New Bedford
Summer Sound Series
Stay Up to Date
On All Things New Bedford
Enjoy Music & Community In The Heart of Our City
New Bedford’s Summer Sound Series transforms downtown into a hub of music and celebration on select Friday nights. This event series invites everyone to experience free outdoor concerts spanning genres from jazz and blues to reggae and funk.
These block party-style gatherings are perfect for music lovers looking to dance, enjoy local beverages, and take in the beautiful sites of historic downtown.
Concerts take place on select Fridays from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Check below for dates and locations.
2025 Summer Sound Series
JUNE 20: PEARLY BAKER BAND
GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE
PART OF JAWSJAM: A BIGGER BOAT BLOCK PARTY
Join us for a jaw-dropping celebration as we kick off the 12th year of Summer Sound with a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the iconic film. Come dressed in your best themed costume and snap the perfect keepsake photo at our custom Jaws stand-in, handcrafted by local artist Jeremy Pereira, because no anniversary celebration is complete without a photo worth framing.
Sip on signature shark-themed drinks from participating downtown New Bedford bars and browse our outdoor market featuring Jaws-inspired and nautical art, pottery, jewelry, décor, wellness products, and more.
This special edition of the New Bedford Summer Sound Series block party is a fin-tastic night of music, local art, and summer vibes with no ferry ride required.
Vendor Lineup:
A Stitch of the Sea
Apothecorner
Mocking Bird Lane
New Bedford Pottery
Pixel Palmer
Seaside Siren
Location: Lower Union Street Stage
JUNE 27: MELO GREEN
FUNK/SOUL/ROCK
Location: Purchase Street Stage
JULY 4: THE JETHROS
COUNTRY/FOLK/SWING/JAZZ
STAGE HOST: WHALING MUSEUM FIRST FRIDAYS
Location: Lower Union Street Stage
JULY 18: NB RUDE BOYS
SKA
With NB ROOTS AND BRANCHES FESTIVAL
Location: Purchase Street Stage
JULY 25: THE GROOVALOTTOS
FUNK, THUMP & SOUL
Location: Lower Union Street Stage
AUGUST 8: JAMMIN’
REGGAE
Location: Purchase Street Stage
AUGUST 15: NEAL MCCARTHY ELECTRIC 6-PIECE BAND
ROCK & BLUES
Location: Lower Union Street Stage
AUGUST 22: COLBY JAMES & THE RAMBLERS
ROCK-COUNTRY
Location: Purchase Street Stage
Organized by AHA! New Bedford, the 2025 Summer Sounds Series is made possible thanks to lead sponsor WPRI-12, supporting sponsors Moby Dick Brewing Company and Servedwell Hospitality as well as Explore New Bedford, Vibra Hospital of Southeastern Massachusetts, New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the New Bedford Light. Funding for this initiative is provided by the City of New Bedford through American Rescue Plan Act awards.
Participating restaurants include:
Purchase Street Stage:
No Problemo, The Pour Farm Tavern, The Vault
Lower Union Street Stage:
Port Royal, Play Arcade, New Beige, Cultivator Shoals, Cork Wine & Tapas
Follow Explore New Bedford
Explore New Bedford is on Facebook and Instagram! Follow our accounts for event updates, local highlights, and more.