Rockdale Ave., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The Coastal Foodshed farmers' market has moved indoors for the season at the Buttonwood Park Senior Center/Warming House. It runs from November through May, bringing fresh, local produce throughout the […]