July brings us to the sweet spot of summer on the South Coast! From sailing to concerts to meandering drives on country lanes, you'll find something you love on our 8 Great Things list this month.
1. Plein Air Festival
Through July 17, the Fairhaven Summer Art Gallery has a plein air festival happening throughout Fairhaven with various prizes awarded. We're particularly excited for their July 5 event at Carvalho Farm, where artists of all abilities are encouraged to paint one of its many different scenes from sun-dappled meadows to the massive Indian Rock with majestic marsh views. Free. More here. For the July 5 event, go to Carvalho Farm, 201 Shaw Road, Fairhaven.
2. Sail Away
The Buzzards Bay Coalition has sailing lessons for kids and adults at their Onset Bay Center. But if you simply want to enjoy being a passenger, join them on Wednesday nights for a sail around Onset Bay in their majestic Drascombe Gig. $10. Wednesdays at 5:00. More here.
3. Party at the Zoo
Kids LOVE the Toe Jam Puppet Band. Every Monday throughout the summer, the Buttonwood Park Zoo brings the Toe Jam Puppet Band in for a concert. Enjoy the concert, enjoy the zoo. A win-win to brighten every Monday. Performances at 10 and 11:30 am weekly. $10 per family + zoo admission. More info here.
4. Let the Music Wash Over You
For over 25 years, world class musicians have converged in Marion to put on a music festival that makes you proud of the South Coast. 5 days of free concerts: orchestral, jazz, chamber music. This year, they have an internationally acclaimed guest conductor for the orchestral shows. Don’t miss it! Mark your calendars to take in at least a couple of shows. Free. July 9-13, Wednesday - Saturday at 7:30 pm. Sunday at 2 pm. More here.
5. Books, Books, Books!
Over 30,000 books were sold at last year's Westport Book Fair, all donated to support the Friends Meeting. Surely, you need to pick up some new beach reading -- come to the book fair! 858 Main Road, Westport. July 12-20. More information and daily hours here.
6. Taste of the Town
It's the annual kickoff to Mattapoisett Harbor Days. Roam Mattapoisett's quaint village and historic wharf, with the opportunity to purchase and nosh on local restaurants' offerings. Bring your chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the Showstoppers. July 15 from 5 to 7 pm. Show is free. Food available for purchase. More here.
7. In Search of Osprey
Our Walking Book Tour features Pamela Lowell with her book My Summer With Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Toward Hope, Community and Healing Our Planet. Led by Lowell and a naturalist from the Lloyd Center, we'll walk the trails, look for ospreys, and enjoy some readings from the book. Free but pre-registration is required. July 20 from 2 to 4 pm. More here.
8. Country Roads
Dozens of artists throw open their studio doors for the weekend and the settings are as inspiring as the artwork, which represent all forms of art – painting, pottery, sculpture, furniture making and more. Don’t miss it! Free. July 19 and 20. More info here, along with info on how to download the map.
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