Working Waterfront Festival

The Working Waterfront Festival

Celebrating Commercial Fishing — America's Oldest Industry

Celebrate Commercial Fishing, America's Oldest Industry!

Join us in New Bedford, America's largest commercial fishing port, to learn about the men and women who harvest the North Atlantic. Walk the decks of a scalloper, dine on fresh seafood, mend a fishing net and watch a Coast Guard rescue demonstration. Experience the workings of the industry which brings seafood from the ocean to your plate.

New Bedford, Massachusetts
Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 3 — Steamship Pier

2008 Festival Dates:
September 27 & 28, 2008

View sample video clips of what people experienced at the festival!

Want to help? Volunteer!

Working Waterfront Festival T-Shirt Design Contest

$150 Cash Prize

The Working Waterfront Festival invites artists 16 years and older to submit a creative design for the 2008 Festival T-Shirt. Designs should convey the festival's emphasis on the commercial fishing industry and the working port.

The theme for the 2008 Festival is
“Connecting Communities, Preserving Ports”

The winning entry will receive a $150 cash prize. Entries must be emailed by or postmarked no later than May 30th. The winning entry and designer will be announced at the June 12 AHA Night in Downtown New Bedford!

Download the entry form today!

Experience an authentic, commercial fishing community . . .

Walk in the fisherman's boots for a day. . .

The Working Waterfront Festival will present the many popular activities of past years including performances of music, dance and poetry; demonstrations and contests of industry skills; tours of workboats; documentary films and footage at sea; cooking demonstrations; author readings; children's activities; U.S. Coast Guard demos; Tug Boat Muster; whaleboat races, and more!

What people are saying about the Working Waterfront Festival...

Harbor Tours are offered at a discounted rate during the Festival weekend. Food and beverages are available for sale with proceeds benefiting the Working Waterfront Festival.

Working Waterfront Festival