11 Things to Do This Weekend

The warmth of summer is quickly disappearing, but the good news is that the fall event schedule kicks off this weekend with some major events in New Bedford. The weather this weekend looks to be in the high 60s/low 70s with a chance of rain on Sunday. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Friday, September 22nd

WHALE’s Annual Wine Festival (5:30 – 9 p.m.) 

The Waterfront Historic Area League is hosting their 22nd Annual Wine Festival at the Custom House Square across the street from Freestone’s Restaurant. It is truly an international wine festival with more than 150 wines, champagnes, ports, and beers from around the world. Tickets are $70 for WHALE members and $85 for non-members and at the door. For those that don’t know, WHALE uses the funds to refurbish historic New Bedford buildings. You can see a list of their past work here.

Truly Terrible Summer Poetry Soiree (6-8 p.m.)

The Standard Times will announce the winners of the summer poetry contest with a gathering at their building on 25 Elm Street. There will be poetry readings, live music and light refreshments. Admission is FREE, but they are accepting donations that will go directly to the Neediest Family Fund.

Play: Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs (21-23 September)

The final three showings of Brighton Beach Memoirs presented by Your Theatre Inc (136 Rivet Street, New Bedford) are from 21-23 September. From Wikipedia.org: “Set in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, New York in September 1937, this coming-of-age comedy focuses on Eugene Morris Jerome, a Polish-Jewish American teenager who experiences puberty, sexual awakening, and a search for identity as he tries to deal with his family, including his older brother Stanley, his parents Kate and Jack, and Kate’s sister Blanche and her two daughters, Nora and Laurie, who come to live there after their father’s death.” The Friday and Saturday showings start at 8 p.m. and the Sunday showing starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $13 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 508-993-0772 or on the web at www.yourtheatre.org.

The 43rd Annual Bourne Scallop Fest (21-23 September)

If you love scallops, this is the event you’ve been waiting for. Hosted at Buzzards Bay Park, Main Street in Buzzards Bay, the Bourne Scallop Festival brings in over 50,000 visitors over the three day weekend. Besides the scallops, there will be a craft show, entertainment, rides and much more. Full details: http://www.bournescallopfest.com/

Saturday, September 22nd

Chase Rowing Race Around the New Bedford Harbor (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.)

The Chase will be on around New Bedford Harbor this Saturday, September 22, as the city and New Bedford Community Rowing host a 2½-mile rowing race for youth, collegiate, and adult rowers. Beginning on the New Bedford side of the southern end of the harbor, the course heads north through the Route 6 swing bridge, takes a sharp turn around a big buoy south of Route 95, proceeds south under Route 6 on the Fairhaven side, and ends at Pope’s Island. Full details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/chase-race-new-bedford-harbor/2012/09/20

Downtown New Bedford Historic Walking Tour (10:30 am and 2:30 pm, every Saturday and Sunday)

New Bedford has a long and fascinating history, filled with stories of whalemen going to sea for years a time, wives left to run businesses, escaped slaves seeking freedom, and a connection to the sea that spans centuries. The public is invited to explore this history through free guided tours, offered weekends (Saturday and Sunday) at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Tours leave from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s visitor center, at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. More details:http://www.newbedfordguide.com/historic-park-walking-tours-2/2012/09/07

Carabiner’s Fall Bouldering Festival (1-7 p.m.)

Looking for something unique to do this weekend? Head over to Carabiner’s Indoor Climbing (328 Parker Street, New Bedford) from 1-7 p.m. for their Fall Bouldering Festival. There will be climbing competitions, live music, a fashion show, a vendors market and more. General admission is FREE!

New Bedford Oktoberfest (3-11 p.m.)

The New Bedford Oktoberfest will be kicking off its 7th year of drinking brews and dancing to tunes on Saturday, September 22nd.  The fest takes place at Custom House Square in historic Downtown New Bedford and goes from 3-10 p.m.  Oktoberfest is not only a great time to try out some unique beers with your friends, it is also a major fundraiser for a great cause.  This year, proceeds will go to benefiting Star Kids and The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County.  A fundraiser that involves drinking beer and listening to great music can’t be a bad time! Full details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-oktoberfest-2012/2012/09/14.

Sunday, September 23rd

Tour the Museum of Fairhaven History (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Sundays are great days to soak up some local history. Located on the west lawn of Fairhaven High School (12 Huttleston Ave.), the Museum of Fairhaven History is operated by the Fairhaven Historical Society, and is a collection of artifacts and art related to Fairhaven’s history housed in an 1798 schoolhouse. Ongoing exhibition of photos of the summer mansion of Henry H. Rogers. Donation requested. Parking available in Fairhaven High School lot.

Fairhaven Farmers Market (1-4 p.m.)

The Fairhaven Farmers Market is located on the Fairhaven High School lawn and is held every Sunday afternoon through October 14th. Access the parking lot off Main Street to the rear of the Academy Building.

Enjoy a FREE Martial Arts Class (2-3:30 p.m.)

The New Bedford Fitness and Martial Arts Center (665 Orchard Street, New Bedford) offers a FREE week to all new students. Work off those scallops and beer from the weekend festivals while learning some useful self defense techniques. No experience required and you can bring a friend to workout with. Can’t attend Sunday? Full schedule of classes here: http://www.kagekontrol.com/?page_id=10