New Bedford Feast Lands Sugar Ray for Massive 110th Anniversary

For months, one question has followed Feast organizers everywhere they went: "Who is headlining Thursday night?" The answer finally arrived, and respectfully, it may be one of the biggest entertainment announcements the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament has made in years.

The legendary '90s hitmakers Sugar Ray are officially coming to New Bedford for the 110th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, and if there is any band capable of instantly transporting thousands of people back to summer, flip phones, frosted tips and carefree beach days, it's them.

As someone who grew up in the '90s, I couldn't have been more stoked to hear the news. From "Fly" to "Every Morning" to "Someday," Sugar Ray wasn't just a band. They were the soundtrack to teenage summers, and even today, my go-to music vibes when mowing my lawn. Their music was everywhere, blasting from car stereos, pool parties, beach radios and backyard cookouts.

That's exactly why I think this is such a huge win for the Feast.

A Secret Worth Keeping

During a special announcement video, Madeira Feast Vice President and Entertainment Committee Chairman Brandon Travers admitted that keeping this year's Thursday night headliner under wraps wasn't easy.

"For months people have been asking us one question over and over again," Travers said. "And honestly, keeping the secret may have been one of the hardest things we've ever done."

Feast of The Blessed Sacrament

Travers explained that because this year marks the Feast's historic 110th anniversary, organizers knew they had to think big. "We had to go really big," he said. "We're talking iconic songs, summer anthems, and music that instantly takes you back." Entertainment Committee Co-Chairman Tony Abreu echoed.

Mark McGrath Delivers the Big News

After building anticipation, Travers and Abreu handed the announcement over to none other than Sugar Ray front man Mark McGrath himself. "Yo, what is up brothers and sisters? It is Mark McGrath from the band Sugar Ray," he said.

Sugar Ray Headlining The 110th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

McGrath then officially revealed what many Feast fans had been anxiously waiting to hear. "I'm so excited to announce that Sugar Ray is coming to the 110th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford, Massachusetts," McGrath said. "Join us on Thursday, July 30, as we kick off this incredible celebration."

The singer also acknowledged the massive reputation the Feast has built over the years.

"Did you know it's one of the biggest, most legendary Portuguese festivals in the whole wide world?" McGrath said. "Sugar Ray, we're going to bring the energy, the hit songs, the '90s and the frosted tips for one unforgettable night."

A Potential Record-Breaking Night

Let's be honest. Thursday nights at the Feast have produced some memorable crowds over the years, but this one feels different. Sugar Ray checks every box. They appeal to longtime fans who grew up with their music, younger generations who still hear their songs on playlists and radio stations, including Fun 107's "Back in the Day Cafe."

READ MORE: New Bedford Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Adds New Nighttime Restriction

The combination of a milestone 110th Feast anniversary and a nationally recognized band with multiple chart-topping hits could create one of the biggest Thursday night crowds the festival has ever seen. If you're looking for me that night, there's a good chance I'll be somewhere in the crowd singing every word to "Fly" and pretending it's 1997 again.

Feast of The Blessed Sacrament

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament runs July 30 through August 3 in New Bedford's historic North End. With Sugar Ray now officially on the schedule, one thing is certain: summer just got a whole lot more nostalgic.