As the weather gets hotter, so do the unique events happening all over the South Coast. The area will soon be filled with festivals, concerts, and family-friendly events.
It's been a rainy spring so far, but with sunshine on the horizon, it's time to get out of the house for dates, time with friends, and family reunions.
Whether you want to enjoy live music, sample local cuisine, or enjoy thrill rides, the South Coast has plenty of excitement.
Pick up your calendar and start filling it with your next local event.
Sunday, May 5th: A traditional festival that celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms and the friendship between the town and Japan. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can participate in activities, watch demonstrations, and take free museum tours at the Whitefield Manjiro House of Friendship, 11 Cherry Street, Fairhaven. Events include Tosashimizu kimono sales, picture-story shows, new drums, martial arts (Aikido plus), and flower arranging. You can pre-order a $20 Bento lunch box by calling Gerry at 508-858-5303.
Friday, May 17th: Craft beer, friends, a zoo, what more could you want? This 21+ event from 6pm to 9pm is packed with unlimited wine and beer tastings, animal encounters, and live entertainment . General admission is $55 per person ($30 with designated driver) and $90 per person ($40 with designated driver) for the VIP experience. Find your new favorite drink at Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford.
Saturday, May 18th: Connect your family to all the resources available in the Greater New Bedford community. Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., this free family resource fair features multiple groups, family-friendly activities, and entertainment at the Andrea McCoy Rec. Center, 181 Hillam St., New Bedford.
Saturday, May 18th: It's a Salute to the Armed Forces on Armed Forces Day, where Seagrass Theater Company presents a concert of stirring patriotic songs and timeless classics honoring the men and women who have served our country. The event has shows at 1pm and 4pm, and general admission tickets are $30. $25 for seniors and students. Enjoy a live band and professional singers at Gallery X Inc., 169 William Street, New Bedford.
Sunday, May 19th: Now in its 17th year, Taste of South Coast brings together area restaurants, bakeries and caterers in one location for you to taste and judge their signature dishes. From noon to 5 p.m. at Madeira Fields, you can try sample-sized dishes and vote for your favorite. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12. 50 Madeira Avenue in New Bedford will feature live music throughout the day.
Tuesday, May 21st: New Bedford High School musicians will perform a variety of jazz pieces and contemporary repertoire from the past 100 years at 7 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 from the New Bedford High School Jazz Band and New Bedford High School Steel Band will participate in the concert. The Roch Jones Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St., New Bedford, has a lawn and patio, and admission is free.
From Friday, May 24th to Monday, May 27th: Every Memorial Day weekend, Cathedral Campground fills with laughter, the smell of fried food, and a sense of community. Family Day features an amusement park for all ages, a variety of decadent food and beverage booths, tricky game booths, a classic car show, a huge barn sale, and more. Admission is free and the fun begins at 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown.
Saturday June 15th: Starting at 10 a.m. and all day long, good vibes and even better music will be heading to New Bedford for the first time, as more than 20 multi-genre artists showcase their passion and perform alongside national touring artists. Tickets are $35.84 before the event and $40 at the day of the event. 50 Madeira Avenue in New Bedford also has an acoustic stage and beer garden.
Saturday June 15th: Spend the day celebrating local wineries and food artisans as you sample a variety of wines, cheeses, and chocolates. This 21+ event will feature three of his sessions, all of which will include logoed wine glasses. Sessions start at $50 per person and tickets are $20 for designated drivers. Try these local specialties at the Westport Fairgrounds (200 Pinehill Road, Westport).
Sunday June 16th: Rain or shine, this event is all about the juicy red fruit we all know and love. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the whole family can enjoy homemade strawberry shortcake, delicious food, a variety of crafts, and live music. Check it out at the Bandstand on South Main Street in Assonet.
From Friday 21st June to Sunday 23rd June: A music festival for Earthjustice featuring live bands, open mics, drumming, art, food, sustainability resources, and more. In addition to raising awareness, the event also raised funds to support the Heron Center in conservation, artist residencies, and health education. Join the movement and learn more at 179 Legacy Lane in Westport.
Saturday June 29th: Homecoming Day will be a lively event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than 150 booths displaying talented artisans and artisans. This free event features everything from kid-friendly activities to nostalgic firetruck rides, delicious food, live entertainment, and great art on Center Street from William Street to Greene Street in Fairhaven.
From Wednesday 10th July to Sunday 14th July: This free concert series brings together world-class musicians for five outstanding performances. Includes full orchestra, as well as jazz, swing, piano duet, harp, and more. All concerts will be held at the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tarver Academy, 232 Front Street, Marion.
Thursday, August 1st to Sunday, August 4th: This much-anticipated festival is a packed weekend of Portuguese food, local entertainment, carnival rides and games, and a huge parade. There will be a family day packed with kid-themed activities, non-stop live music, and great food and wine. Join culture, history, and tradition at 50 Madeira Avenue in New Bedford.
From Friday 27th September to Sunday 29th September: The Westport Fairgrounds is once again teaming up with a fall-themed event packed with live music, fall food, artisan markets, and antique trucks. Be sure to check out the Fall Garden exhibit at 200 Pine Hill Road in Westport.
Saturday, October 5th: Prepare for a gourmet explosion as more than 30 local food trucks bring delicious food to Fort Taber from noon to 5 p.m. This family-friendly event features delicious craft beer, mouth-watering food, family games, and live music. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door at 1000 S Rodney French Blvd. in New Bedford.
Upcoming events await further details:
whaling city festival: From Thursday, July 11th to Sunday, July 14th.
NB Needa Festival: Saturday, July 20th.
Mattapoisett Harbor Days: Saturday, July 20th, Sunday, July 21st.
Whale City Comedy Festival: Wednesday, August 28th to Sunday, September 1st
Lakeville Arts & Music Festival: Saturday, October 5th.