Photo courtesy of New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

 

At Mattapoisett Living, it’s all about slowing down just enough to appreciate where we are and making the most of all that surrounds us.

Our days tend to fill quickly with the usual work, errands, responsibilities and before we know it, the weeks pass by. But May is the perfect time to step away from the routine and reconnect with everything the South Coast has to offer.

Longer days, warmer air, and a full calendar of local events make it easy to get out, meet new people, explore new places, and even learn a bit more about the history and charm of our coastal communities.

Here’s a thoughtfully curated mix of ways to enjoy the month of May:

 

May 1 & 15th Mattapoisett Wharf Cruise NIghts

 

Come enjoy beautiful waterfront views, classic cars, and great company at one of the most picturesque cruise night locations on the South Coast! 5-9pm at town wharf and shipyard park. 

 

May 02  New Bedford Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival. 

 

At Fort Tabor, New Bedford Family Event. Noon-6pm. Featuring some of the area's most popular food trucks, Craft beers, and Artisan’s booths. 

 

May 03  Cinco de Mayo event

 

Salsa music with dance lessons included- advance ticket purchase required

Westport Grange- 951 Main Rd, Westport

 

May 8-17  Art Week Southcoast 

 

Events throughout Fall River and Marion. Check out Artweeksouthcoast.org for specific events. May 9 - Spring Open Studios at Hatch Street Studios in New Bedford. 

A one day public event inside the historic mill buildings at 88-90 Hatch Street to explore the creative spaces where artists work every day. Meet the creators. 

 

May 09- Marion Art Center

 

Free bike tune-up 9:30-12:00 registration is recommended. Get your bike ready for the Tour de Creme

May 16 & 17 MA250 Harbor of Courage

 

Set on Fairhaven’s scenic waterfront- at historic Fort Phoenix bringing history to life.

Re-enactment on 5/16 at 2pm, 5/17 at sunset the cannon firing and 10 gun salute.

      

 

May 30  A Festa by the Sea- Water, Whaleboats and Winners

 

A free waterfront celebration held in partnership with the Community Boating Center and the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society.  Event held at the Community Boating Center at 1641 Padanaram Ave, New Bedford.

 

Opportunity to get on the water and experience something new. Family Friendly waterfront activities. Row on an authentic Azorean whaleboat with the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society, along with paddleboarding, kayaking, food trucks and activities for kids.

 

Winners of the Pasteis de Nata Snackdown will be announced as well. The South Coast 2026 Snackdown a tasty contest to vote on your favorite Portuguese custard tart. For a list of bakeries to visit go to Nbfoodtours.com/snackdown.

 

May 31 Tour de Creme

 

Sponsored by the Mattapoisett Land Trust in partnership with the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail. Proceeds from the event support efforts to extend the bike path to Marion and to enhance trails across the Land Trust’s preserves. Choose from 3 trails, 47 miles, 25 miles and 9 miles. All trails connect to ice cream stands and creameries. A fun day that ends with food trucks, music and a time to celebrate.  Go to tourdecreme.org to register. 

 

 

 

May 31 Fins, Flavors and Stories

    

A full day experience with New Bedford Food Tours and the fishing heritage center. You will tour the docks, visit the heritage museum, seamans bethel and tour downtown with a guided food tour. Go to nbfoodtours.com/fin for full details and to register.

 

Have fun exploring the South Coast this May!

 

 

 

Cecile Callahan, Broker Associate, Realtor

Licensed in MA & RI

508-742-7316 cell

 

Bold Real Estate Inc.

45 Main Street

Mattapoisett, MA 02739