scene from a Narrows Musicfest with 8 Great Things logo and "August on the South Coast"

8 Great Things: August on the South Coast

8 Great Things logoWe've got a little something entertaining  for everyone this month: comedy, theater, music, art, walking tours, and free fitness! There’s so much to do on the South Coast in August -- put something on your calendar to round out August's wonderful summer vibes.

Plein Air Painting

1. Artists in the Wild

Not one, but two opportunities for a sneak peek into some of the area’s most talented artist’s studios hidden on meandering country roads! The Art Drive happens on August 2, 3 and 4. South Coast Artists Open Studios takes place on August 17 and 18. Both are incredible opportunities to view art of all kinds (from painting and photography, to sculpture and furniture) in the very places where the artists create! Join them. More on Art Drive here. More on South Coast Artists Open studios here.

Watercraft on Onset Beach in front of the Onset Bay Center

2. Get Out on the Water!

The Buzzards Bay Coalition is encouraging us to Seas the Day on August 9 by providing free one-hour rentals for paddleboards and kayaks. But that’s not all! They're also offering free sails on their dingy sailboats, keel sailboat and their launch boat. First come, first served. August 9, 1 to 4 pm. More on Seas the Summer Day here.

Phil Mello in front of a fishing vessel

3. Waterfront Walking Tour

We were lucky enough to join a walking tour of the working waterfront last month led by Phil Mello. Afterwards, we asked the Fishing Heritage Center to plan another tour for our readers because it was so dang good! Mello gives an insider's perspective of the waterfront, having worked in the fishing community for nearly 50 years in a career that included commercial fishing, managing a seafood processing plant, work in marine electronics, and as crew on a tugboat. Most importantly, he’s a great storyteller! August 22 at 9:00. $25 includes the walking tour of the waterfront, plus admission to the Fishing Heritage Center afterwards. All proceeds support the Fishing Heritage Center. Space is limited, reserve yours here.

Shakespeare under the RJD tent
A previous year's Shakespeare play under the RJD tent

4. Summer Shakespeare

Now’s the time to enjoy some fun, free outdoor Shakespeare. At the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, enjoy a version of Twelfth Night which is imaginatively set in a jazz nightclub in 1920s Harlem. August 15-17; 22-24 at 7:30 pm. More here. Over in Onset, enjoy As You Like It at the bandshell and enjoy the famous phrase “All the World’s A Stage” in its proper context. August 5 at 6:30 pm. More here.

Music festival in Fall River

5. Music Fest with a View

The Narrows Center is throwing a free music fest overlooking the Braga Bridge. Food trucks, adult beverages, art, and, oh yeah, some GRAMMY NOTABLES (Dave Alvin won a Grammy and Jimmie Dale Gilmore was nominated for one)!! This is a not-to-be-missed event! August 24 from 4 to 10. More info here. Free admission but you need to reserve tickets here.

Welcome to Frogfoot Farm emblazoned on a rock

6. Tour a Farm!

There’s something exciting happening over in Wareham. The Marion Institute is establishing Frogfoot Farm to provide fresh food for the area’s food insecure (1 in 3 Southeastern MA residents are food insecure). Here's your chance to see this project come to life -- it's an easy way to meet the farmers and learn more. August 14, noon to 1:30. 150 Tihonet Road, Wareham. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch. More here.

Participants in Fitness in the Park

7. Fitness for Everyone!

Fairhaven hosts its 13th summer of free fitness classes in Cushman Park. Enjoy yoga on Tuesdays and boot camp on Thursdays at 8:30 each day. Through August 22. Free and open to the public. Cushman Park, Green Street, Fairhaven. Check the FB page for weather cancellations here.

Comedian on stage at last year's Whale City Festival

8. Yuk it up!

The South Coast’s first and only comedy festival is back in town this month with 9 stand up showcases taking place in unique venues from New Bedford to the deck of the Battleship, featuring over 30 comics from Comedy Central, Conan, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. August 28 to September 1. Various ticket prices, starting at $30. More here.

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