1. Munch and sip at the 7th Annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival at Fort Taber Park on October 5 from noon to 5PM. The Food Truck Festivals of America presents this open air event featuring over 25 of the area’s food trucks with offerings such as seafood, pizza, Italian, Poke bowls, desserts, Portuguese, Caribbean, Asian comfort food and more with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. Quench your thirst with local brews and cocktails and shop an artisan market. Bring your family and friends and sprawl out with chairs and blankets on the lawn. Purchase tickets here.
2. Celebrate Black History at Abolition Row Park with “Lift Us Up: An Afternoon Interlude.” Presented by The Zeiterion Theatre, The New Bedford Historical Society, and New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (NBSO), this event takes place on October 5 from 1 to 2:30 PM. This free gathering includes music and poetry of Black and Latino artists Iva Brito, Hendrick Hernandez-Resto, and Maia Livramento in collaboration with the NBSO. With limited accessible seating, blankets and chairs are welcome.
3. The South Coast Walking Book Tour strolls “The Ave.” Explore the North End’s Acushnet Avenue, home to a diversity of cultural restaurants, shops and more under the guidance of former Mayor John Bullard. His memoir Hometown details his career path from his time as an MIT graduate studying urban planning and design to his mayoral campaign speaking to voters up and down this strip of the city. Take in the recent public art projects and experience the city’s cultural community. October 5, 2 to 4 PM.
4. Cozy up to a variety of chowders and soups at the 19th Annual Blount Fine Foods New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival on October 12 from noon to 5 PM at City Pier 3. Sample from a variety of local restaurants paired with local craft beer and craft cocktails. Vote for your favorite! Purchase your tickets here.
5. Stay active this fall with the 18th Annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride on October 6 from 7:30 AM to 5PM. Presented by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the ride supports efforts to protect our watershed. Register to ride or find a spot to energetically cheer on participants such as The Blue Lane or New Bedford’s Fort Taber Park.
6. Mingle with the musicians at the South Coast Chamber Music Series presents “Sing to Me” on October 11 from 7 to 9 PM at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. This is a special additional performance of the series by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra that includes a reception with hors d’oeuvres and spirits in the Harbor View Gallery with beautiful views of the New Bedford working waterfront. TO purchase tickets and for more concerts in the series visit the NBSO website.

CELEBRATE THE SPOOKY SEASON WITH THESE SPECIAL EVENTS

1. Downtown transforms into an epic trick-or-treat destination with dNB Fall Fest on October 19 from noon to 5 PM. Enjoy a family-friendly day featuring live music with DJ Mikey Life and the Southcoast Brass Band, Vintage Car Trunk or Treat, Halloween performers, and more! Learn more at Downtown New Bedford Inc.
2. Examine the paranormal at “From Fox Sisters to Ghost Brothers: How Ghost Hunting is Really Modern-Day Spiritualism.” Join special guest Tim Weisberg at the New Bedford Free Public Library on October 16 at 7PM.
3. Journey into the spirit realm with free psychic and spirit readings at Play Arcade every Wednesday in October from 9 to 11:59 PM.
4. Put on your costume and get ready for a special party at the Monster Mash Vendor Showcase at the West End Grill on October 19 from 3 to 7 PM. Featuring spooky artisan vending, arts and craft projects, free snacks, an exotic pet rescue, bounce house, and music and dance party.