Founded in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrants, the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament is said to be the world's largest Portuguese feast as well as New England's biggest ethnic festival. The 4-day event, held in early August, draws more than 100,000 people to New Bedford with vast quantities of malassadas (Portuguese doughnuts), casks of Madeiran wine and plenty of carne d’espeto (skewered meat). Besides amazing food, attendees enjoy concerts, a parade, a carnival and more.
Warm weather also brings free Friday night concerts (the Summer Sound Series) to the city's Seaport Cultural District. The waterfront area is home to art galleries and artists' studios; the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase St., (508) 997-5664; and historic structures such as the Nathan and Polly Johnson House, 21 7th St., (508) 979-8828, an important stop on the Underground Railroad.
Visitor Centers
Destination New Bedford 52 Fisherman's Wharf New Bedford, MA 02740-7233. Phone:(508)979-1745 or (800)508-5353
Shopping
Cute boutiques like Calico (173 Union St.) are scattered throughout downtown New Bedford. The city also boasts a number of antique showrooms, including Acushnet River Antiques (72 Kilburn St.), which houses the wares of more than 100 dealers; two-story New Bedford Antiques Center (61 Wamsutta St.); and 55,000-square-foot New Bedford Antiques at the Cove (127 W. Rodney French Blvd.), where 260 dealers do business in a former mill.
Things to Do
Buttonwood Park ZooFort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum
New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks!
The New Bedford Museum of Glass
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum