New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The weather forecast for this weekend predicts partly cloudy skies Friday and Saturday, with isolated thunderstorms on Sunday. Temperature highs will be up to 82°F.
This weekend, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, enjoy nightlife, benefit a good cause, or celebrate Portuguese heritage here in New Bedford. As always, most events discussed here are from LocalOracle. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them HERE. If you need directions, simply click on the event name for contact info and directions.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
Feast weekend is here! This summer marks the 97th anniversary of the annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. This four-day celebration of Portuguese heritage is the largest Portuguese Feast in the world and is known as New Bedford’s most looked-forward to, signature summer event. New Bedford Guide produced a New Bedford Portuguese Feast Survival Guide that is a must read for all those planning on attending!
The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, or the Madeira Feast as its locally called, actually kicked off Thursday night. The Feast is traditionally held at Madeira field, 50 Madeira Ave. From LocalOracle: “Since 1915, Portuguese from throughout New England gather annually for a few days in New Bedford to celebrate what organizers claim to be the largest Portuguese festival in the world. Madeira wine, malasadas, linguiça and giant skewers are just a few of the fabulous aromas that draw tens of thousands of visitors.”
Definitely check out the Madeira Feast this weekend for yummy malasadas, the ever-popular carne d’espeto (beef-on-a-stick!), and of course the Madeira wine! For information on all the delicious food available, check HERE. For a detailed history of the Feast, please check HERE. For more information on the Feast, please check HERE. The Feast is held from August 4-7 this year, and admission is FREE.
A few highlights from the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament: “The Feast features continuous live Portuguese and American entertainment on four performance stages. There is no charge for admission or entertainment. If there’s one thing visitors to The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament remember, it’s the fabulous food and refreshing beverages. Whether one starts with a tasty linguiça sandwich or a complete meal of Portuguese style chicken, beef, goat or tuna with potatoes, rice and vegetables, there is something to please every palate.”
For nightlife, definitely check out the Feast! If you’re looking to indulge with some Madeira wine, or any alcoholic beverage for that matter, be sure to have proper ID. Alcohol will not be served to anyone who is under 21 years of age or who does not have proper identification. All IDs are scanned and corresponding wristbands are to be worn by those enjoying liquor. Just an FYI!
For other nightlife, check out Pearly Baker at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St.). For music and dancing, check out DJ Eddie Freitas at Ice Chest Bar and Grille (136 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven). Or there’s the In-House DJs at Hibernia (109 William St.) and Catwalk Bar and Grille (34 Union St.).
For a full list of events at the Feast, check HERE.
For other events, check HERE.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
Start Saturday morning by burning off the calories of that malasadas from last night, with the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament’s 11th Annual 5K Road Race! The Road Race is scheduled for 10am Saturday morning. The race begins at the intersection of Belleville Ave. and Hathaway St. For more information, or to register for the race, please check HERE.
Or if you’d rather relax instead of running a 5K, start the morning with an hour-long vinyassa style yoga class offered by Yoga at Fort Tabor Park (1000 Rodney French Blvd.). Classes are $5 with a portion of the proceeds benefiting local charities. Attendees are asked to bring a mat or towel and water.
Don’t forget, that this is the second (and last!) weekend to check out “A Chorus Line,” a musical presented by the New Bedford Festival Theatre at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (684 Purchase St.). This weekend is the last opportunity to see “A Chorus Line” at the Z this summer. Tickets are $30-$45; for showtimes and to purchase tickets, check HERE.
For nightlife, enjoy the musical stylings of Jordohn Bileau at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St.), Red Eye Flight at Black Watch Pub (266 Dartmouth St.), or the Relics at Ice Chest Bar and Grille (136 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven).
For a full list of events at the Feast, check HERE.
For other events, check HERE.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
Don’t miss the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament’s annual parade! The parade is held every year, and includes representation from over 40 different organizations. The parade starts at 2 PM and the parade route is from Brooklawn Park (1997 Acushnet Ave.) to the Feast Grounds at Madeira Field (50 Madeira Ave.).
Or star in your own parade with a Walking Tour of New Bedford – a free guided walking tour of the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park and departs from the National Park Visitor Center. Tours are held 10:30am-11:30am or 2:30pm-3:30pm. Comfy sneakers recommended! For more information on Walking Tours, check out NBG’s article HERE.
For a full list of events at the Feast, check HERE.
For other events, check HERE
Enjoy the Feast and have a safe, happy weekend!
