• 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • PACE Head Start is accepting applications

    PACE Head Start 32 Madison St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    PACE Head Start is accepting applications for the September 2026 school year. The free program serves about 200 children ages 3 to 5 from income-eligible families in New Bedford, Dartmouth, […]

  • 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 […]

  • Synergies: hybrid art exhibit

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

    Synergies: Hybrid Art runs June 4 through Aug. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. The juried exhibition features 19 artists working across multiple media. The work explores intersections of artistic disciplines, materials, and technologies. It highlights experimental approaches to form and expression. Jurors […]

  • 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 […]

  • Vanishing Ecologies: Speculative Futures exhibit

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

    “Vanishing Ecologies: Speculative Futures” opens June 25 at the New Bedford Art Museum with a free reception from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit remains on view through Oct. 11. Through painting, sculpture, installation, and time-based media, artists explore climate change, extinction, technology, and imagined futures shaped by the Anthropocene. Several works examine the tension […]

  • Summer at New Bedford Whaling Museum

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

    Summer activities run daily at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Activities are free with museum admission. Mondays: Revolutionary Moments Commemorate America's 250th anniversary on alternating Mondays: June 29, July 13 and 27, and Aug. 10 and 24. Tuesdays: Lagoda Days Explore above and below deck aboard the Lagoda whaling […]

  • Yoga at Haskell Garden

    Yoga at Haskell Garden
    Allen Haskell Public Gardens 777 Shawmut Ave, New Bedford, MA, United States

    The community is invited to a free outdoor yoga series on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. from June 4 through Oct. 1 at Haskell Gardens on 777 Shawmut Ave. A certified instructor leads the class, which is suitable for all experience levels. Participants should bring a yoga mat, water, a towel, and optional yoga blocks. On-street […]

  • Accidental Metamorphosis exhibition

    Dartmouth Cultural Center 404 Elm Street, Dartmouth, MA, United States

    Accidental Metamorphosis is on view from July 10 through Aug. 5 at the Dartmouth Cultural Center. The fourth annual juried exhibition features work by 15 artists from the South Coast and across the country. A variety of media highlights how social, political, cultural and personal experiences can shape perspectives and artistic expression. South Coast artists […]

  • Unleash the PAWsibilities Area Youth Creative Arts Contests

    Wareham Free Library 59 Marion Rd., Wareham, MA, United States +1 more

    DPAW's 8th Annual Unleash the PAWsibilities Youth Creative Contest is accepting submissions through Aug. 10. The contest is open to youth ages 5 to 16 in visual arts and creative writing. Participants may choose one of two themes: "Celebrating Creatures Great and Small in My Backyard and Beyond" or "What Makes Your Favorite Animal Special?" […]

  • 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, […]

  • Last Call for Wet Paint Padanaram Artists

    Dartmouth Cultural Center 404 Elm Street, Dartmouth, MA, United States

    Registration closes Sunday, Aug. 9, for the eighth annual Wet Paint Padanaram paint-out. Artists of all skill levels are invited to paint Padanaram's harbor, coastline, and village scenery before returning to the Dartmouth Cultural Center for a public exhibition and sale. Awards will be presented to the top three artists. The $40 fee includes a […]

  • Mattapoisett Free Public Library call for food donations

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

    The Mattapoisett Free Public Library is collecting donations for a local food pantry through Aug. 30. For each nonperishable, unexpired food or household item donated, the library will waive $1 in overdue fines, up to the total amount owed. Donations may be dropped off at either circulation desk. Requested items include canned vegetables, fruit, soup, […]

  • Pet donation drive at SurfSide

    Surfside Creamery 26 Brock Ave., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Pet food donations continue through August at SurfSide New Bedford. Donations will support local pet food pantries, including P.A.C.E. Community Food Pantry.  

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Buttonwood Park 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA, United States

    The New Bedford Wellness Initiative hosts "Walk with a Doc" every Saturday at 9 a.m. Participants meet at the Buttonwood Park entrance. Local physicians and wellness practitioners lead each walk. […]