Downtown New Bedford Becoming a Trick-or-Treater’s Paradise

No sugar-coating is needed to persuade the kids to show up for a free and safe trick-or-treat celebration on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Elissa Paquette, president of Downtown New Bedford Inc., confirms this year's dNB Fall Fest (formerly known as All Treats, No Tricks) will feature more entertainment than ever.

The fun, family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treating at 40-plus businesses, runs 2 to 5 p.m.

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Downtown New Bedford will be temporarily recast, with sky-high scarecrow stilt walkers mingling among the families.

"The living statue is a big crowd-pleaser," Paquette said. "Every year, the actress is dressed in great costumes that look like a statuette or a tree, and suddenly, from a lifeless position, she'll change pose and everyone around there gets startled, then laughs it off."

SouthCoast Brass Band will play outside New Bedford Whaling Museum and New Bedford Performing Arts Center dancers will perform.

"There's an amazing art show at TL6; Halloween coloring sheets, crayons and candy at the New Bedford Art Museum; and at the main library downtown, there'll be crafts and Halloween-themed books," Paquette said.

While you're at the library, take the elevator to the third floor where early voting is happening. Your kids seeing you vote could be a powerful example.

Speaking of adult things, a sangria tasting for grown-ups at Anthi's Drawing Room, 22 William St., is set for 2 to 4 p.m.

The full line-up is on the Downtown New Bedford Inc. Facebook page and on Instagram at @dNBinc.

The rain date is Saturday, Oct. 29.