Celebrate Pride

June’s AHA! Night celebrates the seventh annual collaboration with the Queer Arts Council of New Bedford to present the Pride Block Party. The block between 6th and 8th streets on William Street will feature food trucks, a vendor market, a mocktail lounge brought to you by Gallery Bar NB, live music, a community art station hosted by 3rd EyE Youth Empowerment, circus arts by Aerialicious Entertainment. Don’t miss special performances at Steeple Playhouse and Gallery X. Check out the full schedule for the festivities on June 12 on the AHA! website.

Dance on the Street

The Summer Sound Series kicks off with a jaw-dropping event on Lower Union Street, JawsJam: A Bigger Boat Block Party. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the classic movie Jaws with a beach-themed block party and the local Pearly Baker Band, bringing 40 years of Grateful Dead to the South Coast. Shop from an on-theme vendor market and enjoy food and beverages from surrounding restaurants right on the street during the concert on June 20th from 6:30-8:30.

Honor Juneteenth

Honor New Bedford’s abolitionist past while navigating struggles in the present through a series of performances by local Black artists. Poetry and prose mix with support music from the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and Malian master drummer Sidy Maiga. Lift us Up: A Juneteenth Celebration will take place Saturday, June 14 at Abolition Row Park from 1-2:30 with a rain location of Gallery X. This event is organized by the New Bedford Historical Society, Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, and New Bedford Symphony Orchestra.

Step into the Storybook

The Trustees Allen C. Haskell Gardens are always a magical place, but on June 14 from 10AM-2PM they become more enchanted at the FREE Fairytale Fest! Meet characters from your favorite fairytales and roam the gardens where live music, special performances, interactive dinosaur puppets and bubbles create a world of wonder.

Learn Ancient Embroidery

Get hands on with a workshop on an ancient embroidery style from Kerman in South Iran at Patteh Embroidery with the Artist-in-Residence Arghavan Booyeh at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Recommended for ages 12 and up, enjoy this free workshop on June 14 from 5-7.

Meet the Time Traveling Duo

The 1850s Ladies are out and about this month to teach you about flags as symbols, 19th century weddings, and how local organizations support communities. Learn with Ruth and Abby at the Whaling National Historical Park from 1-4 on June 14, June 21, and June 28. Don’t forget to check out the free guided walking tours offered by park rangers and volunteers!

Celebrate Cape Verdean Heritage

Honor the legacy of Cape Verdean culture and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde’s independence from Portugal with the opening of two new exhibitions exploring Cape Verdean identity at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Claridade: Cape Verdean Identity in Contemporary Art and Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast enjoy a dual exhibition opening reception on June 13 from 5:30-7:30.

Gear up for a Night of Comedy

Summer is not complete without a good roast, and as much as food is a beloved community tradition in New Bedford this time we’re talking comedy not barbecue. Roast the Coast, presented by The Collective NB, includes four nights of “playful jabs” in the form of short plays that take loving aim at New Bedford and surrounding towns. Head to St. Andrew’s Church June 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 7:30 for some light-hearted fun.

Calling all Fiddlers

When you travel you don’t have to leave your fiddle at home! Every fourth Sunday EPIC Southcoast hosts their Old Time Fiddle Session and Community Gathering. During the warm months they gather in Wing’s Court from 1-3. Join in or come relax and listen on June 22.

Swim for a Cause

An open water swim that supports the health of marine ecosystems? The Buzzards Bay Swim is almost here, but there’s still time to register to swim, sponsor, or volunteer. Swim across the New Bedford Harbor passing by the iconic Butler Flats Lighthouse and New Bedford Hurricane Barrier. Learn more and register on the Buzzards Bay Coalition website.