When July arrives here, it really arrives. We’re a day late getting this blog post up because we were in a heat coma yesterday. But we’re back with our 8 Great Things list. Not to be confused with our Fourth of July holiday happenings list which will be up tomorrow so that you can plan your patriotic activities.
1. Get Folksy
100 artists, 8 stages, and 2 days of folk music at annual favorite, the New Bedford Folk Festival! One weekend every July, folk artists congregate in downtown New Bedford, playing 10 hours of continuous music each day. The festival takes over the Historic Whaling district, filling the Zeiterion and spilling out into the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park. The event features craft and food vendors and a family area on top of the non-stop music. July 7 -8,$30 for one day, $40 for two day pass, New Bedford Historic District. See here for more.
2. Wild-avore
South Coast fun fact of the month: Westport is home to over 70 (that’s right SEVENTY!) species of wild edible plants. Move over farm-to-table, we’re doing field to mouth! Join the Westport Land Conservation Trust and expert foragers on this two hour walk through Westport Town Farm, learning how to identify 18 species of edible wild plant along the way. The walk will teach you how to become the truest local eater, with information on how to find and prepare edible plants in a safe and environmentally friendly way. The event requires pre-registration, email Brendan@WestportLandTrust. July 10, 2:00. Suggested donation of $10. See more here.
3. Block-a-Palooza
Free live music and thousands of your closest friends, family, and neighbors? What could be better! It’s block-a-palooza, the biggest block party in Fall River. Musical headliners this year include Kat Wright and local favorite Quinn Sullivan (check out this video of Quinn wowing Ellen Degeneris when he was just 6 years old). This July, take it to the streets and jam out to some rock and roll (for free!). July 12, 6:00. South Main Street, Fall River. In case of rain, the party moves indoors to the Narrows Center for the Arts. See more here.
4. Tunes & Brews with Down the Road Beer Co.
Summer dream: sitting by the water, beer in hand, serenaded by live music, watching the sunset. The South Wharf Yacht Yard and Marina, partnering with Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT), is making the dream come true. Join them for their “Tunes & Brews” series event on July 20th, featuring tunes by Ken Richards and brews by Down the Road Beer Co. Best of all, donations from this event will go to DNRT and help them protect more than 5,000 acres of land. July 20, 5 – 8 p.m. South Wharf Yacht Yard and Marina, 218 Elm Street, Dartmouth. See more here.
5. Maria, I Just Met A Girl Named Maria….
Every summer, the New Bedford Festival Theatre brings the excitement of Broadway theater to the South Coast! This July, the theatre presents West Side Story for 7 nights, bringing the drama, love, and tragedy of the classic musical to the Zeiterion. July 20-22, 26-29. Tickets $39-$59. 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. Find out more here.
6. Outdoor Movies!
We don’t have drive-ins anymore but we DO have outdoor movies. Onset and Fairhaven are keeping the family entertained this summer. Every Thursday through August 9, the Onset Bay Association shows a movie feature at the bandshell. Storks (July 5), Power Rangers (July 12), Little Pony (July 19), Rock Dog (July 26), Leap! (August 2) and Black Panther (August 9). Check out the OBA website for more info.
Fairhaven invites everyone to bring their beach chairs and picnic blankets for the screening of Disney’s Coco projected on the big screen in Livesy Park. Before the movie, enjoy face-painting, food, ice cream, games and activities. The event is free. July 21 (rain date: July 22). 6 – 11 p.m. (movie begins at 8:15). See more here.
7. Harbor Days 2018
The Mattapoisett Harbor Days are jam packed with fun, starting with the triathlon on July 15th and culminate in the weekend events. Festivities take place in Shipyard Park and feature live music, strawberry shortcake, a fish fry, crafters, vendors and good food, as well as a lobsterfest on Sunday. The proceeds allow the Lion’s clubs to support sponsored charities and the Mattapoisett community. July 21-22. See more here.
8. Moonlight Kayak Tour
Experience the magic of sunset (and moonrise) on the water thanks to the Lloyd Center for the Environment. After some brief kayaking instruction, head out on the water for a leisurely paddle and sight seeing adventure in the Westport River. Kayakers of any level are welcome to participate, registration required by July 25th. July 27, 6:30-9pm, $65 members, $80 members. See more here.
AND ONE EXTRA TIP FOR JULY:
What’s better than Battleship Cove? Battleship Cove for free!! Experience all of the magic at Battleship Cove with no charge on July 6, including their maritime museum and Fall River Carousel and the experience of a maritime sailor. With thanks to the Highland Street Foundation. 5 Water Street, Fall River. See more here.
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