Upcoming - New Bedford Whaling Museum

Upcoming Programs

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.

MARITIME MAKERS & MARINE MARVELS

April 21, 2025 - April 27, 2025

During April vacation week, join us for an unforgettable hands-on experience as we transform the Harbor View Gallery into a dynamic maker space, along with other fun activities!

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.

A special evening of full Museum access! This is your chance to experience the Whaling Museum like never before! Celebrate ArtWeek and our Preservation Celebration with free access to the entire museum and exciting hands-on activities.

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.

Dual exhibition celebrating Cape Verdean culture and identity with the opening of two powerful exhibitions: Claridade: Cape Verdean Identity in Contemporary Art and Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast.

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.

Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band as they celebrate a monumental milestone — 25 years of bringing joy, laughter, and unforgettable music to audiences of all ages! To mark this special occasion, they’re inviting fans old and new to an evening of music, fun, and bubbles at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Join multi-media artist Perri Lynch Howard for an immersive art and wellness experience on a sound walk and journaling workshop at the Flora B. Peirce Nature Trail, a serene retreat nestled in the woods and wetlands of New Bedford

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.

Members’ Trip 2025: Cabo Verde

October 1, 2025 - October 12, 2025

Members’ Trip: Cabo Verde Join us for a very special Members’ Trip to Cabo Verde October 1 – October 12, 2025 We will travel to four islands where members will learn about Cape Verdean history and cultural heritage, enjoy stunning natural landscapes, e …

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.

Local History Guild is the NBWM’s quarterly Zoom program, an informal discussion about art, history, science and culture related to the museum mission, collection, and the surrounding region. This December, staff from the museum’s Curatorial Department will present on their “Favorite Things”!

Moby-Dick Marathon 2026

January 2, 2026 - January 4, 2026

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.