Scallopalooza Returns to New Bedford With Bigger Crowds and a High-Stakes Shucking Contest

Scallopalooza is back. The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is celebrating the fishing industry on Thursday, August 13 with the second annual Scallopalooza. The event is a three-hour party that features vendors, food, and music, plus the much-anticipated scallop-shucking contest to determine the best shucker in the area.

Joe Ritter, Programs Director at the FHC, visited Townsquare Sunday to promote the event. "It will be a smashing success," Ritter said. "I'm calling it now."

Last year's Scallopalooza drew about 500 people to downtown New Bedford, but bigger crowds are anticipated this year, prompting organizers to make a small change in the event's layout.

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New Layout and Jumbotron Added for Bigger Crowds

This year's shucking contest will move slightly from the FHC parking lot to Bethel and Elm Streets, with the downward slope of the street providing a type of amphitheater for spectators. There will also be a large Jumbotron screen located behind the stage to provide a closer look at the stage.

The High-Stakes Scallop-Shucking Contest

Ritter said the event will open at 5 p.m., with the shucking contest starting at 6:30 p.m. "There will be 15 scallop shuckers competing in three 'heats.' They will be shucking or opening 50 scallops against the clock," he said.

"They will be judged not only on speed, but the quality of the knife work and the quality of the meat. We're hoping people don't leave a lot in the shell," Ritter said.

What to Expect at Scallopalooza 2026

Admission is free, and so is admission to the Fishing Heritage Center that evening, with access to all exhibits and a kids' activities area. Outside, there will be several industry and craft vendors, plus the Phoenix-on-the-Fly food truck featuring hot dogs, burgers and deliciously prepared scallops. Cool Licks will provide ice cream and the Bayside Lounge will be serving adult beverages.

Courtesy Phil Mello/Fishing Heritage Center

"More than 80 fishing vessels have sponsored this event, along with at least a dozen fishing-related businesses, and we can't thank them enough," Ritter said. "We could not do Scallopalooza without their support."

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