August in New Bedford is jam-packed with lively cultural festivals, art, literary adventures, cinematic journeys, and live music everywhere, including at the beach!

August Annual Festivals

One of the most highly anticipated events of the year returns July 30 through August 2. The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament is New England’s largest annual free event and the world’s largest Portuguese festival. Four days of entertainment include a Sunday parade, a giant carnival, music on five stages, and performances by Madeiran folkloric singers and dancers. Taste a variety of traditional cuisine including Espetada, milho frito, and malassadas. Sample authentic Madeira wine imported in giant casks in special agreement with the Madeiran government. This free event is not to be missed!

Something fishy this way comes on August 13 at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. The second annual Scallopalooza includes a scallop shucking contest, music, food trucks, and vendors. Learn about the gear fishermen use to harvest scallops with a link-squeezing demo, pictured below. This event is free and open to the public.

Art and Literature

Local author and artist Ben Shattuck talks about his book The History of Sound at two events this August. The first talk takes place at the Wamustta Club at the James Arnold Mansion on August 5, from 6 to 8:30 PM, hosted by Spinner Publications. There will be appetizers and a cash bar. Purchase your ticket now. The following day, on August 6, The Zeiterion screens the film based on Shattuck’s book and presents a discussion with Ben Shattuck, with WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen, and actor Chris Cooper. Buy tickets now for the event from 6 to 9 PM.

Embark on a four-day literary journey and cultural celebration honoring New Bedford’s impact on the most celebrated work from author Herman Melville, Moby-Dick. The New Bedford Whaling Museum’s “Melville in our Seaport” blends scholarship, film, performance, music, and more through museum and partner programming coinciding with the installation of the City of New Bedford’s permanent Melville statue by artist Stefanie Rocknak at the Seamen’s Bethel. Purchase a weekend pass for August 13 through 16, or buy tickets for individual events.

Film in August

CUFFE: TAXED is a film by Anita Allison about Black Wampanoag entrepreneur, mariner, and abolitionist Paul Cuffe. Attend the film’s premiere at the New Bedford Whaling Museum on August 13, from 5 to 7 PM. Following the screening, there will be a discussion with Allison, Akeia de Barros Gomes, PhD, Director of the Edward W. Kane and Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History at the Newport Historical Society, and cast members Tyson Brown (Paul Cuffe) and Salustiano Berrios (Michael Wainer), moderated by Lee Blake of the New Bedford Historical Society.

Don’t miss Movie Mondays at the Zeiterion. August offerings feature What About Bob (8/3), Caddyshack (8/10), Ghostbusters (8/17), and Stripes (8/24).

For cinema lovers, head to “ReelTalk” at the New Bedford Art Museum. More than a movie night, these screenings also feature a discussion with Dr. Mocha J. Herrup, professor, award-winning filmmaker, and festival programmer. August’s offerings include Soylent Green (8/13) and The Wizard of Oz (8/15).

August Music

The Cape Verdean Association of New Bedford hosts their “Summer in the Park Series” at Island Park on August 29, from 2 to 5 PM. There will be Cabo Verdean music, activities for children, and more.

Get ready for the 3rd EyE Open Hip Hop Festival on August 22nd. Activities run all day, spread throughout downtown, with an open house at 230 Union Street, a Block Party on Sixth Street, and activities in Wing’s Court and Abolition Row Park. Expect music, break dancing, live art on canvas and free walls, vendors, art and other activities for the whole family, and more.

Reggae on West Beach returns on Sunday, August 30th with fun for the whole family right on West Beach in New Bedford. Dance in the sand to live DJ sets, grab a bite from a local food truck, and shop local vendors.

The Summer Sound Series continues through August into the first week of September. August is stacked with some of the best local talent: Neal McCarthy Electric (8/7), Pearly Baker Band (8/14), Jammin’ A Bob Marley Tribute (8/21), and Brian & The Cassettes (8/28). Concerts rotate between two blocks in downtown New Bedford with beverage pop-ups from surrounding restaurants and run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Learn more on organizer AHA! New Bedford’s website.