• 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 […]

  • 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, Fairhaven, and Acushnet. Children receive early education programs intended to prepare them for kindergarten. Programming includes classroom learning, health services, parent education, family support, and […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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, […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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.  

  • Mail-In, Absentee Ballots Now Available for State Primary

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

    Mail-in and absentee ballots are now available for New Bedford's state primary election. Any registered voter can request a ballot online, by mail, in person at City Hall, or by calling the Elections Office at 508-979-1420. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot for the state primary is Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m. . […]

  • 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.

  • 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 […]

  • Dartmouth Public Library Launches New Seed Library

    Southworth Library 732 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA, United States +1 more

    Gardeners in Dartmouth have a new reason to visit the stacks. Dartmouth Public Library will launch a free Seed Library on March 2 at both branches. Limited seed packets will be available to help residents get the growing season started. The program encourages gardening, sustainability, and local food production. Participants can take seeds, grow plants, […]

  • Martha’s Pantry at Grace

    Martha’s Pantry at Grace
    Grace Episcopal Church 133 School Street, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Martha’s Pantry at Grace provides groceries each week to households in Greater New Bedford. The food available includes fresh produce and bread. The goal is to supply three meals a day for three days for each family member. Households may visit once a month. Pantry is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. […]

  • Watercolor Painting Class

    New Bedford Arts & Cultural Emporium 101 West Rodney French Blvd, Suite 2-60, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Learn watercolor painting through practice and technique in this four-week workshop. Students will explore various techniques like wet-on-wet, wet-on-damp, and masking fluid, as well as color mixing and brushwork. The class covers practical tools and methods, including the use of salt, plastic wrap, and magic erasers to enhance work. The $145 fee covers all four […]

  • Open Days at the River Center

    Open Days at the River Center
    Westport River Watershed Alliance 493 Old County Rd., Westport, MA, United States

    The Westport River Watershed Alliance will host children's activities and workshops this summer at the River Center. "Open Days" are held Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. July 8-10: Nature After Dark July 15-17: Nature's Prints July 22-24: Wild Survival July 29-31: Shark Week Aug. 5-7: […]

  • M.O. FOOD = L.I.F.E. Food Pantry

    M.O. FOOD = L.I.F.E. Food Pantry
    M.O. L.I.F.E., INC. 725 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The M.O. FOOD = L.I.F.E. Food Pantry, operated by M.O. L.I.F.E., Inc., helps feed neighbors across Greater New Bedford. It is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pantry is located outside the building on the corner of Pleasant and Middle streets. Groceries are available to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Hundreds […]