14 Things to Do This Weekend (28-30 Sept)

Last weekend kicked off the major fall event schedule with Oktoberfest, WHALE’s International Wine Festival and several other great events. This weekend is sure to be just as enjoyable! The weather doesn’t look great, but that shouldn’t stop you from having a great time this weekend. 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 28th

Music at the Running Brook Vineyard (6-8 p.m.)

Listen to Jeff Dunn for free at the Running Brook Vinyard (335 Old Fall River Road, Dartmouth). For more info call (508) 985-1998.

Live Funk/Soul/Rock Show at Miller’s Homeport (9 p.m. – 1 a.m.)

Sometimes I feel like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day when checking out live music in the New Bedford area. While we have some GREAT local musicians, it’s always nice to experience a new band or style. Miller’s Homeport (24 Cove Road, South Dartmouth) promises, “explosive funk, soul and rockin’ music of the B.O.C. Allstars feat Nikki Glaspie and Nigel Hall.” For those that don’t know much about these performers: “Nikki G is considered the best female funk drummer in the world and has played for Beyonce, Chaka Kahn, Dumpstaphunk, State Radio, Sam Kininger, and hundreds of other incredible musicians. Nigel Hall is a sensational singer and keys player who performs with Warren Haynes, Soulive, Lettuce and Adam Dietch.”

Saturday, September 29th

The Working Waterfront Festival (29-30 September)

In 2010, the Working Waterfront Festival was selected by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a top 30 must attend event. The festival continues to improve each year with more entertainment and activities. The FREE event takes place September 29th and 30th on the working piers and waterfront parks of the historic Port of New Bedford. Free parking is available at the Elm Street Garage with a free shuttle to the Festival. Full details on the Festival can be found here: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/working-waterfront-festival/2012/08/06

The Great Pumpkin Beer Festival (3-10 p.m.)

The Pour Farm Tavern (780 Purchase Street) is hosting this beer festival in Wings Court just behind the bar. Tons of regional breweries will be showcasing their pumpkin flavored beer and other alcoholic beverages, and the live music includes Weezah (4 p.m.), Rhythm Whores, Chris Evil & The Blood Moons and Horror Business (8 p.m.). Brown Jug will continue the music inside Pour Farm at 10 p.m. Admission is free, but the beer costs money!

The 8th Annual New Bedford Open Studios (29-30 September)

This once-a-year event showcases a wide array of art and artisanry in the Massachusetts South Coast region. Come tour artists’ studios, watch demonstrations, and purchase unique gifts and fine art in one of America’s most artistic cities. Visit their website for studio locations and artist lists. Full details: http://www.newbedfordopenstudios.org/

The New Bedford Unopen Studios Tour (29-30 September)

Branded as add on event (some would say an alternative) to the Open Studios weekend, Unopen Studios will feature dozens of artists showing off their work at 127 W.Rodney French Blvd. Door #4 on the second floor. Full details on their Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/468130443221553/

The 8th Annual Lakeville Arts & Music Festival (10 am – 4 pm)

Those looking for something similar to the New Bedford Summer Fest will want to check out the Lakeville Arts & Music Festival located at the junction of Routes 108 and 18 and Precinct Street. There is a wide range of music to include blues, folk and Celtic harp, flute, and other instrumentals. There will be tons of artisans selling art, sculptures, jewelry, pottery and other goods. More details with a schedule of events at lakevillearts.com.

Wild Edibles Walk (10am – 12pm)

Sponsored by the Seekonk Land Conservation Trust and the Rehoboth Land Trust, this free 2-hour walk will explore natural foods along a path starting from the home of Tom and Joan Webb. If the weather cooperates, this is a great way to learn about the natural foods that surrounds us all. You must register by calling (508) 636-4693 ext 13 or e-mailing bioreserve@ ttor.org.

100 Thousand Poets For Change (1-4 pm)

Gallery X (169 William Street, New Bedford) is bringing together poets, artists and musicians from around the world to call for environmental, social and political change. Open Mic begins at 12:30 p.m.

Aaron Alves, Dori Legge, Hannah Devine, and Shelley Cardoos Live (7 pm)

Here’s another event where you can catch some new music. The event will be in the hallway of the Bristol Building in between the Travessia Winary and Green Bean. This is a non-alcohol event, so you’ll be enjoying the music with coffee or tea. There is a $5 cover charge. Details here: http://www.facebook.com/events/271416546302230/

Journey with Pat Benatar and Loverboy (7:30 pm)

Looking to relive the 80s? Journey, Pat Benatar and Loverboy are playing at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (1 Lasalle Square, Providence, RI) starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $34.50-$84.50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Sunday, September 30th

3rd Annual Sharon’s Walk (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) walk will be at Fort Taber (1000 Rodney French Boulevard). Proceeds from the event will benefit the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care. Registration begins at 9 a.m with the event kicking-off at 11 a.m. Participants are welcome to join the walk at any time during the event. The family friendly event includes entertainment, refreshments, children’s activities, raffles and more. Free health screenings will also be provided by the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care and the Southcoast Health Van. Full details: http://www.southcoast.org/sharonswalk/

Take the NB Line Shuttle to Fort Taber, Downtown New Bedford or Buttonwood Park (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Until 8 October, the NB Line shuttle will run Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $1 gets you unlimited travel on the shuttle to Fort Taber, around Downtown New Bedford or to Buttonwood Park. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes. Full details with bus routes and schedules here: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-line-shuttle/2012/07/02.

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinatown in Boston

This weekend is the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, and what better way to explore Chinese culture than a visit to Chinatown in Boston?  Here’s a background on the Mid-Autumn Festival and moon cakes, and a list of four of the best places to eat in Chinatown this weekend.: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/day-trips-boston-chinatown/2012/09/28