City Announces Festivities for New Year’s Eve

Annual City Celebrates Event Kicks Off at 5 p.m. with Fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD – The City will host its annual City Celebrates New Year’s Eve event with family-friendly activities throughout Downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Free activities will take place indoors at several locations across Downtown, and outdoors at Custom House Square from 5-8 p.m. with a fireworks display over New Bedford Harbor at 8:30 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by some of Downtown’s many shops and restaurants during the evening. For a quick bite on the go, there will be food trucks in the parking lots of Carter’s Clothing and the YMCA.

City Celebrates activities are made possible through the generous sponsorship of Bristol County Savings Bank.

“The City’s New Year’s festivities are a long-standing tradition and an occasion for New Bedford-area families to enjoy a variety of free activities,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “It’s a fun way to ring in the New Year.”

“City Celebrates New Year’s Eve not only provides a memorable experience for visitors and residents, but also positively impacts Downtown businesses by bringing more foot traffic to the City,” Explore New Bedford Director Ashley Payne said. “We are fortunate to have the support of Bristol County Savings Bank, which allows us to offer City Celebrates activities free for all to enjoy.”

Event schedule:

Toe Jam Puppet Band

  • New Bedford Whaling Museum, 5:15–7:15 p.m.
  • Great for kids! Dance and sing along with the family fun band in the Jacobs Family Gallery.

Dance Party with DJ Gazelle

  • The Vault Performing Arts Center, 5-7 p.m.
  • Great for the whole family! A dance party with LED characters and spider man. A photo booth will be on site for special keepsake pictures.

Sing Karaoke with DJ Fuzzy Slippaz

  • Outside of Play Arcade, 6-8 p.m.
  • We’re shutting down the bottom of Union for fireworks and this special karaoke party!

Cirque de Light Fire Spinning and Dancing

  • Custom House Square, 5-8 p.m.
  • Prepare to be wowed by the talents of Cirque de Light’s fire performers set to custom music.

Buttonwood Brass Band

  • 222 Union at the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, 6-10 p.m.
  • Sit back in the cozy lounge, sip cocktails, and enjoy a special menu while listening to a jazz ensemble.

Likewise, I’m Sure

  • Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center, 5-8 p.m.
  • Visit the theater in the visitor center for a special performance by multi-instrumentalists featuring fiddles, banjo, cello, bass and accordion.

City of New Bedford Fireworks Display

  • Over the New Bedford Harbor, 8:30 p.m.
  • The bottom of Union Street at Route 18 will be closed to vehicles for the best spot for fireworks viewing.

Visit the Explore New Bedford website for updates, street closures, and more information: https://explorenewbedford.org/special-events/new-years/