15 Things to Do This Weekend

TGICDW, or Thank God It’s Columbus Day Weekend! Hopefully, most of you have at least a three day weekend. If you are a boss and reading this, let your employees have a half day today. It will build morale and they just may stop talking about you behind your back. I’m serious. Stop reading this and send them home. The weather is predicted to be in the mid 70s Friday and Saturday, and drop down to the mid 50s Sunday and Monday with rain expected Saturday and Sunday. The good news is there are plenty of great events this weekend. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Friday, October 5th

Postcards From New Bedford: A Photostory Project Exhibit (6-9 p.m.)

New Bedford is one of the most scenic cities in New England and we are fortunate enough to have some amazing photographers. There will be a photography exhibition featuring works by Beatriz Oliveira, John Hodgson, Robert Hughes, Frank C. Grace, Jennifer Chyten Jope, Dario Borim, John Wojtowicz, Audris Guerce, and several others. There will be music by Aoife Clancy. This is the official kick-off for an ongoing photography/community-building project. The exhibition will be up through the end of the month at ArtWorks on 384 Acuchnet Ave with the digital project online on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/PostcardsFromNewBedford. You can invite your friends here: http://www.facebook.com/events/393667167325336/.

The Electrofrieds at The Pour Farm Tavern (10 p.m.)

Let’s face it, while there are some great bands playing in New Bedford, the music scene can become stagnant with the same bands/musicians playing on the same days. The Electrofrieds is an 80s Rock cover band that will play songs from bands like The Cure and Sonic Youth.  If you are looking for a large selection of craft beer, good food and some different music head over to The Pour Farm Tavern (780 Purchase Street) tonight.

Saturday, October 6th

Lyman Reserve Bird Walk (7 a.m.)

This event is for the early birds! Apparently, we are in the height of the local bird migration and the Buttermilk Bay and Red Brook areas of the Laymen Reserve (Head of Bay Road, Buzzards Bay) is the place to be to see some of the best action. Admission is FREE, but you need to pre-register by calling (508) 636-4693 ext. 13 or e-mail bioreserve@ttor.org.

Family Archaeology Day (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

This family-friendly event will offer corn grinding demonstrations, tours of evacuations with archaeology demonstrations and discussions. The event will take place at the Handy House (202 Hix Bridge Road) in Westport. Admission is FREE.

Sixth Annual Slocum River Regatta (9:30 a.m.)

The Lloyd Center for the Environment is hosting their annual kayak, canoe and other boat races in several categories on the Slocum River. The race begins and ends at the head of the Slocum River. To register call (508) 990-0505 ext. 22. Full details: http://lloydcenter.org/calendar/

North Woods Living History (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday)

The Rod and Gun Club of New Bedford (located on Collins Lane of North Hixville Road, South Dartmouth) is hosting their North Woods Living History weekend. The event will spotlight civilian and native American military history from 1620 to 1865. It’s a family-friendly event that will feature historic era camps, crafts, music, demonstrations and competitions to include vintage rifles, tomahawks, knife throwing and archery. There is a suggested donation for admission and there will be a turkey dinner at 6 p.m. for $8. To reserve your spot call Joyce at (508) 676-1478.

Our Pacific Cousins – A Taste of Hawaii in New Bedford (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Discover the connection between Hawaii and New Bedford at Our Pacific Cousins event with New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The day will be filled with activities for children and adults, including crafts, games, and a talk given by rangers Lucy Bly and Judy Roderiques entitled, “What we discovered on our trip to Hawaii.” Bly and Roderiques travelled to Hawaii last year on an Albright-Wirth grant, and will share the results of their research at this talk. The event is free and will take place at the park visitor center, located at 33 William Street, downtown New Bedford. Full schedule here: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/hawaii-new-bedford/2012/09/23

Soul Food Kitchen (11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)

Ready for some delicious southern food? The United House of Prayer for All People of New Bedford (419 Kempton Street) is serving fried chicken, meatloaf, ribs, collard greens, candied yams, sweet potato pie. Take out is also available. Call (508) 999-3682.

Fall Fest and Classic Car Show (12-6 p.m.)

Enjoy some seasonal craft beer and classic cars at Lees Market (796 Main Road) in Westport. The event promises Pumpkin, Harvest and Seasonal craft beers, and dozens of beautiful classic cars. Admission is FREE.

The International Oktoberfest in Newport, Rhode Island (Saturday and Sunday, 12-8 p.m.)

Those looking for a second Oktoberfest can head down to the beautiful waterfront of Newport.

Soap Box Social Late Night (7 p.m.)

Social butterfly Shelley Cardoos hosts “Soap Box Social,” a fun story time event where people tell personal stories with a specific topic in mind. Think of it like Karaoke, but instead of singing you tell a personal story. The theme for this month is “Late Night,” so if you have a fun late night story e-mail it to Shelley at soapboxsocialnewbedford@gmail.com. There is a Facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/430375830341502/

Night Sky Viewing Session at the UMass Dartmouth Observatory (7:30 p.m.)

Ready to search for life on other planets, or discover a new star? Head over to the UMass Dartmouth Observatory (285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth) and gaze into space through their 16-inch telescope. Personally, I have no clue what to look for, but luckily the Astronomical Society of Southern New England will be their to navigate the night sky. This event will only happen if the skies are clear, so check their website or call at 5:30 p.m. to confirm that the event is a go. Admission is FREE.

Sunday, October 7th

New Bedford Chowder Festival (12-5 p.m.)

Does it get any more New England than dozens of restaurants providing all-you-can sample clam chowder, seafood chowder, kale soup and quahogs? The New Bedford Chowder Festival (Custom House Square in downtown New Bedford) offers patrons samples from dozens of local eateries for $15. The YMCA Lobster Races are always a big draw for children, and there will also be craft activities organized by the New Bedford Ocean Explorium and Global Charter School. This year’s musical entertainment will be provided by Eagles Tribute band Another Tequila Sunrise. More details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-chowder-festival-2012/2012/08/15

Riverside Cemetery Tour (2 p.m.)

Fairhaven’s Riverside Cemetery (274 Main Street) was started in 1850 and was donated to the town by Warren Delano, President Franklin Roosevelt’s grandfather. The guided tour is 90-minutes long and led by Christopher Richard.

Take a Trip to The Maize (open daily from 11 a.m. to dusk)

Escobar Highland Farm (255 Middle road) in Portsmouth, Rhode Island offers an 8 acre corn maze for visitors. See how fast you can complete it. Admission is $7 for ages 12 and up, $5 for Children ages 5 to 11 and children 4 and under are free. There is a $1 off coupon here. For the Harry Potter fans, they are having a Harry Potter Day on Saturday, October 13th.

Monday, October 8th

It’s Columbus Day, so get out of the house and discover something new! For those that need suggestions check out the event calendar: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar