Veterans Day parades, ceremonies, exhibits: Things To Do in the SouthCoast

“What do you want to do?”

If you need an answer to this age-old question for making plans, we’ve got you covered.

In Things To Do, we take a look at, well, things to do, happening every week in the Greater Fall River area and around the SouthCoast.

From weekdays to weekends, there’s always plenty going on.

And we’re not only taking a look at what’s happening this week, we’re also giving you a heads up for events that are coming soon.

This week, we’ve got special Veterans Day plans in Fall River and New Bedford, live music, a community food drive, fundraisers, poetry, a special celebration of Portuguese culture, and even some holiday shopping, plus a whole lot more.

So when someone asks you what you want to do, you’ve got your plans ready to go.

Here are Things To Do around Fall River and beyond this week:

Veterans Day in Fall River: City to host parade and ceremony

Fall River’s annual Veterans Day celebrations on Saturday, Nov. 11, will include a rolling parade and ceremony. The parade will kick off at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park, 1 Brownell St. Participating vehicles should begin setting up at noon. The procession will head east up President Avenue to North Park, where the Bay State Band will be performing patriotic songs. It will then proceed up the hill to Highland Park, at the corner of President Avenue and Robeson St. to enjoy a performance by Swansea’s Case High Marching Band. The Fall River Young Marines will be giving out flags at each park.

Know before you go: Fall River marks Veterans Day with Rolling Parade, concerts in the park

The procession will continue up Elsbree Street and proceed to B.M.C. Durfee High School, where the annual Veterans Day Ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the atrium at the north entrance. For questions, call the Fall River Office of Veterans Services at 508-324-2432.

Veterans Day in New Bedford: All Hands Weekend at the Whaling Museum

This Veterans Day weekend learn about the connections between the United States Navy and the American whaling fleet with All Hands Weekend at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill. From Friday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., explore their newest exhibition, “All Hands.” In addition, visitors can show their appreciation by writing a thank you letter to a veteran that will be delivered through Operation Gratitude. Admission is free throughout the weekend for all active duty, retired, and reserved military personnel who show their military ID at the admission desk. This program is free for Whaling Museum members, and included with admission for non-members. For tickets, visit https://buy.acmeticketing.com/orders/495/calendar.

Live music: Blues guitarist Claude Bourbon to perform at Tiverton Public Library

Blues guitarist Claude Bourbon will be performing at the Tiverton Public Library, 34 Roosevelt Ave., on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Bourbon is known for incorporating blues, Spanish, and classical stylings into his performances. This program is free. For more information, visit https://tivertonlibrary.org.

Giving back: Dermody Cleaners holds 15th annual food drive

As the community celebrates the bounty of the season, as well as the spirit of giving, Dermody Cleaners is inviting residents of Greater Taunton, Somerset and Lakeville to partake in their 15th annual food drive. This effort is in collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul. Now through Nov. 30, community members are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at any Dermody Cleaners location. Donors can also include food donations with their clothing orders through the home pickup and delivery service. Dermody Cleaners requests that all non-perishable items are packed in non-glass containers. Some of the more sought-after staples are peanut butter, canned tuna, spaghetti sauce, ketchup, cereal, and dry pasta. Drop off donations at: 34 Cohannet St. or 648 County St., Taunton; 220 Bedford St., Lakeville; and 1273 GAR Highway, Somerset.

Technology program: Westport Council on Aging offers tech sessions

The Westport Council on Aging continues to offer its technology program for seniors. Classes are held on Wednesday afternoons at the Computer Cafe in the Senior Center, 75 Reed Rd., Westport. The next session is “Internet & Streaming Movies” on Wednesday, Nov. 8. These classes are for anyone who is 55 and older, and classes are free. One-on-one personalized sessions are available by appointment for Thursday mornings. Registration is required for all classes. Call the Westport Council on Aging at 508-636-1026.

Learning outside the classroom: Zeiterion Schooltime series goes on the road

The Zeiterion Performing Art Center is taking its Schooltime series on the road, with presentations at New Bedford High School and UMass Dartmouth. This is a chance for students to experience the power of the performing arts. The next performance will be on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., in the Main Auditorium at UMass Dartmouth. “Living Voice presents: Our Revolution” is for grades 4 to 12, highlighting the history of the American Revolution through the eyes of a free Black colonist. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.zeiterion.org/learn/landing. For every 10 tickets purchased, The Z offers a free one, to help accommodate chaperones.

Fundraiser: Celebrate Broadway with New Bedford Festival Theatre

New Bedford Festival Theatre will be hosting a “Oh, What A Night!” fundraiser celebrating contemporary Broadway on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 6 to 10 p.m. This event will showcase the talents of local performers as well as NBFT fan favorite Jesse Luttrell. The hour-long performance will feature show-stopping numbers from Broadway productions including “Wicked,” “Rent,” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” This event will be held at White’s of Westport, 66 State Rd., and there will also be a cocktail hour, buffet dinner, and silent auction. All proceeds will go to NBFT’s programming during the 2023-24 season. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite or at nbfestivaltheatre.com.

The holiday season: Craft gifts at New Bedford Art Museum

Create something special to gift to someone this holiday season at New Bedford Art Museum, 608 Pleasant St. On Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., learn how to put together a glass pendant. Cut and assemble pieces of sheet glass to make pendants to be fused in a kiln after class. Each student will make two pieces and learn cold and hot glass techniques. This class is great for adults, as well as kids over the age of 14. No experience is necessary. The cost is $90 for members, and $100 for non-members. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yhv22kh7.

Exhibit: ‘Poetry by Design’ at Westport library

The Poets’ Table, a poetry group that meets twice a month at the Westport Free Public Library, 408 Old County Rd., is putting on an exhibit. “Poetry by Design” will be on display in the library’s Community Room, through Nov. 30. This exhibit is a fusion of members’ original poetry framed with visual interpretations by Barbara Wackowki-Faria. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m., where guests can meet poets and add their voices to the conversation.

See a concert: Eric Lindell among headliners at The Narrows Center for the Arts in November

Food and music: Manel The Island Man at The Narrows Center for the Arts

Fall River’s Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., has a diverse line-up for November. On Friday, Nov. 10, enjoy tapas, wine tasting and music hosted by Michael Benevides. Luso-American rocker Manel (The Island Man, Manel Dos D’Alma, Manuel Placido), who hails from São Miguel in the Azores infuses the cultural elegance of Portugal with the free-spiritedness of rock and roll. For more information, visit narrowscenter.org.

Portuguese culture: Fado night at St. John of God in Somerset

On Saturday, Nov. 11, St. John of God Parish, 1036 Brayton Ave., Somerset, is celebrating the Feast of São Martinho with a fado night. Celebrate Portuguese culture, food, and traditions, beginning at 6 p.m. with a Portuguese buffet dinner. There will also be a cash bar available. Starting at about 7 p.m., fadistas Sandy Batista and Dinis Paiva will perform two sets. They will be accompanied by musicians José Iglesias and Abel Lima. Castanhas (chestnuts) will be served during the break. Tickets are $45 and will not be sold at the door. To buy tickets, call the parish office at 508-678-5513; see John Sequira after Mass; email Paul Grillo at gridurf@comcast.net or text 508-642-7702; Michelle Duarte (text to 508-985-8220); or Mike Vieira at mikejayv@gmail.com; or visit PiriPiri Kitchen at 970 County St., Somerset. We’ve also got what you need to know before you go at HeraldNews.com.

Get creative: Write with Community workshop for local writers

Midori Evans, of Midori Creativity, is leading another community writing project, this time in Fall River. Evans’ previous community project, Westport Writes Together, celebrated Westport’s natural beauty, bringing participants together with seasonal writing prompts. The next Write With Community workshop in Fall River will be on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Groundwork Fall River, 2 Bank St. Workshop topics include connecting with your writing, expressive writing, creating a writing practice, writing outreach, genres, and plots. These workshops are free, although a $5 donation is welcome, if possible, to cover refreshments. Reservations are required. For more information, email info@midoricreativity.com.

Creative holiday shopping: Small Works + Holiday Shop at Marion Art Center

This holiday season, you can bring home some unique, creative gifts, with the Small Works + Holiday Shop at Marion Art Center, 80 Pleasant St. There will be an opening reception for the show on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., and the show will run through Friday, Dec. 15. The exhibit will feature original artworks all under 14 inches, as well as a curated selection of jewelry, textiles, ceramics, woodworks, gifts, and more. All pieces may be removed from the galleries upon purchase for this cash-and-carry show. To learn more, visit marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.

Live music: House of Hamill at Stone Church Coffee House

Bristol’s Stone Church Coffee House at the First Congregational Church, 300 High St., will welcome House of Hamill on Saturday, Nov. 11. The popular folk group will be performing at 7:30, and doors open at 6:45 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Light refreshments will be available. The venue is handicapped-accessible. Tickets are $20 per person. Students are half price, and children under 5 get in for free. For ticket information or to make a reservation, call 401-253-4813.

Win a prize: Holy Trinity Parish Basket Raffle and Bake Sale

Holy Trinity Parish, 951 Stafford Rd., Fall River, is holding its annual Basket Raffle and Bake Sale on Sunday, Nov. 12. Sponsored by the Women’s Guild, raffle tickets for this event can be purchased in the church hall on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 3 to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The food kitchen and Bake Sale, also in the church hall, will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome, and winners don’t need to be present. For more information, contact the parish office at 508-672-3200.

Coming soon: Get your tickets now for Thanksgiving buffet at White’s of Westport

Reserve your tickets now for the Bountiful Harvest Buffet at White’s of Westport, 66 State Rd. This Thanksgiving tradition will be held on Thursday, Nov. 23, from 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be wine and champagne, and fresh apple cider. The buffet will include cheese and crackers, chicken rice soup, harvest salad, house-smoked salmon, mashed turnips and carrots, peas and pearl onions, smashed potatoes, Aime’s French meat stuffing, Portuguese stuffing, seafood Newburg, tortelloni, and cranberry sauce. There will also be a carving station for turkey and sirloin. Desserts include assorted pies, chocolate mousse, assorted pastries, brownies, and coffee and tea. Tickets are $41 for adults, and $19 for children age 12 and under. Gratuity is not included, and ticket prices are subject to a 7% meal tax. Make your reservations at https://shorturl.at/gpF79. You can also order Thanksgiving take-out from White’s, with pick-up dates on Tuesday, Nov. 21, Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. To place your take-out order, visit https://tinyurl.com/48mba9bs.

Have a community event or activity you’d like to see featured? Send us an email at  kfontes@heraldnews.com or news@heraldnews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Things To Do: Fall River, New Bedford observe Veterans Day