We’re smack dab into summer now with just a little evening coolness to remind us that we should savor it. Our best tip for savoring summer: pick one or two of our 8 Great Things and use them to create a lovely summer 2025 memory.
1. The Feast
It’s the largest Portugese Feast in the world and it’s happening here! Take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy the 40 foot barbecue pit, the wine, the barracas (food stands) and latada (grape arbor), all designed to make you feel like you’re in Madeira. Now through Sunday, August 3. More here.
2. Roll On!
Moon Roller Disco…what does it mean? We don’t know, we only know that we want to find out. And this month, New Moon party gives us the chance at Buttonwood Park. Bring your skates (there will be a few loaner pairs available for those who don’t own skates). Free. August 9 from 3 to 7 pm. Kids’ skating lesson at 3; adult skating lesson at 3:30. More here.
3. Art on the Farm Coast
Still two weekends this summer to watch artists work in their natural habitats. Today through Sunday, drive to visit studios in bucolic settings on The Art Drive. Then, on August 16 and 17, check out some more on the SouthCoast Artists Open Studios Tour. Free (unless you decide to buy something!). Art Drive info here. SouthCoast Artists Open Studios info here.
4. Ride! Ride! Ride!
The Buzzards Bay Coalition is anticipating its October 5 Watershed Ride by having a series of mini-watershed rides this month. Join Vernon who always includes fun themes to motivate folks to ride (think coffee/smoothie, beer, sundaes, raffles!) with his 13+ mile bike rides with various destinations, times and mileages throughout the watershed. All are free (but bring your bike) On August 10 at 7 am (Coastal Roasters), August 16 at 3 (Buzzards Bay Brewing, August 24 at 5 (Fort Phoenix) August 31 at 8 (Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth). Free but please register here.
5. Aha!
Every second Thursday in downtown New Bedford is alive with fun and free events as part of Aha! This month, theme is Summer in the Seaport — we’ll be checking out the Puzzical Chairs in front of The Drawing Room where the challenge is to assemble a 24 piece jigsaw puzzle with a partner for the duration of a song. When the song changes, so do the partners and puzzles! We’ll also be checking out the scallop shucking contest at the Fishing Heritage Center. Free. August 14 from 4 to 9 pm. Pick your Aha! activities here.
6. Food Truck Fun
Food trucks are back at the Gates of the City of Fall River. With live music, the historic waterfront and Braga Bridge illuminating the night, the vibes are great. Wander around and figure out what’s for dinner! August 14, 5 to 8:30. More here.
7. Onset Street Painting Festival
Always one of our favorite summer festivals… Onset sidewalk squares are transformed into vibrant canvases for chalk. Wander around enjoying the creativity happening at your feet, vote for your favorites and enjoy the village on one of its most colorful days. Free (but $5 if you want to paint a square, chalk is provided). August 16 from 9 to 4. More here.
8. Jazz Jam
We love this Marion Art Center Tradition where they invite their house band to jam with community members to interpret jazz standards. Bring your instrument if you want to improvise with them; bring just yourself if you want to listen. $25. August 30 from 7 to 9:30. More here (including how to sign up if you want to join as a musician.
* * *
We’ve always got more Can’t Miss events in our calendar in the print issues. Become a subscriber today and keep the fun rolling all year long!
Just $24.99 for 4 issues!