Celebrate New Bedford: July AHA! Night Offers Free Family Fun

Director Kim Goddard says AHA! Night on July 10 will see plenty of events to keep kids entertained and busy, but there's also plenty of fun activities to keep adults busy as well.

AHA! Night is a celebration of New Bedford art, history and architecture, and it happens on the second Thursday of every month. Goddard stopped by Townsquare Sunday to share the schedule for July 10.

Toe Jam Puppet Band Celebrates 25 Years

At the top of the list is a performance by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

READ MORE: New Bedford-Based Toe Jam Puppet Band Celebrating 25 Years

"Everyone knows them for their musical antics, their sing-a-longs, all the bubbles and much more," Goddard said. "It's a family favorite."

Performances take place at 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. in Captain Paul Cuffe Park, outside the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Puzzical Chairs and Pops Returns

Puzzical Chairs and Pops, a mashup of musical chairs and puzzle-making, returns this year outside 22 William Street, with live music provided by Skyjelly, featuring a whale guitar inspired by Moby-Dick. The fun starts at 5 p.m.

Puzzical Chairs and Pops Returns

Custom House Square will be a hub of activity for both kids and adults. There will be a performance by Studio 2, a Beatles-tribute band. All around the square will be several groups providing activities, including a touch-a-truck event with the Fire Department, various art projects with the Art Mobile and the artist-in-residence at the National Park Visitor Center and more.

"I urge everyone to come out," Goddard said. "There's a lot of fun to be had."

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Live Music for Grown-Ups All Evening

For the older crowd, the Lori Gomes Ensemble will perform by the Jazz Wall at 23 Center Street at 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Gallery X will also be hosting live music at 6 p.m. The Buttonwood Brass Band is performing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Harbor Hotel, and the Neil McCarthy Trio lights up the Pour Farm Tavern from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The complete schedule of events, including times and venues, is available on the AHA! New Bedford website.

More to Come From AHA! This Summer

The AHA! organization is also now overseeing the operation of the New Bedford Summer Sound Series. The next event is Friday, July 18 with NB Rude Boys performing on the Purchase Street Stage.

READ MORE: New Bedford Summer Series 2025 Lineup

Would you like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday? Please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.