1. Step aboard the Nao Trinidad, a replica of the 16th-century tall ship that sailed with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan circumnavigating the globe. The Nao Trinidad is one of several vessels preserved and managed by the Spanish non-profit Nao Victoria Foundation. These vessels serve as floating museums, spreading education and awareness. The Nao Trinidad will be docked at Pope’s Island Marina available for tours from September 11 through 15. For more information, see our guide to visiting the Nao Trinidad in New Bedford and purchase your tickets at this link.
2. Join the party as AHA! New Bedford turns 25! AHA! Night is a free celebration of art, history, architecture and New Bedford’s creative community that happens on the second Thursday of each month. September’s AHA! Night marks a milestone of twenty-five years of collaboration amongst community partnerships and you’re invited to the party right where it all began, in the area around Centre Street downtown. Enjoy community art projects, live music, food trucks, circus arts, a 90’s fashion show, a dance party with a DJ, and much more! Check out the full schedule and stay tuned for updates on the AHA! New Bedford website.
3. Taste the Tradition at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s annual Seafood Soiree on September 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Cisco Brewers New Bedford. Local seafood takes center stage at this event with local chefs curating their take on different species of seafood to sample. Get your ticket before they sell out and don’t miss out on the online auction featuring unique experiences across the South Coast. This gala is a benefit for the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. Click here to learn more and purchase your tickets at this link.
4. Discover the connections between flowers, nature, and classical music with the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra during Musical Connections at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum on September 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. With the guidance of Dave Prentiss of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra explore the connections between classical music, other types of music, and the world around us, in this case nature and flowers at the garden.
5. Don’t miss the last of the Summer Sound Series concerts with Neal Vitullo on September 6 at the bottom of Union Street. Grab dinner and enjoy fresh beverages on the street during the block party-style concert from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Learn more about the Summer Sound Series here.
6. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Love the Ave Block Party on September 14 from 5 to 8 PM on Acushnet Avenue and Nye Street. Featuring live music and dance troupes, 3rd EyE Unlimited presenting the 5 Pillars of Hip Hop, and food from nearby restaurants, such as Mourna Lounge and Grill, Taqueria La Raza, Casa Lempira, La Fruta Loca, and more! Stay tuned for more information on the Love The Ave website.
7. Grab dinner and a movie! The New Bedford Whaling Museum welcomes the Manhattan Short Film Festival on September 26 from 6 to 9 PM. Join 100,000 film lovers across 400 venues and 6 continents to screen and vote on the final ten. On September 6 from 6 to 9 PM at the museum enjoy Stories Lead us Home: Short Films from the Pacific and Arctic. This film series is presented in conversation with the Museum’s Wider World & Scrimshaw exhibition on view until November 11, 2024. Within walking distance of the museum you will find locally owned restaurants offering both casual and formal dining experiences and abundant options of cuisines.
8. Learn to play Croquet or Lawn Bowling at the Hazelwood Park Greens overlooking Clark’s Cove. Lawn bowling is offered for free every Thursday from 6-8 PM. Croquet is offered for free every Friday from 4-6 PM. All equipment is provided along with instruction. These events are weather permitting.
9. Don’t miss the last of the Five Pillars of Hip Hop at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum on September 12 5-7:30 PM. This installation focuses on the pillar of knowledge. Hosted by 3rd EyE Unlimited and the Whaling National Historical Park, this event features lives performances by creative collective, New Bedford Performing Arts Center, Xtreme Hip Hop Step and Sleepless in New England. There will be live graffiti painting by muralist Eden Soares, giveaways, and more!
10. Learn about the Military Award System from Lt. Col. Stephen E. Hackett. The Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum and Veteran’s Memorial kicks off their Speaker Series on Sunday, September 29 at 2 PM. Hear about how the system came to be and what changes have occurred over the years. If you have a medal from a family member and are unsure of what the medal is for bring it to the lecture for identification. For more events at the Museum visit their blog here.

Photograph of the Nao Trinidad in New Bedford Harbor by Fran Grenon, SpectrumPhoto