South Coast Weekend Guide (July 29-31)

ali piva author photo
by Ali Piva

New Bedford’s weather forecast for the weekend is predicting hot temperatures, and mostly sunny skies.  There will be clouds and isolated thunderstorms on Friday, with temperature highs up to 79°F. Skies will clear up on Saturday with a forecast of partly cloudy and temperature highs up to 90°F.  Sunday should be a beautiful beach day, with clear skies and temperature highs up to 86°F.

This weekend, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, celebrate nightlife, enjoy the arts, benefit a good cause, or attend a show at the local theatre.  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, JULY 29

A Chorus Line Zeiterion New BedfordSpend the evening at the theatre!  Friday is the opening night for “A Chorus Line,” a musical presented by the New Bedford Festival Theatre at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (684 Purchase St.). “A Chorus Line” will be at the Z for a short time – only a two weekend run, so don’t miss out on this performance! Tickets are $30-$45; for showtimes and to purchase tickets, check HERE.

From The Z: “Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and 9 Tony Awards, A CHORUS LINE is a stunning musical about a chorus audition for a Broadway musical. It relates the poignant ambitions of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre, the chorus dancers, and in doing so becomes a celebration of the American Musical itself and a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. Memorable musical numbers include: I Can Do That, At the Ballet, Dance: Ten; Looks: Three, The Music and the Mirror, One (Singular Sensation) and the perennial What I Did for Love. BROADWAY’S BEST MUSICAL….EVER!!”

For nightlife, check out Mister Zero band at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St.), or enjoy listening to Vintage Soul at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.), both performing at 9:30pm.

For more events, check HERE.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Coast Guard Eagle Ship New Bedford
U.S. Coast Guard’s ship Eagle FREE public tours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Start the morning with some exercise.  Try out a yoga class at Yoga On Union (corner of Johnny Cake Hill and Union St.).  Saturday morning offers two classes; 8am-9:15am or 9:30am-11am.  Cost is 5 classes for $60, 10 classes for $110, and $13 for drop-ins.  For more information on yoga in the area, check HERE.

Want to do a good deed and support a wonderful cause?  Animal Advocates is having a yard sale from 9am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday of this weekend.  The event is being held at 153 Rockland Ave., in South Dartmouth.  Proceeds from the yard sale will benefit homeless dogs and cats, as well as helping pet owners who are unable to financially support their animals.

Do something different this afternoon, and spend time aboard the U.S. Coast Guard’s ship, the Eagle, which will moor at State Pier in New Bedford for the weekend.  This is a truly exceptional and unique experience!  Bring the kids or your friends and explore this 295-foot square-rigger.  The tall ship will be open for public tours starting Friday, as well as Saturday and Sunday.  Tours are free and will be held on Friday from 1-5 PM, Saturday from 1-7 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM-7 PM.  Parking will also available for free at Elm Street Garage.

If you’re looking for another good cause to support while having a great time outdoors, head over to UMass Dartmouth (285 Old Westport Rd.) for the Dartmouth Police’s ninth annual Concert on the Green fundraising event.  Gates to the the UMass Dartmouth Vietnam Veterans Peace Memorial Ampitheatre open at 4 PM and will feature a family-friendly, picnic style event.  If you never stopped believing, make sure you’re at UMass Dartmouth Saturday night at 8 PM for the highlight of the night – a concert by SCARAB, the Journey Tribute Band! For more information on the Concert on the Green event, please call (508) 910-1735. All proceeds benefit the Dartmouth Police Relief Association and Athletic League.

For nightlife, listen to the musical stylings of local, alternative, rock band, the J. Kelley Band, at Ice Chest Bar and Grille (136 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven) at 9 PM.  Craig De Melo will be at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St.) after 9:30 PM, or check out Lesser Knowns at No Problemo (813 Purchase St.) at 10 PM. Vintage Soul will be playing again at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.), Saturday night at 9:30 PM.

For more events, check HERE.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Start Sunday-Funday with a walk around Buttonwood Park.  Or take your family to explore the Buttonwood Park Zoo (425 Hawthorn St.); the zoo is open from 10 AM-5 PM and ticket prices are $6 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and teens, and $3.00 for children ages 3-12.  Support the Buttonwood Park Zoo with your attendance and enjoy a beautiful morning or afternoon with nature and animals.

Or, sleep in and enjoy a late brunch or lunch date at Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front St.) or Dog Day Sundays with your BFF (best furry friend) at Hibernia Irish Pub (109 William St.).

Spend Sunday night Downtown at the Sunday Night Jam Session at Pour Farm (780 Purchase St); starting at 7 PM and hosted by local musician Matt Antunes.  Support independent, local musicians who are looking to get their music out to you!  Want to jam?  Give Matt a shout at straightlacedproductions@comcast.net.