You may know it as Summerfest, but the weekend long folk music extravaganza will be back again this summer with a new name but the same excitement and energy. Now called the New Bedford Folk Festival, this will be the 18th year that arts and music will be celebrated in the streets of New Bedford the weekend of Saturday July 6th and Sunday July 7th. Tickets are already up for sale and the music roster is coming together with another promising line-up of incredible talent and variety.

One of the things that has makes the New Bedford Folk Festival truly remarkable every year is the variety of musicians that take the stage over the course of the weekend. For two days, from 11 AM to 9 PM, performers from all over the world showcase the many different sounds and styles that fall into the eclectic folk music category. Take for example this year’s list of talent. Some groups fall into a more traditional category, like The Beans who have had a long history of performing in New England and are a vocal trio performing classic folk harmonies. Other groups are experimental or have a fusion element, like the Grand Slambovians who have been called “the hillbilly Pink Floyd”.

Of course, there will be plenty of fiddle, banjo and guitar as can only be expected at a proper folk festival but another thing that is really striking about this year’s performers are the number of awards and accomplishments that many of these musicians have under their belts. Take for example Michael Johnson, a guitarist and songwriter who has had several Billboard-charting hits including, “Bluer than Blue”, “This Night Won’t Last Forever” and “Almost Like Being in Love”. There’s also Jeremy Kittel who has performed with the Grammy winning Turtle Island String Quartet and helped arrange and record strings for the rock band My Morning Jacket.

As in past years, the New Bedford Folk Festival will also feature their incredible “workshops”, which entail jam sessions where musicians with different styles come together on stage to perform something truly unique to the moment. For music lovers, this type of creative expression is a rare treat and something that makes the New Bedford Folk Festival stand out amongst many other summer music festivals.

I for one am very excited about the talent and variety that the New Bedford Folk Festival will be bringing to our city this summer.

Of course, the vendors present at the festival are another major factor to the fun of this weekend long event. As in years past, the New Bedford Folk Festival will feature artisans from all over who will be selling their art, jewelry, furniture and other handmade items (http://www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com/vendors.html). The 2013 list of vendors is still being finalized, but expect to find rare and unique artisan crafts lining the cobblestone roads of Downtown New Bedford during the festival!

Another factor of any good festival is the food. This year’s food vendors include the Seafood Hut for your surf, JTL Enterprises for your turf, and Timi’s food for your Mediterranean and veggies. It is likely that more food vendors will be added as the date draws nearer, and of course you will be in walking proximity to all of the wonderful Downtown NB restaurants.

Ticket prices have been lowered this year with some great deals for those who buy advance tickets as the festival is intent on getting more people from the Greater NB area to come out and have a good time at this event. A weekend pass is now $20 if purchased online (plus $1 PayPal fee) in advance: http://www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com/ourstore.html.

Tickets can also be purchased at an even greater discount if bought in person- only 15 dollars for the weekend! The Whaling Museum has New Bedford Folk Festival Tickets on sale Tuesday- Friday 10 AM- 5 PM and Saturday 11 AM- 4 PM. The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center has tickets on sale Tuesday- Friday 10 AM- 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM- 3 PM. It should be noted that these tickets or wristbands DO include admission to shows that are taking place exclusively at the Zeiterion (i.e. Cheryl Wheeler, Lori McKenna, John Gorka, Ellis Paul, Anais Mitchell, the Celtic Extravaganza on Sunday night, etc.) There is no extra charge for admission into the Zeiterion and the shows on the other 6 stages including the Whaling Museum Theater are part of the deal! Simply an amazing bang for your buck.

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Looking for the latest in doggy wear? Need something snazzy for your schnauzer? Put some frocks on your dachshunds and join the fun!

Doggie fashionistas can watch the Doggie Fashion Show at the Pet Fest in Buttonwood Park on Sunday, May 19th sponsored by The Daily Dog Blog and Go Fetch!, a grooming and dog specialty shop at 982 Kempton Street, New Bedford. Just look for the red carpet and the crowds of fans.

Go Fetch! owner and certified dog groomer Michelle Conlan was scouting the local dog talent last Saturday at her shop with the dailydogbloggers Elizabeth Cincotta and Melissa Cusson. Tracy Dupois of Paw Prints Photography was on hand to provide portfolio shots for next week’s runway stars. Expect to see the latest in bride and groom outfits, as well as what the chic pooch is wearing this summer on those long walks at Buttonwood Park.

The Go Fetch! shop, which opened this past December, has wicked cute dresses and sunsuits for the discerning Yorkie, Pom or Shih-Tzu. Conlan started the business online four years ago with her homemade dog treats made from all natural ingredients at www.GoFetchtreats.com. Her mother, Patricia Conlan, and sister, Margaret Conlan-Mullen, have joined in with African-print lavender scented handmade pet beds and plush zebra striped blankets available at the new digs.

In addition to the Doggie Fashion show, Pet Fest has demonstrations by the New Bedford K-9 officers, and demos on sheepherding and dog training, too. Don’t forget to stop by the doggie kissing booth for a pooch smooch. There will be raffles, pet accessory vendors, face-painting, and a raptor show by New England Reptile & Raptor so bring your best buddy for a nice afternoon in the Park.

But the main event is the two-mile charity walk to raise funds for Coalition for Animals. Visit www.coalitionforanimals.com for a brochure and walker’s registration form. Walkers can also sign up between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. on the day of the event.

Pet Fest, sponsored by the Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford, is an annual dog and family oriented event attracting hundreds of visitors. Proceeds from the walk go to the Coalition for Animals, a 501(c)3 all-volunteer non-profit organization located at 834 Kempton Street, New Bedford, MA. The Coalition’s mission is to raise awareness about humane treatment of animals, to help reduce overpopulation of companion animals through spay/neuter programs and to promote adoption of homeless companion animals.

Pet Fest
Buttonwood Park
723 Rockland Ave.
New Bedford, MA
11a.m to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 19, 2013

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What: The Odd Couple by Neil Simon

When: June 7-8: 7 PM; June 9: 2 PM

Where: Fairhaven Town Hall Theater (2nd floor).
40 Center Street Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Admission: Suggested $5 donation to Dana Farber

Who: “The Deadbeats,” a diverse group of early 20 somethings who enjoy the escape and challenge of acting! The Deadbeats’ goal is to have fun. The group performed Glengarry Glen Ross and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Providence College. The group later performed 12 Angry Men and The Indian Wants The Bronx at the Perishable Theater in Providence. This Odd Couple production stars Cameron Durant, John Kalife, Ryan Keenan, Noah Martinez, Kevin Peloquin, Christopher Rogissart and Erin Sylvia. John Kalife will direct. The Deadbeats humbly accept $5 donations to Dana Farber.

Neil Simon’s three act comedy The Odd Couple opened March 10, 1965 at the Plymouth Theater in New York City. The play was directed by Mike Nichols and starred Walter Matthau and Art Carney. The Odd Couple received Tony Awards for Walter Matthau (Best Actor), Neil Simon (Best Author), and Mike Nichols (Best Director). The Odd Couple was also nominated for Best Play. The play was adapted into a hit movie starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in 1968. The AFI’s 100 Years, 100 Laughs ranked the Odd Couple as the 17th funniest film in history. A popular comedy sitcom based on the play ran from 1970-1975, starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall. Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick starred in the most recent 2005 Broadway revival.

Memorial day services in New Bedford start at 8:15am with the parade kicking off at 11:30am. Here is the official list of events for Memorial Day (May 27th, 2013).

8:15 am – Service at the Veterans’ Plot in Rural Cemetery, New Bedford.
10:00 am – Service at Veterans’ Plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Bedford.
10:00 am – Ceremony at National Guard Memorial on Route 6 across from Buttonwood Park.
10:30 am – Memorial Day Parade forms up. This year our parade will form on May 27th, 2013, between 10:30 am and 11:00 am at the intersection of Parker Street and Hathaway BLVD. and will step off at 11:30 am. The Parade Route this year will be East on Parker Street to County, North on County to Pope, and East on Pope into Clasky Park past the reviewing Stand which will be on your right side as you enter the Park. Units are asked to pass in review and reform at the reviewing stand for the services which will be held following the Parade. The parade will be followed by a ceremony at Clasky Common.

The City of New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches Department and New Bedford Youth United have joined forces to offer an annual youth summer basketball league that will travel throughout city parks. Open registration and try-out dates for the Youth United Summer Basketball League will be held on May 18th & 19th and May 25th & 26th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm each day at the Buttonwood Park Basketball Courts.

The league consists of two divisions: Juniors (ages 12-15) and Seniors (ages 16-18). The season will begin on June 17th and will run, on Monday andThursday nights, through the end of July. Each team has a ten game schedule and a single-elimination playoff tournament at the end of the season.

New Bedford Youth United has operated the popular summer league that has served an estimated 120 area youth over the past eight years. This is the first year New Bedford Youth United and New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches will operate the league jointly.

Peter Britto, long time League commissioner and community leader said he believes the partnership with the city’s Parks Recreation & Beaches department will “bring the league to a whole new level, expand our ability to reach more kids, and engage positive adult mentors all across the city in many different parks.”

The program is funded in part by Community Development Block Grants and will continue to receive some support this year.

Mary Rapoza, Director of Parks Recreation & Beaches said, “I am very excited about the opportunity to work with the dedicated Youth United coaches and staff to provide high quality recreational basketball for kids to learn and grow together.”

The total registration cost to participate in the league is $25. All youth will receive a t-shirt; both girls and boys are encouraged to participate. If you would like to pre-register, you can do so at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center on 181 Hillman St. For more information and to register your child as a participant please call the Administrative Offices of Parks, Recreation and Beaches at (508) 961-3015 or email infoprb@newbedford-ma.gov .

Temperatures will range from 70-75 degrees, with a 60% of rain on Sunday. Don’t let the possible rain deter you from the many events that are beginning to pop up! Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar  where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. 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, May 10th

New Bedford Harbor in a New Light Open Reception (3:00 pm -6:00 pm)
The New Bedford Art Museum is pleased to announce their exhibition, “New Bedford Harbor in a New Light,” featuring recent work by more than thirty artists working within a range of different media. This all encompassing exhibition is curated by Kim Barry, Willoughby Elliott, and Lasse Antonsen.

In an open call, the three curators invited artists to create work inspired by the New Bedford harbor, history and culture. The works on display range widely in terms of subject matter, referencing ocean eddies, acidification, the fishing industry, pollution, immigration and personal history. Stylistically the exhibition spans from gestural mark making in oil painting, through photography and sculpture, to meditative video work exploring the many sources of water that feed into the harbor.

The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive catalog featuring work by each artist with a statement about their work. The catalog also includes essays by noted scholars, historians, and researchers from the South Coast.

1st Annual Spring into Spring Fashion/Art Show (7:00 pm-9:00 pm)
This event is unique because all of the models are either guests or volunteers of the breakfast program or members of Pilgrim UCC. Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical School Culinary Arts department is providing the food. Master of ceremonies for the evening is Phil Paleologos from WBSM Radio. Taylor J. Cormier and friends are going to provide musical entertainment during intermission. Pilgrim United Church of Christ 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford. 1/2 block south of the Zeiterion Theater. Parking available in lot behind Pilgrim UCC. entrance of lot on school street. Suggested donation is $8 and a donation of a non perishable breakfast food item such as pancake mix, maple syrup, seltzer water,equal, sugar, ketchup, fork, knives, spoons, napkins, coffee, tea, coco and bottled water.

Southcoast Children’s Theatre: Peter Pan (7:30 pm-10:30 pm)
SouthCoast Children’s Theatre’s goal is to strive to give the children of SouthCoast the opportunity to be involved in a professional learning atmosphere as it relates to the performing arts. Teaching children respect for others while at the same time building self-esteem and reinforcing team work to achieve a common goal. That goal being to allow children in grades one through eight to participate in a production of children’s age appropriate theatre. Come see 76 of the SouthCoast areas talented actors and actresses perform this broadway classic! May 10-11, 2013. Visit www.southcoastchildrenstheatre.com for tickets and complete show information.

Celtic by Candlelight featuring Butch McCarthy and Dori Legge (8:00 pm-11:00 pm)
Head to the Celtic Coffee House for another edition of Celtic by Candlelight, this time featuring the music of Butch McCarthy and Dorri Legge. Enjoy the candlelit ambiance with a glass of wine and an entree from their new menu. FREE admission. All are welcome. The Celtic is increasingly becoming a bigger and bigger player in the music scene and are booked months ahead. The Celtic now serves alcohol, so you won’t have to order coffee and stay up all night!

Saturday, May 11th

Knitting Wired (10:00 am -4:00 pm)
Expand your knitting horizons and get wired! Wire is a wonderful, flexible medium to use to make delicate and interesting jewelry. In this class they’ll cover the basics of working with wire and make simple but beautiful pieces that can also be embellished with beads. The class will cover resources and materials and various techniques for successful wire knitting. Wire working or jewelry making skill not required but basic knit skills necessary. Bring lunch.

Massachusetts Student Veteran Appreciation Day (Boston) (10:30 am -4:30 pm)
The Massachusetts Student Veteran Appreciation Day is a FREE event focused on pairing Veterans with the resources needed to have success in higher education. This is a fantastic opportunity for Vets to directly connect with Veteran friendly public and private schools, the VA, the MA Dept. of Veteran Services, and numerous other Veteran service providers. Full details: http://www.vet-ed.eventbrite.com/

Mother-Daughter Brunch w/ Spanish Classical Guitar Day 1: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Celtic Coffee house is a music destination that features a wide diversity of styles of music. Head to the Celtic Saturday from 11 am – 3 pm for a Mother-Daughter Brunch special featuring guitarist Lucas Patti. Lots of exciting menu options to choose from, as well as special brunch cocktails. Outdoor seating available!

7th Annual Opening of the Bay 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
At its core, Community Boating Center (CBC) connects Greater New Bedford’s at-risk youth with mentors to enhance their lives. Our flagship program is the Summer Youth Sailing Program which uses boating as a tool to help instill important life lessons such as integrity, sound judgment, and teamwork. About 70% of the children attending our program are from low-income families. They simply do not have the ability to pay! The Opening of the Bay fundraiser allows these students to participate free of charge. Tickets are $65 per person. Event includes Dinner, Dancing, Silent Auction, Balloon raffle and is always FUN. Lets support the youth of greater New Bedford. The future of our community is directly linked to our efforts to enrich the lives and foster the interests of the next generations! Lets keep them off the streets and engaged in positive programs! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.communityboating.org/

Eddie Dillon at The Celtic 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
In the mood to go out, RELAX, and listen to live music? The Celtic Coffee House will be featuring local favorite Eddie Dillon. On the pub side, check out their new drafts and bottles, including offerings from Buzzards Bay Brewing. Also featuring new wine cocktails courtesy of Melissa! See you tonight!

NBSO Classical VI: All Beethoven 8:00 pm-10:00 pm
Enjoy classical music, particularly Beethoven? Then you be dazzled by the 2011 winner of the Cleveland International Piano Competition Alexander Schimpf. Schimpf, who will be showcasing his talent at the Zeiterion, will be featuring Ludwig van Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Piano Concerto No. 4 in G, and Symphony No. 3, Eroica. TICKETS: $55 $45 $35 $20.

Sunday, May 11th (HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!)

FREE Belly Dancing Class 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Looking for something fun to do with mom this Mothers Day? Erica Clavin is offering a FREE belly dancing class at III Suns on 2171 Acushnet Ave. from 4-6pm. More: http://live-gwe.com/

Women’s Fund Tiara 5K 9:00 am – 11:00 pm (Mattapoisett)
5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Fun Run! 3 yrs. to 12 yrs. –2 age groups w/staggered start. Age 5 and under must be accompanied on the run by an adult who does not need to register for the Fun Run. Registrants in the Kid’s Fun Run will receive medals. Parking at “the sand pit” or at ORR with shuttle van service from ORR starting at 7:00am. Runner drop off at Oxford Creamery. Entry Fee 5K Run- $30. Kid’s Fun Run $5.00. Awards Runners – Overall male and female. Top 3 finishers, male and female, in each of 7 divisions,based on age. Walkers – top three, male and female. Refreshments provided after the race. Bib Pickup: Saturday, May 11 from 1 – 5 PM at Oxford Creamery or on Race Day between 7:00 and 8:30am. Results By Racewire. Posted at www.racewire.com

Create a Team Visit www.womensfundtiara5K.com to create a team. Teams and individuals are encouraged to fundraise. Prizes on race day will be awarded to the team most creatively attired, and to the team or individual who raised most funds.

Want to sponsor this weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. 

City to offer free training and familiarization tour for workers in the hospitality industry aimed at helping educate workers about New Bedford attractions and points of interest. The City of New Bedford Office of Tourism & Marketing has teamed with the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, Bristol Community College and the Southeastern MA CVB to offer support and training for local employees working in hospitality related businesses.

The partnership will offer free hospitality training on Wednesday, May 15th from 9:30-11:30 am at the National Park Visitor Center (33 William Street). The training is designed to equip customer service and hospitality workers with the most current information about New Bedford attractions. This program will empower employees to become better informed about New Bedford and all the city has to offer. The hospitality industry consists of a broad section of fields within the service industry including lodging, restaurants, event planning, transportation, entertainment and activities.

In addition, the partnership will host a Familiarization Tour on Tuesday, May 21st to familiarize stakeholders and businesses with their destination and services. The FAM tour will begin at the National Park Visitor Center, Corson Building where the NB Line shuttle will escort the group to attractions and points of interest in New Bedford. This is an experiential tour that will embody the visitor experience.

For more information about these events, please contact the Office of Tourism & Marketing at (508) 979-1745 or register to attend either of these events at NewBedfordChamber.com. Visit the Destination New Bedford website at www.destinationnewbedford.org.

Wednesday, May 15th

Tuesday, May 21st

For the second summer, the Buzzards Bay Coalition is proud to offer River Exploration Camp, a week-long day camp delivered in partnership with YMCA Southcoast. River Exploration Camp will allow campers to get up close and personal with the outdoors while exploring Buzzards Bay and the Mattapoisett River.

If your child or grandchild loves to explore the outdoors and get a little dirty in the process, then “River X” camp is the perfect opportunity! Campers will learn how to catch blue crabs, net fish, identify plants, and wrangle toads at Camp Massasoit and at the Y’s Rochester property at Snipatuit Pond. In addition to swimming and boating, campers will participate in traditional camp activities at Camp Massasoit throughout the week.

River Exploration Camp is offered to 9- to 12-year-old girls and boys during two one-week sessions: July 22-26 (Session E) and July 29-August 2 (Session F). The cost is $238 per week for Coalition and YMCA Southcoast members, $264 per week for non-members.

River Exploration Camp is just one of the ways the Coalition and YMCA Southcoast are partnering to get kids exploring the Bay and watershed this summer. As part of a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Coalition will provide Bay stewardship programs for campers at Camp Massasoit in Mattapoisett and Camp Frederick Douglass in New Bedford. Campers of all ages will engage in hands-on, exploratory activities designed to connect them to their Bay. This partnership allows the Coalition to further its mission of helping people discover Buzzards Bay while providing new opportunities for the Y’s summer camp programming.

YMCA Southcoast has been a leading provider of quality day camp programs for more than 50 years. Camp Massasoit and Camp Frederick Douglass collectively serve hundreds of local children, ranging from ages 5 to 14. This summer, the Buzzards Bay Coalition will put a Bay stewardship focus on camp activities. Children at Camp Frederick Douglass will help to clean up New Bedford by learning about recycling, conducting litter cleanups, and exploring some creatures that call New Bedford harbor their home. At Camp Massasoit, campers will muck around in the salt marsh, explore the intertidal zone, and discover the diversity of plant life at camp. All activities are designed to tap into campers’ natural curiosity and desire to explore. They will form a bond with the natural environment that will last a lifetime.

Through River Exploration Camp and other YMCA Southcoast summer camps, your children will form lasting relationships with their peers and the local environment. To register for a camp, visit www.ymcasouthcoast.org. For more information about the Coalition’s summer camp programs, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/Camps.

In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its’ tenth anniversary. To celebrate, they are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of the commercial fishing industry in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of May explores the Cultural Mosaic of the Working Port.

Friday May 17 – Film Screening: In Altro Mare
National Park Theater, 7:00 PM, FREE

Gloucester, Massachusetts is home to over 6,000 residents of Sicilian origin, many of them from the town of Terrasini, near Palermo. In Altro Mare looks at fishermen, their families, and the community established by the Italian Americans of Gloucester. Director and anthropologist Franco La Cecla interweaves the stories of Gloucester Sicilians with those of immigrants who returned to live and work in Terrasini, suggesting a diasporic experience of being caught between two worlds. The film pays particular attention to changes in the fishing industry that have challenged the viability of smaller-scale independent fishing in Gloucester, such as environmental regulation and globalization. The film will be followed by a discussion about the historical and present role of immigrants on the New Bedford waterfront.

Thursday, May 30 – Cultures of the Port in Song and Story
New Bedford Art Museum, 7:00 PM, FREE

The Port of New Bedford is dominated by fishing families who emigrated from Portugal and Norway. Join us for an evening of music and conversation with Ana Vinagre (Portuguese fado singer) and Luana Josvold (Norwegian accordion) who will share songs and tunes from their homelands, and retired fishermen Reidar Bendiksen and Manny Vinagre who will talk about fishing in the old country.

The Working Waterfront Festival is a project of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA, a non-profit organization. The FREE festival, a family friendly, educational celebration of New England’s commercial fishing industry, features live maritime and ethnic music, fishermen’s contests, fresh seafood, vessel tours, author readings, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and more. It all takes place in New Bedford, MA, America’s #1 fishing port, on the last full weekend of September. Navigate to us at www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org.

With temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s throughout the weekend, there is no excuse to head out and partake in the many events, activities and general goings-on. It’ll be mostly sunny, sunny, and partly cloudy for each respective day of the weekend. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar  where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. 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, May 3rd

Tryworks Open Mike – Featuring: Aaron Alves (7:00 pm -10:00 pm) Tryworks open mic welcomes all, poets, singers, dancers, comics; whatever you bring come join the fun and “let your little light shine.” The featured performer for May is Aaron Alves whose set will take place from 8:00 pm-8:45 pm. Tryworks Auditorium is located in the rear of the First Unitarian Church in New Bedford.

Celtic by Candlelight Featuring The Shenanagans (8:00 pm-11:00 pm)
Head to the Celtic Coffee House for another edition of Celtic by Candlelight, this time featuring the Irish music of The Shenanagans. Enjoy the candlelit ambiance with a glass of wine and an entree from their new menu. FREE admission. All are welcome. The Celtic is increasingly becoming a bigger and bigger player in the music scene and are booked months ahead. The Celtic now serves alcohol, so you won’t have to order coffee and stay up all night!

Saturday, May 4th

Antiques Appraisal Day with Skinner Inc. (9:00 pm -4:00 pm)
Now’s your chance! Find out what your antiques are worth and support educational opportunities for the New Bedford Public Schools at the New Bedford Education Foundation’s “Antiques Appraisal Day” with Skinner, Inc. at the Wamsutta Club. The New Bedford Education Foundation, Skinner Inc., Southcoast Media Group, New Bedford Credit Union, Partners Insurance Group, and Advance Air are teaming up in support of educational opportunities for New Bedford public schools students beyond what can be funded through the local school budget through grants to teachers and non-profits. Chris Barber and Kerry Shrives, experts from Skinner, will evaluate your prized objects in this popular event.

Bladder Cancer Walk (9:00 am -11:00 am)
You can hardly go through life today without knowing someone affected by cancer. Here’s a chance to help those affected by this horrible disease and do something healthy. There will be a $5 walking fee.

Fort Taber World War I Living History Encampment Day 1: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Fort Taber~Fort Rodman Historical Association Inc. invites the public to attend a FREE World War I Living History Encampment at Fort Rodman this weekend. Re-enactors portraying American, Canadian, German and Austro-Hungarian soldiers will be present to exhibit items and to talk about the soldiers of the First World War (1914-1918). The event will take place on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside Fort Rodman at Fort Taber Park located at 1000C South Rodney French Bouleveard in New Bedford. For more information, please call the museum at 508-994-3938.

ArtWorks! Kentucky Lucky 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Dartmouth, MA)
Bring is a hat and your creativity to UMass Dartmouth University Club from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and enjoy Generous hors’d’oeuves and a complimentary Mint Julep! The best hats to the Derby will win prizes! From 2-4 p.m try the hat workshop at ArtWorks! Supplies will be provided. RSVP ArtWorks! www.artworksforyou.org or Call 508.984.1588.

TL6’s 5th Birthday Celebration 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wear your TENACIOUS LILLY jewelry and join TL6 for their 5th birthday celebration and enjoy a night of sales and promotions! Get 30% OFF any new TL jewelry, and ALL MARUCA DESIGN handbags, purses & wallets. 20% OFF all GLASS EYE STUDIO. 10% OFF all hanging glass balls & disks and Enchanted World of Boxes. There will be a raffle, door prizes, cupcakes and wine too! You get all this plus friendly conversation & awesome local art! Jenny & Arianna. 508-992-8100.

May Family Movie Night Benefiting The American Cancer Society 8:00 pm-10:00 pm – Acushnet
The Silverbrook Farm of Acushnet is proud to have a long track record of assisting and supporting special causes all around Southern New England, and with this showing of THE FOX and THE HOUND they will offer a portion of every admission to go to the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’s RELAY FOR LIFE! At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds you raise truly make a difference in the fight against cancer – just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year! For more information about this event click on the title above.

Celtic by Candlelight feat. Brittney Wells & Zach Comtois 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Head to the Celtic for another edition of their popular Celtic by Candlelight series, this time featuring Indie Acoustic Rock performed by the talented Brittney Wells and Zach Comtois. Enjoy the candlelit ambiance with a glass of wine and an entree from thei new menu. Free admission. All are welcome!

Captain Sig & Friends from Deadliest Catch 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Spend an evening with Captain Sig Hansen, from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, who will be joined by fellow crew members straight from Dutch Harbor. Get an intimate glimpse into the treacherous world of crab fishing, as the guys share their experiences, never before seen home video, a survival suit contest, and a question and answer session – no topic is off limits! In addition to this performance, the Working Waterfront Festival will host several events that celebrate New Bedford’s rich fishing heritage.

Linked with this performance is The Z’s pre-performance book club discussion of North by Northwestern: A Seafaring Family on Deadly Alaskan Waters by Sig Hansen and Mark Sundeen. 6PM. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, May 5th

Nasketucket Bay Bike Tour 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Mattapoisett
Challenge yourself! Tour the Nasketucket Bay watershed on this nine-mile guided bike tour hosted by the Coalition’s land protection staff. The tour will begin at the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking lot on Brandt Beach Ave, heading along the Phoenix/Mattapoisett Bike Path to a nature overlook on Sconticut Neck Road. There, participants will take a snack break and learn about the Coalition’s effort to protect 400 acres of land around Nasketucket Bay. Then the group will bike back to the parking area. This bay adventure is free! Reservations are required, contact Alicia Pimental at 508-999-6363 x226 or pimental@savebuzzardsbay.org.

Book Reading, Orchard Planting, and Victory Park Clean Up 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Connecting for Change: A Bioneers by the Bay Conference (CFC), a program of the Marion Institute, is excited to invite you to get your hands dirty and help us plant an orchard with the orchard donation recipients, the New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation, and Beaches, on Sunday, May 5th from 10am-1pm. This free event will take place at Victory Park, located at 244 Brock Ave. in the South End of New Bedford, MA. For more info: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/orchard-planting-park-clean-up/2013/04/30

John Lauter; Mighty Wurlitzer 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Presented by the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society, and featuring the talents of John Lauter, this musical celebration of spring stars The Z’s Wurlitzer pipe organ. Originally designed to take the place of an entire orchestra for the accompaniment of silent films and live acts, this versatile instrument is a musical and mechanical wonder, capable of playing popular music from ragtime to rock and roll. Joining John will be participants from the New Bedford Public Schools performing arts program. Tickets are $15.00.

Fort Taber World War I Living History Encampment Day 2: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fort Taber~Fort Rodman Historical Association Inc. invites the public to attend a World War I Living History Encampment at Fort Rodman this weekend. Re-enactors portraying American, Canadian, German and Austro-Hungarian soldiers will be present to exhibit items and to talk about the soldiers of the First World War (1914-1918). The free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside Fort Rodman at Fort Taber Park located at 1000C South Rodney French Bouleveard in New Bedford. For more information, please call the museum at 508-994-3938.

Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy 8:00 pm -10:00 pm- Fall River
Carl Palmer is perhaps best known as a founding member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) and Asia. He is also one of the most respected drummers in rock and roll history. As part of his world tour, Palmer will be promoting the release of his new DVD called “Decade” that will be available at the show. He’ll also be serving up an evening of classic ELP music in a show that will last nearly two hours. Joining Mr. Palmer onstage will be guitarist Paul Bielatowicz and bassist Simon Fitzpatrick. A meet and greet will follow for anyone who purchased a ticket.

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