• 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 […]

  • 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 support swim lessons, water safety education, youth programs, and financial assistance. Registration is available online.

  • 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 applications will be available starting Nov. 1. For more information or assistance, call 508-525-4271.

  • 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.

  • 2026 Indoor Mural Slam at Kilburn Mill

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

    The New Bedford Arts and Cultural Emporium is accepting submissions for its "2026 Indoor Mural Slam" at Kilburn Mill. This year’s theme is “Bold Botanicals.” Artists may submit up to three original sketches on Wednesday, Oct. 21 by 11:59 p.m. Two artists will be selected and awarded $1,500 each to create murals inside the mill. […]

  • Used Shoe Donations

    Used Shoe Donations
    Pilgrim United Church of Christ 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Mercy Meals & More is collecting gently used shoes for men and women. Sneakers and boots are preferred. All sizes are accepted. Shoes must not be worn out. Donations can be dropped off at Mercy Meals & More Soup Kitchen at Pilgrim United Church

  • Mercy Meals and More: Free Breakfast

    Mercy Meals and More: Free Breakfast
    Pilgrim United Church of Christ 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Mercy Meals & More is a Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a nutritious start to the day for neighbors in need. A hot breakfast is served Monday through Saturday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Guests are treated with dignity and respect. In addition to free meals, the organization offers clothing and foot care. Its mission […]

  • 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 twice weekly

    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 hunger in the South Coast region of Massachusetts by providing food to individuals experiencing food insecurity, promoting education and awareness about hunger in our community, […]

  • Buttonwood Buddies at BPZoo

    Buttonwood Buddies at BPZoo
    Buttonwood Park Zoo 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Preschoolers can get outside, make some new friends, and meet a few animal friends during Buttonwood Buddies at Buttonwood Park Zoo. The weekly playgroup is designed for children ages 2 to 5 and runs Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m., Oct. 1 through Nov. 19. There will be no session on Oct. 15. Each session […]

  • Needle felted pumpkins and ghost trio, or eye balls class

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

    Participants will learn the basics of needle felting while creating up to six miniature autumn-themed characters. The workshop includes step-by-step instruction, individual guidance, and a choice of colors. Beginners can explore the technique while making handmade seasonal decorations or gifts. The class fee is $45.

  • Fall book sale at Southworth Library

    Fall book sale at Southworth Library
    Southworth Library 732 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA, United States

    For a cozy escape from the haunting hour, the Friends of the Dartmouth Libraries holds its annual Fall Book Sale at Southworth Library on Thursday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

  • DIY miniature Halloween garden

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

    Kids ages 10 and older can create a miniature Halloween garden with tiny gravestones, skulls, spooky trees and figures such as witches and ghosts. Supplies are limited. Registration is required.

  • Mishoon burn at CBC and Powwow at Fort Taber

    Mishoon burn at CBC and Powwow at Fort Taber
    Community Boating Center 1641 Padanaram Ave,, New Bedford, MA, United States +1 more

    The Community Boating Center will offer public programming for Mishoon Burn, a traditional dugout canoe-making process, Oct. 21, 22, 23, 25, and 27. Follow the Community Boating Center on social media for updates. Local Indigenous artists Hartman Deetz and Annawon Weeden will demonstrate how they hollow out a pine log with fire over seven to […]