11 major New Bedford area events & festivals to attend: Here’s the when and where for 2025

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As the weather heats up, so do the unique events happening across Greater New Bedford. The area will soon be full of festivals, concerts, and family fun to partake in.

It’s been a rainy spring so far, but with sunshine on the horizon, it’s time to get out of the house for date nights, friend time, and family togetherness.

Whether you want to enjoy live music, taste-test local cuisine, sample a craft beer, or get the thrill of a ride, there is sure to be plenty of excitement coming to the SouthCoast.

 It’s time to grab your calendar and start filling it up with these local events!

Saturday, April 26:  Get ready for a culinary explosion from noon to 5 p.m. with over 30 local food trucks bringing their tasty cuisine to Fort Taber. The family-friendly event will have delicious craft beer, tantalizing food, family games, and live music. Tickets are $5 presale and $10 at the door at 1000 S Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford. For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/new-bedford.

Friday, May 16: Craft beer, friends, and the zoo, what more could you need? This 21+ event from 6 to 9 p.m. is filled with unlimited wine and beer samplings, animal encounters, and live entertainment. It costs $55 per person ($30 for a designated driver) with general admission and $90 per person ($40 for a designated driver) for a VIP experience.  Find your new favorite drink at Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford. Get your tickets at https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/red-white-and-brew-at-the-zoo.

Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26: Every Memorial Day weekend Cathedral Camp Grounds becomes full of laughter, the scent of fried foods, and a sense of community.  The family day has amusement rides for all ages, a variety of decadent food booths, tricky game booths, a classic car show, and a giant barn sale. Admission is free and the fun begins at 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown.

Saturday, June 7: Get ready to indulge in fresh oysters and support the local aquaculture scene at the 2nd annual New Bedford Oysterfest. Hosted by Cisco Brewers and the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, this event promises a variety of hand-shucked oysters from top growers in the region, along with craft beers and cocktails, live music, and stunning views right on the waterfront. Tickets are available presale for $35 or $40 at the event, find yours here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-bedford-oysterfest-2025-tickets-1290261600179.

Saturday, June 14: A day spent celebrating local wineries and food artisans while sampling a variety of wines, cheeses, and chocolates. This 21+ event has three sessions for you to choose from all including a logo wine glass. Sessions start at $50 per person with a $20 ticket available for the designated driver. Don’t miss trying these local specialties at the Westport Fairgrounds, 200 Pinehill Road, Westport. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-cheese-chocolate-festival-2025-tickets-1079299005379.

Sunday, June 15: Rain or shine, this event is all about the juicy red fruit we all know and love. Fun for the whole family from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with homemade strawberry shortcake, great food, an assortment of crafters, and live music. Check it out at the Bandstand, South Main Street, Assonet.

Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 13: Exciting rides, mouthwatering food, and endless fun await at the Whaling City Festival. Bring the whole family to experience 15 thrilling rides and a lively midway at New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park. Purchase your online wristband megapass for special deals.

Saturday, July 19: Get ready for an unforgettable day of music, art, and community at the 3rd annual NB Roots & Branches Fest. This year’s festival boasts an expanded lineup and new venues to bring a truly unique experience to New Bedford. From folk to jazz to Cape Verdean dance music and a performance by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s string quartet, there’s something for everyone at this festival.

Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July, 20: Get ready for a weekend of fun and festivities, when Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park will be taken over by vendors, entertainment, delicious food, raffles and more. With over 100 vendors, strawberry shortcake, Lobsterfest, and live music, there is fun for everyone.

Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 3: The much-anticipated feast is a weekend chocked full of Portuguese cuisine, local entertainment, carnival rides and games, and a huge parade. There is a family day filled with kid-themed activities, non-stop live music, and incredible food and wine. Join the culture, history, and tradition at 50 Madeira Ave., New Bedford.

Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 28: The Westport Fairgrounds will again be teaming with an autumn-themed event full of live music, fall food, an artisan market, and antique trucks. Tickets can be purchased at the event and are $10 for adults; $5 for children 5 to 12; and free for children younger than 5. Make sure to check out all the fall garden displays at 200 Pine Hill Road, Westport.