Back by popular demand… Scallopalooza 2026!

Enjoy summer in the seaport at FHC with the return of our FREE Scallopalooza Scallop Shucking Contest! This year’s event will be hosted on Bethel Street and adjacent parking lots from 5-8 PM. Watch local fishermen compete for the title of New Bedford’s best shucker starting at 6:30pm! The event will also include live music by local artist Jason Roze, food and adult beverages provided by Phoenix on the Fly and Bayside Lounge, a kids activity and craft zone inside the Center, and fishing industry vendor booths on Bethel Street throughout the evening, PLUS learn more about the gear fishermen use to harvest scallops by checking out link squeezing and wire splicing demos. Please note: Bethel Street will be closed to vehicle traffic starting at 9:00am Thursday morning. 

Scallopalooza 2026 Schedule at a Glance:

*On Main Stage* (at the corner of Bethel and Elm)
5:00pm – 5:45pm – Jason Roze performance
6:00pm – Remarks by Mayor Mitchell
6:05pm – 6:25pm – Scallop shucking demonstration
6:30pm – Scallop Shucking Competition begins

*On Bethel Street & Adjacent Parking Lots* (throughout the evening)
– Food, drink, & ice cream vendors: Phoenix on the Fly, Bayside Lounge, & Cool Licks Ice Cream
– Fishing industry & craft vendors (full list of participating vendors on the Scallopalooza page)
– Wire splicing & link squeezing demonstrations
– Full-size scallop dredge display 

*Inside FHC* (throughout the evening)
– Face painting
– Scallop shell decorating
– Free admission to FHC exhibits

See what else is happening in downtown New Bedford by visiting the AHA! New Bedford website.