Experience AHA! Nights when downtown museums, galleries, nonprofit groups, shops and restaurants host a monthly night of FREE art and cultural exhibits, performances and talks for adults and kids. Every second Thursday from 5:00PM-9:00PM. Info at 508.264.8859 or www.ahanewbedford.org Email: ahainfo@cfsema.org

3RD ANNUAL TASTE OF SOUTHCOAST - SUNDAY MAY 17, 2009

Downtown New Bedford, Inc. held its 2nd Taste Our SouthCoast Festival in collaboration with ArtWorks! on Sunday, June 22 2008, from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Custom House Square in Historic Downtown New Bedford. At this family-oriented event, SouthCoast restaurants, caterers, and bakeries served portions of their signature dishes. Local beverages provided by Buzzards Bay Brewery and Westport Wineries were available, local artists' creations displayed and raffled. Ticket price included music by "Entrain" and free children's activities. Adults tickets were $15 prior to June 22nd and $20 on festival day; Children 6-12, $5.00. Five and under were free.
 

GREATER NEW BEDFORD SUMMERFEST - JULY 3 4 & 5, 2009

The Greater New Bedford Summerfest 2008 kicked off with a special concert on Friday night, July 4th followed by the City's fireworks display. This annual folk festival in the Whaling National Historical Park features seven stages of entertainment, 90 booths of crafters lining the cobblestone streets and a food court with an assortment of offerings. New this year were expanded family and children's activities at ArtWorks. GNB Summerfest is truly a family festival. For complete information visit www.newbedfordsummerfest.com, or call the Summerfest office at 508-979-1745.
 

NEW BEDFORD SEAPORT CHOWDER FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 13, 2009

Downtown New Bedford, Inc. held its 3rd Annual Chowder Festival on Sunday, September 14th 2008 from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Custom House Square in the heart of Historic Downtown New Bedford. Approximately 30 area restaurants and caterers served portions of their best clam and quahog chowders, seafood chowder and kale soup under two large circus-size tents. Local beverages provided by Buzzard Bay Brewery and Westport Wineries complimented the great food, artistic creations, live music and free children's activities. Tickets at the door were $12.00 for adults, and $5.00 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under were admitted free. Advanced sale adult tickets were $10 and could be purchased at Cardoza's Wine & Spirits (Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Fall River), Cardoza's Emporium (Dartmouth), Citizens Union Savings Bank (Downtown NB), Barry's Liquors (Mill St., NB), Sovereign Bank (Union St., Lunds Corner, Acushnet Ave. branches), Back Nine Club (Lakeville), Cape Quality Seafood (Dartmouth), Freestones (Downtown NB), Huttleston House (Fairhaven), On a Roll (Downtown NB), The Black Whale (Downtown NB) and Ice Chest (Fairhaven). For a colorful menu with photos of the 2008 People's Choice Award winners, please click here.

WORKING WATERFRONT FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 26 & 27, 2009

The Working Waterfront Festival at the Port of New Bedford on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28, 2008 was a free celebration of the region's commercial fishing industry. Voted a Top 100 event in North America by the America Bus Association, the event presents all that goes into bringing seafood from the ocean to the table in a way that is hands-on, educational and fun. Programming included demonstrations and contests of industry skills, live music, children's activities, cooking demonstrations, films, vessel and harbor tours, author readings, local seafood and more. For information visit www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org, or contact the festival office 508.993.8894.

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY STROLL - DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2009

A marvelous holiday event for the entire family. From noon to 9:00 on Saturday, December 6 2008, Downtown New Bedford teemed with seasonal activities — Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted their young admirers . . . musicians performed . . . the aroma of holiday treats filled the air . . . the city’s giant tree sparkled on the Library steps... Click here for a slide show.