In June in New England, plants bloom, the weather warms, and daylight lasts longer, ushering in outdoor dining and the return of summer favorites. In New Bedford, nothing beats savoring a juicy lobster roll or fried clams al fresco and watching boats come in from sea. Or how about a picnic in a magical rose garden open to the public? Bring the family for an ice cream retreat overlooking Clark’s Cove and watch sailers, kayakers, and perhaps even Azorean Whaleboats on the water. Pack your bags, stretch your legs, and get out and explore bucket list events and hidden gems this June.
History and more
Get an insider glimpse into the history of the city with a guided walking tour. The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center offers free tours led by volunteers and park rangers. Topics include Frederick Douglass and the Underground Railroad, Herman Melville, the history of the harbor, the whaling industry, whale ecology, women in whaling, and more. Check out the tour calendar on the park’s website for dates and times.
Smell the roses in the sprawling garden tucked away at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum. The gardens are open to the public free of charge, but you can learn more about New Bedford’s historic families that lived in the home for a small entrance fee at the museum. Be sure to check out their event calendar for special events happening in the museum and garden throughout the summer.
Grab dinner with a view of your choosing with outdoor dining options throughout the city.
Downtown, several restaurants offer patio-style seating affording sights and sounds of the historic district, which often includes outdoor music. Dine on the rooftop at Play Arcade and look out over the harbor, the nation’s #1 fishing port. Pour Farm Tavern‘s patio sprawls out into Wing’s Court for a nice shady retreat on a hot day and a steady lineup of outdoor music. The Whale’s Tail Clam Bar is a bite-sized seaside shanty with summer seafood favorites right on City Pier 3, the New Bedford Working Waterfront. Grab an ice cream at Acushnet Creamery, also on the pier, for dessert.
The world is your oyster
Savor oysters and a cold beverage on the beach during New Bedford’s third annual Oysterfest on June 6 at Cisco Brewers New Bedford. The price of your ticket gets you seven oysters from local growers, a discount on additional oysters, a complimentary beer or cocktail can, a souvenir shucking knife, and live music. Proceeds benefit the mission of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center: Presenting the story of New Bedford’s fishing community to the world. Purchase tickets today!
Coastal Bubbles + Wine Bar hosts their anniversary party on June 7 from 1 to 5 PM. At Sip, Savor, Shuck, enjoy either the coastal wine flight or a full glass from the flight lineup with a dozen oysters from Spindrift Oysters. Grab your tickets today.
If you haven’t had your fill of oysters, you’re in luck! The Buttonwood Park Zoo’s Soiree at the Zoo presents a spread by Duxbury Oyster Company, along with food from Social Table Experience and Scuttlebutt Padanaram. Mingle with friends and meet animal ambassadors, peruse the Zoolala online auction, enjoy live watercolor portraits, and attend dueling pianos. Get tickets now for the event on June 25 from 6 to 9 PM.
Outdoor June fun
Dust off your skates (or borrow a pair on site) and get ready to groove at the New Moon Roller Disco on June 20 from 3 to 7 PM at Buttonwood Park. Brought to you by New Moon Dance Party and with support from the Southeast Shipwreckers Junior Roller Derby. There is plenty of room to dance and relax if you prefer not to skate.
Swim across the New Bedford Harbor to support clean water at the annual Buzzards Bay Swim on June 20. Swimmers depart from Cisco Brewers New Bedford at 7 AM and swim to Fort Phoenix for a post-swim celebration. Register to swim or support the cause today.
Celebrate Pride this June
Don’t miss the AHA! Pride Block Party on Thursday, June 11, from 5 to 8 PM. This year, shop from over 30 craft vendors and community partners, enjoy a mocktail bar presented by The Gallery Bar NB, live performances by Aerialicious Entertainment and Wicked Queer Puppet Theatre, a YMCA family fun area, and live music by Wamptronica. Taste farm fresh food by Round the Bend Farm and delicious cool popsicles by Sorbae Frozen Treats. Check out the full lineup of entertainment because there’s so much more!
The Gallery Bar presents a Block Party Pride celebration on Saturday, June 13. From 3 to 6 PM, enjoy an all-ages festival with food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment, art, and music. From 6 to 11 PM, a 21+ event includes drag performances, live music, DJs, a beer garden, and nightlife energy. With limited parking in the area, plan ahead for a ride share or carpool.
Calling all creatives
MassCreative is hosting the Creative Sector Summit for 2026 in New Bedford! On Friday, June 12, this annual convening brings together cultural thought leaders, artists, policy advocates, educators, arts administrators, public officials, and more. The summit features cross-sector panels, workshops, and policy conversations to promote statewide coalition building of arts and culture advocates. The summit is being held at the Zeiterion Theatre and Star Store, two of the city’s major artistic institutions. Purchase your tickets and become a part of the conversation.
