New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Can you say beach weekend? We’ll be in the mid to high 80s all weekend long with no rain in sight. The sun will be present for most of the weekend, only occasionally hiding behind some clouds. That means no excuses for the beach, events, activities and fun going on across the South Coast.
As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Check out our tutorial. For more info, you can click on each title. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!
Friday, August 14th
Rochester Country Fair – Prehistoric Theme (4:00pm-10:00pm)
The Rochester Country Fair Committee is excited to announce this year’s fair is centered around a “Prehistoric” theme. For the past 16 years, families in our local area
come together each summer to celebrate our rural and rich farming history with some old-fashioned, unique, and entertaining events. This year’s festivities will take place on the newly renovated Fair Grounds located on Pine St. Make no bones about it, this year’s fair will feature fun events, such as Tractor Pulling, Woodsman Show
Competitions, Pie Eating and Pie Bake Off Contests, dinosaur dig hunt, Pebbles & Bam Bam Contest, and the return of the Buana Iguana Reptile Show. The Fair Committee is also working to bring a Highland Games Exhibition as well as Vyntyge Skynyrd, New England’s Tribute band that captures the musical fire and soul of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Zoo Nights at Buttonwood Park Zoo (5:30pm-8:00pm)
Join us for an Outdoor Adventure in your own backyard at the Buttonwood Park Zoo! Our 4th Zoo Night will focus on getting outside and experiencing the great outdoors. The night will feature special outdoor activities and LL Bean will be here with their Outdoor Discovery School. We will also have themed enrichment and keeper chats with the animals. Our Summer Café Menu will be available, with a s’mores special.
Summer Sounds Series: Absolute (Pop & Rock)) (6:00pm-8:00pm)
Absolute plays classic dance music so bring your dance shoes!On Pier 3. FREE.
Food, Friends, & Laser Lights (Mattapoisett) (6:00pm-9:00pm)
A fun family night out with food trucks and fire trucks on the beautiful grounds of the Mattapoisett YMCA overlooking the harbor. Bring a blanket or a folding chairs and join us for live music while you enjoy delicious food from the following local businesses: The Oxcart from Oxford Creamery, Ella’s Mobile Wood Fired Pizza, Big Daddy’s BBQ & Catering, Del’s Frozen Lemonade, & Perry’s ice cream truck. Cost is now only $20 per vehicle so load up the family car and come enjoy a leisurely evening which ends with a spectacular laser lights show to music at 9 pm.
Theatrical Comedy: “A Bad Year For Tomatoes” (7:30pm)
Fed up with the pressures and demands of her acting career, the famous Myra Marlowe (played by Cynthia Latham) leases a house in the tiny New England hamlet of Beaver Haven and settles down to write her autobiography. She is successful in turning aside the offers pressed on her by her long-time agent (played by Jay Ryan), but dealing with her nosy, omnipresent neighbors (played by Suzie Kokkins, Suzy Taylor and Susan Sullivan) is a different matter. In an attempt to shoo them away, and gain some privacy..
Saturday, August 15th
Operation Clean Sweep: Ward 3 (8:30am-noon)
FREE – Breakfast items! FREE – T-Shirts to all volunteers! FREE – Domino’s Pizza by Dominos the Official Pizza of Operation Clean Sweep!olunteers Wanted! Meet at The Veteran’s Transition House, on the corner of Willis and Purchase Streets. Transportation services will be provided by the Veteran’s Transition House. Pre-register before the clean up or call 508.979.1493. Day of Cleanup – sign up/check in at our Operation Clean Sweep headquarters. All youngsters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Gloves and Tools Provided!
Dollar-a-Bag book Sale (Fairhaven) (9:00am-1:00pm)
We welcome you to come and fill a bag of good reads for only a dollar! The Oxford Book Haven & Cafe is located downstairs in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 357 Main St., Fairhaven. There is a large selection to choose from. Home-made dessert, coffee, and other beverages available. 1 Temple Place, Fairhaven.
Church of the Good Shepherd Annual Yard Sale (9:00am-3:00pm)
Annual yard sale, rain or shine. The kitchen menu will include stuffed cabbage and corn on the cob. Donations for the yard sale accepted on Saturdays, starting July 11 from 9-1 during Book Cafe hours. Any questions, please call 508-991-8596.
Rochester Country Fair – Prehistoric Theme (9:00am-10:00pm)
The Rochester Country Fair Committee is excited to announce this year’s fair is centered around a “Prehistoric” theme. For the past 16 years, families in our local area come together each summer to celebrate our rural and rich farming history with some old-fashioned, unique, and entertaining events. This year’s festivities will take place on the newly renovated Fair Grounds located on Pine St. Make no bones about it, this year’s fair will feature fun events, such as Tractor Pulling, Woodsman Show Competitions, Pie Eating and Pie Bake Off Contests, dinosaur dig hunt, Pebbles & Bam Bam Contest, and the return of the Buana Iguana Reptile Show. The Fair Committee is also working to bring a Highland Games Exhibition as well as Vyntyge Skynyrd, New England’s Tribute band that captures the musical fire and soul of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
FREE Learn to Quahog (Mattapoisett) (1:00pm-3:00pm)
Join the Coalition to learn how to harvest your own quahogs in Mattapoisett. We’ll teach you the basics of local quahogging — what you need, how to do it, and where to go. These events will be fun and educational for the whole family. Shining Tides Beach, Mattapoisett (end of Reservation Road).
Edaville USA (Carver) (10:00am-6:00pm)
We feature over 20 amusement rides including a Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Jumbo the Elephant, Tilt-A-Whirl, Scrambler, 2 mile narrow gauge railroad, two steam locomotives and one diesel locomotive and much more. We are also the home of Thomas Land, which will be opening in August of 2015. Thomas Land will feature 11 Thomas themed children’s rides including Winston’s Skyline Express, Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, Toby’s Tilting Tracks, Sodor Windmill, Sodor’s Cranberry Carousel, Rockin’ Bulstrode, Harold’s Lift-Off, Firefighting Flynn, Diesel Derby, Cranky’s Crane Drop and Bertie’s Bus Tours. We offer daily admission tickets, two day passes, season passes, birthday parties, group sales and gift cards. 5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts.
FREE Historic Walking Tours (10:30am & 2:00pm)
Free tours last approximated 45 minutes and step off from the National Park Visitor Center. The tours take visitors through the cobblestoned streets of the park and waterfront, while exploring the many stories associated with the New Bedford’s maritime past and present. Tour topics include: Risks and Rewards of Whaling, Unknown Heroes and Their Secrets: New Bedford’s Underground Railroad, Herman Melville’s New Bedford. Sturdy walking shoes recommended. Call the visitor center for more details.
Beachcomber Scavenger Hunt (Westport) (4:00pm-5:00am)
Explore the ever-changing, dynamic landscape of Horseneck Beach. Search for objects of interest washed up on the shore and discover the lore and history behind your found items. All ages welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet in front of the Horseneck Beach Main Building on the main beach. Daily Parking Fee (collected
from 8am to 4pm) is $13 MA Vehicle, $15 Non-MA Vehicle. Rain cancels.
Saturday Evening Serenades: The Nightlife Orchestra (Fall River) (6:00pm-8:30pm)
A big band jazz and swing concert with The Nightlife Orchestra, one of Rhode Island’s premier big bands and one of the few remaining active big bands in New England. The 13-piece ensemble features vocalist Kimberly McHale and has performed for two U.S. presidents. Songs on their playlist include classics such as “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Blue Skies.” Admission is free. Wine, beer, cocktails, and refreshments will be sold. No outside beverages are permitted. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair. The rain date is August 16. 451 Rock Street, Fall River.
House Of Bricks Pro Wrestling BaseBrawl 2 (7:00pm)
After being informed by HoB Commissioner, John Cena Sr., to make his final draft pick, Team Captain, Zach “The Hammer” Ramos has drafted his final member. The final person to be added to this Saturday night’s BaseBrawl match will be REDEMPTION! Redemption is one of the most experienced members of the House Of Bricks Pro Wrestling roster and has been on a roll in HoB action, previously teaming with Colossus as one half of The Beasts, Redemption adds the size and experience to Team Ramos.
Sunday, August 16th
Exploring Our Coast: A local beach walk series (Westport) (8:00am-10:00pm)
The communities of the Southcoast of Massachusetts are a part of the sea; they have been geographically, historically, and biologically shaped by its presence. Join us on this series of local beach walks to learn about these relationships while rediscovering the magic of the shoreline. All walks are weather-permitting. Dress according to weather and please bring water. Pre-register online. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Erika Fernandes at 508-990-0505 x 16, or email erika@lloydcenter.org. Meeting place: Gooseberry Island parking lot, Westport MA.
Rochester Country Fair – Prehistoric Theme (9:00am-6:00pm)
The Rochester Country Fair Committee is excited to announce this year’s fair is centered around a “Prehistoric” theme. For the past 16 years, families in our local area
come together each summer to celebrate our rural and rich farming history with some old-fashioned, unique, and entertaining events. This year’s festivities will take place on the newly renovated Fair Grounds located on Pine St. 
Competitions, Pie Eating and Pie Bake Off Contests, dinosaur dig hunt, Pebbles & Bam Bam Contest, and the return of the Buana Iguana Reptile Show. The Fair Committee is also working to bring a Highland Games Exhibition as well as Vyntyge Skynyrd, New England’s Tribute band that captures the musical fire and soul of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Car Wash at Dominos to benefit N.B. Homeless Advocates (10:00am-3:00pm)
We need volunteers to help us wash cars for a worthwhile cause. We are raising funds for supplies to be given to this areas homeless population. Please help with these efforts to help the people of New Bedford. 876 Ashley Boulevard.
Edaville USA (Carver) (10:00am-6:00pm)
We feature over 20 amusement rides including a Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Jumbo the Elephant, Tilt-A-Whirl, Scrambler, 2 mile narrow gauge railroad, two steam locomotives and one diesel locomotive and much more. We are also the home of Thomas Land, which will be opening in August of 2015. Thomas Land will feature 11 Thomas themed children’s rides including Winston’s Skyline Express, Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, Toby’s Tilting Tracks, Sodor Windmill, Sodor’s Cranberry Carousel, Rockin’ Bulstrode, Harold’s Lift-Off, Firefighting Flynn, Diesel Derby, Cranky’s Crane Drop and Bertie’s Bus Tours. We offer daily admission tickets, two day passes, season passes, birthday parties, group sales and gift cards. 5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts.
FREE Historic Walking Tours (10:30am)
Free tours last approximated 45 minutes and step off from the National Park Visitor Center at. The tours take visitors through the cobblestoned streets of the park and waterfront, while exploring the many stories associated with the New Bedford’s maritime past and present. Tour topics include: Risks and Rewards of Whaling, Unknown Heroes and Their Secrets: New Bedford’s Underground Railroad, Herman Melville’s New Bedford. Sturdy walking shoes recommended. Call the visitor center for more details.
Battleship Cove 50th Anniversary Parade (Fall River) (12:00pm)
Battleship Cove is Celebrating 50 years. Route is from Kennedy Park down to S Main St, turning on Central St. and ending on Water St., Battleship Cove.
