Our 21+ after-hours First Fridays feature fun entertainment amongst fine art collections and artifacts, complete with signature cocktails or mocktails and delicious complimentary lite bites on the first Friday of every month.
We’re thrilled to present a special edition performance by Jason Smith’s band, The Hot Club Cheese Roll (HCCR) sextet. Get ready to dust off your dancing shoes for a toe-tapping, stylish evening of music that combines timeless jazz standards with an irresistible rhythm!
The Moonbellies deliver an entertaining mix of original music, Americana, Old-Time, Québécois, Irish, and Cajun tunes, blending charm, charisma, and exceptional talent.
Experience an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and connection at the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s First Fridays series. This special program features acclaimed Malian percussionist Sidy Maïga and his ensemble, Afrimanding, as they take you on a journey through the rich traditions of West African drumming and the vibrant global rhythms it inspires.
Enjoy an extraordinary evening of art, history, and live music featuring Joaquim Santos & Friends, blending funk, soul, R&B, and pop. With galleries open after hours, a cash bar, complimentary lite bites, and high-energy beats, this 21+ event promises an unforgettable night out.
Celebrate Independence Day with a night of live music, community, and fireworks at the New Bedford Whaling Museum! This special First Friday features a high-energy performance by New Bedford’s own The Jethros, followed by a spectacular view of the city’s fireworks display from the Museum’s Harbor View Terrace.
A special First Friday event at the Whaling Museum, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cape Verdean independence. This evening of culture and music features a live performance by the acclaimed KabuJazz Ensemble, led by the dynamic Candida Rose Baptista with musical direction by J. L. Santos Spencer.
Past First Fridays
Join us for an encore performance of this silent film screening accompanied by live music! “Down to the Sea in Ships” is a 1922 American romantic drama, directed by Elmer Clifton. In this silent film, whalers go harpooning, leaving a Quaker maiden behind in 19th-century New Bedford, MA. Musical score will be performed live by pianist Jennifer A. Maxwell.
The Spindle Rock River Rats’ repertoire is an eclectic blend of music genres, that includes bluegrass, gospel, sea shanties, old-time fiddle tunes, folk and blues.
Celebrate National Authors’ Day at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. A day packed full of literary delights, in appreciation of the authors that spent countless hours writing our favorite books!
Courtney M. Leonard (Shinnecock, b.1980) is a multi-media installation artist, ceramicist, and filmmaker, who has contributed to the Offshore Art movement. Leonard’s current work embodies the multiple definitions of “breach”, an exploration and documentation of historical ties to water, whale and material sustainability.
Sip, stroll, and sketch at the New Bedford Whaling Museum during our next First Friday. You are encouraged to sketch something tactile inspired the Wider World and Scrimshaw exhibitions, or other collections, or simply let your imagination run wild. Cash bar and lite bites available for this 21+ event.
Back by popular demand, Aoife Clancy and Eddie Dillion will return to the music with Celtic and Americana music.
Come celebrate Independence Day with the New Bedford Whaling Museum, from our Harbor View Gallery! This 21+ afterhours night out, features access to all museum galleries, followed by a cocktail party with the best harbor view in the city!
The Moonbellies perform an entertaining mix of originals, Americana, Old-time, Quebecois, Irish and Cajun music.
The Zunzún Trio has an exciting rapport, ranging from modern jazz to Afro- Caribbean rhythms. They will bring original pieces to music by Thelonious Monk and Bebo Valdés.
Musician Joaquin Santos and The Dope Lotus are known for their distinctive soulful vocals, tight funky grooves, and poetic authenticity to their musical story.
