AHA! (ART • HISTORY • ARCHITECTURE) NIGHT

AHA! Night is a FREE arts & culture festival that takes place the 2nd Thursday of every month in Downtown New Bedford. Explore all that downtown has to offer & enjoy artisans & exhibits, lectures & films, museums & galleries, performance art, live music, working waterfront, eclectic eateries, family activities, walking tours, & boutique shops. Every second Thursday from 5-9pm. Join us every Thursday during the summer for City Celebrates!! www.ahanewbedford.org

TASTE OF SOUTHCOAST - MAY 22, 2011 / MORE

4th Annual Taste of SouthCoast a Huge Success!
Downtown New Bedford, Inc. held its 4th Taste Of SouthCoast Festival on Sunday, May 16 2010, from noon-4pm at Custom House Square in historic Downtown New Bedford. At this family-friendly event, SouthCoast restaurants, caterers, and bakeries served sample sized portions of their signature dishes. Local beverages provided by Buzzards Bay Brewery & Travessia Urban Winery were available. Ticket price included music by the popular U2 cover band "Joshua Tree" and the McCarthy Richards & Legge Band, plus free children's activities.
Read 2009 Standard Times Article

NEW BEDFORD SEAPORT CHOWDER FESTIVAL -
AUGUST 28, 2011

Join us at the NB Chowder Fest where you can sample Clam Chowder, Seafood Chowder, Kale Soup and Stuffed Quahogs, from more than 20 area restaurants, all included in the price of your admission ticket. Read about last years Chowder Fest!

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY STROLL - DECEMBER 3 & 4, 2011

This holiday season Shop Local, Shop Downtown New Bedford!
The Downtown Holiday Stroll is a fun event for the entire family! Stroll the streets, shop the stores, grab a bite to eat & enjoy plenty of seasonal activities — Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling musicians, the aroma of holiday treats, the City’s giant tree sparkling on the Library steps, crafts for the kids, antique fire engine rides & more! Click here for a slide show from 2008.

MARATHON WEEKEND IN NEW BEDFORD
FEATURING: READY, SET, EAT!, THE DOWNTOWN RUN & THE NB 1/2 MARATHON
SATURDAY MARCH 19 & SUNDAY MARCH 20, 2011

The third annual DOWNTOWN RUN (renamed from the former RESTAURANT RUN), held in conjunction with the New Bedford Half Marathon, will be held on: Sunday, March 20, 2011 from noon-5pm.

Last year's second effort was again successful and proved that we could keep the runners and their family and friends in the downtown by giving them plenty to do and see. DNB, Inc. will once again be organizing this event and produce a brochure/map guiding visitors to the participating businesses to eat, drink, shop. The “scavenger hunt” style event was enjoyable for families and “kids” of all ages getting their map stamped from at least half the businesses allows participants to win great prizes. Read more!

GREATER NEW BEDFORD SUMMERFEST -
JULY 2 & 3, 2011

The Greater New Bedford Summerfest brings together over 70 renowned and emerging performers and 90 juried arts and crafts vendors in New Bedford's authentic historic district during the first weekend in July.
The two day family-oriented festival offers continuous folk music from 11am to 9pm on seven sound stages throughout the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park ranging from the 1200 seat "Custom House Stage" to the intimacy of the 55 seat "Meet the Performer" area.
The Artisans' Marketplace showcases the handcrafted work of many local artists as well as crafters from Maine to California and the International Bazaar offers high-quality, imported handcrafts from around the globe. www.newbedfordsummerfest.com

WORKING WATERFRONT FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 24 & 25, 2011

The Working Waterfront Festival is a free, family-friendly, educational celebration of New England’s commercial fishing industry. Featuring live maritime and ethnic music, fishermen’s contests, fresh seafood, vessel tours, author readings, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and more. The festival was voted a Top 100 Event in North America by the American Bus Association. www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org

FAMILY HOLIDAY POPS - DECEMBER 2011

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra is once again planning the merriest Holiday celebration in town as they bring its Family Holiday Pops concerts to fill your heart with holiday cheer! Two family-friendly performances will make the Holiday season sparkle with traditional Holiday favorite songs and carols, plus an audience sing-a-long, stunning Holiday decorations, enchanting stories, stirring singers, and even an appearance by Santa Claus!