The Working Waterfront Festival

Celebrating Commercial Fishing — America's Oldest Industry

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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.

Experience an authentic, commercial fishing community . . .

• Tour commercial fishing boats, tugboats, Coast Guard Vessels and historic vessels.
• Listen to the fishing community share stories of their lives, skills and experiences.
• Watch demonstrations of net mending, trap making, fish filleting and more.
• Enjoy performances of music, dance, poetry, and theater.
• Hear maritime authors read from their works.
• Try your hand at knot tying, net mending and other skills.

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

• See demonstrations by galley cooks, fisherman's wives and local chefs.
• Observe The Blessing of the Fleet.

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.

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