Concerts

The New Bedford Whaling Museum hosts their first free “First Friday” in collaboration with AHA! New Bedford and the Summer Sound Series on Independence Day from 5–8:30 PM. Start the night with after-hours access to the Museum’s galleries before stepping outside for a high-energy performance by the Jethros on Union Street for the block party.

The 41st Annual Jazz Concert at the New Bedford First Unitarian Church welcomes back the Akoma Ensemble, featuring a racially diverse group of musicians from New Bedford and the surrounding area. The concert recognizes the roots of jazz as being intertwined with the history of enslavement in the United States. Read more about the Annual Jazz Concert and the musicians and the cultural influences that shape their creative careers.

The Whaling History Alliance‘s Summer Concert Series returns on July 10 with Studio Two, a Beatles tribute. Their summer series takes place in Custom House Square from 6–8 PM on three Thursdays in June (10, 17, 24) and two Thursdays in August (7, 14).

The New Bedford Roots and Branches Festival celebrates its third year this July, presented by EPIC Southcoast and Gallery X, and in partnership with AHA! New Bedford. The event kicks off on Friday, July 18, with an evening Contradance at 6:30 PM in Custom House Square. The NB Rude Boys will also play from 6:30–8:30 PM on Purchase Street as part of the Summer Sound Series. On Saturday, from noon to 8 PM, over sixty-five performers will populate twelve stages throughout downtown, both indoors at local businesses and outdoors in Custom House Square, Wing’s Court, and on Purchase Street outside of the Star Store. See the full schedule on the NB Roots and Branches website.

Plays

Shakespeare in New Bedford presents Romeo & Juliet 101 at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum on July 10 from 6–7 PM. In this Reverie Theatre adaptation, the setting is staged in the Golden Age of Whaling,

Your Theatre presents The Sad Tale of the Late Mr. Stiltskin at the Steeple Playhouse from July 11 through July 13. This fast-paced spoof on classic fairy tales is fun for the whole family. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Your Theatre website.

Multidisciplinary

AHA! New Bedford’s July festivities celebrate kids and your adult inner child with Kids Rule! (adults too). The Seaport Art Walk 2025: Revolution/Evolution kicks off with a guided tour of the outdoor public art exhibition. Hear from some of the artists during this free opening reception. Head to The Drawing Room for an outdoor adventure, Puzzical Chairs & Pops, including community puzzle-making, dancing, and delicious popsicles from Sorbae Frozen Treats. View the full schedule of events happening on July 10 by visiting AHANewBedford.org.

Swing back in time at Joe Jesus’ 50s Night on Thursday, July 17, from 5:30–9 PM. This free family event has been a longstanding summer tradition, bringing vintage cars, live music, food, and lively energy throughout downtown.

Treat yourself to an adult culinary tradition with wine and cheese pairing events at Coastal Bubbles & Wine Bar. Savor the flavors at the Italian Wine and Cheese Pairing on July 9, from 6–7:30 PM, and the Portuguese Wine and Cheese Pairing on July 16, from 6–8 PM.

Workshops

Spinner Publications leads a series of creative writing workshops this summer, hosted at the Co-Creative Center. Learn to write a short play, screenplay, novel, memoir, and more. Check out the full schedule of the New Bedford Blubber Writers Workshop.

Explore a series of summer art workshops and specialty classes at the Co-Creative Center’s Creative Sessions and New Bedford Art Museum.

Cabo Verdean Heritage Month

July is Cabo Verdean Heritage Month in New Bedford! Browse this list of events and read more about the establishment of Cabo Verdean Heritage Month.