New Bedford State of the City Address Moves to Zeiterion, Will Help Fight Hunger

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford’s annual State of the City Address is moving to a new venue this year. It will be held for the first time at the newly-renovated Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.

In another first, this year’s State of the City event will help feed the hungry.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell will deliver the address at the Zeiterion on Wednesday, April 8, with the event kicking off at 10 a.m.

Event Will Benefit Hunger Relief Efforts

This year, it will benefit the United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Hunger Commission, which supports food insecurity initiatives across the region.

The United Way is partnering with the City and the Zeiterion to host the event, which is sponsored by Webster Bank. It is the second-largest State of the City event in Massachusetts.

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“United Way is honored that Mayor Jon Mitchell has chosen to partner with us for this year’s State of the City in support of our hunger relief efforts,” said Michelle N. Hantman, President and CEO of United Way of Greater New Bedford.

“The City of New Bedford and Mayor Mitchell have long been strong partners in advancing initiatives that strengthen our community from early education to emergency relief," Hantman said. "We’re grateful that this year’s event will also help shine a light on food insecurity and support the work of our Hunger Commission to ensure our neighbors have access to healthy, reliable food.”

Newly-Restored Zeiterion Hosting Hundreds for State of the City

More than 500 business leaders, elected officials, stakeholders and others are expected to attend the event at the Zeiterion, which reopened on January 17 following a $35 million restoration.

READ MORE: Newly-Restored Zeiterion Sees Return of Historic Marquee

Attendees will also be able to tour the theater following the event, and light refreshments will be provided in the Baker Family Lobby at the conclusion of Mayor Mitchell’s remarks.

“The State of the City is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced over the past year, the progress we’ve made, and the work that lies ahead,” Mitchell said. “Hosting it at the beautifully renovated Zeiterion Theater is fitting for this occasion, as is partnering with the United Way of Greater New Bedford to support its mission to assist local families.”

State of the City 2026 Tickets Details

Tickets to the State of the City Address are $30 each, or $250 for a group of 10. They can be purchased on the Zeiterion website until April 6.