Set sail on an unforgettable adventure at the New Bedford Whaling Museum! Nautical Myths, Legends & Sea Creatures brings the magic of the sea to life with a week of interactive activities, storytelling, and hands-on fun for all ages.

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!

During Women’s History Month, this Local History Guild program will focus on the underexplored histories of women of the South Coast, specifically in New Bedford and Fairhaven. Three speakers will explore how women actively shaped and improved their communities during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Step back in time—and into the present—at this month’s AHA! Night as the Museum brings The New Whaler Bookshop to life in the Jacobs Family Gallery. Originally designed to travel, the bookshop will make a short journey from its current location in the Wattles Gallery, where it is featured as part of the Lighting the Way: SouthCoast Women’s Lives, Labors, Loves exhibition.

A special screening of Sweet Freedom, a compelling 28-minute historical drama set in 1839 New Bedford during the height of the Underground Railroad. The film follows Mary “Polly” Johnson, an Afro-Indigenous confectioner and station master, as she bravely protects those seeking freedom while facing the looming threat of slave hunters.

Join us for a special screening of Malassada Day followed by a panel discussion with Director Dante Bellini and special guests Maria Lawton and Michael Benevides. Part of the Portuguese Lusophone Lecture Series.

Navy Day offers a full schedule of fun and educational opportunities for the public to experience the Navy’s role in environmental preservation, marine mammal protection, and underwater research, as well as the Museum’s extensive historical collection.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Arctic with Captain Graham McKay, master boatbuilder and director of Lowell’s Boat Shop. This captivating evening will transport you aboard the historic schooner Bowdoin, exploring its storied past and its most recent voyage to the ice-choked waters of Greenland and the Arctic Circle.

Explore the exhibit Lighting the Way: SouthCoast Women’s Lives, Labors, and Loves. Event admission includes Lagoda Below Deck, craft activities, and other stations around the museum focused on the role of women in whaling, textile industries, and the local community.

The Moonbellies deliver an entertaining mix of original music, Americana, Old-Time, Québécois, Irish, and Cajun tunes, blending charm, charisma, and exceptional talent.

Take a Pause. Look Closer. Discover More. Did you know the average museum visitor spends only 21 seconds in front of a work of art? On Slow Art Day, we’re inviting you to break free from the rush and truly connect with art in a deeper, more meaningful way.

UMass Dartmouth Ecology students present their capstone projects on the biggest emerging issues expected to impact marine and coastal biodiversity conservation in the near future. Additionally, artist Katy Rodden Walker will showcase exhibition titled “Community BLOOMS” with a special program.

Join us for an evening of cultural exploration as we delve into the rich history of the Azores and its enduring connection to New Bedford. This event features a book release, film screening, and panel discussion, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on Azorean whaling traditions and heritage.

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.

Join the over 100,000 film lovers in over 500 cities across six continents to view and vote on the Finalists’ Films in the 28th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.

Join us for an evening of cinematic exploration at The Climate Future Film Festival, an inspiring event founded by Jim Stahl that delves into the artistic and human responses to the climate crisis and the paths that may lie ahead. The festival promises a thought-provoking program that highlights the power of storytelling in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.

One of the world’s best known live readings of Herman Melville’s iconic American novel Moby-Dick takes place every January at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Moby-Dick Marathon draws readers and enthusiasts from around the globe to the Museum’s campus and to viewing online.