Entertainment
Fireworks, food trucks and karaoke: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Bedford with style
It’s time to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the New Year with exciting family activities and events. The city of New Bedford is hosting a slew of events to ring in 2025.
Take part in an enchanting night, filled with an array of entertainment and activities sure to bring excitement to the year’s end.
New Bedford’s City Celebrates New Year’s Eve offers free activities throughout downtown and Custom House Square from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The night will end with stunning fireworks at 8:30 p.m., lighting up the harbor.
From live entertainment and magicians to fire-spinning, the lineup of fun is for all ages.
What events are happening at City Celebrates New Year’s Eve?
You can catch the Toe Jam Puppet Band from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum,18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. They will be bringing the party to life with silly songs and dancing.
Dance 2024 away with DJ Gazelle from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Vault Performing Arts Center & Pub,791 Purchase St., New Bedford. There will be LED characters, Spider-Man, and a photo booth along with family-friendly tunes.
From 6 to 8 p.m., the bottom of Union Street will be shut down for Sing Karaoke w/ DJ Fuzzy Slippaz. Pick a song to sing your heart out with family-friendly karaoke.
Marvel in the Cirque de Light Fire Spinning and Dancing at the Custom House Square. Watch as performers dance, spin and breathe fire from 5 to 8 p.m.
Relax to cool jazz at the 222 Union Restaurant and Bar at New Bedford Harbor Hotel. From 6 to 10 p.m. enjoy the lounge, cocktails and a special menu while listening to an ensemble play jazz, classical and selections from the great American songbook.
The Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center at 33 William St. will hosting Likewise, I’m Sure from 5 to 8 p.m. This four-piece band of multi-instrumentalists, featuring fiddles, banjo, cello, bass and accordion, brings tunes to unwind to.
Watch the sky explode in stunning colorful fireworks at 8:30 p.m. over the New Bedford Harbor. The bottom of Union Street is closed off for prime viewing.
What food trucks will be in the area?
There are great downtown restaurants to visit while ringing in the new year, or try the food trucks available from 5 to 10 p.m.
In Carter’s parking lot, taste test BBQYMAS, Fancheezical, Piononos or Uncle Joey’s Cannoli.
Berry Sweets, Blount Clam Shack, Tandoori and Adobe Republic will have food for you at the YMCA parking lot.
Visit the Explore New Bedford website for updates, street closures, and more information: https://explorenewbedford.org/special-events/new-years/