• 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 […]

  • Savers Fundrive at Groundwork Southcoast

    Groundwork 90 Hatch St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    Groundwork Southcoast is hosting a community drive with Savers to raise funds that directly support access programs that help get healthy food to those who need it most. Every donation helps build a stronger and more food-secure community. The drive is also a way to support sustainability and care for neighbors. Clothing donations help keep […]

  • AHA! Night Pride Block Party: Call for Volunteers

    The AHA! Night Pride Block Party on June 11 is seeking volunteers and people interested in joining future Pride Block Party planning committees. Anyone who has wanted to be part of the annual celebration now has a chance to get involved. Volunteer signups are available at bit.ly/AHAPrideVolunteers.

  • 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 […]

  • Call for Art: Apply now for Arts Illuminated’s next live talk show, sale

    The Steeple Playhouse 159 William Street, New Bedford, MA, United States

    🖌️ Brush up your portfolios, South Coast artists! 🖌️ It's time again to apply to The New Bedford Light's next Arts Illuminated live talk show and sale, on Friday, June 19, at the Steeple Playhouse, New Bedford. 🖌️ Selected artists will join host Devin "NivedArt" McLaughlin for a five-minute interview in front of a live […]

  • 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.

  • Menstrual Access Drive

    Menstrual Access Drive
    YWCA Southeastern Mass 20 South 6th St., New Bedford, MA, United States

    The community is encouraged to support women and girls through a menstrual access drive addressing period poverty in the region. Organizers have spent years providing advocacy, education, and product distribution. More than 800 women and girls received essential hygiene items last year, helping them attend school and work with dignity. Continued donations are needed to […]

  • 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, […]

  • Ink & Identity: Printmaking with Adrian Tió

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

    Ink & Identity: Printmaking with Adrian Tió is scheduled for Wednesdays, May 27 to June 17  from 5 to 8 p.m. The fee is $250. Master printmaker Adrian Tió leads the four-week workshop. He’s a retired fine arts professor with more than 50 years of experience. Tió’s work is displayed in major collections, including the […]

  • Fitness in the Park: Zumba

    Fitness in the Park: Zumba
    Hathaway Park 28 Water St., Assonet, MA, United States

    Midweek Zumba begins Wednesday, May 6 at Hathaway Park. Classes run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Additional sessions are May 20 and June 3. Registration is required. This is a fun workout for all levels. The rain location is Freetown Council on Aging Fitness Room at 227 Chace Road. This free program features a variety […]

  • Ward 5 Neighborhood Group

    Buttonwood Park Warming House & Field Oneida Street, New Bedford, MA, United States

    This group meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Buttonwood Senior Center, 7 p.m. This meeting is currently chaired by Councilor –At- Large, Naomi Carney. Contact: Naomi.Carney@newbedford-ma.gov

  • 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 […]

  • 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, […]