It’s July! The most perfectly balanced month of the year. Smack dab in the best season of the year with lots of summer still left ahead. Here are our 8 Great Things – our top picks for the month ahead (beside spending time on or beside the water!)
1. Plein Air Festival
Get outside and paint! The second annual Plein Air Festival spotlights the many paint-worthy aspects of Carvalho Farm in Fairhaven. You might even win a prize. Check out the other fun things that Fairhaven Summer Art Gallery is up to this year showcasing the architectural marvels of Fairhaven, including a Gilded Age night at the Millicent Library, a variety show at Town Hall and an Art Gala at the Unitarian Universalist Church. For Plein Air Festival, July 5, 8 am to 1 pm. More on all events here.
2. Our Showiest Dogs
We love how Padanaram Village celebrates the dogs at their Third Annual Dog Show! The whole village is a festive party as it takes place during the Summer Festival. Come cheer on your favorite dogs, stroll through the charming village while you enjoy live music, sidewalk sales and food from a dozen village kitchens. July 25 — Summer Festival is from 9 to 4. Dog show is at 11 am (registration from 9 to 11). More about dog show here.
3. Seaside Concerts
Every year, the Buzzards Bay MusicFest brings in international musicians to wow the crowds at FREE concerts in Marion for five days. From jazz and swing to full orchestra, you’ll find a concert for you. Make this the summer you check out the festival. We promise it’ll become an annual tradition for you! July 15-19, Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 2. Tabor Academy, Marion. More here.
4. Your Big Outdoor Dinner Plan
The Fall River Food Truck festival is this month and it brings a great line up of food trucks, live music, drinks, families strolling along, meetups with friends all against the waterfront backdrop of the Gates of the City. Free entry. July 17, 5 to 8 pm. More here.
5. Come Sail Away!
The Drascombe Gig is back in Onset Bay. Experience Onset in a whole new way! Every Wednesday evening, the Coalition offers a one hour sail for all ages on this special 12 person boat. $10. Wednesdays at 4:45 and 6. Reserve a space here.
6. Artists in the Wild!
It always makes our list because we love driving around the South Coast on Open Studio weekends, experiencing the unique and fabulous studios that so many artists inhabit and create stunning art around here. It’s always a great day. July 18 and 19, 11 to 5, dozens of places throughout Dartmouth, Westport, Tiverton and Little Compton. More here.
7. Try a Tri
The Mattapoisett Lions Club has their annual Triathlon. Swim .25 miles in the harbor, then bike and run, soaking up the coastal scenery! It’ll be so beautiful, you may forget you’re exercising (she says, hopefully)! $85. July 26, starts at 8 am. More here.
8. Paddle for Poker
How do you emphasize the fun in fundraiser? The Sippican Lands Trust answers simply: a poker game in Sippican Harbor! Head out at 4:00 to pick up cards and then join everybody for a bring-your-own picnic following the event. Paddling-related prizes will be awarded for the best hand, most spirited boat, and best decorations! $50 per person. July 28. More here.
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