Scallopalooza Returning to New Bedford With Free Festivities

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center always comes up with great ideas for programs, promotions and fundraisers. Scallopalooza is no exception.

A headline attraction during the very successful Working Waterfront Festival, the scallop shucking contest is being revived on August 14 during AHA! Night as a one-night, free event outside the Fishing Heritage Center at 38 Bethel Street from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

What to Expect at Scallopalooza 2025

FHC Programs Director Joe Ritter visited Townsquare Sunday to discuss Scallopalooza and other events coming up at the Fishing Heritage Center in August and September.

"August 14th has kind of turned into a one-night street festival," Ritter said. "It started as just a scallop-shucking contest, but has now ballooned into a whole night of festivities. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. we are going to have an all-out fishing and scallop celebration in our building, our parking lot and up and down Bethel Street."

Ritter said there will be fishing-related vendors on Bethel Street, scallops cooked and prepared many different ways, food trucks, adult beverages, and live music by local band Immuter.

Courtesy New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

Who Is New Bedford's Best Scallop Shucker?

"At 6:30, we will have 15 local fishermen competing for the title of New Bedford's Best Scallop Shucker," Ritter said. "They will be judged not only on how fast they can shuck scallops, but also the quality of the cut, precision and accuracy, and how much meat they can get out of the shell."

There is no admission; it is all free. Ritter said the FHC has received tremendous support from the fishing industry.

The Seafood Soirée Fundraiser in September

Tuesday, September 16 is the date for the Fishing Heritage Center's major fundraiser. The Seafood Soirée will feature 20 local chefs and restaurants creating signature dishes for donors and the general public to enjoy.

Tickets include two beverages; you can choose from a selection of wine, beer and signature cocktails. The event also features a “Fluke and Flounder” chance auction, live music and more.

Tickets are now on sale at the Fishing Heritage Center website.

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